Boston MA skyline

Moving to Boston, MA

Jump to any of the following sections to learn more about what to expect living in Boston, MA.

Boston At-A-Glance

If you’re looking to make Boston your new home, you’re 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. 

It’s 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.

It also comes with a great nickname (not Beantown, that one is out). Locals call Boston “the Hub,” 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.

Boston History and Culture Meet Innovation

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’s House, the Bunker Hill Monument, the USS Constitution and more. 

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’s place in the Revolutionary War, the Innovation Trail is the city’s 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.

Those happiest when they are surrounded by the arts will have access to over a dozen theaters in the city’s Theater District, where you’ll 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—the building itself is a piece of architectural art.

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Job Seekers Have a Mix of Industries to Choose From in Boston

Depending on where you come from, you may have heard that “America runs on Dunkin,” but Massachusetts takes that to heart. (Don’t 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’s biggest employers, although General Electric leads the way. Other major players include Chase, Raytheon, Randstad and Gillette.

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’s 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.

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

Boston Living Comes at a High Cost

Out of the 25 most expensive places to live in the U.S., good ol’ Beantown fell right in the middle at number 12. There’s 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 than the national average, with housing playing a major factor in that gap.

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 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.

Depending on how far you’re 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. 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. 

You’re 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.

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Boston is a Historic Town with Spunky Neighborhoods

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:

SOMERVILLE

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’s great for artists and musicians, too, with residents even donating their front yards for use during the annual Porchfest. 

JAMAICA PLAIN

This neighborhood—known as JP to locals—gives off a vibrant, bohemian vibe that appeals to families, young professionals and students. You’ll enjoy festivals, farmers’ markets, great ice cream, breweries and street art. Oh, and plenty of greenery!

BACK BAY

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—but those who can afford it will have plenty to do and see. 

BROOKLINE

Named one of the best places for families in the U.S., Brookline technically rests just outside Boston’s borders with easy access inbound on the T. Between walkability, greenery and world-class restaurants and shopping centers, it has a lot to offer.

NORTH END

If you like Italian, you’ll love the North End. Although it’s 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.

Other neighborhoods to include in your Boston home search:

  • South Boston
  • Charlestown
  • Brighton
  • Quincy
  • Allston

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Avoid the Traffic in Boston – Ride the T or Take a Walk

Boston is notorious for its bad traffic, with drivers willing to brave it losing 134 hours of their lives stuck in their car each year. And it’s not just compared to other U.S. cities that Boston fails in the rankings—it’s among the worst in the world, coming in only behind London, Paris and Chicago. 

Once you find somewhere to park, you’ll then have to contend with the city’s steep parking costs. Yikes!

Thankfully, those living in Boston have access to one of the top public transportation systems 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. 

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.

If you love a little exercise with your morning commute, Boston is considered a walkable city (weather permitting), and the city’s Bluebike bike share program is constantly expanding into surrounding cities.

Boston is One of the Most Educated Cities in the Country

Where Boston fails at traffic, it soars—no, scores—in education.

If you’re moving to Boston with your young family, or if you’re hoping to start a family, you’re in luck. Massachusetts is considered the most educated state in the country, with the Boston metro area scoring high and taking sixth most educated city.

Its high volume of educated residents translates to the area’s schools, with the Boston school system ranking fifth in the nation 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.

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.

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Boston is a Four-Season City with a Snowy Reputation

Although it has its share of humidity and rain, summertime in Boston means enjoying strolls along the Charles, through Boston Common or the Boston Public Gardens and maybe even a trip to a nearby beach. 

Winters, though, make you earn that sunshine. The cold months in Boston are harsh with plenty of winds and snow. The city averages nearly 50 inches of the white stuff annually. And if you plan to park on the street? Know that Boston folks take their parking spots seriously during a big snowstorm and for good reason. Don’t steal a spot that someone cleared out!

Summer temperatures in Boston average around 84 degrees Fahrenheit, sometimes creeping up into the 90s, with July being the hottest month. January is the coldest, with an average low of 22 degrees, although the city sees its share of single digits.

10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Boston

Boston is full of history, great food, theater and more. It also happens to be home to some of the most passionate sports fans in the country. Lovers of history, art, baseball, food and festivals will find plenty to do when living in Boston. Here’s a list of 10 must-dos in Boston: 

  1. Catch a Red Sox game at the historical Fenway Park, the oldest active ballpark in the MLB.
  2. Visit iconic stops along the Freedom Trail, including the Paul Revere House, Boston Monument, Old North Church and the Old South Meeting House.
  3. Grab a bite and do some shopping at Faneuil Hall Marketplace—four buildings with over 100 spots to check out and keep you busy.
  4. Take the commuter rail up to Salem for Haunted Happenings, boutique shopping and maritime history.
  5. Get a membership or just a day pass to the beautiful Boston Athenaeum, one of the oldest independent libraries in the country.
  6. Stroll over 100 galleries at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, or learn through interactive exhibitions at the Museum of Science.
  7. Explore Underground at Ink Park, an underpass that once separated South Boston communities that has been transformed with bike trails, world-class street art, a dog park and more.
  8. Enjoy a pizza in the North End, a neighborhood known for its heavy Italian influences.
  9. See Broadway performances, opera and dance in Boston’s theater district. 
  10. Tour the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, fashioned after the Palazzo Barbaro of Venice, for your fill of famous Italian artists, gorgeous furniture, sculptures and rare books.

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Categories City Guide Moving