Boston, MA, known as 'The Cradle of Liberty,' offers a rich historical and cultural experience that is both unique and appealing. Located in the northeastern United States, Boston is a large city with a significant role in American history. Major nearby cities like Cambridge and Quincy enhance its status as a central hub in the New England region. Boston's blend of historical significance and modern amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Boston is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Freedom Trail, the Boston Common, and Fenway Park. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the historic North End, known for its Italian cuisine, to the Museum of Fine Arts, which features an extensive collection of art from around the world. Boston's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from gourmet seafood restaurants to casual pubs.
Annual events such as the Boston Marathon and the Head of the Charles Regatta highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Boston's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Boston is vibrant and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Boston Symphony Orchestra and the American Repertory Theater are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Boston provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and theater, making it an exciting place to call home.
Boston’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Red Sox (MLB) and the Celtics (NBA), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Boston include education, healthcare, and finance, with significant employers such as Boston Medical Center and Fidelity Investments driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including the MBTA subway system, buses, and commuter rail services, making it easy to navigate the city.
Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Located in the state of Massachusetts, Boston is a big city with a population of 715,604 people. Boston has a population density of 14,802 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. Boston could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 32 years old is below the nation’s average. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Boston, only 35% of the population is married. Something to be aware of when living in Boston are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 31 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Boston could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Massachusetts if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. With useful information like cost of living, education, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Boston and in the areas around Boston is a much easier task.
The livability score in Boston is 77 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 91st percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Boston could be a great choice! Another exciting tidbit, is that Boston ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we take a closer look at each of the categories on their own, we see that Boston ranks well for employment (A+) and housing (B-). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Boston. The following was graded with a concerning score: crime (F), cost of living (F) and education (D).
If you're considering living in Boston, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Boston provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Boston are: Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, and Boston Duck Tours.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Boston apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Boston is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Boston come in at $1,053,187, which is 68.7% higher than the Massachusetts average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Boston, the home price to income ratio is 9.3, which is 57.6% higher than the Massachusetts average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Boston | Massachusetts | National |
| Average one way commute | 31min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 37.5% | 71.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.7% | 7.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 30.7% | 9.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.2% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 14.6% | 4.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.3% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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