If you’re walking around the Coolidge Corner neighborhood in Brookline, Massachusetts, you might just bump into a 92-year-old man with famously thick eyebrows picking up litter. It isn't a lookalike. It is Michael Dukakis. Honestly, in an era where former presidential nominees usually disappear into high-security gated communities or sprawling coastal estates, the question of where does Michael Dukakis live has a surprisingly modest answer.
He still lives in the exact same house he bought decades ago.
Specifically, the former three-term Governor of Massachusetts and 1988 Democratic presidential candidate resides at 85 Perry Street in Brookline. He and his late wife, Kitty, moved into this 1875 Victorian home back in 1971. Before that, they lived in the other half of the same duplex, which they had purchased in 1963 for just $3,000 down. It’s a level of residential consistency that is basically unheard of in modern American politics.
The Perry Street Victorian: A Lesson in Stability
You’ve probably seen the famous photos of Dukakis power-walking through the streets of Brookline. That hasn't really changed much over the years, though he’s slowed down a bit recently. His home on Perry Street is just a short walk from the T (Boston’s subway system), which he famously rode to work every day while serving as governor.
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Inside, the house is famously unpretentious. Visitors often note that the decor hasn't changed much since the 1970s. We’re talking about shag rugs that date back to his first term in the Statehouse. There was one major renovation: a third-floor bathroom for Kitty, but other than that, the place is a time capsule of a different political era.
There is something deeply authentic about a man who reached the heights of national power and decided that a half-duplex in his hometown was plenty of space. For Michael Dukakis, Brookline isn't just an address. It's his entire history. He was born there in 1933, went to Brookline High School, and started his political career as a Town Meeting Member there.
Seasonal Stays and the UCLA Connection
While Perry Street is his "forever home," the location of Michael Dukakis does shift slightly depending on the thermometer. For years, he and Kitty followed a specific seasonal rhythm.
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During the winter months, they would head west to Los Angeles. Dukakis has spent decades as a visiting professor of public policy at UCLA. It’s a gig he clearly loves—teaching students about the "honorable profession" of politics. But even with the California sunshine, he always returns to Brookline every spring.
- Primary Residence: Perry Street, Brookline, MA
- Winter Residence: Westwood/Los Angeles, CA (for teaching duties)
- Workplace: Northeastern University, Boston (Distinguished Professor)
Living Through Loss on Perry Street
The house on Perry Street has seen a lot of history, but recently it has become a place of quiet reflection. In March 2025, Kitty Dukakis passed away at the age of 88. They had been married for 62 years.
For many locals, the couple was a package deal. You’d see them at the Coolidge Corner Theatre or grabbing a bite nearby. Since her passing, the governor has remained in their home, surrounded by the memories of a lifetime spent in public service and family life. He still makes his famous turkey soup—a recipe passed down from his mother—using the carcass of the bird to ensure nothing goes to waste. He once jokingly invited people to come to 85 Perry Street if they had a turkey carcass they were going to throw away. He wasn't entirely kidding.
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Why He Never Moved to a Mansion
People often wonder why a man of his stature didn't cash in. Most former governors or presidential candidates end up in penthouses or on private islands. But Dukakis is famously frugal. This is the guy who wore the same winter coat for 25 years and famously checked his own luggage at the airport.
Basically, he views public service as a duty, not a get-rich-quick scheme. Living in a middle-class neighborhood in Brookline keeps him connected to the people he spent his life representing.
What You Should Know About the Neighborhood
If you find yourself in Brookline looking for the "Dukakis House," keep these things in mind:
- It’s a private residence. While he is very friendly and often chats with neighbors, it’s still his home.
- The location is historic. The Perry Street neighborhood is part of what makes Brookline feel like a village within a city.
- He’s a local fixture. Don't be surprised to see him at the grocery store or walking to the Green Line.
Actionable Insights for the Curious
If you are a fan of political history or just admire the governor's lifestyle, there are better ways to connect with his legacy than just staring at his front door.
- Visit the Coolidge Corner Theatre: This was a favorite spot for the Dukakises. It’s a beautiful independent cinema that represents the culture of the town they love.
- Read "How to Get Into Politics-and Why": Co-authored by Dukakis and Paul Simon, this book explains his philosophy on why living a grounded life is essential for a public servant.
- Check out the "Dukakis: Recipe for Democracy" documentary: This film, which premiered in 2024 at the Coolidge Corner Theatre, gives a great inside look at his home life and his kitchen on Perry Street.
- Take the "T": To truly understand the Dukakis lifestyle, skip the Uber and take the Green Line through Brookline. It’s how he saw the world for decades.
Michael Dukakis’s choice of where to live tells you more about his character than any campaign speech ever could. He chose to stay where he started, proving that you don't need a palace to lead a significant life.