Thinking about moving to Boston?
Jump to any of the following sections to learn more about what to expect living in Boston.
- Boston At-a-glance
- What it’s like to live in Boston
- Economy and job outlook in Boston
- Real estate in Boston
- The top neighborhoods in Boston
- How to get around in Boston
- School and education snapshot
- Weather and climate in Boston
- 10 can’t miss things to do in Boston
Boston At-A-Glance
It’s one of America’s premier cities. And although new residents are attracted to Boston’s high-tech economy, rich culture, world-class education, and classic urbanism, Boston has lost 110,000 residents since the pandemic began. Some of the population loss has been made up by new people moving here, high housing costs are listed as a consistent hesitation for residents.
Regardless, Apartment List says local Bostonians are proud. “Plan to go big or go home when it comes to Boston pride. Bostonians love their city, their heritage and are ready to stand up for their pride. Whether you’re running the Boston Marathon or cheering for the Red Sox, be prepared to show your pride.”
Another source of pride? The nickname Beantown. It refers to Boston’s popular regional dish of baked beans. According to early accounts, settlers loved to slow-cook the beans in molasses which inspired the name. If you aren’t a fan of baked beans, use the nickname as proof of your pride living in Beantown.
Boston is More Than Just a Year-Round Sports Town
When you think of Boston, does a harsh accent come to mind? Or perhaps Dunkin’ Donuts or Fenway Park? Good news! According to Zumper, “One of the oldest cities in the U.S., Boston is also filled with gorgeous brownstones, can’t miss restaurants and bars, and more museums and history packed into its cobblestone streets than you can imagine.”
Boston residents DO love their sports and consider themselves some of the most loyal fans in the country, so you’ll at least need to familiarize yourself with the five professional sports teams, including the Boston Bruins, Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Boston Braves, and the New England Patriots. Even if you don’t consider sports as a way of life, keeping track of the home teams is a way to indebt yourself to the community (and a great way to meet people!).
Boston is home to 695,926 people who call the capital and most populous city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts their home. With so many vibes to choose from and things to experience, it’s no wonder Boston is an attractive place for not only students, millennials, and families, but it’s a great option for retirees as well.
The Boston Economy: Thriving and Consistent
Boston is the economic epicenter of New England, which means residents have access to a thriving economy and consistent job growth. Thanks to the unmatched higher education institutions, top talent emerges from Boston making it an attractive place for corporations and startups to put down roots.
Industries that dominate the Boston economy include technology, finance, life sciences, retail, and healthcare. While Boston is a great place to start a tech company, other big name corporations situated in Boston are General Electric, Fidelity Investments, Massachusetts General Hospital, etc.
Unemployment rate: 3.4% (as of March 2023)
Average weekly wages for all industries: $1,258 (as of May 2023)
Living in Boston Sure Ain’t Cheap
Because Boston is such a desirable place to live, unfortunately, living here isn’t cheap. The cost of living in Boston is a whopping 50 percent higher than the national average. It’s ranked as the 26th most expensive cities in the United States, and top 1 percent worldwide. The only places more expensive? San Francisco and New York City.
You’ll pay a pretty penny for real estate in Boston since the demand is so much greater than the housing supply. Median home prices in Boston currently hover around $771,000 which is 300 percent higher than the national average. Yes way. Expect to make at least $120,000 as an average salary high enough to afford housing in Boston.
Renters don’t have it any better. As of May 2023, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,700, which is 8 percent higher than the previous year.