Bostonians are Proud People
Boston is an internationally acclaimed city and the people who live there know it. The city was the largest in North America at one point and played an extremely central role in the American Revolution.
Bostonians are proud of their city and are not afraid to show it. After the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, the phrase “Boston Strong” began circulating, and now you see people walking around Beantown with the slogan on t-shirts, hats, and bumper stickers. Avoid comparing Boston to other cities. It probably won’t end well.
Sports are a BIG Deal
One of the things Bostonians take a lot of pride in are their sports teams. Boston has four major league teams:
- the New England Patriots (football)
- the Boston Red Sox (baseball)
- the Boston Celtics (basketball)
- Boston Bruins (hockey).
These four teams usually have successful seasons, sometimes with two or three Boston teams taking home their respective championships in the same year. When Boston wins, the city celebrates, and no matter how many times they win, the parties never get smaller.
Living in Boston is Like Living Through History
It’s amazing to think how similar the streets of Boston looked hundreds of years ago. Many of the buildings, churches, and monuments are centuries old, with some places being older than the United States itself. Boston has many museums celebrating the rich history of the city.
The Boston Tea Party ships operate a museum, as well as the USS Constitution battleship. American revolutionary Paul Revere’s home hosts a museum. There’s also the Freedom Trail, which is a walking path that runs throughout Boston and shares historical context for significant places. Living in Boston is an incredible way to learn about the history of this country.
Boston is America’s College Town
Sometimes Boston is referred to as America’s College Town, and this is due to the sheer number of institutions that operate in and around the city. Harvard University and MIT are in Cambridge, a neighborhood east of Boston. In the heart of the city, Suffolk University, Boston University, Emerson College, and the University of Massachusetts Boston have campuses.
Art schools are also abundant in Boston, like the New England Conservatory, the Boston Conservatory, and the Berklee School of Music, just to name a few. These colleges bring incredible opportunities to the city of Boston – as well as massive amounts of students.
Trains in Boston Close Early
Boston does have a metro system that runs lines in and around the city. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is referred to by locals at the T. The MBTA operates the bus routes, commuter rails, and ferries.
Unlike other cities though, the T is not open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most trains finish operating at around 1AM, even on weekends. If you’re a Boston resident or visitor, plan your trips accordingly.
Buy a Good Pair of Walking Shoes
Like other major metropolises, walking is common practice in Boston. This small, pedestrian-friendly city is pretty easy to get around by foot. In the summer, investing in a good pair of sneakers or walking shoes can make your commute to your local T far more comfortable. In the winter, sturdy winter boots will get you through the snow and slush that can accumulate after snowstorms.
There’s a Neighborhood for Everyone
Boston has so many different neighborhoods, there’s bound to be something for everyone. The Seaport District is modern and popular with tech-oriented millennials.
Jamaica Plain is hip and artistic. Back Bay is quiet and historical. The suburbs have excellent schools and can be great for those looking to start a family. Regardless of budget or taste, you’ll find a part of Boston that caters to your needs.
Know Where the Students Go
With so many colleges and universities, you can bet there’s a large student population in the city. Boston, with its many employment opportunities, attracts recent graduates and young people.
If you’re interested in living in a neighborhood with lots of nightlife, you should look in areas with universities and large student populations. If you’re looking for a quieter, neighborhood experience, avoid any neighborhoods near universities.
Public Parks are for Everyone
Boston has lots of park space. Most Bostonians live within ten minutes of a large park or green space. The Boston Common is one of the biggest parks in the city and has many incredible walking paths, benches, and ponds.
There is also the Boston Public Garden and the Emerald Necklace park system, which was created in 1870 by Frederick Lowe Olmstead. The amazing array of parks is just one of the many benefits of living in Boston.
Driving and Parking can be Tough
If you commute to and from work or school using a car, you’ll need to make sure you give yourself enough time to get through traffic. Driving in Boston is extremely difficult. Intersections in the city can be confusing to navigate and Massachusetts drivers are known for not being the nicest.
With millions of people moving throughout the city every day, roads can be packed and unpleasant. This one of the few downsides to life in Boston.
Art is Easily Accessible
Boston has been a cultural hub for decadesnow and is an incredible place to enjoy art. The city is home to many art museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art, and Harvard’s Art Museums.
These institutions attract tourists, scholars, and host events that are often open to the public. There’s more than just fine art in Boston, with artistic neighborhoods like Jamaica Plain sharing public art on the streets of their city.
You Can Go Green in Boston
Being eco-friendly in Boston is easy. The MBTA operates multiple forms of public transportation, which is much better for the planet than driving a personal car. Additionally, there’s fairly good infrastructure for bikers and walkers, so living without a car in Boston is possible.
Many neighborhoods run weekly farmer’s markets, giving residents options as to where they source their food. As a fairly liberal city, caring for the planet is a value that many people in Boston share.
Boston is a Melting Pot
As a major city on the eastern coast of the United States, Boston has attracted immigrants for hundreds of years and has thus become a diverse, vibrant city. People from all over the world have made Boston their new home, bringing with them their culture, cuisine, and customs. With this diversity, there are many different restaurant cuisines in the city, making it easy to learn about new cultures.
