Massachussetts Boston
Moving to Boston
Boston, one of the oldest cities in the U.S., has a population of nearly 700,000 people and draws millions of visitors each year with its rich history and iconic landmarks. Known as the "Cradle of Liberty," Boston played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and is home to famous sites like the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall, and Paul Revere’s House. The city hosts the world’s oldest annual marathon, the Boston Marathon, and is known for institutions like Fenway Park, Harvard University, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Boston has also been a hub for innovation, being the site of the first public park (Boston Common), the first public school, and the first subway system in the U.S. The city consistently ranks highly for its quality of life, healthcare, and education.
Boston by the numbers
City population
Cost of living vs. national average
Median home price
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Boston: Top Attractions and Things to Do
Local Experiences
Local Experiences
Boston, Massachusetts, offers a vibrant array of local entertainment and cultural experiences that cater to diverse interests. Here are some highlights:
Cultural Experiences:
Museums and Galleries:
Museum of Fine Arts is one of the world's great art museums, featuring masterpieces from around the globe.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is known for its Venetian-style palace and tranquil courtyard garden.
Institute of Contemporary Art is the oldest non-collecting contemporary arts institution in the U.S.
Harvard Art Museums offers free admission and a diverse collection of art.
Historical Sites and Neighborhoods:
Freedom Trail is a historic walking trail that passes by key landmarks.
North End is Boston's Little Italy, famous for its Italian cuisine and culture.
Chinatown offers historical attractions and traditional Chinese cuisine.
Entertainment:
Performing Arts:
Boston Symphony Orchestra is known for its classical performances at Symphony Hall.
Boston Pops offers lighter, contemporary music during the spring and summer.
Boston Ballet is renowned for its classical and contemporary ballets.
Theater Companies:
Huntington Theatre Company
American Repertory Theatre
Festivals and Events:
Boston Calling is a three-day music festival in Allston.
Boston Puerto Rican Festival celebrates Puerto Rican culture with music and dance.
First Night is a New Year's Eve celebration with music and performances.
Outdoor Activities:
Esplanade Concerts features summer concerts along the Charles River.
Boston Harbor Cruises offers scenic views of the city from the water.
Multicultural Events:
Film Festivals include the Boston International Film Festival, Boston Latino Film Festival, and Boston Jewish Film Festival.
Cultural Neighborhoods:
Explore diverse cultures through food and events in neighborhoods like Chinatown and the North End.
Sports and Recreation
Sport and Recreation
Boston offers a variety of sports and recreation options for active residents, from fitness centers and gyms to outdoor parks and specialized leagues. Whether you're looking for organized sports, fitness classes, or open recreational spaces, there's something for everyone.
Adventures
Adventures
For those seeking offbeat adventures or experiences unique to Boston, there are several hidden gems and quirky activities that locals love.
Boda Borg in Malden:
This adventure center offers interactive quests that challenge your problem-solving skills and teamwork. It's a one-of-a-kind experience in the U.S., perfect for groups looking for something different from traditional sightseeing.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum:
This Venetian-style palace houses an eclectic art collection and features tranquil gardens. It's a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its intimate atmosphere and stunning design.
Tea-Do (Boston Chinatown):
Tea-Do is a beloved spot in Chinatown offering an extensive menu of bubble tea flavors. It's a great stop for refreshing drinks while exploring one of Boston's most vibrant neighborhoods.
Fenway Park:
Home to the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is an iconic destination for baseball fans. Even if you're not attending a game, tours of this historic ballpark provide fascinating insights into its legacy.
Roadside America Recommendations (e.g., Potato Monument):
Roadside America highlights quirky attractions like the Boston Potato Monument. These offbeat stops add humor and charm to your exploration of the city.
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events
Boston, Massachusetts, offers a vibrant array of seasonal events that cater to both tourists and residents. Here's a breakdown of some of the most exciting events across different seasons:
Spring:
Boston Marathon: One of the world's most prestigious races, held annually in April. It's a celebration of endurance and determination.
Patriots' Day Celebrations: Historical reenactments and parades commemorate Boston's role in the American Revolution.
Cherry Blossoms at the Esplanade: Enjoy the beautiful blossoms along the Esplanade for a peaceful springtime stroll.
Harvard Square Mayfair: Celebrate spring with music, dancing, food, crafts, and street art in Harvard Square.
