Is Boston a good place to live? 8 reasons to move to Boston

From world-class education and high quality of life to even higher salaries and excellent location, find out why Boston is a good place to live.

Ivandzhelin

4 minute read

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Updated on 13 Sep 2024

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Moving

What is Boston like? If you’re considering Boston as a new home, you’re probably asking yourself if Boston is a nice place to live in. With a high quality of life, world-renowned universities, and an excellent location, there are plenty of reasons to live in Boston.

Yet, before you start exploring homes for rent in Boston, it’s a good idea to learn more about your potential new home. This is why we are going to give you 8 realistic reasons to move to Boston.

You're probably asking yourself: "Is Boston safe?" Ranked 13th in America, Boston is one of the safest places to live. The city has lower-than-average property and violent crime rates, with mostly thefts and burglaries reported. Boston’s safety index of 59 is higher than New York and Los Angeles, so you can safely walk around the city without worrying too much. You can check out our guide to the safest neighborhoods in Boston to see which are the city's best and most secure areas.

With an average annual salary of $106,906 ($8,909 monthly), Boston's income is on par with New York and Los Angeles. On a state level, Boston has one of the highest salaries in Massachusetts and surpasses the state average of $76,600. Comparatively, the average household income stands at $133,207. This 10.15% year-over-year growth is a big reason for living in Boston as it indicates improved financial conditions and economic expansion.

While the average salaries are high, so is the cost of living in Boston. A single person's monthly living expenses amount to around $3,997. The figure changes depending on what type of accommodation you’re renting and in which of the Boston neighborhoods for young adults you’re living in.

Families in Boston can expect to spend around $6,392 on monthly expesenses, as they need to consider larger apartments, higher food costs, preschools, etc. If you plan on moving with your family, check out our guide to the best neighborhoods in Boston for families, where we break down the 8 best areas in and outside the city.

Boston offers a vibrant and diverse array of activities, ensuring you'll never be bored in this lively city. From neighborhood pumpkin carving competitions to visiting the 17 historical sites along the Freedom Trail, the constant entertainment is a great reason for living in Boston. The city's cultural richness is further evident in its Opera House, where you can enjoy performances by the prestigious Boston Ballet and Broadway musicals.

Sports enthusiasts thrive in Boston, the home of the Celtics, Bruins, and the Red Sox. Beyond professional sports, Boston's strong university presence brings college sports to the forefront, with 4 Division I schools: Harvard University, Northeastern University, Boston College, and Boston University.

Nobody does it like Boston when it comes to greenery and the outdoors. With over 930 parks, including the historic Boston Common and the Arnold Arboretum, you can frolic in nature to your heart’s content. In winter, you get to enjoy ice skating at the Frog Pond and sunbathing on Carson Beach in summer.

In terms of dining and nightlife in Boston you can expect culinary delights and a relaxed atmosphere. No matter your food craving, you can find a place to satisfy it: from Italian at Prima to BBQ at Grill 23 & Bar. Boston’s nightlife embraces pub culture and chill nights spent with your friends over beers. While the city may not have a dynamic party culture, its diverse and welcoming social spots ensure an enjoyable evening for all.

Boston's public transport network offers extensive city coverage via 153 subway stations and 152 bus routes. Even those in the Boston suburbs benefit from public transport with the Commuter Rail, which is a quick 40–50 minute ride to Downtown.

Public transportation is an important reason to move to Boston as it's not only affordable but also convenient considering the city’s traffic and parking challenges.

No matter what vibe you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find an area in Boston that fits your style. You can try out more upscale and central options like West End and Back Bay or the more residential West Roxbury or Roslindale. The Greater Boston area also has lovely suburbs, like Brookline and Newtown, which are ideal for raising a family.

What’s great is that most neighborhoods have greenery and entertainment options, so you don’t have to leave your area to find something to do. If you decide to do so, you can often just walk to your destination. Boston is one of the most walkable cities in the US, so you’ll be able to get your steps in without a problem.

Home to world-renowned universities like Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston is one of the best student cities in the world. The top education offered at Boston's universities is a reason for students from around the world to move to Boston. Students are drawn by Boston’s tranquil atmosphere, abundant entertainment options, and proximity to multinational companies.

For families considering a move to Boston, the city's schools consistently rank among the best in the US.

Boston's prime location allows easy access to neighboring cities and attractions. Just a 4-hour drive or train ride from New York and Philadelphia, the city serves as a convenient hub for quick getaways. You can also easily go to Vermont for skiing, Cape Cod for paddle boarding or see the gingerbread cottages in Martha’s Vineyard.

The only drawback is that Boston has only 1 airport, Logan International, which might make flying to and from the city more expensive. Yet, Boston’s proximity to other cities allows for exploring more affordable flight options. And you can even hop on a train to return home so you don’t have to pay for airport parking.

Living in Boston is like living in a postcard. In the fall, the city is adorned with stunning foliage as the leaves change colors, creating a picturesque and vibrant landscape. Summers are characterized by hot and humid weather, with temperatures often reaching the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. Springs bring a refreshing burst of greenery as flowers bloom and trees regain their leaves. However, Boston's winters are notoriously cold, with heavy snowfall creating a winter wonderland and challenging conditions.

Yes, Boston is a lovely place to live. You get to live in a city with a small-town charm but the opportunities of a metropolis. While it has its drawbacks, like higher living expenses and bad traffic, the pros of Boston make living in the city worthwhile. You’re next to some of the best educational institutions in the world and can get anywhere on the East Coast in just a few hours. Wherever you end up finding a home for rent in Boston, you won’t go wrong, and you’ll be able to enjoy a high quality of life.