US News named Massachusetts the best state in America in February of last year.
As the state capital, Boston is a hub of learning, enterprise, and activity. If you’re looking to buy real estate in the Boston area, then you’re in good company – the locals love it. Bostonians rave about all the reasons why they love living in Boston, like the city’s history, culture, great vibes and excellent food.
Thinking about moving to Boston? Let’s take a look at what the locals love about this city.
1. “Its Walkability”
Downtown Boston is a walkable town, so if you live nearby, you may not even need a car. In fact, some of its residents that do own cars haven’t used them for months. You can access many of the historical and popular neighborhoods in the city on foot. Many are within walking distance from the Downtown Boston area. While you may love the short commute to work, many locals love to wander the plethora of walking routes for pleasure.
2. “The History and Culture”
- They built the first lighthouse in America on Little Brewster Island, Boston, in 1716.
- Founded Boston Common in 1634, which makes it the oldest public park in America.
- English Puritans moved to the area in 1630, so Boston’s landscape is full of interesting architecture and secret nooks and crannies.
When you’re living in Boston, try and scout them out next time you’re in the mood for some sleuthing.
3. “Big City, Small-Town Feel”
While Boston’s a big city, its surrounding suburbs have a distinctly small-town feel. That’s one of the reasons Boston’s known as a great place to start and raise a family. Even within the city, there are spots that make you forget you’re in a bustling urban city center.
4. “The Perfect Seasons”
If you want to live somewhere with 4 seasons, you’ll understand why Bostonians are proud of their weather. The rain and snow in winter melt away to reveal a glorious spring. Locals say that first day of spring is one of the best days of the year. As the month goes on, many students vacate, so Boston feels less crowded. Locals open up their patios, and community spirit spills out onto the streets in a great display of seasonal high spirits.
Summer means beaches, al-fresco dining, and watersports. There are whale-watching cruises just out of town, and a ton of activities that’ll get you out and about in the city.
5. “The Fall”
Boston in the fall deserves its own heading because, to locals, there’s nowhere better in America to take in those fall colors. The floating docks on the Esplanade, and Boston Common & the Public Garden, are just 2 of the great places to spot those brilliant fall colors.
6. “The Breweries”
Boston loves its craft beers, and there are brewery tours galore in this part of Massachusetts. There’s only so many breweries you can visit in a day, so if craft beer is your thing, this is a hobby you can enjoy all year round when you’re living in Boston.
7. “We Love Living in Boston for the Food”
Boston’s known for having some of the best food in the country. Here are some places you’ll find crowded with Boston residents.
North End
With Italian settlers flooding to the North End since 1860, it’s easy to see why this part of the city is famous for its Italian food. With all that going for it, this part of town gives locals an authentic Italian experience, with hearty meals, warm bread, and delicious pastries thrown into the mix.
Chinatown
You’ll find the best Chinese and Vietnamese food in Boston if you head to Chinatown. Chinatown’s a great place to visit for gifts, crafts, and events, but you’ll always find its restaurants buzzing.
International Cuisine
Aside from these two famous locations, Boston has food from all around the world on offer. If you’re anything like the Bostonians, you’ll be eating Chinese one day, Ethiopian food the next, and Middle-Eastern food another. The food scene in Boston is rockin’, so rest assured that that side of life is totally taken care of in this culinary haven.
8. “We’re the Gateway to New England”
Any American worth their salt knows that New England is one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Another thing the locals love is being so close to the many lakes, rivers, colonial towns, and farms. When you’re living in Boston, just jump in the car on a Friday, and drive away for a restoring weekend of natural beauty. Go apple-scrumping in the orchards, or visit a cranberry farm. And if you’re feeling fancy, then Martha’s Vineyard is less than 2 1/2 hours away by car.
9. “We Love Our Fairs”
Boston’s year-round fairs and festivals are a hit with locals. Choose from craft fairs, music festivals, family markets and strawberry fairs. Or… Don’t choose! Why not pop them in your diary for a year-round social calendar that’ll get you into the Boston swing.
10. “Our Public Transit System is Awesome”
Known to Boston locals as the ‘T’, the public transit system connects the entire city via its subway service, bus, trolley car and boat services. Like the London Underground system, which is notoriously easy to use, the T map is color-coded for easy navigation. For those days you need to travel a little further, or just don’t feel like walking, buy a CharlieCard, or CharlieTicket so you can ride the T. Fun fact: The CharlieCard is so-called because of a song about a subway passenger named Charlie. Without the nickel fare, Charlie was stuck in the subway, as the train conductor wouldn’t let him off! So, next time you see a CharlieCard, look out for poor Charlie on the front.
The Takeaway
With so much going for it, we can see why the locals can’t get enough of Boston. It’s got great weather, fantastic food, and so many things to do throughout the year, you’ll need to take a break to recover from your busy social life. And of course, with New England on your doorstep, that’s easier said than done!
Whatever you’re into, there’s something for you in Boston. Keep in mind all the reasons locals love living in Boston, and it’ll make your transition easy as a North End pizza pie.
Liked what you read? Check out our top 10 things to do in Boston on a budget.
Demetrios Salpoglou
Published January 24, 2018
Demetrios has pulled together the largest apartment leasing team in the Greater Boston Area and is responsible for procuring more apartment rentals than anyone in New England – with over 130k people finding their housing through his services. Demetrios is an avid real estate developer, peak performance trainer, educator, guest lecturer and motivational speaker.
