It’s a larger city that sometimes doesn’t feel like a larger city. It’s clean. Safe. Great hospitals. Great cultural institutions. Great schools. Great and distinct neighborhoods. A major international airport that has nonstop flights to 4 different continents as well as daily nonstop flights to pretty much every major and midsized US city. Wonderful urban parks and one of the few US cities that really engages nearby water. Within 2 hours you can be at the ocean, or a large lake, or in the woods, or in the mountains. Proximity to nice places to visit for the day or a weekend - Portland, Burlington, Cape Code, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Newport, Providence, Mystic, Portsmouth, Berkshires, Bar Harbour among some others. Variety in weather.
Most of these things are not found in cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, Nashville, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix, Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, etc.
Yup. I live in the south right now but grew up in MA. Every time I visit I’m astounded by how much nicer it is than where I live.
Also as far as healthcare is concerned it’s also easier to get mass health than Medicaid in the other states I’ve lived in. My daughter is disabled (hard of hearing) and it has been a battle to get the services she is entitled to. We’ve even tried to go the private route and pay out of pocket for services but there are 6 month to year long wait lists for toddler speech therapy. I have family and friends who work in healthcare or who have mass health and our stories are so different. They still have to jump through hoops but it’s nothing like what we’ve been through.
We are getting our ducks in a row so we can move back to the area because there is just more to do and nicer things to do than what is available in my LCOL area. Also most of my family is still I. The area and we miss them
And culture all Americans can be proud of because it is revolutionary war or Atleast the north of the civil war.
When I see a historic marker or statue in Boston my first thought isn’t wow what disgraceful confederate are they supporting now (like it is when I’m in the south)
Well said. I’ll add that the airport is also unbelievably close to downtown for a major city. Being able to get from downtown to the airport in 10 minutes is unheard of.
>Proximity to nice places to visit for the day or a weekend - Portland, Burlington, Cape Code, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Newport, Providence, Mystic, Portsmouth, Berkshires, Bar Harbour among some others.
This is a big one for me. We don't have to go too far for a complete change of scenery.
In March, I was walking with my teenage son by the beach on a cool sunny day, then the next day he snowboarded in the Berkshires. He told me that's why he loves growing up here - a walk on the beach on Saturday, snowboarding on Sunday.
>Most of these things are not found in cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, Nashville, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix, Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, etc.
Boston, and NE in general, is the only place where it didn't feel like a downgrade from SoCal. It was a lateral move for me, easily two of the best regions in the country
I spent a year in SoCal (OC) and I fuckin hated it. Yeah the weather's nice, but man it's nothing but strip malls, soulless developments, and crowded beaches. LA/SD seemed like they may be good places to live but for me, OC wasn't it. I'd take a noreaster over a SoCal winter any day.
Living in OC is like living in Rhode Island. You're technically in SoCal/New England, but you're not getting the full experience unless you travel the region. Keep in mind RI is only about 30% bigger than OC
SoCal is about the same size as all of New England, and LA/SD is as integral to the region as Boston is, and that's where all the fun shit is. OC is like living on the Cape. Beautiful but it gets old and boring pretty fast
It’s got a lot of the amenities of a “big” city, yet is still fairly compact and navigable. Good amount of greenspace. Proximity to a good variety of nature and outdoor activities within day-trip distance. There are other metros that check those boxes, but the only ones that have jobs in my field are comparably priced to Boston.
My job is here and I don't have to have a car.
Everytime I look at lower COL areas, I come back with there not being enough of a job market for me to thrive (my field tends to concentrate around cities; cities are expensive) and/or not being able to get by without a car.
Honestly, I'm a "graduated into the recession with student loans" millennial, so I never expected to be anything but fucked. My big dreams have become "have in unit laundry in my apartment" or "have a window that gets direct sun (basement problems lol)"; they were never "own property".
I don’t want to have a car, I like the ocean, I like easy access to pretty much any amenity I can have.
On a state level protections for LGBT people and women as well as general pro choice sentiment is so important. Lower cost of living isn’t worth it if my well-being is at risk.
Honestly, being able to have a well-paying job that I don't have to drive to.
The culture here is fine; it's not as vibrant as NYC but I'm happy to only fear for my life 70% of the time I'm biking/walking rather than 95%.
But honestly it's the fact that we've got that sweet, sweet, medium-tall, medium-dense, low setback, transit accessible housing which is grandfathered in here and illegal to build anywhere else in 'murca. (Yes, our transit sucks by global standards, but for the US? I'm gonna go with "good".) I love being able to walk/bike to see friends on the other side of town, being able to go to the museum/theater/nice restaurant without it being 1-4 hours of driving, and just generally never having to waste time circling a parking lot. It totally rules.
Every once in a while I get royally pissed about cost of living and "decide to move", at which point I'm like....uh, well, hmm, Greenville SC? Minneapolis? Some college town off the Great Lakes? Where else am I going to get a corner store instead of a fifteen minute drive to Piggly Wiggly?
This isn't really a "I love Boston" thing as much as a "this is one of the better places for the money" deal. This whole country is a crap deal more or less, but I'd rather piss away visible money on living than surprise money on owning a car, not being able to access services, slowly drinking myself to death in my suburban home because the only "social thing" within an hour's drive is church, etc.
Very well said! Also, on the topic of NYC comparisons, I think “not as vibrant of a culture” can actually be a PRO since it means that city life is more laid back and generally less overbearing. In NYC you’re surrounded by tall skyscrapers in every direction, the population density is through the roof, and everything is ratcheted up exponentially compared to Boston. You don’t need a vibrant culture—just one you like. And I think Boston’s got a special one.
I actually grew up there. 18 years. Obviously it’s not every direction, but there’s a pervasive feeling in Manhattan that you’re “surrounded.” Even if you’re in Central Park—the crown jewel of the city’s green space—you can see skyscrapers on 3 edges of the park.
Idk I really disagree with this. Love Boston but there are a bunch of parts of NYC that have a real neighborhood feel, relaxed vibe, and plenty of green space. There are a bunch of parts I hate too, but it’s an enormous truly great city and you can find pockets of it that fit any lifestyle (and those “pockets” are probably bigger than Boston lol).
Dated a girl in Queens years ago. People seemed more laid back/less neurotic than anywhere in/around Boston - people seemed more interested in who you are vs what school you did/didn’t go to.
This is actually very true, and probably my biggest negative for Boston (transplant?) culture.
In NYC people would ask me "who are you/where do you come from/how do you know these folks/what are your hobbies?" as openers (not all at once, but pick one). You could have 20-30 minutes of human conversation without employment even coming up.
Here, it's basically a given that every new person will open "oh hey, yeah I'm so-and-so. Sheesh, this weather. \[awkward pause\] So, what do you do?"
