Living in Metro Boston

Cost of Living and Real Estate

Housing costs in Boston’s affluent neighborhoods are notoriously high. In fact, Boston’s cost of living is almost 50% higher than the national average. The average rent for a studio apartment in Boston proper is between $2,000-$2,500 and the median home value is around $550,000.

As one of the oldest cities in the US, Boston has an incredibly rich history, but that age also means the city can be crowded. While many Boston neighborhoods are commutable (Boston also has a thriving public transit system), Boston’s real estate market can be understandably difficult to break into.

Due to its proximity to Boston University, Harvard University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the area has no shortage of seasonal residents. If you’re thinking of moving to Boston, it may be a good idea to avoid the beginning of the school year.

The Boston Lifestyle: Sports, Boston
College, and the Boston Marathon

As we mentioned above, the downtown Boston lifestyle is all about easy transportation and walkability. You might find yourself walking down to Fenway Park to watch the Boston Red Sox play. Make sure to check out the Boston Bruins, the New England Patriots, and the Boston Celtics when they’re in town, too. Boston residents have a deep love and enthusiasm for sports!

The Boston Metro (or the “T”) makes it easy to get from the North End to South Boston or anywhere in between. While the city is expansive, you can still stroll along the Charles River and through a green space or two if you’d rather take the scenic route. Make sure to visit the historic sites of the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the Paul Revere House if you’re a history buff. While you’re out seeing the sights, make sure to check out Beacon Hill and Harvard Square to see what college life is all about.

Amenities and Events

Boston has no shortage of things to do, and the size of the city means you’ll have easy access to any amenities you need. Families will be glad to know that the Boston Public School System excels in many of the city’s quieter suburbs and neighborhoods.

Boston residents also have access to world-class health care. Upward of 98% of Massachusetts residents receive health insurance, too—one of the highest percentages of any state in the US.

If you visit only to find that Boston is not your cup of tea, then remember that Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine are all very close by.