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Living in Boston, Massachusetts:
Tips for Moving and Visiting

31 local experts
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If you've been wondering what it's like to live in or visit Boston, the Crowdsourced Explorer community can help. We asked 31 people living in Boston what someone who is considering moving to or visiting there should know. Here are their pros and cons, tips, and advice:

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31 comments on “Boston”

Boston is expensive, especially housing. Expect to spend 2500 to 3000 dollars a month for a good apartment in a nice area. Public transport is good, you usually can get by without a car. The winters are very cold. The summers are very hot.

It’s very expensive. There are not too many rentals.

A person considering moving to Boston should consider the type of neighborhood in which he or she wishes to reside. If the person is young and likes to visit bars and restaurants, he or she should consider moving to either the North End or South Boston. However, if the person has a bit more expendable income, the South End might be a better fit.

Nilasha, says: 2020

Those moving to Boston should know its citizens are fiercely proud of their city. Bostonians particularly take pride in their sports teams incredibly seriously, and seeing Bruins and Patriots jerseys as everyday wear is a common occurrence when walking the streets of the city. Cheering for a sports team that does not wave a Boston banner (or in the case of the Patriots, a New England one) will be cause for, at best, some light-hearted teasing or mockery.

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country. It is rich with history, just follow the freedom trail though the city to discover the foundation of America. Boston is multicultural and proud of its diversity. We are also home to some of the best sports teams in the country.

Boston streets are often difficult to navigate and one has a good chance of being pickpocketed. On the other hand, the attractions such as the aquarium are quite impressive and are a must-see for anyone stopping through the city.

Nicholas, says: 2020

Boston is on the East coast of North America. It is the state capital of Massachusetts. The city is approximately 220 miles from New York City. Boston is also home to many successful sporting teams such as, ‘The red socks’ Baseball team and ‘The Patriots’ Football team. Situated over the Charles river is the City of Cambridge, home to the prestigious Harvard University.

Boston is an amazing place if you are looking to involve yourself with the community. It has amazing views, multiple beaches, delicious seafood and friendly people. If you love baseball you are moving to the right city. Boston Red Sox games are always entertaining and you will be surrounded by an emotional crowd. The living costs can be expensive but the experience is priceless.

Jessica, says: 2020

If moving to Boston, prepare to be self-sufficient. Bostonians have a reputation for being stand-offish, but really they are just too involved in their own lives to be interested in what is going on with yours. It isn’t that they are rude, it is just that they are busy.

Danielle, says: 2020

Boston has the best universities in the world. It has one of the best health care services in the country. My city is also noted for one of the most important running events in the world which is the Boston marathon. My city is second to none when it comes to its heritage and hospitality.

Leticia, says: 2020

If you’re moving to Boston, I recommend living somewhere that does not require you to drive your car all the time. Streets here are very confusing to newbies, unlike a nice grid system of NYC, Boston has numerous curving one-ways and if you miss your turn, you might spend another 20 minutes trying to find your way back. The best ways of getting around Boston are walking, biking, or by public transportation.

Xavier, says: 2020

Future Bostonians should first learn everything they can about public transportation. The train system is referred to as the “T”. It can be very confusing for first time visitors because it consists of several lines distinguished by colors and letters, and “Park Street” is considered the center of all train lines. When going into Boston, I can take any train line that arrives because they will all stop at Park Street, no matter their end destination. Remember Park Street as the central direction for any train line is essential.

Someone moving to Boston should know it gets extremely cold in winter. summer is very nice and enjoyable, but feels quite short. Winter can be difficult to get through, especially when you have to spend a copious amount of time shoveling snow in freezing temperatures. One should also consider the terrible traffic when contemplating their move to Boston.

Carmen, says: 2020

The best places to live in Boston are Beacon Hill, South Boston, Back Bay, and some suburbs like Cambridge, Quincy, etc. Boston is also known for its seafood. From clam chowder to oysters, seafood is fresher in Boston.

While Boston appears to be a liberal haven to outsiders, many of its residents’ views regarding housing and transportation are actually quite conservative. The population of the city has grown significantly over the past few years, but the supply of available housing has not kept pace with this growth. As a result, housing costs in Boston for both renters and home buyers are some of the highest in the country. A significant number of renters in Boston are severely rent-burdened, meaning that they spend more than 50% of their income on housing costs. Additionally, state funding of the public transportation system has not covered necessary maintenance of vehicles and infrastructure, but many so-called liberal residents continue to oppose raising the gas tax to fund public transit infrastructure.

City is well connected to the public transport system. It has best universities and institutions for higher education. More opportunities for students for internship and job after completion of bachelor’s degree. Low tax rate on all products compared to other major cities. Low crime rate and fresh air climate away from all kind of pollution.