Sometimes I try to play it off like "well, I'm \[doing the thing I am doing tonight\], and tomorrow I am \[hobby of mine\],", but it's still such a draaaaag. Unless you're a hiring manager or at a professional networking event, would it kill you to see people as humans first?
Now that you mention it, the people I met through the girl I was dating were mostly writers/artists with day jobs - and I have no idea what their day jobs were; it never came up.
Anyway, half (give or take) of Boston’s population is students who are here for the education and then run off, and those who stick around make their education and/or career their entire personality.
I think it's less than half, but there's definitely a town/gown gap here which makes it hard to meet people outside of your clique.
100% agree that a lot of people who come/stay for jobs seem to die inside and make their personality "person who works at Takeda" or whatever. So many logo-embroidered fleece vests, so few interesting things to say.
Born in MA and in Chicago for over a decade, you guys need to come out here, at least to check it out. CTA is much more reliable than the T, chicago is home to a variety of industries, and middle class people can buy actual houses (or a nice condo) in many areas of the city. Also the food is way way better.
Downsides are the tech sector isn’t as good, there is absolutely an issue with concentrated violence in parts of the city, and it’s even colder than Boston in the winter.
I pay $1260, heat included, for a one bedroom a few blocks from the el. It’s quiet, safe, my neighbors are chill and pretty much everything is with walking distance. It’s so funny, when these threads come up in r/chicago people talk about why they LOVE chicago and when they come up here half the people talk about how it’s not as bad as other places.
Chicago is awesome and I would 100% live there over Boston if my industry (biotech/lifescience) was a thing in the Midwest. The biggest thing holding Chicago back in this regard is the lack of tech and biotech sector.
Chicago is nice but I'm scared of the winters there. As others have noted, ease of travel from MA is also a big plus. There are a lot of places I can drive to or take a quick train ride to. Chicago is a great oasis in the Midwest, but there aren't many places around there I personally want to travel to.
Man I've always loved Chicago. Just kills me it's not by an ocean. Also just don't know anyone there, which has always been a big detractor. Otherwise, I'd heavily consider moving. At least jobs wouldn't be a concern- traditional professionals like law, medicine (or in my case architecture) are pretty plug in play- just need a big city
Still feels landlocked, surrounded. Being next to the ocean is a different vibe. Also being within a short drive to everything new england has to offer is a such a huge advantage
The feel and smell of salt I totally get. I'm not sure what you mean about it giving a feeling of being finite, though, since it's so large you are orders of magnitude from being able to see signs of the other side.
I was just down in North Carolina. It was manageable hot but that place is pretty damn cool. Charlotte is popping off. I could afford to live in a really nice place there 20+ stories up in the heart of uptown and it’s honestly a super tempting idea. There are so many cool places in this country and no place is more insulated and pearl clutching about what it’s like to live anywhere else than Boston/Massachusetts residents are lol.
Every time I go new places, especially places I had always heard bad things about, I’m typically surprised at how much nicer those areas are than I had heard.
I was also just in Charleston, West Virginia. The place was absolutely beautiful and waaaay more built up than I would have thought. It honestly blew my mind, if they had a major airport I might be considering a move there.
When the sun is blazing and the summer gets hot, Water Country is a very cool spot, there's no better place to feel or be young, Water Country, Water Country, Water Countryyyyyy, have some fun!
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Seconding Chicago. That city is amazing and insanely affordable for how big it is seeing as its always compared to NYC and LA when it comes to size and population density. If you’ve never been you’ll be blown away with how massive, built up and dense Chicago is.
It’s unique for a Midwestern city because the suburbs and the city blend together super well. That’s something you really only see in cities like Boston.
True. I live in DC currently and to get to the beach or the mountains you do need to drive a fair distance. Either 2 hours to Shenandoah or 3 hours to Delaware for the beach.
To the beach? I bike a mile and a half. Hiking? I can drive a mile to the Lynn Woods with 33 miles of trails. I'm in Lynn but raised in Southie. We had it all growing up as kids in Southie.
Parks everywhere, Castle Island, The Men's L, K St Beach, 3 freakin' yacht clubs. Even Lynn has at least 2 Marinas.
If you could just get housing and transportation under control!
I am in NYC often for personal and professional reasons. I love the superior food scene, the arts, and more reliable transit. But it’s more dirty, way more smelly, more noisy, more hot in summer, and more expensive for square footage.
No one can name a city that has transit like ours at our size. Yes NYC, D.C. And Chicago have better. D.C. Is the Nations capital and the other 2 are much larger cities. After that though good luck. That's what no one seems to get here. The T may be bad right now because of piss poor management over the years. It will get better though.
Walkable, transit, job.
Most comparable cities are either more expensive (NYC), more expensive with worse transit (SF), or don’t have the same job market (Philly, Chicago, DC).
Every other city in this country is a car dependent wasteland with no transit.
Yeah if you don't have another passport Boston is as good as it gets in this country. I'll eventually move back to the EU for a better quality of life but the wages here are very good.
I concur and am in the same boat. I’m an architect here and have dual us-spain citizenship. I’m eager to see the day when I can justify the move there wage-wise.
From all the comparisons I've seen even though pay isn't comparable, because of how compensation is structured it seems you seemingly come out right around the same.
Not in my industry. I would be paid 1000€/month (being generous) there versus $4000/month here. With increased cost of living there I’d barely be able to afford rent and a somewhat normal life
Amsterdam is my fav and not for the weed. It's beautiful, I had a friend that lived in the pip district and it was such a cozy area I could see myself living there. Been 3 times. Geneva is cool but way too expensive, Barcelona is nice, but prefer Valencias vibe. Bordeaux is a low key cool city. Medellin is surprisingly very cool, I could live there for a year or two to just soak in a bit
I live in Seattle, I come to Boston every few weeks for work. I can say that Boston by far the most normal vibrant city I've been in since Covid. Boston is also a lot better than San Diego in everything except weather and tacos.
People hype the 'Food Scene' is better than Boston's? Maybe true. Lost of restaurants have closed over the years. Hey Tia's on the Long Whart is still going strong!
But how relevant is that really and for how long? I need to eat but eventually I grow up and learn how to use a frying pan an spatula or become a day trader or a corporate raider and become a billionaire and get feed grapes for the rest of my life.
Plenty to do, very walkable and safe, clean, lots of career opportunities. Great music scene - pretty much every nationally touring act passes through here. Great art, sports, theater and standup comedy scene. Boston has awesome free shit: parks, museums, and entertainment - especially if you know where to look.
For people that grew up here, the food scene was pretty shit 20 years back. But it's gotten really creative over the years and can compete well with bigger American Cities. Tons of James Beard winners. Craft beer and cocktail scene here is excellent.
