If you’re considering moving to Boston, MA you’ll want to have all the information you need to ensure you’ll feel at home in your new city. Home to Paul Revere and the Sons of Liberty, it’s no surprise that Boston has played a major role in our country’s foundation. Today, Boston continues to celebrate its heritage and culture, and locals take pride in their unique city. Get ready to take on Boston with our moving guide and you’ll soon be living life as a local. Here are some things you should consider if you are planning on moving to Boston:
- Cost of living
- Utilities
- Weather
- Neighborhoods
- Entertainment
- Transportation
Cost of living in Boston
Here are some facts and figures about the average cost of living in Beantown to keep in mind before moving to Boston.
- Rent: the average cost to rent a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,720 and $3,500 for a 2-bedroom. Boston consistently ranks in the top 5 priciest cities in the U.S., so be prepared to spend on rent.
- Transportation: monthly transit passes will run you about $85. We’ll go into more detail on transportation options later.
- Food costs: As of 2020, Bostonians spent 11.2% of their household budgets on food, still lower than the national average. Of this food budget, 61.1% was spent on meals at home and just 38.1% on dining out.
- Taxes: sales tax in Boston is 6.25%.
Cost of utilities in Boston
- Utilities: the average cost of utilities for a 915-square-foot apartment is around $190.
- National Grid: Gas
- Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities: Electricity
- City of Boston: Trash and recycling
- Boston Water and Sewer Commission: Sewage and Water
- Internet: internet services range from $50-$100. Below are the largest providers in the Boston area.
Weather in Boston
Before moving to Boston you’ll want to consider the weather. Boston weather is not for the faint of heart. Winters can be bitterly cold, with average temperatures reaching the 20s. The wind chill off the Boston Harbor causes temperatures to “feel like” they’re even lower, sometimes by 10 degrees or more. Boston averages around 50 inches of snowfall per year, so invest in a good down jacket and snow boots and you’ll be just fine.
Summers are humid and warm, but perfect for getting out on the water or picnicking at one the Boston’s many green spaces. Fall is a beautiful time of year, with foliage popping up around late September. Spring is usually a combination of lingering winter temperatures and melting snow, but it gives way to warm, summer heat fairly quickly.
Boston neighborhoods
When moving to Boston, deciding which area of the city to plant your roots is of most importance. Boston has many great neighborhoods with unique vibes and options for entertainment. Of course, living in certain neighborhoods can alter your cost of living, so here are a few popular Boston neighborhoods residents like to call home.
- Allston-Brighton: Most students find their way to this neighborhood at least once in their college career. Nestled along the Charles River and conveniently close to the Green Line, the Allston-Brighton area is filled with college bars, tasty grub, and live music venues.
- Back Bay: This neighborhood is in the heart of some of Boston’s best shopping and dining. Along Newbury Street is where you’ll find restaurants where Tom Brady dines, high-end fashion boutiques, and specialty dessert shops locals go crazy over. It’s also within walking distance to the Prudential Center, or the Pru, another destination for shopping and fine dining.
- Beacon Hill: This upscale neighborhood is known for its picturesque cobblestone streets, proximity to the Boston Commons, and the nearby Public Garden. Rents here will cost you, but your hood will be home to the Massachusetts State House, posh shops and eateries along Charles Street, and the famous Acorn Street.
- North End: One of the oldest Italian neighborhoods in the country, the North End is your go-to spot for cannolis, Italian coffee shops, and, without a doubt, the best pasta in the city. Locals here get to walk past Paul Revere’s house on a daily basis, and stop in at the Old North Church where Revere’s revolutionary ride began.
What to do in Boston
You won’t be short on entertainment when you make the move to Boston. From amazing restaurants, to sports teams and nightlife, Boston has it all. Here are a few things we recommend checking out when moving to Boston:
Eat
If you’re a seafood lover, you’re in luck. Boston is known for its lobster (lob-stah) and fresh oysters. Located in the Seaport District, The Barking Crab is casual spot loved by locals for excellent seafood with access to views of the harbor. Found in the South End, Toro is a favorite for Spanish tapas paired with an extensive wine list and classic cocktails. If you’re looking to brunch, consider dining at Stillwater where you’ll experience “comfort food with a twist”, with favorites including the hot honey chicken and biscuits.
Drink
Boston is home to many bars, perfect for enjoying an after work cocktail hour or night out with new friends. Named one of the best bars in Boston, Brick & Mortar is a speakeasy style bar with mixologists at the ready to serve creative cocktails in a sleek setting. Blossom Bar at Sichuan Garden excels in tropical style cocktails including Duan’s Whip which features pineapple dole whip in its list of ingredients. Drink and play at A4cade, where you can play nostalgic arcade games while you drink and socialize with other patrons.
Play
Catch a Red Sox game at the oldest ballpark in America, Fenway Park; don’t forget to take a look at left field and catch a glimpse of the iconic Green Monster. Boston is also home to the Boston Celtics basketball team and the Boston Bruins hockey team, both calling TD Garden their home arena. If the music scene is more your vibe, consider attending a show at The House of Blues. Don’t miss out on all the free events in the city throughout the year. Boston is a college city after all, and there are always admission-free events on campuses and surrounding areas.
Explore
Boston is city rich with history and options to explore and learn about the past. This city is chock-full of interesting facts you might not know. For example, the Emerald Necklace, a park system of 9 green spaces linked together, was actually designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect behind Central Park’s design. Plus, you can cross the Charles River and take a walk through the world-renowned MIT and Harvard campuses. Be sure to check out the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, both in the Fenway/Kenmore area, and the Boston Common, a 50-acre park where British troops set up encampments during the American Revolution. Spend a day walking the Freedom Trail. This 2.5-mile trail will take you on a journey through the city, with stops along the way at historical places of interest.
Getting around in Boston
Transportation is an important consideration for any potential resident moving to Boston. The MBTA, or the “T” as locals call it, is a collection of underground and surface level trains that operate throughout the Boston metro area. The “T” is both loved and hated by residents, as many complain about it being slow and breaking down often. Driving (and parking) in Boston, though occasionally convenient, can turn out to be more of a headache than the T, which is really saying something.
How to get to Boston
Moving to Boston from out of state? Catch a flight into Boston Logan International Airport. If you’re feeling adventurous, hop on the MBTA’s free Silver Line, a bus that will take you from the airport terminal to South Station in downtown Boston. From there, you can take the Red Line and transfer to another train line or grab a cab.
Relocating to Boston from Los Angeles
If you’re coming from Los Angeles, you might notice that Boston is significantly smaller than the LA area. You’ll also notice that you won’t be taking freeways to get around the city, and brick roads and fall foliage are charming Boston staples. Hop on a flight from LAX and get yourself to Boston Logan Airport in about 6 hours; from there, Beantown is your oyster.
Relocating to Boston from Seattle
From the Pacific Northwest, Boston is a coast-to-coast flight away. Fly out from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and into Boston Logan. Boston doesn’t rain nearly as much as Seattle, but it does snow a bit more so be prepared!
Relocating to Boston from Chicago
Catch a flight from either of Chicago’s airports into Boston Logan and you’ll be in your new town in just an hour and a half. Chicago and Boston are similar in the sense that both are full of history and have some proud, tight-knit communities.
Think you’re ready to become a Bostonian? You’ll be in good company since thousands of people move to Boston annually for work, school, or simply a change a pace. Moving to Boston means enjoying the beaches of Cape Cod, exploring the parks and historical sites scattered throughout the city, and having the option of ordering fresh, locally-caught seafood at almost every restaurant. Start your search and find the perfect apartment in Boston; you’re on your way to becoming a local!
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