A Complete Guide to Moving to Boston

So, before you hire a long-distance moving company and choose their moving services, or carry out the move yourself, keep reading our guide and find out all the necessary information about your next destination. After all, relocating to Massachusetts capital, a place you’ve never been to, is always much easier after you have learned at least something about your future home.

What to Know Before Moving to Boston

This beachfront community will provide you with excellent educational possibilities, high-quality health care, various job opportunities, and different cultural experiences. Many people know it as a place of delicious food that can be found in the restaurants in Boston, its great walkability, world-class colleges, hospitals, and museums.

So, what are the crucial things you need to be aware of before you come to live in the Athens of America for good? Keep reading and find out why The City, as it’s often referred to, is considered one of the top places to live in the US.

The Costs of Living and Setting Up a Home in the Hub

Approximately 617,594 people live in the city proper, with more than 4.59 million residents in its greater region. Keep in mind that if you are looking for a place here, properties do not stay on the market for too long. That’s why you should act fast, regardless of whether you’re renting or purchasing.

To get an idea of the cost of living in Boston, check out the list below and see how much this city will affect your budget after relocation:

• Four-person family costs: a bit over $3,800(without rent) per month
• A single person costs: slightly over $1,000 per month
• Basic utilities(electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for a 900-square-foot apartment: around $130 per month
• Preschool or kindergarten, full-day, private: around $1,700 per month
• International primary school: $2,200 per month

Home and Living – the Basic Things You Should Know

When it comes to buying and renting a property, here are the median values:

• The median house value: $596,900
• The median list price per square foot: $725
• The median rent price: $2,800

Household Income – How Much Can You Expect to Earn?

When it comes to monthly earnings, households have a median annual income of $67,700, according to the data provided by Numbeo. That is higher than the median annual salary, which amounts to around $63,000 across the entire US.

Choose From a Variety of Neighborhoods, International or Historical

If you still haven’t decided which part of the city to move to, then you will have a great choice between 23 colorful and dynamic neighborhoods. Each one of them has a unique atmosphere, habits, and residents from all over the world. Stay with us and get a glimpse of some of the best neighborhoods in Boston.

Dorchester – Truly Authentic and Moving

As the largest and most populated district, together with its integral part, Mattapan, Dorchester is a place that is not generally seen as a tourist destination. It is home to different nations ranging from Ireland to the Caribbean, Vietnam, South, and Central America, etc.

In case you prefer international cuisine, you will enjoy here a variety of food specialties. Additionally, besides its multinational vibe and diverse temperaments, this zone offers many natural beauties, as well. Franklin Park is located here, and it offers a variety of things to do in Boston, such as outdoor activities, walking, biking, or having a picnic.

Beacon Hill – the Oldest District

One of the most picturesque areas in the capital of Massachusetts, Beacon Hill brims with cobblestones, bricks, and a unique atmosphere. Walking through this historic community, you’ll be exposed to some of the most beautiful examples of Federal and Greek Revival architecture in the whole city.

One of the most photographed streets in the US, Acorn Street, is also located right here.

Beacon Hill is situated on top of a hill and, because of its location, historic landmarks, and cultural heritage, it is a relatively high-priced neighborhood in the capital of Massachusetts.

South End – Live in a Healthy and Amazing Environment

Besides its charming streets, South End can offer a wide range of restaurants, dog-friendly parks, museums, galleries, and wine bars. In fact, you’ll find here everything you need for a fulfilling lifestyle.

Thanks to the stunning architecture, South End is considered a historical place and the most extensive completely preserved Victorian row house district in the whole country.

Today it is known as one of the best places to live in Boston for singles, young professionals, the LGBT community, and it has a sizable Hispanic population. It is also a synonym for plenty of coffee shops and restaurants, where you can find thin-crust pizzas, homemade ice cream, and wines from Italy, France, and Argentina.

West Roxbury – Family-Friendly

Because of the tree-lined streets and single-family houses, this district possesses a kind of suburban spirit. If you’re moving with children, you’ll be happy to learn that this is one of the best cities to raise a family because it offers different youth programs, plenty of outdoor space, and is well connected to Downtown.

Jamaica Plain – Hip and Trendy

Different types of people have found their home here – professionals, artists, activists, and young families. The reason is probably the beautiful streets with interesting architecture, public parks, many shops, and restaurants with delicious and tasty meals.

As a result of the ethnic diversity and the good connection to Downtown, it is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods here.

Activities and Things to Do for Tourists and Locals

The City of Champions is a perfect nickname for a place where the word “boring” doesn’t exist. If you are an active person that leads a healthy life, you will be happy here because sports have a vital role in the lives of native Bostonians and newcomers alike. As the center of several sports leagues, Beanwtown has hundreds of teams in softball, basketball, soccer, flag football, and volleyball.

If you think that your afternoons and weekends should be more fulfilled with activities and happenings, consider music events, which are one of the most reputable in the music world.

Many parks, historical sites, and museums are a great possibility to improve the quality of life. Whether you are someone who enjoys long walks or constant learning, one thing is sure: The City of Champions will not let you get bored.

Information Related to Safety

Considering the size of this place, it could be considered a generally safe community. Like in any metropolis, however, crime does occur. Some areas are secure, while others are problematic and are not recommended for a walk during the night. If you avoid certain neighborhoods and dark and hidden corners, you will feel perfectly safe.

No Need to Worry About Health Care

Thanks to the outstanding hospitals in the Athens of America, this place is considered a national leader in healthcare. The capital of Massachusetts is one of the larger medical research centers in the US. There is probably no better place for you to get sick or, even better, stay healthy, than here.

