It’s easy to see what attracts people to Boston, Massachusetts. Just walk through the city’s many gorgeous neighborhoods at any time of year and you’ll understand why people have been flocking here for hundreds of years.
Life in Boston
Some important aspects of life in Boston to read about before planning your move:
- Climate
- Cost of Living
- Housing Market Standards
- Health and Safety
- Employment
- Education
Climate
Located in the northeast of the United States, Boston experiences the most that the four seasons have to offer.
Winters in New England are long and cold. There is a decent amount of fluctuation in the weather though. On one February day, you may be bundled up in a puffer coat, sledding in the park. The next day, it may be warm enough to eat ice cream in shorts. Though winters can be bleak, it’s easy to adapt to the cold weather. In no time, you’ll be moving through the city like a local.
Both before and after winter, there are many months of gorgeous weather. Flowers begin blooming in the late spring, transforming the Boston Common into a botanical garden. In the fall, the city streets are lined with colorful leaves, and the cool weather is perfect for a hike or stroll through town.
Summers in Boston are incredible, with long days full of sunshine. The city is packed with tourists and summer residents, making this city even more vibrant. Catch a ball game at the legendary Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Socks, or ride your bike along the Charles Esplanade. No matter what time of year, Boston is bustling with life and activity.
Cost of Living
Due to the incredible amenities provided to citizens of Boston, the cost of living is higher compared to the average American city. This is key to keep in mind when planning to relocate to Beantown.
Boston’s economy has seen steady growth since the 2008 financial crisis. When looking at cost of living, if the average in the United States is calculated to be 100, Boston is at 162.4.
Much of this is due to the cost of housing, which is twice as high in Boston than it is in the rest of the country. The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the United States is less than a thousand dollars. In Boston, it’s twice that, at more than $1800.
While the high cost of living may be daunting, it’s important to remember the incredible resources in the Boston area. Certain neighborhoods have some of the best public schools in the country.
Massachusetts General Hospital, located in the suburbs of the city, is one of the best research hospitals and provides excellent medical care (the cost of healthcare in Boston is lower than the national average). There’s a massive network of colleges, offering free concerts, talks, and courses.
Large, well-kept parks separate city sprawl and are free for all. With all of these incredible resources, it’s easier to understand why living in Boston is so much pricier than in other cities in the country.
Housing Market Standards
Yes, Boston is known for its high housing prices. But it’s important to note the city is divided into different neighborhoods, and depending on which one, there are very affordable options. Neighborhoods like Roslindale and Dorchester usually have lower housing costs, with prices on average a few hundred dollars lower than downtown counterparts.
On average, the cost of living for a family of four is about $4,000 in Boston, that not including rent or mortgage. This does vary based on neighborhoods and distance from the city, so expanding your search creates more options.
It’s also important to note that Boston is 12% cheaper to live in than New York City, a comparable city located in the northeast that is also acclaimed for its educational, cultural, and historical institutions. When it comes to living, rent in Boston is on average 20% cheaper than NYC.
Cost of Living varies greatly depending on personal factors. Understanding Boston’s neighborhoods and the market standards for each one will help you find the perfect area that’s compatible with your lifestyle and budget.
Health and Safety
As mentioned before, health care in Boston is exceptional. The Massachusetts General Hospital is one of the largest hospitals in the country and attracts doctors, researchers, and patients from around the world. There are many other medical centers with plenty of specialists, so no matter the medical emergency, Boston’s got you covered.
When it comes to safety, Boston also does pretty well. It is safer than the average metropolitan city, and has some of the fewest traffic accidents in the country. While crimes do occur in Boston, they are few and far between.
Employment
Boston has long been considered one of the best places to do business in the United States. In downtown Boston, the financial district is full of skyscrapers packed with company offices. Corporations from around the world choose Boston to be the city for their headquarters, bringing in lots of talent from around the world — and jobs.
Additionally, because of all the incredible institutions in the city, there are lots of employment opportunities in education, tourism, medicine, and finance. As the economy recovers from the COVID-19 crisis, more jobs will pop up in and around Beantown.
Education
Boston attracts academics for a number of reasons. The city is quite literally packed with colleges and universities, bringing professors, intellectuals, researchers, and creators to town.
In the Boston metropolitan area, there’s:
- Harvard University (considered by many to be the best university in the world)
- the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Boston University, Boston College
- Northeastern University
- Emerson College
- Tufts University, and many, many more
There are also specialized schools, like the New England Conservatory, the Boston Conservatory, or the Berklee School of Music. Many of these institutions offer incredible performances from some of the best artists in the world to the Boston community– some even for free.
If you have children who are school-aged, many of the public schools in the Boston metropolitan area are some of the best in the country. Whether it’s kindergarten or high school, the local schools do an excellent job of preparing students for the world beyond.
Conclusion
Boston is a rich, diverse city, with a comparably lower cost of life. The small city is packed with activity throughout the year (even in frigid February). The amenities provided by the city are exceptional, but do result in a higher cost of living.
In the metropolitan area, there are a variety of housing options catering to all needs. With exceptional hospitals and low crime rates, Boston is a great place to live and raise a family. With all the employment and educational opportunities for a lifetime, it’s easy to find your community within the big city of Boston.
