Holbrook is named after one of the town's benefactors, Elisha N. Holbrook. He donated the money needed to build the red brick town hall and library featured in town, two important landmarks that still stand to this day.
As many in the New England area likely to say, Holbrook is a "wicked cool" place to live. Not only do you get to live in a town with rich history and know-your-neighbor streets, but you also have a fast train connection to downtown Boston for cultural opportunities and employment options. Given Holbrook's desirable location, many people are searching for homes to buy or an apartment to rent there, meaning you'll have to put some effort into your search. This guide will help give you an edge over others and hopefully help you land the apartment or rental house of your dreams.
What Can I Get In Holbrook?
There are many types of homes in Holbrook, with detached houses usually costing the most and townhouses for rent a closer runner-up. You should decide early on what you're looking for in order to narrow your search. Do you want a single-family home in a secluded corner of Holbrook or do you want to search for apartments directly near the train station for quick access to Boston? Also take into consideration that many apartments to rent in Holbrook do not allow pets, which could narrow your options if you want to bring Fido or Fluffy with you to your new home. Also, if you're not a Boston Red Sox fan, prepare for some friendly teasing by the locals. Don't worry, you'll survive.
Finding Your New Home
High demand has led to few vacancies in Holbrook, meaning that you should begin your search at least four to eight weeks before you arrive. That being said, with a qualified and dependable broker, you should be able to find something in the end. Moving is especially simple in Holbrook due to the lack of high-rise buildings in the area and wide streets for moving trucks.
What to Know
Apts for rent in Holbrook do not usually include utilities, with the exception of water. So expect to add gas, electricity and heating on to your rental costs. Renters are also almost always required to undergo a credit check and provide references from past landlords. What, you thought you'd get off easy? Not a chance, bucko! Thankfully, this process shouldn't take too long, but sometimes brokers charge a $25-$50 application fee.
Holbrook is not large, with a population of 10,791, and only has two neighborhoods. However, there are many different areas for residents to live in, some closer to the shopping and dining area in the town center, and other homes nestled among trees on quaint side streets. Holbrook does not have a clear downtown district, but more of a suburban layout with restaurants and places to shop spread out around the area. However, with Boston so close, there is plenty to do in the area.
Holbrook Town Center: While many of the residences in Holbrook are single-family homes, this area also has a selection of one-bedroom apartments for rent in larger apartment complexes. This neighborhood is also closer to the public library, rail transportation, the Holbrook Town Forest, and many of the commercial establishments inside Holbrook.
Brookville: This neighborhood is a little more secluded than the town center area but features a range of medium- to large-size single-family homes at slightly more reasonable prices. The appropriately named Brookville House of Pizza is also here.
Holbrook is a part of the Greater Boston area, which means there are plenty of useful transportation options available to residents. There is a direct connection to South Boston available at the Holbrook/Randolph Rail Station. Bus routes can also bring you to Quincy Center, Quincy Adams and Braintree stations. Despite the excellent transportation network of Holbrook, residents should probably also own a car. The walk score of Holbrook is only 26, meaning it is difficult to reach restaurants and other shopping districts in the area without a vehicle. If you're a walkaholic, just disregard this -- you will anyway!
Holbrook offers its residents an exciting variety of activities. The President's Golf Course has over 93 acres of excellent golf, while the town of Holbrook offers little league, soccer and hockey to people of all ages. In the Holbrook Town Forest, one can find many hiking trails and scenic nature views. Try the Elfin Pond Trail to catch a glimpse of pines growing from cracks in the boulders and plenty of wild blueberries waiting to be picked.
Holbrook also has plenty of places to hangout or grab a bite to eat. Popular spots like Stanney's Ice Cream and Sandwich Shoppe are the perfect place to take everyone after a long day outdoors. Of course, Boston is just right around the corner as well, offering sporting events at Fenway Park, historical colonial sights near the Port of Boston and even tours of the Harpoon Brewery. Once you move to Holbrook, you're almost guaranteed to feel at home.