Boston is historic, walkable, full of universities, and has a brutal housing market. It's cold in winter and expensive year-round. But it's also a great place to live if you come prepared. Here's everything you need to know.
Is Boston Right for You?
Boston Is Great For
- ✓ Higher education (students & professionals)
- ✓ Healthcare careers (world-class hospitals)
- ✓ Tech & biotech jobs
- ✓ History and culture lovers
- ✓ Sports fans (insanely passionate here)
- ✓ Walkability (one of America's most walkable)
- ✓ Easy access to New England (beaches, mountains)
Consider Elsewhere If
- ✗ Cold weather is a dealbreaker
- ✗ You need a car and cheap parking
- ✗ Tight budget (this city is expensive)
- ✗ You prefer sprawling cities
- ✗ Nightlife after 2am is important (bars close early)
- ✗ You hate construction (the T is always being fixed)
How Much Will You Spend?
Boston is the 4th most expensive US city. Here's a realistic monthly budget:
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Note: This doesn't include car expenses. If you have a car, add $200+ for parking plus insurance.
Choosing a Neighborhood
Boston is compact. Most neighborhoods are a 20-minute T ride from downtown. But they vary dramatically in vibe and price.
Quick Neighborhood Guide
When to Move (Timing Is Everything)
September 1st Warning
Most Boston leases run September 1 to August 31 because of students. On Sept 1, 60,000+ people move simultaneously. Moving trucks are booked months ahead, streets are chaos, and elevators break.
Best times to move:
- October-November: Post-September calm, decent selection
- January-February: Least competition (brutal weather though)
- June 1: Some availability, moderate competition
Avoid if possible:
- September 1: The worst. Pure chaos.
- August: Desperation time, slim pickings
Read our September 1st survival guide →
Finding an Apartment
The Boston rental process is competitive and expensive. Here's the reality:
- Start looking 2-3 months before your move date
- Budget for first/last/security/broker fee — Could be 4x rent upfront
- Research buildings before signing — Old buildings can have serious issues
- Be ready to move fast — Good apartments go in days
Research Before You Sign
Boston's housing stock is old. Check violation history, 311 complaints, and building records before committing.
Search Any AddressComplete apartment hunting guide →
Getting Around
Transportation Options
America's oldest subway. Four color lines (Red, Orange, Blue, Green) plus Silver Line buses. $2.40/ride or $90/month pass. Reliability is... mixed.
Boston is incredibly walkable. Most neighborhoods are under 2 miles from downtown.
BlueBikes bike share. Improving infrastructure. Winters are tough for cycling.
Optional for most. Parking is expensive ($200-400/month) and scarce. Street parking requires permit and is hell during snow emergencies.
Surviving Boston Winters
Winter Reality Check
- Average January temp: 29°F (-2°C)
- Average annual snowfall: 48 inches
- First snow: Usually November
- Snow season ends: March or April
What You'll Need
- • Quality winter coat (not a fashion coat)
- • Waterproof winter boots with grip
- • Layers, layers, layers
- • Thermal base layers
- • Good gloves, hat, scarf
The Student Factor
35+ Colleges. 250,000+ Students.
Boston's student population shapes everything: the rental market, the September 1st chaos, the nightlife, and neighborhood vibes.
If you're not a student, consider neighborhoods further from BU, Northeastern, and BC for quieter living.
Tips From Locals
- "Dunkin' is a religion." — Coffee culture here means Dunks on every corner.
- "Download the MBTA app." — Real-time tracking. You'll need it.
- "The T closes at 12:30am." — Plan accordingly. Rideshare prices spike.
- "Space savers after snow are real." — If someone shovels a spot, that's their spot.
- "Don't drive near Fenway on game days." — Just don't.
- "Cambridge/Somerville aren't Boston." — They're separate cities across the river. Great options too.
- "Allston Christmas is real." — End of August, students throw everything on the sidewalk. Free furniture if you're brave.
Moving Checklist
Before You Move
- Research neighborhoods
- Save 4x monthly rent for upfront costs
- Gather documents (pay stubs, ID, references)
- Book movers early (especially if Sept 1)
- Research buildings on StreetSmart
After You Arrive
- Set up utilities
- Get a Charlie Card (T pass)
- Register to vote (if staying)
- Update driver's license (30 days)
- Get resident parking permit (if needed)