PROS and CONS of living in Boston, MA

Are you moving to Boston? Check out this video to learn the pros and cons of living in Boston!
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breakingdownboston.etsy.com
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:37 - Pro: Economy
01:00 - Pro: You don't need a car (walkability, public transit, biking)
02:34 - Pro: Sports Culture
04:00 - Pro: Hub to see New England
05:28 - Pro (or con): Weather
06:32 - Con: Cost of living
07:34 - Con: Traffic
08:22 - Con: Nightlife
09:10 - Con: Meeting new people
09:50 - Pro: Thanks for watching!

[@clav93089]

Boston is a great place to live as a parent because there are some great parks and museums that cater well to children and the greater area is a children's literature hub. And for those young and without kids (but who may want them someday), it's a great place to meet someone as there are a lot of well-educated, good-looking young professionals around!

[@DJNAZZZZTY]

Got to Boston in the 80's to go to Northeastern and never left. Now raising my child here. Greatest city in the world!

[@harrycahill3552]

As a native Bostonian i can say you are correct about it being hard making friends with locals. Your certainly not the 1st person to say this. The thing i always say is that Boston is not a “new” city like say Austin or a lot of the Southern cities. The natives, like myself, have established friend groups and often don’t need to “network’ and make new friends like people often do when moving to a new city.

[@Konic_and_Snuckles]

This. In my experience, Bostonians tend to be hard-boiled working class natives who stick with their own, cliquish college commies who do the same, or young professionals who _look approachable_ but are specifically wearing sunglasses and headphones so they can pretend you're invisible when you try to start up a conversation.

[@BeauSims]

I can say the same thing being the exact opposite. Grew up in Boston. Friend group established over time. Told them I'm moving to Austin, and their view was off, but not by much. Moved to Austin at 18. Easy to make friends with the locals, but not the stuck up Californian types.

[@patrickwoods2213]

Sounds similar to the culture of Sweden.

[@clav93089]

It's a work-hard play-hard town with world-class colleges and professional opportunities. But people are very supportive and want to help you network and advance your career too. The competitive spirit is saved for the sports and the roads!

[@ryancheng473]

and the roads!!! lol🤣

[@briangpz]

As someone who was born and raised in Massachusetts, about 50 miles south west of Boston, don't underestimate the weather if you're planning to move here. Massachusetts averages less than 100 sunny days per year. The lack of sunshine can really take it's toll on some people. Add to that the fact that in December the sun sets at about 4:15 p.m. I'm used to it, because it's all I've ever known, but people I've met that have moved here from the south or mid-west find it physically and emotionally draining. Summer's are really short, and you'll be wearing a jacket more than not.

[@burke9711]

That is so true, I thought it was just me but it is so hard to meet new friends and socialize. I hav been here since 2019, COVID has made it more challenging but people don't let you in their circle.

[@MarkBoswell-sw1bz]

I like Boston, but love Cambridge. Great walkable, bikeable city.

[@prettygirlus9008]

I grew up 25 miles north of Boston and went to law school in Boston (for 1 year, LOL!). I liked the area well enough, but really got tired of the winter and relocated to FL in 1990. Much of my family eventually followed me.

[@GreenieAxolotl337]

About to flee Tennessee to Boston, so this helps me prepare mentally for culture shock. 😅

[@BreakingDownBoston]

Best of luck! Feel free to reach out with a question!

[@megandolimpio6579]

I did the same!! Quality of life 100 percent better

[@GreenieAxolotl337]

@@megandolimpio6579 for real thooo

[@michaelhoran7978]

I grew up in Boston and when they tell you the locals won't speak to other people that's just not true. Walk down any street. You can tell those who were not raised here. They don't even look at you. I speak to everyone I come and contact with and I rarely get a response so I don't know whether that comes from

[@BellaAllison]

Awesome video 👌🏽

[@BreakingDownBoston]

Thank you!

[@amyliss7567]

BOSTON ROCKS👍

[@theoadelaidabondocabe7261]

I visited Boston, MA. Last year in October of 2023 for one week.❤❤❤

[@BreakingDownBoston]

It’s a wonderful place! Glad you enjoyed!

[@zachs7247]

I grew up in Austin, and I’m moving to Boston this summer. I appreciate the perspective as it makes me feel much better moving!

[@BreakingDownBoston]

It’s a daunting move, but it’ll be fine! Good luck!

[@corygarms5871]

I grew up in Texas and now moving from Oregon to Boston in July. Very helpful info!

[@sebastianperalta5594]

how's the transition been? moving there this coming month.

