📍 Location & Geography
Brookline is a charming town located in the southern part of the state of New Hampshire in the United States. It is part of Hillsborough County and is situated approximately 15 miles west of the city of Nashua and 50 miles northwest of Boston, Massachusetts. The town covers a total area of 20.4 square miles, of which 0.2 square miles is water. It is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and several bodies of water, including the Nissitissit River and Lake Potanipo.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Brookline, New Hampshire are approximately 42.73 degrees north latitude and 71.67 degrees west longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Brookline is part of the New England region, known for its distinct seasons and picturesque landscapes. It is part of the Nashua, New Hampshire Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is a component of the larger Boston-Worcester-Providence, MA-RI-NH-CT Combined Statistical Area. Brookline is bordered by the towns of Milford, Hollis, Mason, and Townsend, and the city of Pepperell.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Brookline has a population of around 5,400 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 40.8 years. The population is predominantly White, with small percentages of Asian, African American, and other races. The town’s residents are known for their strong sense of community and active participation in local events.
🏛️ History
Brookline was first settled in 1736 as part of Dunstable, Massachusetts. However, it was not until 1769 that it was incorporated as a separate town, initially named Raby. In 1798, the town was renamed Brookline by the New Hampshire legislature. The town’s history is rich with tales of its early settlers, and several structures from the 18th and 19th centuries still stand today, adding to its historic charm.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Brookline is home to several parks and recreational areas. The town’s natural beauty is highlighted by its lush forests, scenic trails, and tranquil bodies of water. Lake Potanipo is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming during the summer months. The Andres Institute of Art, an outdoor sculpture park located on a 140-acre hillside, is another unique attraction that combines art and nature.
🏫 Education
Education in Brookline is managed by the Hollis/Brookline Cooperative School District. The town has two public schools: Richard Maghakian Memorial School for grades Pre-K to 3, and Captain Samuel Douglass Academy for grades 4 to 6. Students in grades 7 to 12 attend schools in the neighboring town of Hollis. The town also has a public library, the Brookline Public Library, which provides a variety of resources and programs for residents of all ages.
🚧 Transportation
Brookline is primarily a car-dependent town, with most residents commuting by private vehicle. The town is served by several state routes, including New Hampshire Route 13 and New Hampshire Route 130. The nearest airport is Nashua Municipal Airport, about 15 miles east of Brookline. For public transportation, the nearest options are in the city of Nashua, which has bus service and a commuter rail station with service to Boston.
📜 Trivia & Events
Brookline is known for its community events, including the annual Brookline Winter Festival and the popular Fourth of July fireworks at Lake Potanipo. The town is also home to the Brookline Historical Society, which preserves and promotes the town’s rich history through exhibits and events. One interesting piece of trivia is that Brookline was the hometown of Alfred Thomas Archimedes Torbert, a notable Union general in the Civil War.