Is Boston a Good Place to Live? 10 Things to Consider

Living in Boston means different things depending on who you ask. Some people move here for work or school and end up staying for the neighborhoods, while others are drawn to the city’s history, restaurants, and sports culture. 

If you’re browsing homes in Boston and considering a move to the city , here’s a closer look at what life looks like for Boston residents.

Is Boston a good place to live?

From healthcare and public transit to historic neighborhoods and green spaces, Boston packs a lot into a relatively small city. 

The team at Boston Corporate Housing puts it this way: “With world-class hospitals, a rich history, and an excellent public transportation system connecting vibrant neighborhoods, there’s always something new to explore. If convenient access to healthcare is important, the West End offers easy access to Massachusetts General Hospital, the Charles River Esplanade, downtown Boston, and a quick ride to Assembly Row for shopping and dining, while Fenway/Longwood is just steps from the renowned Longwood Medical Area and iconic attractions like Fenway Park. If you’re staying in Boston for a few weeks to a few months, consider a furnished apartment, such as Boston Corporate Housing, to experience the city comfortably while enjoying more space, flexibility, and value than a traditional hotel.”

10 things to know about living in Boston

Boston has a reputation for its history and education, but living here is about much more than the landmarks and college campuses.

1. Rich history and culture

Boston boasts a wealth of historical landmarks and sites, such as the Freedom Trail, Old North Church, and Fenway Park. The city played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and continues to celebrate its past through various events like reenactments and festivals. Its vibrant arts scene is also a major draw, with institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts and the New England Conservatory ensuring a rich cultural experience.

“As an interior designer, I’ve had the privilege of working in homes throughout Greater Boston, and one of the things I love most is that every neighborhood has its own distinct architectural character and story,” Dee Elms with Elms Interior Design explains. “Whether we’re restoring the details of a historic Beacon Hill townhouse, reimagining a Back Bay brownstone, or designing a contemporary waterfront home, there is a deep appreciation here for craftsmanship, history, and thoughtful design. Boston is a city that embraces its past while continuing to evolve, making it an inspiring place to live and create.”

2. World-class education

Boston is home to many universities and colleges, including Harvard, MIT, Tufts, and Boston University. This concentration of higher education offers opportunities for graduates and fosters a natural environment for innovation and research.

3. Lively sports scene

Boston is arguably best known for its sports culture. The city is full of sports enthusiasts, with a passionate fan base that rallies behind their professional teams. The city is home to the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and the New England Patriots (located nearby in Foxborough). You can attend games or watch them at local sports bars like Olde Magoun’s Saloon, Parlor Sports, and Banners Kitchen & Tap.

4. Access to nature and outdoor activities

Boston is a great city for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Despite the traditional city layout, there are plenty of green spaces, such as the Boston Common and the Charles River Esplanade. It’s also a short drive away from beautiful outdoor attractions, like the beaches of Cape Cod, the mountains of New Hampshire, and the coastline of Maine. 

5. Walkability and public transportation

Boston’s compact layout, combined with its extensive public transportation system (the MBTA, or “T” as it is commonly known), makes getting around the city easy and convenient. The city’s walkability, with a walk score of 98, not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also allows residents to explore its neighborhoods.

6. Cost of living 

Boston has a high cost of living, which is 48% higher than the US average overall. Housing, in particular, can be quite expensive, with rent and property prices consistently ranking among the highest in the nation. The median sale price for a home is $871,250, which is 121% higher than the national average. 

If you’re considering a move to Boston, understanding costs upfront can help you prepare. MoveAdvisor has been helping people to relocate to and within Boston for years. Based on thousands of local Boston moves, they estimate that in-city moves range from $540 for a studio move to $3,150 for a 4-bedroom home move. Whilst a 1,000-mile interstate move ranges from $2,700-$5,800 for a 1-bedroom home move, to $4,900-$8,100 for a 4-bedroom home move. 

“To keep your relocation costs to a minimum, declutter before you start getting quotes, move between September and May for the most competitive prices, pack low-value, unbreakable items yourself, and compare at least 3-4 quotes from reliable movers,” MoveAdvisor recommends. “Anybody moving should ensure their items are properly insured during the relocation. Being underinsured is the number-one home-moving mistake, so always take out full-value protection.”

7. Traffic and limited parking

Boston, along with other major cities, has traffic congestion and limited parking availability, especially in popular neighborhoods and downtown. The city’s narrow, winding streets, which date back to colonial times, can make driving challenging and more complicated than usual.

8. Winters are cold

Boston winters can be cold, with frequent snowfall and freezing temperatures in January and February. Snowstorms and icy conditions can disrupt public transportation, traffic, and day-to-day life. Strong winter storms are less likely but still possible, which can lead to blackouts and tricky travel conditions.

9. Unique city feel

The mix of modern and historic homes creates a unique living situation, depending on where you settle in the city.  “Boston stands out as a truly unique city in the United States. Not only is it an old city, but many of its parts are older than the country itself. In real estate, it’s not uncommon to find homes that date back to the 1700s,” Fred Light with Nashua Video Tours shares. “In fact, a 120-year-old house in Boston isn’t even considered “old.” Entire neighborhoods are filled with homes from this era. The city’s brick sidewalks and distinctive architecture evoke a European feel, unlike almost any other city in the US. Winding streets originated as footpaths, curving around obstacles. The typical “grid” of modern cities is confined to a small part of Back Bay, which was transformed in the 1850s, making it a relatively newer neighborhood. In contrast, grocery stores, bakeries, and shops are located on the ground level of residential blocks, making errands a part of a walk around the block rather than a drive across town.”

10. It’s a land of opportunity

Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a change, Boston gives you a lot of room to grow. “I love Boston because it’s totally what you make of it,” Sam Handy with Bunker Hill Media explains. “It can feel like a small, historical town or a major modern city depending on where you go. I love the mix of history and progress that you can find here. We have incredible parks, fantastic food, and top-notch entertainment. We’re on the coast, but also just a quick drive to the mountains of northern New England. Boston is the perfect place for someone who wants to live in a city but also values easy access to the outdoors. It’s also a great place to start a business – the entrepreneurial spirit seems shared by everyone in this city, and I have so enjoyed interacting with new clients and other founders.”