[@corygarms5871]

@@sebastianperalta5594 honestly we love it. City life is different but the people are awesome and there is so much to do

[@corygarms5871]

@@sebastianperalta5594 We absolutely love it. Settled on living closer to the city so we can use the T to get in and out. People and food here are amazing. The street layout is fucked but cest la vie

[@jordanlivingston10]

Great video! You covered just about everything I was wondering about. I’m moving to Boston in june, and currently trying to find affordable housing. I’ll be working in Chelsea but there isn’t really transportation to that area except buses

[@BreakingDownBoston]

Welcome! Good news is that Chelsea does tend to be a bit more affordable in terms of housing (compared to the rest of the city) if you choose to just live there. But yes, buses are really the only public transportation that goes through Chelsea. If your office is close to the one commuter rail stop, that would be advantageous

[@sammitpotade]

I have a 2bed condo coming to rental market in June 2023 in Chelsea.. let me know if interested

[@tomblack6972]

Did you look in Somerville?

[@leez123x4]

I live in Chelsea and luckily the silver line buses are very reliable

[@exsalaalcantara1072]

I have lived in Boston for over 15 years, and this is extremely accurate. I'm not sure about the friend group exclusion, but I have met some amazing people here through social clubs like S3 Boston, BYPA, and BSSC.

[@BreakingDownBoston]

Thank you for the great ideas to meet new people!

[@MH-ve8fj]

Living in FL (moved from NY in childhood) and I hate it,FL's reputation is well deserved. I'm looking to move and I've always been interested in Boston, so this was helpful and much appreciated. If anyone has any areas in specific they recommend checking out for families it would be wonderful to hear!

[@BreakingDownBoston]

Welcome! Good areas for families in Boston proper (in my opinion): Charlestown, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, West Roxbury. Also consider a suburb. I’m not quite the expert on which suburb is “best” yet. If you plan accordingly, you may be able to live near a commuter rail line and easily get to the center of Boston.

[@MH-ve8fj]

@@BreakingDownBoston Wow,thank you so much for responding! I will definitely look into those locations. I just started my prereqs to become an RN so Boston is definitely a frontrunner for future home.

[@sebastianperalta5594]

I am moving to cambridge from florida and I think it is pretty cool there.@@MH-ve8fj

[@collins48lc]

Mass ranks 5th in people leaving

[@collins48lc]

​@@BreakingDownBostonah no

[@ericdevarney4089]

As much as I love Boston I couldn't recommend living or working there full time 365. The infrastructure is not up to the population. Getting from A to B is an exercise in frustration most days.

[@gregl1927]

As a local of the Boston area, it gets exhausting having all these Transplants want to be friends just to move away. To them, Boston is just a city "for college, before they move to LA/NYC". It's not their final destination. That's why we don't branch out to be friends with outsiders.

[@sebastianperalta5594]

I am worried about this as someone moving there for work

[@chukwukosolu]

Respectfully that's a very closed perspective of how to approach life

[@YesItsMeGuys68]

whereas I love Boston ( I lived there for 45 years ) its very true that it is a pretty unfriendly city. Everyone is so busy with work ad family that keeping up with your long term friends can be a challenge . There's no room for new friends so why bother saying hello to anyone you don't know ! and now with the internet ,what little night life there was its done . you simply hook up on line . Gone are the clubs , bars and dives . Parking is pretty impossible and if you can find it it will cost you a 2nd mortgage . to buy a home forgetaboutit .. to rent an apt you need 5 roommates in the 2 bedroom place . all in all it IS a very livable city of great beauty . it's gleamingly clean but expect to pay $$$$$$

[@TheGreatWasian_]

Well that’s all I needed to hear to deter me from wanting to move to Boston. I’m from NC and our cities aren’t the best but at least everyone is very friendly and kind and welcoming and respectful. I see it daily where I live, and it’s the biggest thing keeping me from moving to the north

[@rupalidube9775]

Thinking about making the move from New York to Boston for work? Feeling a bit torn?

[@jasongotcello]

I'm currently planning to move to the East Coast, and I'm debating between Boston and Philadelphia, but me and my family are both leaning towards me moving to Boston because I have more connections there

[@gregl1927]

Philadelphia is cheaper and also a great city. But it's also kind of neglected by it's state government, unlike Boston which is the focus of it's state government. You should pick the one you have more connections at as both are hard to make new friends in.

[@MikeHudson-px2gc]

Neither.

[@Irishmahn87]

Go with Boston Philadelphia isn’t what it’s made out to be

[@collins48lc]

We have a housing shortage

[@collins48lc]

​@Irishmahn87 neither is Boston

[@wesleygriffiths8496]

Awesome video! I think the main con for me is the cost of housing.

[@BreakingDownBoston]

Thank you! Yes, the cost of housing is the number one issue (in my opinion). If you’re relocating for work, you might be able to negotiate a decent cost of living raise.

[@gregl1927]

The NIMBYs in New England rival those in California--no one wants any new housing built anywhere. It's so frustrating.

[@Irishmahn87]

It’s definitely high for sure but from what Ive been able to gather most employers pay an accommodating wage

[@mrpence9]

I’m from Texas too and thinking about moving up that way. Do you really wear like 4 layers in the winter?

[@BreakingDownBoston]

Depending on the temperature, yes :/ You can always invest in a jacket that is insulated enough to be one layer. And unlike the heat, you can always put on another layer to get comfortable.

