So you’re moving to Boston! Get ready to step into history, coexisting side-by-side with modernity in harmony with nature. You’re in for an exciting adventure, but Boston is different from every city you’ve probably lived in. Here are 7 things to know before you move here…
1. Boston Neighborhoods are like Self-Contained Towns
The Boston metro is actually a network of self-contained neighborhoods. People rarely get into a car to drive across town to run errands - life is mostly lived within a 10-15 minute walk. The result - a strong sense of community identity and a localized lifestyle.
2. Directions Are Based On Landmarks
Much of Boston’s street grid is built along pathways that predate roads and street names. Trying to get directions by street logic can be confusing. Instead, locals give directions based on landmarks. Explore your neighborhood, take note of some local landmarks - a church, a common, a CVS - and you’ll be ready to receive and give directions like a local.
3. Living Close to Transit Makes a Big Difference
Living close to a transit line makes the greater Boston metro outside of your community much more accessible. Boston residents tend to favor commute time over square footage when we house-hunt, but note that choosing only a few transit stops further away can make a big difference in the affordability of the housing market.
4. Relationships are Built Through Repetition, Not Networking
Boston isn’t about big social mixers as a way of making friends or contacts. Consistently showing up to the same places is the key to plugging into Boston. As you get to know the familiar faces at the grocery store, the cafe, the tavern, the gym, trust and rapport with your fellow Bostonites will come naturally. It’s less about an “icebreaker” than a gradual thaw.
5. Bostonites Are Direct, but Not Cold
Don’t be offended if your neighbors are more blunt and direct than you’re used to. We don’t mean it badly. If we didn’t like you, we wouldn’t even bother. Boston natives tend to have a hard exterior, but we’re warm and hospitable once you understand the way we communicate. Cheat code - follow the Pats and the Celtics.
From the fall colors to the living history, life in Boston is unlike life in any other city. It can be a transition, but Boston has a way of growing on people. Once you settle in, you wonder how you ever lived anywhere else.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a car to live in Boston?
You don’t need a car. Overall, Boston has a walkability score of 83/100. The neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly; transit does the rest. Insider tip - living close to a T station makes commuting even easier.
Q: Is Boston public transit reliable?
Yes… generally. Delays do happen, and most locals build a cushion around their commute expectations. Nevertheless, service is widespread and frequent, making it easy to get where you want to go once you learn the T, buses, and commuter trains.
Q: How long is the typical commute in Boston?
Around 30-45 minutes is normal. If you choose a driving commute, seasonal changes in traffic patterns can add an hour or more, so it’s essential to learn the rhythms, check sig alerts, and plan ahead. Don’t forget, public transit requires a walk to the station followed by a walk to the final destination. When picking a home, Bostonites prefer a few extra stops on the train over a longer walk to and from the station - especially when winter arrives.
Q: How far in advance do I need to house-hunt?
Home listings in Boston tend to be brief, popping up 1-3 weeks before offers are due, depending on the price range. Nevertheless, being prepared to act when the right property appears requires careful planning - 3-6 months of getting pre-approved, narrowing down your favorite neighborhoods, and touring properties to familiarize yourself with the most common layouts. Even if your move is far away, consider reaching out to one of our agents now to lay the groundwork for your house hunt.