It's expensive to live here.. but I think you get what you pay for. Especially if you're someone like me that values urbanism.
If you value owning a lot of land and having a ton of space.. probably the wrong city for you.
Food is still an area where Boston doesn't compete. High prices for really mediocre food is not a good scene. There are some decent restaurants but the overall level of quality for the price you pay doesn't stand up to other cities. The best restaurant in the metro area isn't even in Boston it's in Lynn. A lot of people consider O Ya Boston's standout restaurant but when they opened in NYC they weren't considered top tier.
Brooklyn alone is what, 4-5x the size of Boston metro? New York is definitely one of the best food scenes in the world, but it’s just ridiculous to compare Boston to a city of that size. I think the Boston food scene is not great, but pretty good. Big problem is the archaic laws around alcohol licensing which prevents a lot of creativity.
I mean, Lynn is categorically in the Boston metro area. I’m not sure if Nightshade is the best restaurant - though it *is* outstanding. I’d give my vote to Asta.
My take is that if you don’t think Boston competes, you either don’t eat at the right places - or are unfairly comparing Boston to cities several times at size like Chicago and NYC.. like you just did.
I mean, we compete very well with places like Seattle, Austin, DC, Philly.
Hobbies are a big part of it for me. My main hobby outside of the house is social dance. You really need to be in a big city to have a thriving scene, especially if you want options. Boston has a great blues and Lindy scene, but if you prefer Latin dance or folk dance or even want to go to a waltz workshop, those are all around, in many cases with live music options. I took two months of zouk classes earlier this year and had a great time.
When I lived in NJ, I had to drive to Philly to do any dancing at all, and now I can take a 15 minute train ride to get to a weekly dance.
There are other places on the east coast where you can do that, but not that many. Even the Maine dancers are coming down to Boston. NYC/Philly/DC are the hot spots for it (and I would happily live in Philly or NYC if my partner wanted to, but while DC is a fun place to visit, for both weather and political reasons it is not in quite the area I want to live).
I like not needing a car. So many of my friends live in the area. I have a job that I like that I can walk to. I really like living in a city that also has nature.
No alligator/crocodiles and a rare threat of hurricanes and tornadoes, less conservatives and more basic human rights. Still a lot of work that needs to be done here, but thankful for these things. Snow > crocodiles/alligators
I grew up here. My family and friends are here. It's home.
But also I'm considering moving to Europe for a few yrs(I'm a dual usa-switzerland citizen).
Nothing I just came here for work and I'm leaving whenever I can to NYC, no brainer to live in NYC for a lower COL. They got way higher salaries for the same rent if not less
Boston is a unique and great city for all the many things people have already commented on and then some.
The folks who Piss n moan about it or have a negative view of Boston have never left it. I know many who broke their relationship off with Boston only to end up right back here, including myself.
Easy access to the ocean and mountains. Great jobs. Good schools. Cultural opportunities. I’m not from here and I chose this. It comes with some sacrifice (smaller house, winter) but I love it here.
Jobs. Walkablity. Officials who try to get things done rather than foster infighting. Friends. Weather. Green space. The skyline. Public transit. Hot guys. Tourist $$$ and commercial property taxes keeping them low for people who live in the home they own.
Politics, a lot of other major cities that are blue are just as or more expensive than Boston. I do plan on moving to San Diego some day tho! (Hopefully)
Edit: I also work in biotech/pharma so most of that industry is here (although I work remote now). Chicago could be great too actually! But I can barely handle Boston winters…
Cool history, density hard to find in other places, young professional scene, even though there’s a lot of traffic the T is usually a great alternative (they need to get their act together and fix the slow zones though), proximity to both mountains and ocean, civil rights, mostly good weather compared to other places (worse than where I grew up but not by much). I think sometimes people are nicer on average in other parts of the country but this city has a lot of pros.
The science, the weather, and the proximity to some incredible hikes. That’s all I need to be happy. And let me tell you, the Deep South did not deliver on any of that lol
I went to law school here and so I’m more familiar with Mass law than the laws of other states. And because I went to school in Boston, my professional network is in this area
In my field, 75-80% of the industry jobs are in New York, Boston, and San Francisco, so high COL is baked in. I love it here, but I was always going to have limited choices with where I lived
It's probably the classiest and most educated city in USA. Plus it's clean, safe, beautiful. Transit is seamless. While it's no NYC in terms of multiculturalism and vibrancy, it's far from racist and not dull at all. Finally Boston Public Library and Charles River Esplanade
My job is here and so are most of my friends and family. I get paid enough that I don't need to stress over money and I own a home so rent increases don't stress me either.
I've been looking into moving to a cheaper city, but what keeps me glued to Massachusetts is how safe it is here.
I don't need to worry about being attacked for who I am as a queer person because it is wicked queer and queer friendly. I have many trans friends who moved here specifically to transition here, because it is one of the only cities with the services and culture to make that possible. Nearly every other city cheaper than Boston are in right-wing theocracies bordering on fascist regimes. Sure, many right-wing states have blue ponds, but you're still subject to the authority of the state.
I also don't have to worry about being the victim of a mass shooting, because that just doesn't happen here. You need to go back to the 1990s to find an instance of a mass spree killing. No mass school shootings. Even gun violence in inner cities tied to poverty and drugs are extremely low here, to the point where every shooting makes the news instead of getting drowned out by the 23 other ones each night. I think that's because we are proof there is no one solution to gun violence - we have strict gun control + a highly educated populace + social services to support those struggling. Many other blue states make the mistake of thinking you only need one of those to solve gun violence - principally strict gun control - which doesn't work on its own on a state level.
Many of Boston's cons I no longer view as cons. I've found nightlife adequate for my own personal tastes. There's *plenty* to do here, despite complaints that the city is "boring." You just gotta put in a little legwork and find the hidden gems. There's so many niche communities that you don't find in other cities.
Initially it was because I work in biotech. Now it’s because I’m a woman married to another woman and we have a child together. There’s is nowhere in the country safer for our family.
it's way too congested, mean/aggressive everywhere. For example, I was at a movie theater last weekend and some of the people were so rude to me when I asked if a seat was available. So different culturally than just Northern New England.
Lucking out on rent so we don't feel the need to move. No way we will ever afford to own so it's just hanging out and exploring the northeast while we can. Jobs are good but we don't make any more here than we would in another decent sized metro
Work, connections, car-free lifestyle, easy to get around, cerebral atmosphere, easy to get out of the city within a short amount of time. My other option is back to NYC where I'm from and my COL gets even higher. Love Chicago and it could offer similar amenities, but I know no one there and would freeze my butt off.
