Is Boston, Massachusetts a good place to live in 2024? How is the quality of life?

Recent advice...Jane on Stockport, United Kingdom: xThe old parts of town – the underbank and marketplace are much improved. Heaton moor is an excellent place to live. Read more ›

Recent advice...Esther on Sokoto, Nigeria: xThe state is peaceful; low crime rate, affordable accommodations, low transportation prices, good schools and affordable food with an adequate healthcare system. Read more ›

Recent advice...Refilwe on Bethlehem, South Africa: xBethlehem is a small yet vibrant town with all age groups of people and mixed population when it comes to race. The cost of living is fair. I would highly… Read more ›

Recent advice...lucy on Stockholm, Sweden: xStockholm has amazing water views. The Art scene is fab. The food is amazing. Read more ›

Recent advice...MCHARO on Mombasa, Kenya: xIf you are coming to Mombasa you need to visit the pirates beach, Fort Jesus, which is a historical site and the nature trail which is a natural park. Read more ›

Recent advice...Evy on Brussels, Belgium: xIf moving to Brussels, it’s best to avoid the south of Brussels (Schaarbeek, Etterbeek…) The housing is cheaper but much more dangerous. Belgium is a small country but has very… Read more ›

Recent advice...Agbor on Essen, Germany: xEssen is located in the Northwest Region of Germany. It is an average city with lots of foreigners. It has a very good transport system with many African shops. Read more ›

Recent advice...Cassidy on Bogor, Indonesia: xBe prepared to familiarize yourself with public transport because there are a lot of places that have similar destinations but have different routes. The best way to commute within the… Read more ›

Recent advice...Emmanuel on Nairobi, Kenya: xPlanning to move to Nairobi? Get ready for an exciting mix of city living and thrilling adventures! Experience the lively markets, indulge in mouthwatering street food, and have the awe-inspiring… Read more ›

Recent advice...Pierre on Gaborone, Botswana: xWe live on a homestead, about 12 min drive outside the CBD. The blessing of not having traffic, the vibe of city and nature combined is to die for. Read more ›

Recent advice...Xolani on Johannesburg, South Africa: xJohannesburg residents have a 6th sense about people from here and who understand the unspoken rules of the concrete jungle. Plan your routes, always walk like you know where you… Read more ›

Recent advice...James on Nuremberg, Germany: xSpeaking German would be helpful but not necessary. Cold winters, warm summers, nice people. Finding affordable nice accommodation may be difficult. Read more ›

Recent advice...Evans on Los Angeles, United States: xLos Angeles, often abbreviated as L.A., is the largest city in California and the second-largest in the United States, following New York City. Known for its Mediterranean climate, diverse population,… Read more ›

Recent advice...Neha on Faridabad, India: xWell, I’ve stayed in Faridabad for 9 years. The city has come up and developed quiet a lot since then. There are some good malls and big brands to shop… Read more ›

Recent advice...Frenzer on Nairobi, Kenya: xIf you are moving to Nairobi City, everyone is welcoming and cheerful but if you seem to be a newbie the people will take advantage of it. For example, paying… Read more ›

Recent advice...CamCamBlue on Ann Arbor, United States: xIt’s the most expensive city in Michigan, and fast growing. We have a lovely park system and nice small, surrounding towns. Read more ›

Recent advice...Anne on North Adelaide, Australia: xBest kept secret – clean, friendly, beautiful hills and beaches. Read more ›

Recent advice...Dipti on Vadodara, India: xPeaceful place to stay and roam. Very safe. Read more ›

Recent advice...Shannah on Thibodaux, United States: xThibodaux is a quaint town with affordable homes. It’s a great area to raise children! Read more ›

Recent advice...Kaspars on Chiang Mai, Thailand: xAbsolutely stunning city in the northern part of Thailand. I would say spiritual and food capital of Thailand. There are more than 300 temples scattered around the city. If you… Read more ›

Recent advice...Corne on Bloemfontein, South Africa: xBloemfontein is a very close knit community with friendly people. The town isn’t really clean and well maintained. It has really brilliant schools that are affordable. Read more ›

Recent advice...Felix on Johannesburg, South Africa: xJohannesburg, often referred to as Jo’burg or Jozi, is the largest city in South Africa and the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in the country. Here are some… Read more ›

Recent advice...Noemie on Albuquerque, United States: xFor the US the cost of living is low. There is an abundance of things to do in nature & the pace of life is slower than other US cities.… Read more ›

Recent advice...Simona on Bitola, North Macedonia: xIf someone is moving to Bitola they should be at ease in not spending much money on security CCTV for securing their property, grandmas are out on their balconies/windows 24/7… Read more ›

Recent advice...Ahmed on Samanoud, Egypt: xWelcome to Samanoud, a historic gem in Egypt’s Gharbia Governorate! Once known as Sebennytos, this city features remnants of a temple dedicated to the god Anhur and his lioness goddess… Read more ›

Recent advice...Grace on Kadoma, Zimbabwe: xIf you’re moving to Kadoma you’ll need to be prepared for the heat and the dust. The roads are dusty and bad but the biggest plus is that its rich… Read more ›

Recent advice...Jeff on Minneapolis, United States: x4 wondrous seasons and thriving activities in each. Great park system thriving downtown and the Mississippi River are all here. Welcoming people convey the famous ‘Minnesota Nice’. Several world class… Read more ›

Recent advice...Esther on Lagos, Nigeria: xLagos, Nigeria is a vibrant, rapidly growing hub that’s always buzzing with energy. Known for its beautiful beaches and historic sites, it is a must-visit for anyone with an adventurous… Read more ›

Recent advice...Erick on Singapore: xIt’s the best place for working due to safety, high salary, and great transportation. Singapore is a city that is suitable for any lifestyle whether you live a frugal living… Read more ›

Recent advice...Jamie on Highlands Ranch, United States: xA really lovely suburb of Denver. Incredibly clean, well planned community. Low crime rate. Very walkable. Lots of conveniences nearby. Tons of parks for the kids. Only downside is that… Read more ›

Random City

Featured real estate agent: Jacob Realty
Featured hotel: We don't have one. Suggest one.
Featured immigration attorney: Gerald Cipolla
Featured tour guide: We don't have one. Suggest one.

While quality of life is something of an elusive or ill-defined concept, it can be boiled down to "Is Boston a good place to live?" or "Is Boston a bad place to live?" Here's what five local experts had to say about quality of life and overall happiness in Boston, Massachusetts.

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.

HELPFUL REPORT

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.

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.

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.

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.

Things To Do Transportation Cost of Living More...

Sports History Education Housing Weather Restaurants Diversity Medicine Shopping Income Inequality Jobs Museums Nightlife Beaches Traffic Politics Sanitation Safety and Crime Music Social Unrest Pros and Cons Military Religion

Is Boston, Massachusetts a good place to live? How is the quality of life?

Sign up for the Crowdsourced Explorer newsletter

Possibly win $100 by telling us about your city:

Tell us about your city in 60 seconds:

Participate in the CE community:

Help others learn about the world:

Help other people by sharing tips about your city:

Leave a comment

Thank you!