Why Should You Move to Boston?

Boston combines small-town charm with big-city opportunities, all within its 48.4 square miles. If you’re looking for a walkable city with history, world-class universities, and sports, Boston is your place.

However, it comes with a familiar catch: as Boston’s appeal grows, so does the cost of living which is 50% above the national average. Plus, the housing market is fiercely competitive, with not enough homes to satisfy the growing number of buyers.

Job Market in Boston

In Boston, landing a well-paying job isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity. According to a report from SmartAsset, keeping up with the high cost of living means earning $60.08 per hour, or $124,966 a year. And if you’re raising a family here, be prepared: it’s one of just six cities where you’ll need over $300,000 a year to give your kids a comfortable upbringing.

Most people in Boston work in education and health services, with Massachusetts General Hospital the city’s largest employer of over 14,000 people. Other major industries include Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, Finance, Insurance, and Government.

In 2024, according to Built by Boston, some of the top companies to work for in Boston are:

Nuance – located in Burlington, MA, they are a pioneer and leader in conversational artificial intelligence (AI). They have 800 employees.
Alteryx – located in Boston, they’re a leader in Analytic Process Automation (APA).
Pluralsight – also located in Boston, they are a fast-growing SaaS company for businesses and learners.

Boston vs. New York City

Boston and New York City are two leading East Coast cities and often get compared because they are both historically significant cultural centers with economic clout.

However, the similarities end there. The crux of many Boston vs. New York debates boils down to one major difference: Boston is home to 675,000 residents, while New York City is home to 8.5 million.

Beyond population and size, Boston and New York City have different urban cultures. Boston has a more livable environment and compact layout, conducive to raising families. In contrast, New York City is densely populated and can be challenging to navigate.

On a quality of life index, Boston scored 175.95, considered very high, while New York only scored a moderate 138.9.

History

Boston’s story begins in 1630 when English Puritans fleeing religious persecution founded the city on the shores of Massachusetts.

Harvard College and Boston Latin School were later formed to teach the values of the Puritan clergy in the New World. The famous Boston Tea Party of 1773, where American patriots (some disguised as Native Americans) dumped British tea into the harbor to protest British rule, stands as a defining event in American history.

In the centuries since, Boston has reinvented itself from a revolutionary point to be a global academic center, a leading biotech center, and a history buffs paradise.

Food

Tulum Mexican Cuisine (3 Washington Street, Somerville): Boston’s hottest new spot is a tropical getaway to Tulum without the airfare. Sip on spicy margaritas surrounded by lush greenery and forget for the night that you’re still in Massachusetts.
The Warren Tavern (2 Pleasant St, Charlestown): Step into Massachusetts’ oldest tavern, the meeting place of George Washington and Paul Revere, and order the New England Clam Chowder.
Bagelsaurus (1796 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge): The most hyped-up bagel maker outside of NYC, Bagelsaurus serves handmade, chewy delights fermented for over 24 hours.

Attractions

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (25 Evans Way, Boston): Located in a Venetian-style palazzo with an elegant courtyard, this museum displays the eclectic art collection of its philanthropist founder, known for her wanderlust spirit and passion for ancient cultures.
Freedom Trail: Boston’s iconic 2.5-mile Freedom Trail is a red brick path that connects 16 nationally significant historic sites. Book a tour or download an audio tour and DIY. Truly a walker’s dream.
Fenway Park (4 Jersey St, Boston): Home to the Yankee’s arch-rivals, Fenway Park has been the Red Sox’s home since 1912. Book an off-season tour to get an inside look at Sox history and see what makes Fenway the most famous ballpark in the country.

Nightlife

The Grand (58 Seaport Blvd #300, Boston): A high-tech Vegas-style dance club atop Scorpion Restaurant and Bar. Dazzling with Hollywood regency and modern glamour, this spot truly lives up to its name.
Caveau (1 Center Plz, Boston): Experience Downtown Boston’s creative new nightlife hub: intimate private alcoves and cutting-edge Void Incubus speakers—the first full installation in the U.S. – in an Alice in Wonderland-themed interior.
Lookout Rooftop (70 Sleeper St, Boston): This rooftop bar is a magnet for the city’s work-hard, play-hard young professionals. Skyline vistas and an electric social scene guarantee capacity night after night.

Neighborhood Festivals

Boston Harborfest: Since 1981, Boston Harborfest has become one of America’s liveliest Fourth of July Day celebrations. With fireworks, historical enactments, and clam chowder, this family-friendly festival is a must-attend for locals and tourists.
Boston Book Festival: Each October, this festival educates, inspires, and celebrates the written word with readings, cookbook demos, literary trivia pub quizzes, and so much more.
Outside the Box Festival: Founded by philanthropist Ted Cutler, this multi-day extravaganza celebrates the arts and entertainment, with music, dance, theater, magic, and street performances—all free to attend!

Boston Neighborhoods

Best Neighborhood for Young Professionals

Allston: Known for its creative scene (Allston is filled with street art and murals) and youthful energy, young professionals and students who are all about a laid-back, bohemian vibe will love it here.
Jamaica Plain: Residents adore Jamaica Plain for its artistic spirit, where serene green spaces surround family-owned eateries, indie shops, and cozy bars.

Best Neighborhood for Families

Brighton: Safe and lively, Brighton is perfect for students—thanks to its proximity to Boston University, Boston College, and Emmanuel College—and families seeking a balanced urban-suburban lifestyle with serene parks and a welcoming community.
Charlestown: Historic yet family-oriented, Charlestown has waterfront views, historic sites, and a strong community spirit ideal for families who appreciate both aesthetic charm and convenience.

People and Vibe

Boston, MA has a 2024 population of around 646,000 people, and the Greater Boston area is home to an estimated 4.7 million people. The median age of Bostonians is 32.9 and the median household income is $89,212.

The city’s largest ethnic groups include White (Non-Hispanic), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), and Asian (Non-Hispanic). 27.9% of Boston residents, about 186,000 people, were born outside the United States, well above the national average of 13.6%.

Celebrities and notable residents that live in Boston include Elizabeth Warren, Noam Chomsky, and for two decades before 2023, John Malkovich.

Universities

The Boston area has over 60 nonprofit four-year colleges and universities. Here are three top universities based on factors like student enrollment, prestige, and reputation:

Boston University: Located in Fenway-Kenmore and Allston, BU is known for its research programs. Average undergraduate tuition and fees are $62,360 with an acceptance rate of 19%. BU has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11-to-1 and an average class size of 30 students.
Harvard University: Situated in Cambridge, Harvard is the oldest and most prestigious institution of higher learning in the U.S. With an acceptance rate of 4%, Harvard spans three campuses: Harvard Yard, Allston, and the Longwood Medical Area.
Boston College: Founded in 1863, BC is a private Jesuit research university, valued for its liberal arts education and scientific inquiry. The acceptance rate is 19%, with a total student enrollment of 15,577.

Fun Facts

Boston’s Boston Public Library is the first public library in America, founded in 1848. It was also the first to lend books and the first to have a children’s section.
Fenway Park is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium still in use.
Boston’s TD Garden is known as one of the best places to watch a hockey game, especially a Boston Bruins match.

Featured photo by Jacob Licht

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