Jump to any of the following sections to learn more about what to expect living in Boston, MA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re looking to make Boston your new home, you\u2019re not alone. This historic city is one of the most desirable places to live in the U.S., with over 4.3 million people housed within the Greater Boston area and more looking to move here every year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s no wonder: living in Boston promises a high quality of life, a healthy job market, great education and plenty of historic architecture, arts and culture. With its brownstones, brick, one-way streets and walkability, Boston can also give off a small-town vibe with the amenities of big-city living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also comes with a great nickname (not Beantown, that one is out). Locals call Boston \u201cthe Hub,\u201d short for Hub of the Solar System (or Universe). It may seem a bit over the top, but it comes from an 1800s article that pinned the city as a center for commercial and intellectual progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having played a major role in the formation of the country, Boston holds onto much of its history. Throughout the warm months, tourists and school groups travel the Freedom Trail to visit meeting houses, churches and burying grounds, Paul Revere\u2019s House, the Bunker Hill Monument, the USS Constitution and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But around these landmarks, Boston has also grown to become a cultural hub and an epicenter for STEM and healthcare research. Where the Freedom Trail documents Boston\u2019s place in the Revolutionary War, the Innovation Trail is the city\u2019s scientific take on its history. Virtually and physically, the trail covers centuries of breakthroughs that have happened in the city and are still happening today at world-renowned medical centers and technical institutions, such as Mass General and MIT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Those happiest when they are surrounded by the arts will have access to over a dozen theaters in the city\u2019s Theater District, where you\u2019ll find Broadway hits, opera, dance performances and renowned comedians. You can also take in the work of famous artists like Van Gogh and Degas at the Museum of Fine Arts, or seek out the Institute of Contemporary Art\u2014the building itself is a piece of architectural art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Back to Top<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on where you come from, you may have heard that \u201cAmerica runs on Dunkin,\u201d but Massachusetts takes that to heart. (Don\u2019t be surprised when you see Dunks locations across the street from one another to keep drivers from banging a u-ie.) Dunkin is one of the city\u2019s biggest employers, although General Electric leads the way. Other major players include Chase, Raytheon, Randstad and Gillette.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What careers flourish in the city? Boston is home to renowned educational institutions and world-class medical facilities, making it no surprise that education and healthcare are two of its major industries. Others include finance, tourism and fishing. The city\u2019s uptick in opportunities in biotech and the life sciences have contributed to it also becoming one of the best STEM hubs in the U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the whole country is keeping an eye on unemployment rates as the Fed continues to try and control inflation, Boston is keeping its unemployment at a low 3.1 percent<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Out of the 25 most expensive places to live in the U.S., good ol\u2019 Beantown fell right in the middle at number 12<\/a>. There\u2019s a lot of good to be found here, from great healthcare to top education, but none of that comes cheap. The cost of living in Boston is a whopping 50 percent higher<\/a> than the national average, with housing playing a major factor in that gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Housing markets throughout the country have been rough on buyers for the past couple of years. Like many major cities, Boston has seen a slowdown, with home prices down 3.7 percent in April 2023<\/a> compared to the year prior. The median price was still high at $773,000, with homes sitting on the market only two more days on average than they did in 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on how far you\u2019re willing to commute into the city, rent can be a more affordable housing option, although the greater Boston area still sees rent prices higher than the U.S. average<\/a>. Rent rose 1.8 percent between April and May 2023, with the median cost of a one-bedroom coming in at $2,004, and the median cost of a two-bedroom just a bit more at $2,088. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re probably wondering: is there good news? Yes. As of the latest census, Boston residents enjoyed a median household income of $81,744, nearly $13,000 more than the U.S. median the same year. Massachusetts in general provides one of the highest average income expectations in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to Top<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n As one of the oldest cities in the country, Boston has its share of historic neighborhoods full of brownstones. But with all its major universities, the sleek appeal of the Seaport District and plenty of great food, the greater Boston area is perfect for young professionals and families seeking fun, art and community. Check out these highly recommended neighborhoods for those moving to Boston:<\/p>\n\n\n\n SOMERVILLE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Just outside of Boston, Somerville is one of the coolest suburbs in the country with historic charm, trendy restaurants and a true sense of community. It\u2019s great for artists and musicians, too, with residents even donating their front yards for use during the annual Porchfest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n JAMAICA PLAIN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This neighborhood\u2014known as JP to locals\u2014gives off a vibrant, bohemian vibe that appeals to families, young professionals and students. You\u2019ll enjoy festivals, farmers\u2019 markets, great ice cream, breweries and street art. Oh, and plenty of greenery!<\/p>\n\n\n\n BACK BAY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Back Bay offers some of the nicest apartments, great views and access to key areas of the city such as the Boston Common, Copley Plaza and the Prue. Of course, it all comes with a steep price\u2014but those who can afford it will have plenty to do and see. <\/p>\n\n\n\n BROOKLINE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Named one of the best places for families<\/a> in the U.S., Brookline technically rests just outside Boston\u2019s borders with easy access inbound on the T. Between walkability, greenery and world-class restaurants and shopping centers, it has a lot to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n NORTH END<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you like Italian, you\u2019ll love the North End. Although it\u2019s become more of a mixed bag, this neighborhood is known for its great Italian food and plenty of culture. Professionals and college students alike should be able to find a cozy place here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other neighborhoods to include in your Boston home search:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to Top<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Boston is notorious for its bad traffic<\/a>, with drivers willing to brave it losing 134 hours of their lives stuck in their car each year. And it\u2019s not just compared to other U.S. cities that Boston fails in the rankings\u2014it\u2019s among the worst in the world, coming in only behind London, Paris and Chicago. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you find somewhere to park, you\u2019ll then have to contend with the city\u2019s steep parking costs. Yikes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thankfully, those living in Boston have access to one of the top public transportation systems<\/a> in the U.S. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is commonly referred to as the T and is made up of a commuter rail, subway, buses, ferries servicing the city and greater Boston area. Those who may have difficulty accessing the T can travel via the RIDE. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For those working, living, or visiting outside the city, Amtrak also runs routes to Maine, New Hampshire, New York, D.C. and more, making it a great hub for domestic travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you love a little exercise with your morning commute, Boston is considered a walkable city<\/a> (weather permitting), and the city\u2019s Bluebike bike share program is constantly expanding into surrounding cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where Boston fails at traffic, it soars\u2014no, scores\u2014in education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re moving to Boston with your young family, or if you\u2019re hoping to start a family, you\u2019re in luck. Massachusetts is considered the most educated state<\/a> in the country, with the Boston metro area scoring high and taking sixth most educated city<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Its high volume of educated residents translates to the area\u2019s schools, with the Boston school system ranking fifth in the nation<\/a> overall and first for student success. The Boston Public Schools system has 125 schools educating over 50,000 students, with plenty of private schools for parents to choose from as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those seeking a higher education will have plenty to choose from, with Harvard, Tufts, MIT, Boston University, Boston College, Brandeis and others not only hitting high on the state rankings, but on the national scale as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\nJob Seekers Have a Mix of Industries to Choose From in Boston<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Boston Living Comes at a High Cost<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Boston is a Historic Town with Spunky Neighborhoods<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Avoid the Traffic in Boston – Ride the T or Take a Walk<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Boston is One of the Most Educated Cities in the Country<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n