Honestly, finding a place in Brookline that doesn't feel like a corporate vacuum or a crumbling relic is tougher than it looks. You've got the flashy new "luxury" towers that cost a kidney and the basement apartments that haven't seen a paintbrush since the Nixon administration. Somewhere in the middle of that mess sits Beacon Fairbanks Manor apartments.
It’s a vibe. Basically, if you want to live in Coolidge Corner without selling your soul to a glass-and-steel high-rise, this is where you end up looking.
I spent some time digging into what makes this specific cluster of buildings at 1539 Beacon Street and 17-23 Fairbanks Street tick. It’s not just about the brick exterior or the fact that it’s managed by Chestnut Hill Realty (CHR). It’s about that weirdly specific Brookline balance of "I can walk to a Michelin-star-adjacent dinner" and "I have actual trees outside my window."
The Location: It’s Not Just "Near" Coolidge Corner
Most real estate listings lie. They say "minutes from the T" when they actually mean a twenty-minute hike uphill.
Beacon Fairbanks Manor apartments is different. You are literally steps from the Fairbanks Street station on the C Line. You could probably roll out of bed and be on a train to downtown Boston in five minutes.
Coolidge Corner is the heart of the action here. You’ve got the Coolidge Corner Theatre—which is arguably the coolest indie cinema in the country—and the Brookline Booksmith. If you haven't lost an hour browsing the basement of that bookstore, you haven't lived in Brookline yet.
🔗 Read more: Finding the Right Word That Starts With AJ for Games and Everyday Writing
Walking Stats That Actually Matter
- Walk Score: 93 (It's a walker’s paradise, no joke).
- Transit Score: 79 (The Green Line is your best friend/worst enemy).
- Bike Score: 91 (Very flat, very safe).
Basically, you don't need a car. In fact, having a car here is kinda a nightmare because parking in Brookline is notoriously restrictive. If you do have one, be prepared to pay for an off-site spot or gamble with the overnight parking bans that the town enforces like they're protecting crown jewels.
What’s Inside? (The "No-Fluff" Version)
The apartments themselves are what I’d call "stately." We’re talking about a brick building from an era when people actually cared about crown molding.
You won't find floor-to-ceiling glass walls here. Instead, you get bay windows. They let in that soft, filtered light that makes even a messy living room look somewhat intentional. The floors are original hardwood—not that plastic "luxury vinyl plank" stuff you see in every new build nowadays.
The Floor Plan Breakdown
- Studios: These range from tiny (around 277 sq. ft.) to decent (475 sq. ft.). Great if you’re a minimalist or a grad student who only owns a laptop and a coffee maker.
- One-Bedrooms: The sweet spot. You’re looking at 445 to 730 square feet. Most of these have that classic layout where the kitchen feels like a separate room, not just a wall of cabinets in your living space.
- Two-Bedrooms: Rare but spacious, going up to about 860 square feet. Perfect for roommates or a "work from home" setup that doesn't involve your bed.
One thing that’s a huge plus? Heat and hot water are included. If you’ve ever lived through a Boston winter, you know that a drafty old window can lead to a $300 heating bill in January. Having that rolled into the rent is a massive peace-of-mind factor.
The Management Reality Check
Chestnut Hill Realty (CHR) owns this place. They’re a big player in the Boston rental game.
💡 You might also like: Is there actually a legal age to stay home alone? What parents need to know
Some people love big management because they have 24/7 emergency maintenance. If your pipe bursts at 3 AM, someone is actually going to answer the phone. That’s the pro. The con? It’s a big company. You aren't exactly chatting with a "mom and pop" landlord over coffee.
But honestly, the maintenance crew at Beacon Fairbanks Manor apartments gets surprisingly good marks. Most residents mention that they’re quick. In an older building, things will break. It’s the law of physics. The question is how fast they get fixed, and usually, here, it's pretty quick.
The "Old Building" Nuance
Let’s be real for a second. This is an older building.
If you’re looking for a rooftop pool with a DJ or a 5,000-square-foot gym, you’re in the wrong place. There’s a laundry facility on-site, but it’s shared. There's bike storage and some extra storage space, but it’s not "ultra-modern."
The trade-off is the character. You get high ceilings. You get thick walls that actually block out some of the noise from your neighbor's Netflix binge. You get a sense of history that you just can’t manufacture with gray paint and industrial light fixtures.
📖 Related: The Long Haired Russian Cat Explained: Why the Siberian is Basically a Living Legend
What Most People Get Wrong About This Area
People think Brookline is just for families or doctors at Longwood.
While the Longwood Medical Area is close—making this a prime spot for residents and researchers—the Fairbanks area has a younger, more eclectic energy. You’ve got places like Takusan (sushi) and Fugakyu just around the corner. You’ve got the Washington Square vibe just a short walk the other way, which is a bit more laid back and "local."
It’s also surprisingly quiet. Even though you’re on Beacon Street, the Fairbanks side feels tucked away. It’s a "suburban setting with city sensibilities," as the marketing people like to say, but for once, it's actually true.
Is It Worth the Price?
In 2026, "affordable" is a relative term.
Rent at Beacon Fairbanks Manor apartments isn't "cheap," but for Brookline, it’s competitive. Studios usually start in the low $2,000s, while two-bedrooms can push past $3,500 depending on the renovations.
They often run specials, like "one month free" or "no broker fee." In a market where broker fees can be an entire month's rent just for someone to open a door for you, that's a huge saving.
Actionable Next Steps if You’re Considering a Move
- Check the specific unit: Because it's an older building, every unit has its own quirks. Some have renovated kitchens with dishwashers; some are more "vintage." Ask for a video tour of the actual unit, not just the model.
- Map your commute: Take the C Line during rush hour once before you sign. It’s charming, but it’s slow. If you need to be at North Station in 15 minutes, you might need a different plan.
- Scout the parking: If you must have a car, look into the private lots behind Beacon Street. Some neighbors rent out spots for $200–$300 a month.
- Visit at night: See how the street lighting feels and how quiet the building is when everyone is home.
The bottom line is that these apartments offer a slice of classic Brookline life. It's for the person who values a solid commute, a walkable grocery run at Trader Joe's, and a bedroom with actual character. It’s not flashy, but it’s consistent, and in the Boston rental market, consistency is a rare luxury.