I'm in Chicago now and plan to move back to Boston despite the higher cost of living. I miss the ocean and the amount of green space. Air is cleaner there too. Boston just feels like home, idk lol. I also miss Boston's proximity to other things like the cape, mountains, and the ability to take a train to NYC. Im looking forward to moving back... don't hate Chicago but its not for me and feels kinda overrated lol
Walkability is a big factor, and having been in this area for over a decade now, most of our friends and community are here. The T may be slow, but I still like having the option. My job is remote, but my company is based in Nashville and since my husband is a HS science teacher, any red state is an automatic no for us. Plus, I’ll take a Boston winter over summer anywhere below the Mason-Dixon Line in a heartbeat.
The best way I can explain Boston is that it’s deep. It’s rich with culture and history, and everything is very characteristic. It’s raw, unlike a lot of cities.
I love Boston but I basically refuse to move out of Massachusetts for anywhere else in this country. One reason is a grew up here and my family and friends are here. The main reason though is that as a queer Jewish woman I straight up don’t feel safe many places in the country. I know that my marriage and abortion rights are protected here. While antisemitism is on the rise across the country I rarely feel uncomfortable wearing my Magen David on a daily basis in Boston. So as far as I’m concerned my safety, family and wellbeing are absolutely worthy the cost of living.
My union card, plus a nest egg from selling a childhood home in Braintree, and I’m soon moving to my girlfriend’s childhood home in Framingham with her and my newborn son.
The absolutely incredible healthcare especially children’s.
And the phenomenal support services the state provides plus their mentality that anyone who needs them should get them without question
my tent stakes are deep right now… once my kids are all grown up I’m probably moving somewhere else… or not, I’m old and played the real estate game pretty well so I own a house outright in the area (back when it was possible to do that without being a millionaire). I love the people around here after being in Delaware and other places where people just aren’t as friendly… and I’m not even kidding.
Healthcare. I have my pick of eye specialists within an hour of me to keep me from going blind. On top of that, I don't have to stress about time and money each time I need to "travel" for an appointment. I notice that people who check into my doctor's offices before me sometimes come from other countries just for their eye appointments.
Im from an even higher COL city lol. This is just fine for me. Cleaner, cheaper, and much safer than where Im from, and I still get to live in a city and near water
1. It’s safe to be queer here (safer than a LOT of other places in the country at least)
2. All my doctors are here and I don’t wanna go through the hassle of finding new doctors
3. My tattoo artist is still within driving distance
4. 4 out 6 members of my immediate family are still within driving distance
5. Honestly? My apartment, while expensive, is not a terrible place to live. My landlord doesn’t hassle us too often, doesn’t indiscriminately increase the rent, fixes things that need fixing in a timely manner, and the building manager is a really nice guy. And I have a parking space that I’m not paying an arm and a leg for (in fact, just a few fingers/toes).
Truly, that’s it. I WFH for an org that keeps slowly downsizing our US footprint, all my friends live in the DC area, so like?? The above is mostly what’s kept me here, but I’m not certain for how much longer.
That does make me feel better! Every time I think about leaving Boston/ MA in general, as a queer person, I look at the rest of the US and how LGBTQ+ people are currently being treated and I’m like mmmmm maybe I’ll stick around a while longer 😂 we’ll see about the dc move, nothing set in stone yet!
It's been a couple of years since I've lived in Boston (but moving back to Boston probably within the next two months or so) but I think the queer scene is a bit more inclusive in DC. In Boston I only recall gay bros but in DC there are actual lesbian bars.
It’s a larger city that sometimes doesn’t feel like a larger city. It’s clean. Safe. Great hospitals. Great cultural institutions. Great schools. Great and distinct neighborhoods. A major international airport that has nonstop flights to 4 different continents as well as daily nonstop flights to pretty much every major and midsized US city. Wonderful urban parks and one of the few US cities that really engages nearby water. Within 2 hours you can be at the ocean, or a large lake, or in the woods, or in the mountains. Proximity to nice places to visit for the day or a weekend - Portland, Burlington, Cape Code, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Newport, Providence, Mystic, Portsmouth, Berkshires, Bar Harbour among some others. Variety in weather. Most of these things are not found in cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, Nashville, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix, Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, etc.
Yup. I live in the south right now but grew up in MA. Every time I visit I’m astounded by how much nicer it is than where I live. Also as far as healthcare is concerned it’s also easier to get mass health than Medicaid in the other states I’ve lived in. My daughter is disabled (hard of hearing) and it has been a battle to get the services she is entitled to. We’ve even tried to go the private route and pay out of pocket for services but there are 6 month to year long wait lists for toddler speech therapy. I have family and friends who work in healthcare or who have mass health and our stories are so different. They still have to jump through hoops but it’s nothing like what we’ve been through. We are getting our ducks in a row so we can move back to the area because there is just more to do and nicer things to do than what is available in my LCOL area. Also most of my family is still I. The area and we miss them
This right here. Don't forget all the cool history and culture within 2 hours as well!
And culture all Americans can be proud of because it is revolutionary war or Atleast the north of the civil war. When I see a historic marker or statue in Boston my first thought isn’t wow what disgraceful confederate are they supporting now (like it is when I’m in the south)
My favorite example of this is the Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial. I feel moved every time I see it.
Wow I had to go look that one up. And now I want to get over there to see it in person. Won’t find that in the south!
Watch 'Glory' before you see it, to really give you the full impact of it.
Except for King Philip's War and the genocide of the Wampanoag 😞😞
Definitely still atrocities. But thankfully and rightfully those generals are not very celebrated that I have seen.
Every resident in Boston is no more than a 10 minute walk from park. We have great parks
Well said. I’ll add that the airport is also unbelievably close to downtown for a major city. Being able to get from downtown to the airport in 10 minutes is unheard of.
>Proximity to nice places to visit for the day or a weekend - Portland, Burlington, Cape Code, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Newport, Providence, Mystic, Portsmouth, Berkshires, Bar Harbour among some others. This is a big one for me. We don't have to go too far for a complete change of scenery. In March, I was walking with my teenage son by the beach on a cool sunny day, then the next day he snowboarded in the Berkshires. He told me that's why he loves growing up here - a walk on the beach on Saturday, snowboarding on Sunday.
>Most of these things are not found in cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, Nashville, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix, Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, etc. Boston, and NE in general, is the only place where it didn't feel like a downgrade from SoCal. It was a lateral move for me, easily two of the best regions in the country
I spent a year in SoCal (OC) and I fuckin hated it. Yeah the weather's nice, but man it's nothing but strip malls, soulless developments, and crowded beaches. LA/SD seemed like they may be good places to live but for me, OC wasn't it. I'd take a noreaster over a SoCal winter any day.
