We often meet parents who are curious about which colleges graduates actually attend. One family considering a move to Alston was no different. However, there aren't many private schools that come up among parents in Alston. So, we expanded our search to include nearby Brookline.

What schools are available in Brookline? One notable option is Dexter Southfield School, which serves grades 6 through 12. The tuition is $68,000 per year, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 7:1. The average acceptance rate for private high schools in Brookline is 90%, significantly higher than the Massachusetts private school average of 61%. This suggests that admission may not be as difficult as the tuition might imply. However, there can be variations between schools, with some top-tier institutions having acceptance rates dropping to single digits, so individual verification is necessary.

What about specific college admission results? Several schools in the Greater Boston area, like St. Mark's School, send graduates to prestigious colleges such as Boston College, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Duke, Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale. While this is advantageous, the costs associated with preparing for college admissions at these schools must also be considered. Private tutoring rates range from $200 to $400 per hour, and even just 1 to 2 hours a week for about 12 weeks can add up to nearly $3,000.

Now, let's look at the housing market in Alston. According to Zillow, the average home value in Alston is $593,918. As of May 2026, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,450, while the overall median rent is $3,500. Studios start at $2,364, and four-bedroom units can go up to $5,500. Alston has a high student population due to its proximity to Boston University and Harvard, which contributes to a fast rental turnover in the area.

This could be advantageous for investment purposes, but families raising children may want to consider properties in Brookline or Cambridge for a quieter living environment. School district boundaries change frequently, so it's advisable to verify the assigned school for a specific address before signing a lease.

Looking more closely at the rental market, Alston has a unique practice where leases tend to peak around September 1st each year. This is a moving season typical of college towns in the Boston area, and searching for rentals outside this timeframe can provide more options and room for negotiation.

If prioritizing children's education, it may be worth considering renting in Alston and then transitioning to buying in Brookline or Cambridge when children reach school age. Both areas have higher property prices than Alston, but they offer clear differences in school district stability and quieter residential environments.

Alston is well-served by the Green Line trolley and bus routes, making it a neighborhood where living without a car is feasible. While this supports steady rental demand, it may be a drawback for families seeking a quiet single-family home while their children are in school. It seems prudent to first determine whether to prioritize public transportation access or residential environment.

In summary, Alston is a neighborhood suited for families that prioritize commuting and convenience over children's education, and if academic performance at schools is the top priority, it would be wise to consider Brookline or Cambridge from the outset to minimize trial and error.

Within Alston, the character of listings near Harvard Avenue differs from those near the Brighton border. The Harvard Avenue area has many buildings primarily for student rentals, while the closer you get to the Brighton border, the higher the proportion of multi-family homes occupied by families.

This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with professionals before finalizing any contracts.