[@LiebeNachDland]

For a 28 yr old professional that could be moving there, what is the best neighborhood(s) you recommend if I wanted to live alone and in a decent walkable area with some "decent" nightlife and maybe a budget of $1,700 to $2,300? I'd be coming from Michigan and know nobody there, but may have a couple acquaintances from my university there through the company I would work for.

[@BreakingDownBoston]

Great question! If you’re okay with a studio, you could find something in Southie or East Boston in that price range. There should one-bedroom places in that range too, just not as many.

[@sashanealand8315]

Got an interesting job in boston, never thought about it because my moms from there and moved west to get away so I grew up in california, only went back to see grandparents a few times but we stayed in revere and never went to the city. soo its totally exotic to me

[@panjoshua6251]

Your voice/the way you speak reminds me so much of Casually Explained lol

[@BreakingDownBoston]

Thank you very much!

[@tonykaram7640]

My address was 297 Cambridge Street when I used to live in Boston and graduated from Northeastern University

[@prahub]

"Yo, bro, I'm from Texas and currently living in Boston. Thankfully, I'm not experiencing any wildfires."

[@derekwood6705]

Sounds like Nashville

[@derekwood6705]

We got Nashville predators are our hockey team we got Titans we got our own soccer team now a lot of businesses are moving down here. I know you might be getting our own major league baseball team. We do have a minor-league baseball team in Nashville.

[@charlesbarkely3021]

Unless you’re making 100k move along

[@johnarnold6623]

Just as an FYI: SNL is pretty accurate when depicting how people here act. If you aren’t able to know when to be aggressive and when to let things slide, you’re in for a world of hurt

[@LT_Fates4228]

New England shell is real

[@pauldegregorio6432]

Born there. Both sides of family multi generational townies of North End & Slumerville. Raised west of city in local burbs within the Rt 128 belt. Grad school, medical school there. I’ve seen some s&$t. You were quite perceptive. City is physically much cleaner now than in my youth. People not usually just distant but can be cold, confrontational and sometimes openly hostile! God I miss that sometimes! If you bump into the right sort when out and about folks can be a crap ton of fun to engage with! Just steer clear of the easy to spot trouble makers. There is still palpable levels of racism but tempered by the ever growing college interlopers. It’s a good thing or we’d have all killed each other years ago. Think Philadelphia.😀 I now live amongst the free people of New Hampshire but because of my cultural duel citizenship I go into The City quite often. It’s a bonus to be so close! The sports scene is ever present and if it’s your thing it’s great. If not, it is an inescapable noise, the bread and circus of both the great unwashed & the well healed alike.😂 My take. You got a problem wit dat?😮

[@user-kj2zr3qk2r]

Sometimes you want to live where everyone knows your name.

[@todd3563]

I'm from the Boston area, and while I agree that the drivers can be aggressive they're not as bd as Rhode Island drivers. They have no idea how to drive..

[@kena90]

As a native to Massachusetts, saying you live in Boston is silly. More than 90% of people live in the suburbs, where even the nicest towns are congested with unplanned roads. There’s just too. Many. People. The weather in Boston is also very mild compared to almost the entire rest of the state, and housing is expensive EVERYWHERE here. So many more cons than pros. No, TX or FL are too extreme for most to move to. But so many other states have better weather, strong economies, and an ocean you can actually swim in.

[@stephenyardley4880]

I grew up in Boston. A) Traffic / Parking Absolutely suck. B) Rental / Housing SKY HIGH C) You'd better be a democrat or youre hated.

[@nopeIdontthinkso388]

The way you say 'culture' would get you beat up there.

[@kariml5461]

Prententious people 😂

[@MikeHudson-px2gc]

Worse than New Yorker's.

[@Person-mh6xq]

That a very strange generalization.

[@Dom-zo9gy]

con...satancon

[@JDMimeTHEFIRST]

Pro: other neurodivergent people are pretty cool Con: neurotypicals are extremely clicky and gossipy Pro: near the ocean and mountains Con: all the gas fumes from people with SUVs make it stink like LA but no good Cali vibes to make up for it Con: not enough to do Con: sports bars Con no actual night life because sports bars took over all the good bars /dance clubs Con: sports fanatics from burbs crowding the train on the weekend and acting like asses

[@mas6522]

Great video, but I don’t think I saw one person of color in any of the clips. Even if the video intentionally avoided the city’s political landscape, it should at least mention that Boston has elected the first female and Asian American mayor.

[@Evenstar213]

Yeah Cambridge is definitely the capital of cyclists here in the UK. Wait, hang on...

[@RadicalforGod]

Boston is a racist place to live. Has a very racist history past and present. There’s potential to have a great multicultural community but Boston still has a long way to go. People hate on the T by design. MassDOT should have never took over the oversight of the T. It’s been going down ever since.

[@Irishmahn87]

So what should we do to help with the situation?

[@frankobeans7239]

Being destroyed by grooming left

[@Person-mh6xq]

Feel free never to visit! Laughable you'd call it grooming.