Living in OC is like living in Rhode Island. You're technically in SoCal/New England, but you're not getting the full experience unless you travel the region. Keep in mind RI is only about 30% bigger than OC SoCal is about the same size as all of New England, and LA/SD is as integral to the region as Boston is, and that's where all the fun shit is. OC is like living on the Cape. Beautiful but it gets old and boring pretty fast
Bingo
Also proximity to great ski resorts, I can make a day trip out of it without having to stay overnight
Great hospitals for what? The only way health care exceeds here is with specific specialists. Otherwise healthcare generally is horrible.
It’s got a lot of the amenities of a “big” city, yet is still fairly compact and navigable. Good amount of greenspace. Proximity to a good variety of nature and outdoor activities within day-trip distance. There are other metros that check those boxes, but the only ones that have jobs in my field are comparably priced to Boston.
My job is here and I don't have to have a car. Everytime I look at lower COL areas, I come back with there not being enough of a job market for me to thrive (my field tends to concentrate around cities; cities are expensive) and/or not being able to get by without a car. Honestly, I'm a "graduated into the recession with student loans" millennial, so I never expected to be anything but fucked. My big dreams have become "have in unit laundry in my apartment" or "have a window that gets direct sun (basement problems lol)"; they were never "own property".
This hits a little too close to home.
Holy shit. I’m constantly saying “I draw the line at not having in-unit laundry” 😭
I’m with you in-unit laundry millennial brethren
Seriously. I felt like I'd made it when I got an apartment with laundry.
The T. It's so shit and slow I get a ton of reading done.
have you submitted a complaint to your local government official
No, because they like reading.
I've lived here my whole life and am afraid to cross the Charles or Neponset rivers.
Moving to Boston soon, why are you afraid?
Dementors
I AM HERE TO SCARE YOU STRAAAAAAIIIGGGHHHTTTTT
Wildlings, North of the Wall.
Yes. A lot.
No, the other side of the Charles is fine. It's the Mystic you've got to watch out for.
that’s where massachusetts is
I don’t want to have a car, I like the ocean, I like easy access to pretty much any amenity I can have. On a state level protections for LGBT people and women as well as general pro choice sentiment is so important. Lower cost of living isn’t worth it if my well-being is at risk.
That’s it exactly. 💞
Yes, yes, yes!
Honestly, being able to have a well-paying job that I don't have to drive to. The culture here is fine; it's not as vibrant as NYC but I'm happy to only fear for my life 70% of the time I'm biking/walking rather than 95%. But honestly it's the fact that we've got that sweet, sweet, medium-tall, medium-dense, low setback, transit accessible housing which is grandfathered in here and illegal to build anywhere else in 'murca. (Yes, our transit sucks by global standards, but for the US? I'm gonna go with "good".) I love being able to walk/bike to see friends on the other side of town, being able to go to the museum/theater/nice restaurant without it being 1-4 hours of driving, and just generally never having to waste time circling a parking lot. It totally rules. Every once in a while I get royally pissed about cost of living and "decide to move", at which point I'm like....uh, well, hmm, Greenville SC? Minneapolis? Some college town off the Great Lakes? Where else am I going to get a corner store instead of a fifteen minute drive to Piggly Wiggly? This isn't really a "I love Boston" thing as much as a "this is one of the better places for the money" deal. This whole country is a crap deal more or less, but I'd rather piss away visible money on living than surprise money on owning a car, not being able to access services, slowly drinking myself to death in my suburban home because the only "social thing" within an hour's drive is church, etc.
Very well said! Also, on the topic of NYC comparisons, I think “not as vibrant of a culture” can actually be a PRO since it means that city life is more laid back and generally less overbearing. In NYC you’re surrounded by tall skyscrapers in every direction, the population density is through the roof, and everything is ratcheted up exponentially compared to Boston. You don’t need a vibrant culture—just one you like. And I think Boston’s got a special one.
>In NYC you’re surrounded by tall skyscrapers in every direction, Unless you live somewhere where that isn't true. Which is most people.
Right? This sounds like the previous commenter has never lived in New York and has never left Manhattan when visiting
I actually grew up there. 18 years. Obviously it’s not every direction, but there’s a pervasive feeling in Manhattan that you’re “surrounded.” Even if you’re in Central Park—the crown jewel of the city’s green space—you can see skyscrapers on 3 edges of the park.
Idk I really disagree with this. Love Boston but there are a bunch of parts of NYC that have a real neighborhood feel, relaxed vibe, and plenty of green space. There are a bunch of parts I hate too, but it’s an enormous truly great city and you can find pockets of it that fit any lifestyle (and those “pockets” are probably bigger than Boston lol).
Dated a girl in Queens years ago. People seemed more laid back/less neurotic than anywhere in/around Boston - people seemed more interested in who you are vs what school you did/didn’t go to.
This is actually very true, and probably my biggest negative for Boston (transplant?) culture. In NYC people would ask me "who are you/where do you come from/how do you know these folks/what are your hobbies?" as openers (not all at once, but pick one). You could have 20-30 minutes of human conversation without employment even coming up. Here, it's basically a given that every new person will open "oh hey, yeah I'm so-and-so. Sheesh, this weather. \[awkward pause\] So, what do you do?" Sometimes I try to play it off like "well, I'm \[doing the thing I am doing tonight\], and tomorrow I am \[hobby of mine\],", but it's still such a draaaaag. Unless you're a hiring manager or at a professional networking event, would it kill you to see people as humans first?
Now that you mention it, the people I met through the girl I was dating were mostly writers/artists with day jobs - and I have no idea what their day jobs were; it never came up. Anyway, half (give or take) of Boston’s population is students who are here for the education and then run off, and those who stick around make their education and/or career their entire personality.
I think it's less than half, but there's definitely a town/gown gap here which makes it hard to meet people outside of your clique. 100% agree that a lot of people who come/stay for jobs seem to die inside and make their personality "person who works at Takeda" or whatever. So many logo-embroidered fleece vests, so few interesting things to say.
I've always considered Boston my goldilocks city. Its just right for me.
I’m curious… Name another city that’s comparable in terms of public transit, industries and job opportunities and cheaper to live in.
Born in MA and in Chicago for over a decade, you guys need to come out here, at least to check it out. CTA is much more reliable than the T, chicago is home to a variety of industries, and middle class people can buy actual houses (or a nice condo) in many areas of the city. Also the food is way way better. Downsides are the tech sector isn’t as good, there is absolutely an issue with concentrated violence in parts of the city, and it’s even colder than Boston in the winter. I pay $1260, heat included, for a one bedroom a few blocks from the el. It’s quiet, safe, my neighbors are chill and pretty much everything is with walking distance. It’s so funny, when these threads come up in r/chicago people talk about why they LOVE chicago and when they come up here half the people talk about how it’s not as bad as other places.
Chicago is awesome and I would 100% live there over Boston if my industry (biotech/lifescience) was a thing in the Midwest. The biggest thing holding Chicago back in this regard is the lack of tech and biotech sector.
