Boston, MA, known as 'The Cradle of Liberty,' offers a rich historical and cultural experience that is both unique and appealing. Located in the northeastern United States, Boston is a large city with a significant role in American history. Major nearby cities like Cambridge and Quincy enhance its status as a central hub in the New England region. Boston's blend of historical significance and modern amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Boston is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Freedom Trail, the Boston Common, and Fenway Park. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the historic North End, known for its Italian cuisine, to the Museum of Fine Arts, which features an extensive collection of art from around the world. Boston's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from gourmet seafood restaurants to casual pubs.
Annual events such as the Boston Marathon and the Head of the Charles Regatta highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Boston's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Boston is vibrant and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Boston Symphony Orchestra and the American Repertory Theater are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Boston provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and theater, making it an exciting place to call home.
Boston’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Red Sox (MLB) and the Celtics (NBA), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Boston include education, healthcare, and finance, with significant employers such as Boston Medical Center and Fidelity Investments driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including the MBTA subway system, buses, and commuter rail services, making it easy to navigate the city.
Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Located in the state of Massachusetts, Boston is a large city with a population of 689,326 people. With a population density of 14,260 people per square mile, Boston is well above the nation's average density level. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Boston residents is 32. In Boston, only 35% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. An important consideration when living in Boston is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 31 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Boston could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Massachusetts if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Boston and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, health & safety, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Massachusetts and national averages.
Using data and statistics Boston has received a livability score of 77/100. This score is ranked in the 92nd percentile when compared to all other cities. Clearly, Boston is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Boston also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Boston has higher than average grades for the following: employment (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Boston. The following was graded with a disappointing score: crime (D) and cost of living (F).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Boston, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Boston undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, and Boston Duck Tours.
Assuming that Boston meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Boston. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Boston are simply unattainable. The median home price for Boston homes is $581,200, which is 70.4% higher than the Massachusetts average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Boston, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 7.6, which is 58.3% higher than the Massachusetts average.
| Statistic | Boston | Massachusetts | National |
| Average one way commute | 31min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 37.5% | 71.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.7% | 7.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 30.7% | 9.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.2% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 14.6% | 4.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.3% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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