Why is Boston Such a Great Place to Live?

We’re a bit biased, we admit. But when you live in the best city in the world, it’s hard not to brag a little. So why is Boston such a great place to live? In a world of increasingly impressive metropolises, what makes Boston so special?

Well, how much time do you have?

In all seriousness, we could go on for days about the city, but we’ll try to keep this brisk. If we had to pick just a few reasons they would be — in no particular order — the history, culinary scene, sports, and getting to really experience each of the four seasons. But if we could only pick one, well…you’ll have to wait and see. Or scroll to the bottom of the article now: we Bostonians are all about freedom. You do your thing.

The History

Where to even begin with Boston? As it turns out, at the very beginning. The history of Boston is, in many ways, the history of the nation itself. But this isn’t a history that you simply read about, or intellectually know happened: the history of America is a tangible thing in Boston. Something you can quite literally reach out and touch.

Head down the Freedom Trail, and try not to get goosebumps. See the harbor where the Boston Tea Party went down, and maybe even take part in a reenactment yourself. Enjoy the lush green space of Boston Common — the oldest and first public park in the nation, if not the entire world — or just drink in the historic architecture around Faneuil Hall, or the many monuments that dot Boston’s landscape. Anywhere you go in Boston, that rich history is right there with you.

The Food

We could write a small library’s worth about Boston’s culinary scene, and still not do it justice. Rather than try — and fail — to list all the award-winning Boston restaurants, famous celebrity chefs, or even just our favorite places to eat, we propose a simple thought exercise: what are you in the mood for? Because chances are, there’s an excellent restaurant that specializes in exactly that, no matter what you’re craving. From authentic Jamacain jerk to world-class ramen, from authentic Italian pasta, to Boston’s legendary ocean-fresh seafood, to burgers that will redefine your idea of what good pub food tastes like, Boston’s culinary scene has you well covered.

And, of course, there is literally no better place in the world to get a good bowl of chowder.

The Sports

Are you a sports fan? Then you probably know a thing or two about Boston’s always-competitive local teams. Not a sports fan? Well, get ready to become one: the enthusiasm that Bostonians have for their local athletes is truly infectious. It helps that the teams are routinely at the top of their respective leagues. From the New England Patriots’ unprecedented run of dominance, to the historic greatness of the Celtics, inspired play of the Bruins, and of course, the beloved Boston Red Sox, Boston is spoiled for choice when it comes to successful sports franchises.

Since opening on April 20th, 1912, the Red Sox have played their home games in the historic Fenway Park. The oldest park in the major leagues, Fenway comes alive for Red Sox games. Even if you aren’t attending, the area around the park is an excellent place to grab some food, throw back a cold drink, and bask in the radiant enthusiasm of a Red Sox game. Head on over to TD Garden for a Bruins or Celtics game, and the atmosphere is much the same.

The Seasons

Boston might very well be the best place in the entire world to experience all four seasons to the fullest. Boston winters can be heavy, but the winter wonderland you get in exchange must be seen in person to truly appreciate. Spring is a welcome respite from the cold, with Boston’s many green spaces absolutely exploding with colorful blossoms. The hot summers are perfect for visiting one of Boston’s many beaches, taking a kayak down the Charles River, or just kicking back at a Sox game.

And of course, there’s autumn. Iconic and renowned the world over, Boston in the fall is an unrivaled wash of autumn colors. The early sweater weather is perfect for hitting up an orchard to pick apples, sipping hot tea, coffee, spiced cider, and mulled wine, and generally enjoying life.

But if we HAD to Pick Just One Thing About Boston…

…it’s the community, hands down, no questions asked. From students to CEOs, dock workers to desk jockeys, Bostonians stick together. Boston’s neighborhoods — and by extension, the cities that make up the greater Boston metropolis — each have their own unique flair, but they all share the same freedom-loving, rugged American roots that define the region.

That’s Boston for you. Big enough to have everything you could want out of a major city, yet small enough to get to know. Each neighborhood has its own story to tell, its own identity in the greater scheme of things: yet each is inarguably Boston. There’s just something magical about the place.

So that’s our say. What say you, Boston: why is Boston such a great place to live? Anything we missed, or just something you want to add to the discussion? Sound off in the comments below, and let us know what you think!