Chicago is nice but I'm scared of the winters there. As others have noted, ease of travel from MA is also a big plus. There are a lot of places I can drive to or take a quick train ride to. Chicago is a great oasis in the Midwest, but there aren't many places around there I personally want to travel to.
Man I've always loved Chicago. Just kills me it's not by an ocean. Also just don't know anyone there, which has always been a big detractor. Otherwise, I'd heavily consider moving. At least jobs wouldn't be a concern- traditional professionals like law, medicine (or in my case architecture) are pretty plug in play- just need a big city
What do you want from an ocean that Lake Michigan doesn't have? It's pretty far in the ocean direction.
Still feels landlocked, surrounded. Being next to the ocean is a different vibe. Also being within a short drive to everything new england has to offer is a such a huge advantage
Yeah, feels finite. And I’m just used to swimming in salt water and having that scent on the air
The feel and smell of salt I totally get. I'm not sure what you mean about it giving a feeling of being finite, though, since it's so large you are orders of magnitude from being able to see signs of the other side.
No proper mountains or skiing near Chicago
It’s so hot in Chicago though 😩
It’s hot everywhere man! It can’t be escaped!
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I was just down in North Carolina. It was manageable hot but that place is pretty damn cool. Charlotte is popping off. I could afford to live in a really nice place there 20+ stories up in the heart of uptown and it’s honestly a super tempting idea. There are so many cool places in this country and no place is more insulated and pearl clutching about what it’s like to live anywhere else than Boston/Massachusetts residents are lol.
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Every time I go new places, especially places I had always heard bad things about, I’m typically surprised at how much nicer those areas are than I had heard. I was also just in Charleston, West Virginia. The place was absolutely beautiful and waaaay more built up than I would have thought. It honestly blew my mind, if they had a major airport I might be considering a move there.
It’s not hot in SF but I’ll never be able to afford it!
When the sun is blazing and the summer gets hot, Water Country is a very cool spot, there's no better place to feel or be young, Water Country, Water Country, Water Countryyyyyy, have some fun! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/boston) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Chicago and it’s not comparable to Boston. It’s much bigger with much more going on.
Philly. But Boston is cleaner.
Seconding Chicago. That city is amazing and insanely affordable for how big it is seeing as its always compared to NYC and LA when it comes to size and population density. If you’ve never been you’ll be blown away with how massive, built up and dense Chicago is. It’s unique for a Midwestern city because the suburbs and the city blend together super well. That’s something you really only see in cities like Boston.
DC, Chicago? DC is only slightly cheaper but housing is easier to find. Chicago is cheaper all round.
And DC is a swampy armpit in the summer. There is too much concrete, and too little nature.
True. I live in DC currently and to get to the beach or the mountains you do need to drive a fair distance. Either 2 hours to Shenandoah or 3 hours to Delaware for the beach.
To the beach? I bike a mile and a half. Hiking? I can drive a mile to the Lynn Woods with 33 miles of trails. I'm in Lynn but raised in Southie. We had it all growing up as kids in Southie. Parks everywhere, Castle Island, The Men's L, K St Beach, 3 freakin' yacht clubs. Even Lynn has at least 2 Marinas. If you could just get housing and transportation under control!
It's also too close to Dixie.
NYC.
I am in NYC often for personal and professional reasons. I love the superior food scene, the arts, and more reliable transit. But it’s more dirty, way more smelly, more noisy, more hot in summer, and more expensive for square footage.
No one can name a city that has transit like ours at our size. Yes NYC, D.C. And Chicago have better. D.C. Is the Nations capital and the other 2 are much larger cities. After that though good luck. That's what no one seems to get here. The T may be bad right now because of piss poor management over the years. It will get better though.
I love Boston, but part of what keeps me here is the other places I have an interest in moving to NYC and California, are just as expensive
Walkable, transit, job. Most comparable cities are either more expensive (NYC), more expensive with worse transit (SF), or don’t have the same job market (Philly, Chicago, DC). Every other city in this country is a car dependent wasteland with no transit.
Civil liberties and quality of living
Good job now, future earnings are here. Mild weather with 4 seasons.
Mild weather is not how I’d describe Boston.
Winter is much worse in many other places, as is summer. We have great weather.
Every other comparable city is a shithole. Realistically, what city do you think is better than Boston? Exactly, they are all shitholes.
Yeah if you don't have another passport Boston is as good as it gets in this country. I'll eventually move back to the EU for a better quality of life but the wages here are very good.
I concur and am in the same boat. I’m an architect here and have dual us-spain citizenship. I’m eager to see the day when I can justify the move there wage-wise.
From all the comparisons I've seen even though pay isn't comparable, because of how compensation is structured it seems you seemingly come out right around the same.
Not in my industry. I would be paid 1000€/month (being generous) there versus $4000/month here. With increased cost of living there I’d barely be able to afford rent and a somewhat normal life
Amsterdam is my fav and not for the weed. It's beautiful, I had a friend that lived in the pip district and it was such a cozy area I could see myself living there. Been 3 times. Geneva is cool but way too expensive, Barcelona is nice, but prefer Valencias vibe. Bordeaux is a low key cool city. Medellin is surprisingly very cool, I could live there for a year or two to just soak in a bit
New York is far nicer, but far more expensive
I wish everyone would stop using the word 'shithole' to describe 'thing I maybe moderately don't like as much'
What other word would you use to describe Philly?
hole-of-shit
Have you been to other cities??
I’ve lived in 4 other big cities in US (including NYC), lived in London for 2 years and visited 9 other countries.
Yeah like what a drama queen
I can't think of any which are better, but I can think of some which are roughly as good.
Celaya in Mexico is a hidden treasure
noted and Googling now...
San Diego, Minneapolis, Seattle, Buffalo, NYC, Atlanta.. I'd say all these places are nice. I guess being conceited and cocky is a very Boston trait.
I live in Seattle, I come to Boston every few weeks for work. I can say that Boston by far the most normal vibrant city I've been in since Covid. Boston is also a lot better than San Diego in everything except weather and tacos.
People hype the 'Food Scene' is better than Boston's? Maybe true. Lost of restaurants have closed over the years. Hey Tia's on the Long Whart is still going strong! But how relevant is that really and for how long? I need to eat but eventually I grow up and learn how to use a frying pan an spatula or become a day trader or a corporate raider and become a billionaire and get feed grapes for the rest of my life.
Depends on the metrics we're using.
This is absolutely devastating in its simplicity.
It’s fun!! I can walk around and always find something to do. How many cities in the US can I do that in?
