Brookfield, MA

Brookfield is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 33,521 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Boston metropolitan area.

Brookfield was first settled in 1634 as part of Charlestown and incorporated as a separate town in 1712. The town's name comes from the brook that runs through it. Brookfield's early economy was based on agriculture and milling; by 1800 it had six mills and an estimated population of 1,500. In 1825, Brookfield became home to the world's first locomotive factory; this led to increased industrialization and growth in the town. In 1875, Brookfield opened its public schools and began to develop its reputation as a desirable place to live.

Today, Brookfield is an affluent suburb with a diverse economy that includes high-tech companies, healthcare providers, and retailers. Its public schools are among the best in Massachusetts; they have been consistently ranked as "Excellent" by Niche Schools Database since 2002. The town has numerous parks and recreation facilities, including a golf course that has been rated among the best in New England by Golf Digest magazine. Brookfield is also home to several cultural institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) Boston and Symphony Hall (formerly known as Orpheum Theatre).