Boston Calling Music Festival: A three-day music festival featuring top artists, held over Memorial Day Weekends.
Summer:
Boston Harborfest: Celebrates Boston's maritime history with fireworks, live performances, and educational tours.
Free Outdoor Concerts at Hatch Shell: Enjoy live music under the stars along the Charles River.
Boston Dragon Boat Festival: Celebrate the sport and culture of dragon boating with races and a vibrant festival.
Boston Pride for the People: Includes a parade and festival celebrating diversity and inclusivity.
Fall:
Head of the Charles Regatta: The world's largest two-day rowing event, held in October.
Boston Book Festival: A celebration of literature with book signings and author panels.
Oktoberfest in Harvard Square: Enjoy food, music, and beer in a lively atmosphere.
Winter:
Ice Skating at Frog Pond: A classic winter activity in Boston Common.
SoWa Winter Festival: Offers unique holiday shopping and festive atmosphere.
Holiday Pops Concert: A festive performance by the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
First Night Boston: A New Year's Eve celebration with fireworks and live entertainment.
Community Resources
Boston, Massachusetts, is home to numerous renowned hospitals and medical facilities. Here are some of the top institutions:
Major Hospitals:
Massachusetts General Hospital is nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties, recognized as a top hospital by U.S. News & World Report.
Brigham and Women's Hospital nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties, offering comprehensive care and cutting-edge research.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is nationally ranked in 9 adult specialties, part of the Beth Israel Lahey Health system.
Boston Medical Center is known for its focus on health equity and innovative treatments, including robotic-assisted surgery.
Specialty Centers:
Boston Children's Hospital is a leading pediatric hospital, consistently ranked among the best in the U.S.
St. Elizabeth's Medical Center offers a wide range of specialties, recently integrated into the BMC Health System.
Community Hospitals:
Newton-Wellesley Hospital provides care across multiple locations west of Boston.
Mount Auburn Hospital is high-performing in several procedures and conditions, located in Cambridge.
Here's an overview of K-12 schools, high schools, and colleges in Boston, Massachusetts:
K-12 Schools:
Boston Public Schools (BPS) is a large district with 113 schools, including preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. Some notable K-12 schools include:
Blackstone Elementary School offers grades K0-6.
Boston Teachers Union K-8 School offers grades K1-8.
Bradley, Manassah E. Elementary offers grades K0-6.
High Schools:
Boston Arts Academy is a pilot school offering grades 9-12.
Boston Latin Academy is an exam school offering grades 7-12.
Boston Latin School is an exam school offering grades 7-12.
East Boston High School offers grades 9-12 and is known for its AP courses.
Fenway High School offers grades 9-12 and also provides AP courses.
Colleges:
Boston is renowned for its higher education institutions, with over 60 colleges and universities in the metropolitan area. Here are some of the most notable ones:
Boston University is a private research university with a strong reputation in various fields, including music and law.
Harvard University is located in Cambridge and is one of the world's most prestigious institutions.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), also located in Cambridge, is a leading research university.
Northeastern University is known for its co-op programs and research opportunities.
University of Massachusetts Boston is a public research university offering a wide range of programs.
Boston, Massachusetts offers a range of utilities, government agencies, and public services to its residents. Here's an overview:
Utilities:
Eversource East is the primary electricity provider in Boston. Residents can also explore competitive electricity rates through the deregulated energy market or Boston Community Choice Electricity (BCCE), which offers renewable energy options at competitive rates.
National Grid provides natural gas services.
Water services are managed by the Boston Water and Sewer Commission, with oversight by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities for certain privately-owned water companies.
Government Agencies:
Boston hosts numerous state and federal government offices:
State Agencies include the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, Executive Office of Health & Human Services, Massachusetts Department of Transportation, and Massachusetts Port Authority, among others.
- Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development
- Executive Office of Health & Human Services
- Massachusetts Department of Transportation
- Massachusetts Port Authority
Federal Agencies offices such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Social Security Administration operate in Boston.
Public Services:
The Boston Public Works Department maintains roads, bridges, streetlights, waste disposal, and recycling services. It also addresses climate resilience through flood protection measures.
Boston 311 is a centralized service for reporting issues like potholes, streetlight outages, graffiti removal, and more.
Transportation is managed by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), offering public transit across the city.
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This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.