Beantown Is a Transportation Hub

The great thing about living in America’s Walking City is that wherever you live, you will have an excellent connection to the center. Here, cars are shunned upon as the main culprits in rush hours and traffic jams, so it comes as no surprise that this is one of the cities with the best public transportation.

The Boston subway is the oldest metro in the country and it operates on five lines. When it comes to the bus network, more than 180 bus lines service every inch of the town.

Visit the Massachusetts Bay Transport Authority website and find all the information you need regarding:

• Options and modes of public transportation
• Fares and routes to nearby services
• Terms of use
• A trip planner tool

The Most Popular Commute Options

If you’re thinking about hiring auto transport services, know that driving your car is not very popular here like in some other cities or states. Although cars are still the most common commute option, with 37.6% of locals opting for this mode of transport, public transit is not negligible at all – it ranks second. With 35% of the inhabitants using it on a daily level, it is still highly positioned, and pedestrians are right below (14.3%).

Employees in the capital of Massachusetts have an average commute time of 29.9 minutes, which is slightly longer than the average US time (25.5 minutes).

How Easy Is It to Find Employment?

The most prominent industries are life science, finance, and technology, and one of the reasons why people move here are, undoubtedly, better work opportunities. You should keep in mind that finding a job won’t be a simple process, as there is highly experienced and skilled competition in the area. So make sure you start looking at available positions long before you contact Boston movers and arrange a moving date.

So, if you would like to have a job lined up, but don’t know where to start, the following websites are great places to begin your job hunting:

• Monster
• Indeed
• Snagajob
• Career Building
• Craigslist

A useful tip on how to get a job in a new city might be to google recruiters in your field, as they can often help in arranging some initial interviews.

A Focus on Education

One of the crucial reasons why people with children like this place are undoubtedly, excellent schools in Boston and some of the top universities in the whole world, like MIT and Harvard. That’s why it is one of the best cities for college graduates. Also, the capital is home to various international schools of diverse traditions, including German and French, providing bilingual classes.

Speaking about learning and studying, we should not forget the Public Library, which is the first major public-funded library in the US. Its fantastic architecture with a beautiful courtyard and a charming café will attract even those who are not very fond of reading books.

Art, Music, and Theater

Whether you are inclining toward Broadway shows or classical drama, several venues have a local arts scene that can offer a high-quality program to everyone:

• The Stoneham Theatre
• The Opera House
• The Wang Theatre
• The Charles Playhouse

In case you cannot imagine even a single day without art, you came to the right place. The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most respected museums in the domain of visual art, and it boasts a considerable collection of remarkable artwork from all over the world. Additionally, it is famous for one of the largest collections of Claude Monet’s paintings outside of France.

Besides, there are plenty of other museums that deserve your attention and are worth a visit:

• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
• Children’s Museum
• Museum of Science
• Boston Tea Party Ships and Museums
• Harvard Museum of Natural History
• MIT Museum

You shouldn’t be surprised by another Boston’s nickname – The Hub. This community carries unusual and vibrant energy, especially when it comes to the music scene. Dozens of clubs throughout its urban core will make sure you have an unforgettable night out. And that’s not all. There’s also the Tango Society that holds free lessons of this popular Argentinian dance. The course takes place every summer on the Weeks Footbridge during the evenings of the full moon.

Boston’s Offer of Outdoor Activities

What to do after a stressful day? How to relax and regain positive energy? There’s at least one thing you can do together with everyone else – walk. Being active is at the very core of a Bostonian lifestyle.

There are plenty of possibilities you can take in this fantastic community and feel like a playful child again:

• Explore the parks– The capital of Massachusetts is home to many parks, so make sure you visit at least some of them.
• Visit the Public Garden, the first-ever botanical garden in the country.and go for a ride in a swan boat. The greenery, monuments, and fountains have their charms, but riding in swan boats is an experience that the whole family will enjoy.
• Ferry out to Harbor Islands– Two islands, Georges and Spectacle offer different amenities. Georges Island is full of forts from the Civil War era, while Spectacle is perfect for nature lovers.
• Bike the streets. Use a sunny weekend afternoon for a 3-hour bike tour, which will give you a fresh perspective on your new surroundings.
• Walk through the North End– As Boston’s oldest residential area, North End has some of the most magnificent remains of the community’s historical heritage. Your walking tour starts from Faneuil Hall or Aquarium, across Commercial Street and Old North Church, and finishes with Copp’s Hill Burying Ground.

As you can see, it should come as no surprise that the capital of Massachusetts is considered by many to be one of the best outdoor towns you can move to.

Shopping Places

Since the best way to shop here is by walking around, this can be considered an outdoor activity, too. It would be a huge oversight not to go through the exciting streets and gardens and walk by antique shops. After all, when you start feeling tired, you can always sit in an Italian restaurant for a tasty meal and delightful coffee.

Cakes for All Your Senses

If you’re still not sure whether the Hub is the right place for you and your family, maybe its long tradition of making desserts will convince you otherwise. Even if you’re not a big fan of sweets, we’re sure you won’t be able to resist what this place has to offer.

The Best Historic Chocolate Shop Ever

Chocolate lovers usually aren’t satisfied with a cake unless it’s made entirely of chocolate. But, is there anything more inspiring than knowing that there’s a specialized candy shop only for this cocoa delicacy? Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate Shop will give you not only a vast selection of desserts but also a whole show about how Victorian chocolatiers made their delights.