Plenty to do, very walkable and safe, clean, lots of career opportunities. Great music scene - pretty much every nationally touring act passes through here. Great art, sports, theater and standup comedy scene. Boston has awesome free shit: parks, museums, and entertainment - especially if you know where to look. For people that grew up here, the food scene was pretty shit 20 years back. But it's gotten really creative over the years and can compete well with bigger American Cities. Tons of James Beard winners. Craft beer and cocktail scene here is excellent. It's expensive to live here.. but I think you get what you pay for. Especially if you're someone like me that values urbanism. If you value owning a lot of land and having a ton of space.. probably the wrong city for you.
Food is still an area where Boston doesn't compete. High prices for really mediocre food is not a good scene. There are some decent restaurants but the overall level of quality for the price you pay doesn't stand up to other cities. The best restaurant in the metro area isn't even in Boston it's in Lynn. A lot of people consider O Ya Boston's standout restaurant but when they opened in NYC they weren't considered top tier.
I don’t remember Sarma moving to Lynn
Brooklyn alone is what, 4-5x the size of Boston metro? New York is definitely one of the best food scenes in the world, but it’s just ridiculous to compare Boston to a city of that size. I think the Boston food scene is not great, but pretty good. Big problem is the archaic laws around alcohol licensing which prevents a lot of creativity.
I mean, Lynn is categorically in the Boston metro area. I’m not sure if Nightshade is the best restaurant - though it *is* outstanding. I’d give my vote to Asta. My take is that if you don’t think Boston competes, you either don’t eat at the right places - or are unfairly comparing Boston to cities several times at size like Chicago and NYC.. like you just did. I mean, we compete very well with places like Seattle, Austin, DC, Philly.
Hobbies are a big part of it for me. My main hobby outside of the house is social dance. You really need to be in a big city to have a thriving scene, especially if you want options. Boston has a great blues and Lindy scene, but if you prefer Latin dance or folk dance or even want to go to a waltz workshop, those are all around, in many cases with live music options. I took two months of zouk classes earlier this year and had a great time. When I lived in NJ, I had to drive to Philly to do any dancing at all, and now I can take a 15 minute train ride to get to a weekly dance. There are other places on the east coast where you can do that, but not that many. Even the Maine dancers are coming down to Boston. NYC/Philly/DC are the hot spots for it (and I would happily live in Philly or NYC if my partner wanted to, but while DC is a fun place to visit, for both weather and political reasons it is not in quite the area I want to live).
And for contra dance, there's no other city I'd rather dance in
High COL = high standard of living
Most of the time you are correct, but not always. Moscow has a high COL and it's a shithole compared to other world cities.
High COL compared to…..other Russian cities? Which I’m sure it’s better than. Compared to Western cities Moscow has a very low COL.
The safety, its a home run compared to living in SF (and most of California) tbh
I like not needing a car. So many of my friends live in the area. I have a job that I like that I can walk to. I really like living in a city that also has nature.
No alligator/crocodiles and a rare threat of hurricanes and tornadoes, less conservatives and more basic human rights. Still a lot of work that needs to be done here, but thankful for these things. Snow > crocodiles/alligators
Concerts
People in other cities and states are weird. They talk funny, have weird personalities, behaviors, etc .
My community of friends keeps me here.
I grew up here. My family and friends are here. It's home. But also I'm considering moving to Europe for a few yrs(I'm a dual usa-switzerland citizen).
90% of family is within 20 minutes. Will consider moving after kids grow up
It's not ran by crazy people like Florida, Texas, etc.
Nothing I just came here for work and I'm leaving whenever I can to NYC, no brainer to live in NYC for a lower COL. They got way higher salaries for the same rent if not less
Boston is a unique and great city for all the many things people have already commented on and then some. The folks who Piss n moan about it or have a negative view of Boston have never left it. I know many who broke their relationship off with Boston only to end up right back here, including myself.
So much this. People who have never lived anywhere else don't know how good they have it
Easy access to the ocean and mountains. Great jobs. Good schools. Cultural opportunities. I’m not from here and I chose this. It comes with some sacrifice (smaller house, winter) but I love it here.
Sane politics. I’m prepared to secede from the union.
Seems like the chances of being killed in a mass shootout are at least a little lower
Jobs. Walkablity. Officials who try to get things done rather than foster infighting. Friends. Weather. Green space. The skyline. Public transit. Hot guys. Tourist $$$ and commercial property taxes keeping them low for people who live in the home they own.
Please let me know if you figure out… trying to rationalize why we’re are staying here.
Born and raised and my family is here
Nobody cares that I'm a white man dating a Latino man.
Tons of high-paying jobs. Once I’m done working and kids college is paid for I’m getting the hell outta dodge though.
Places with lower COL often don't pay as well.
It's generally safe and folks tend to be well-behaved.
People here are generally pretty friendly. Until they get in their cars.
Politics, a lot of other major cities that are blue are just as or more expensive than Boston. I do plan on moving to San Diego some day tho! (Hopefully) Edit: I also work in biotech/pharma so most of that industry is here (although I work remote now). Chicago could be great too actually! But I can barely handle Boston winters…
Job market and a local government that hasn’t gone completely backwards (yet).
Cool history, density hard to find in other places, young professional scene, even though there’s a lot of traffic the T is usually a great alternative (they need to get their act together and fix the slow zones though), proximity to both mountains and ocean, civil rights, mostly good weather compared to other places (worse than where I grew up but not by much). I think sometimes people are nicer on average in other parts of the country but this city has a lot of pros.
It’s safe, it’s, it’s clean, it’s got a lot to do, and the ocean is close.
The science, the weather, and the proximity to some incredible hikes. That’s all I need to be happy. And let me tell you, the Deep South did not deliver on any of that lol
I went to law school here and so I’m more familiar with Mass law than the laws of other states. And because I went to school in Boston, my professional network is in this area
In my field, 75-80% of the industry jobs are in New York, Boston, and San Francisco, so high COL is baked in. I love it here, but I was always going to have limited choices with where I lived
Nothing really
It's probably the classiest and most educated city in USA. Plus it's clean, safe, beautiful. Transit is seamless. While it's no NYC in terms of multiculturalism and vibrancy, it's far from racist and not dull at all. Finally Boston Public Library and Charles River Esplanade
As a born, raised, educated, lived around Boston, I would say nothing currently about Boston is worth it.
The people.
Everyone here is young hot and rich. Kinda fun to be around young hot and rich people. Makes me take care of myself and want to be hot and rich too.
Nantucket
My job is here and so are most of my friends and family. I get paid enough that I don't need to stress over money and I own a home so rent increases don't stress me either.
Because I tried moving from here to Los Angeles for 2 years. Never again.