Brooks, says: 2020

Boston is a compact, walkable city filled with attractions to suit many interests. Famous for its championship sports teams, the city is also home to a wide variety of cultural institutions such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Science. Boston has a young, vibrant feel as a result of being the home to many institutions of higher learning. To top it all off, it has a large number of wonderful restaurants in all price ranges and various ethnic tastes.

Elijah, says: 2020

Boston is a city rich in history and local culture, but it’s important for any potential transplant to consider its high cost of living, especially when compared to other Northeastern cities. In Boston, $1500 a month may not be enough for even a modest studio apartment. I recommend that those moving to the area consider expanding their rental search to the near suburbs, as Boston’s regional transportation system is broad enough to keep one connected to city living while being able to save on those high city prices.

Ashlee, says: 2020

The coastal city of Boston has a rich history. You’ll see many statues, monuments and brick homes that are still standing from the 1600s. There is great seafood in Boston, too. I recommend the lobster rolls and clam chowder. Housing is fairly expensive, though, so do your research before making any big decisions.

Boston, Ma is a very diverse city. There is a good amount of options for jobs. It is very big too. You would just have to watch out for what people have to say. Most of the time the people here are great. Sometimes they can second guess you a lot. Other than that, I thought know Boston also has some of the best hospitals and colleges.

Arijha, says: 2020

Boston is a large, vibrant city rich in history and culture. As the starting point of the American Revolution, its history is displayed prominently throughout the city. The city is also rich in sports and culture. Most notably it is the home of the Boston Red Sox and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

A person moving to Boston should balance Boston’s amazing benefits with its steep costs. Boston is a clean, walkable city that contains an abundance of jobs for working professionals. However, Boston also comes with a steep price tag: both in the cost of housing and the cost of goods. While Boston may be expensive it is a wonderful place to life.

Boston is a pleasant city. The city is clean, cosmopolitan, and relatively small. The city houses a large population of young professionals and caters to their constantly evolving desires. As a result, Boston has the amenities of a city like New York without the noise and crowds.

Before moving to Boston, it is crucial for one to consider how they will commute. If you’re working or living in the city, you may want to utilize Boston’s public transportation system, the MBTA. However, if you reside in a neighboring city, driving may be a better option for you.

Jennie, says: 2020

Boston is a city on the eastern coast of Massachusetts. To visitors and residents alike, this metropolis is a hub of medical innovation. Home to several hospitals, the city is also renowned as a mecca to scholarship. Boston University and Northeastern lie within the city, and MIT and Harvard are in nearby Cambridge. The historical significance of “Beantown”, as it is sometimes called, marks the city as a tourist destination year-round. A newly expanded neighborhood, the Seaport, brings expanded entertainment and cultural opportunities to those seeking high-end bars and museum programming.

If you’re a runner, then you’ll love living in Boston! The Charles River is a beautiful place to log your daily miles. If you want some hill training, head over to Newton, where you can tackle the Boston Marathon’s famous Heartbreak Hill. Whether it’s hot, cold, or somewhere between, you’ll always see other runners along your route.

Lauren, says: 2020

Boston is a vibrant and bustling city full of opportunity and people from all walks of life. There is a rich history in the birth of America here which can be enjoyed from various sites such as the Freedom Trail to the Sam Adams brewery. There is something for everyone in this city, from delicious food in the North End to the sports teams.

Erneisha, says: 2020

There are a few prerequisites when considering a trip to Boston. First, don’t go in February. This may seem obvious, but it bears repeating, not only because winters are indeed so miserable, but because the other seasons are so immensely enjoyable. Spring and Fall are gloriously verdant and summers are breezy and temperate.

Boston is where the entire American experiment began. When one visits the city, they should consider visiting many of the historical locations from the period surrounding the Revolutionary war. Locations such as Boston common, Paul Revere’s house, and the Old North Church, to name a few. After a long day of learning history, you can enjoy some of the city’s finest Italian restaurants in the North End.

From Faneuil Hall to the Fenway Park, the city of Boston likes to boast its rich history to everyone that visits it. Home to 100,000s of young, brilliant-minded students from all over the world and professionals in all industries, the Boston community is like no other. A community that appreciates diversity, Boston welcomes people from all ages, races, and socioeconomic background. If you want to experience this vibrant lifestyle of Boston, you should move before it is too late!

Richmond, says: 2020

There are many good schools and hospitals. Public transportation is not an issue in the city, so if you don’t have a car you don’t need to worry.

Nicole, says: 2020

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See other cities and towns in Massachusetts.

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