Are you considering moving to Boston?
Whether it's the Liberty Trail, catching a Red Sox baseball game at the famous Fenway Park, or indulging in one of the many iconic dishes of Boston, there is a lot to enjoy living in Boston. With rich American history and a thriving modern culture and arts scene, it’s no surprise Boston remains a popular place to move to in America.
If you’re thinking, “okay, but that’s all tourist activities - what is it like living in Boston?” then you’re reading the right article.
Not only will we walk you through all the great attractions of the area, but we’ll also give you a few inside tips on what to know before moving to Boston.
Or if you have a specific question you’d like answered, no problem! Feel free to use the jump nav below to get to the section you’re looking for.
- Choosing a Neighborhood before you start looking for an apartment
- Driving in Boston is Hectic. Be Prepared
- The Boston Public Transportation System
- Bostonians Love Their Sports, City & History
- Local Sports and Music Venues in Boston
- Colleges & Universities in Boston
- The Boston Art & Entertainment Scene
- Hospitals in Boston
- Top 5 Reasons to Move to Boston, Massachusetts
- European Style with American Values: A Final World on Moving to Boston
Choose a Neighborhood Before You Start Looking for an Apartment
Many people moving to Boston prefer living in apartments within the city to be close to the historic architecture and thriving downtown instead of living in the suburbs.
In either situation, those moving should be able to find what they are looking for. Just be sure to do your research on neighborhoods instead of taking the first apartment you come across.
While researching neighborhoods, here are a few things to consider:
- Budget - Boston can be an expensive place to live in, so it will be essential to establish your budget first, then use your budget to refine your neighborhood search further
- Schools - if you have kids, you’ll want to consider the quality of the school district in the neighborhood where you’ll be moving
- Time of Travel to Work - spending an hour commuting to and from work isn’t for everyone
- Lifestyle - does your neighborhood fit the kind of lifestyle that you are looking to establish after moving to Boston?
Driving in Boston is Hectic. Be Prepared
If you are about to live in Boston for the first time, be prepared to experience some challenges driving within the city. Drivers can be aggressive, and traffic can be a bit hectic.
Navigating through any city for the first time can be difficult, so keep that in mind while planning your commute to work or school.
If you are not fond of driving, there’s good news. Boston has a solid public transportation system with widespread use within the city.
What Is It Like Living in Boston?
The Boston Public Transportation System
Boston has a well-organized and reliable public transportation system which includes: buses, commuter rail, and subways, popularly called the T.
The T has four color-coded lines that run through the city and adjacent suburbs. There is also a commuter rail line for access to areas of Massachusetts farther away from the city. From Monday through Sunday, the T is open from approximately 5:30 am to 12:15 am.
Public Transportation System Closes Before the Bars
If you plan on heading out for a few drinks, it’s essential to know that the public transportation system closes around 1 A.M. while most bars close later, around 2 A.M. If you don’t plan, there could be challenges getting home.
To be safe, make sure you have a charged phone and enough money before you head out because if it’s a late-night, you might have to pay for a cab or an Uber.
Bostonians Love Their Sports, City and History
Bostonians take great pride in their sports, city, and history. This passion is one of the most charming aspects of living in the city. In fact, after a few months, you could find yourself falling in love with Boston sports teams yourself.
3 Fun Facts All People Moving to Boston Should Know
- Boston holds the oldest public park in the United States
- Boston played a central role in the American Revolution
- The first subway system in American history was built in Boston
Boston Sports Teams
Bostonians love their sports; like they really love their sports. I know that was said before, but it needed to be repeated because they are some of the most passionate fans in America.
If you plan to move to Boston, you should familiarize yourself with the city’s sports teams. Here are the essential teams you should research:
- Boston Red Sox
- New England Patriots
- Boston Celtics
- Boston Bruins
Local Sports & Music Venues In Boston
There are many stadiums, theaters, and sports arenas. Some of the notable venues include:
- Fenway Park - home of the Red Sox
- TD Garden - home of the Celtics & Bruins
- Agganis Arena - Home of Boston University's men's ice hockey team; located on the Boston University Campus
- Symphony Hall - one of the most acclaimed acoustic venues
Colleges & Universities in Boston
Boston and the surrounding areas are home to many prestigious educational institutions, including world-renowned MIT and Harvard University.
The colleges and universities in Boston cover a wide range of fields and academic pursuits, making the city great to move to if you're looking to finish a degree or continue your education. There are also several great job opportunities in Boston for recent graduates, so it’s common for students to stay in the city after graduation.
Some of the many colleges and universities in the Boston area include:
- Boston University (BU)
- Northeastern University
- Berklee College of Music
- Boston College (BC)
- Emerson College
- Harvard University
- Lesley University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- New England Conservatory of Music (NEC)
- Suffolk University
- Tufts University
- University of Massachusetts-Boston (UMass Boston)
- Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT)
The Boston Art & Entertainment Scene
Museums and the arts are a huge draw for tourists and locals alike. Living in Boston, you'll find many historic buildings transformed into popular exhibits and destinations within the city.
Notable museums include:
- Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)
- Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
- USS Constitution Museum
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA)
Boston is a popular spot for tourists with its impressive number of cultural attractions. If you're looking to meet people from all over the world, consider attending one of Boston's many festivals and events:
- Head of the Charles Regatta
- Chinatown August Moon Festival
- Boston Calling Music Festival
- Boston Seafood Festival
For those who enjoy spending their weekends outdoors, there are plenty of recreational entertainment options and activities within the city and the surrounding area. Some of the most popular include:
- Boston Whale Watching Cruises
- Franklin Park Zoo
- Exploring the Prestigious Harvard Square
Hospitals in Boston
Boston is world-renowned for the size and quality of its medical system. Many of the city’s hospital systems can help new residents maintain wellness after moving to Boston or a nearby suburb. Some of the top hospitals in Boston include:
- Beth Israel
- Boston Medical Center
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Children's Hospital Boston
- Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)
- New England Baptist Hospital
If you're looking for more than just a doctor's visit, these are just a few of the many ways Bostonians stay healthy:
- Holistic Herbalism Teas
- Yoga at one of the many centers spread across the city
- Juice Bars & Cleanses
Top 5 Reasons to Move to Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston is Known to Be Walkable
- Get the Best of All Four Seasons
- Beautiful Skyline
- Known as a top Foodie Destination
- Diverse Communities and Neighborhoods
European Style with American Values: A Final Word on Moving to Boston
Saving one of the best aspects of moving to Boston for last: the unique blend of European style with American values. Named after a city in England, it’s no surprise that much of Boston’s architecture resembles a European City in many ways. Many of the churches, libraries, and public buildings were built hundreds of years ago in European style.
Alongside the European style, the city comes with an abundance of American history. Whether by exploring museums, public monuments, or simply talking with locals, there’s plenty to learn about American history and Boston's important role in the American Revolution.
Sprinkle the history alongside superb restaurants and phenomenal sports fans, and you have a one-of-a-kind American city.
The Boston area is a hub for history, culture, and education. In addition, it offers an excellent quality of life with plenty to do that's close by or in the city itself. However, before you make your move into this beautiful place, it's essential to know what you're getting yourself into when finding housing in the Greater Boston Area.
With GenTeam Property Group’s help, we can find you your new home and all the resources for success, including schools and community groups! Want more information on how we can help? Contact us today.