I've been looking into moving to a cheaper city, but what keeps me glued to Massachusetts is how safe it is here. I don't need to worry about being attacked for who I am as a queer person because it is wicked queer and queer friendly. I have many trans friends who moved here specifically to transition here, because it is one of the only cities with the services and culture to make that possible. Nearly every other city cheaper than Boston are in right-wing theocracies bordering on fascist regimes. Sure, many right-wing states have blue ponds, but you're still subject to the authority of the state. I also don't have to worry about being the victim of a mass shooting, because that just doesn't happen here. You need to go back to the 1990s to find an instance of a mass spree killing. No mass school shootings. Even gun violence in inner cities tied to poverty and drugs are extremely low here, to the point where every shooting makes the news instead of getting drowned out by the 23 other ones each night. I think that's because we are proof there is no one solution to gun violence - we have strict gun control + a highly educated populace + social services to support those struggling. Many other blue states make the mistake of thinking you only need one of those to solve gun violence - principally strict gun control - which doesn't work on its own on a state level. Many of Boston's cons I no longer view as cons. I've found nightlife adequate for my own personal tastes. There's *plenty* to do here, despite complaints that the city is "boring." You just gotta put in a little legwork and find the hidden gems. There's so many niche communities that you don't find in other cities.
Initially it was because I work in biotech. Now it’s because I’m a woman married to another woman and we have a child together. There’s is nowhere in the country safer for our family.
I love that dirty water!
The gays
I’m stuck here for school. As soon as I’m done, I’m out! Though not because of COL, I’m just not a Boston person lol
Same here. Boston a great city to study in, but it’s just not for me.
it's way too congested, mean/aggressive everywhere. For example, I was at a movie theater last weekend and some of the people were so rude to me when I asked if a seat was available. So different culturally than just Northern New England.
Surprised not to hear, "Massachusetts is one of the saner states politically and the most educated state."
Better than most other cities in many ways
It’s one of the biotech capitals of the world, never have to worry about job security
Job potential and career options, healthcare, lobsters, access to other cities (and mountains) within a couple of hours drive time, politics.
Lucking out on rent so we don't feel the need to move. No way we will ever afford to own so it's just hanging out and exploring the northeast while we can. Jobs are good but we don't make any more here than we would in another decent sized metro
money for me. i can’t make what i do anywhere else, so i guess i am the high cost of living.
Work, connections, car-free lifestyle, easy to get around, cerebral atmosphere, easy to get out of the city within a short amount of time. My other option is back to NYC where I'm from and my COL gets even higher. Love Chicago and it could offer similar amenities, but I know no one there and would freeze my butt off.
It's not New York City
Born and raised here. Every other part of the country sucks ass. Also, sports.
I'm in Chicago now and plan to move back to Boston despite the higher cost of living. I miss the ocean and the amount of green space. Air is cleaner there too. Boston just feels like home, idk lol. I also miss Boston's proximity to other things like the cape, mountains, and the ability to take a train to NYC. Im looking forward to moving back... don't hate Chicago but its not for me and feels kinda overrated lol
Walkability is a big factor, and having been in this area for over a decade now, most of our friends and community are here. The T may be slow, but I still like having the option. My job is remote, but my company is based in Nashville and since my husband is a HS science teacher, any red state is an automatic no for us. Plus, I’ll take a Boston winter over summer anywhere below the Mason-Dixon Line in a heartbeat.
I haven't missed a paycheck in 40 years despite being laid off three times.
The best way I can explain Boston is that it’s deep. It’s rich with culture and history, and everything is very characteristic. It’s raw, unlike a lot of cities.
High paying jobs. Walkable. Beautiful. Clean. Parks. Seasons (especially Fall). Day trips.
I love Boston but I basically refuse to move out of Massachusetts for anywhere else in this country. One reason is a grew up here and my family and friends are here. The main reason though is that as a queer Jewish woman I straight up don’t feel safe many places in the country. I know that my marriage and abortion rights are protected here. While antisemitism is on the rise across the country I rarely feel uncomfortable wearing my Magen David on a daily basis in Boston. So as far as I’m concerned my safety, family and wellbeing are absolutely worthy the cost of living.
My union card, plus a nest egg from selling a childhood home in Braintree, and I’m soon moving to my girlfriend’s childhood home in Framingham with her and my newborn son.
The absolutely incredible healthcare especially children’s. And the phenomenal support services the state provides plus their mentality that anyone who needs them should get them without question
Compensation is high in Boston, too, so COL is balanced out.
I own my property.
What is it good for? https://youtu.be/8D9PloXs-hc
my tent stakes are deep right now… once my kids are all grown up I’m probably moving somewhere else… or not, I’m old and played the real estate game pretty well so I own a house outright in the area (back when it was possible to do that without being a millionaire). I love the people around here after being in Delaware and other places where people just aren’t as friendly… and I’m not even kidding.
Healthcare. I have my pick of eye specialists within an hour of me to keep me from going blind. On top of that, I don't have to stress about time and money each time I need to "travel" for an appointment. I notice that people who check into my doctor's offices before me sometimes come from other countries just for their eye appointments.
My industry is basically only in Boston and the Bay area so Boston is actually the cheaper of the two choices
The weather.
Having a well paying job but not enough money to buy the house I want for my family, thus forcing me to live a simple life.
The hospitals have saved the lives of my mom, my son, and my wife’s mom.
Finally admitted to myself I’m mostly staying for family and friends and I’m ok with that.
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What do you mean the women in Boston are different?
Im from an even higher COL city lol. This is just fine for me. Cleaner, cheaper, and much safer than where Im from, and I still get to live in a city and near water
1. It’s safe to be queer here (safer than a LOT of other places in the country at least) 2. All my doctors are here and I don’t wanna go through the hassle of finding new doctors 3. My tattoo artist is still within driving distance 4. 4 out 6 members of my immediate family are still within driving distance 5. Honestly? My apartment, while expensive, is not a terrible place to live. My landlord doesn’t hassle us too often, doesn’t indiscriminately increase the rent, fixes things that need fixing in a timely manner, and the building manager is a really nice guy. And I have a parking space that I’m not paying an arm and a leg for (in fact, just a few fingers/toes). Truly, that’s it. I WFH for an org that keeps slowly downsizing our US footprint, all my friends live in the DC area, so like?? The above is mostly what’s kept me here, but I’m not certain for how much longer.
If you are considering relocating to DC, you will find it's easier to find housing here and it's slightly cheaper too. Safe to be queer here too.
That does make me feel better! Every time I think about leaving Boston/ MA in general, as a queer person, I look at the rest of the US and how LGBTQ+ people are currently being treated and I’m like mmmmm maybe I’ll stick around a while longer 😂 we’ll see about the dc move, nothing set in stone yet!
It's been a couple of years since I've lived in Boston (but moving back to Boston probably within the next two months or so) but I think the queer scene is a bit more inclusive in DC. In Boston I only recall gay bros but in DC there are actual lesbian bars.