Thinking of moving to Boston? The Hub has plenty to offer, whether you’re relocating with family, moving for work, or want to experience a new city. With stunning outdoor and historic attractions, Boston is considered one of the best places to live on the East Coast, but it isn’t without downsides—like high traffic and urban density. Here are 13 pros and cons of living in Boston!
Pros of Living in Boston
Massachusetts’ capital city has a strong economy, great educational opportunities, and things to do with family both indoors and outdoors. Check out these pros of moving to Boston!
Pro: Thriving Job Market
The City of Boston has been recognized as one of the best cities for jobs and best cities for young professionals and singles, thanks to its strong economy and growing job market. Those seeking employment can get involved with some of Boston’s key industries, including healthcare, finance, scientific services, and education. Work in Boston at some of the best hospitals in the U.S., including Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. Advance your legal journey at one of Boston’s top companies, the multinational law firm, Goodwin. Start a bustling career at some of the financial giants headquartered in Boston, including Fidelity Investments, Putnam Investments, and Cambridge Associates. Or discover employment at some of the best Fortune 500 companies in Boston, such as General Electric, Liberty Mutual Insurance, and Wayfair.
Pro: Top Quality Education
Boston’s strong economy is supported by its equally strong education—metropolitan Boston is home to approximately 118 colleges and universities and is considered a leading large U.S. metro for college students. Pursue an Ivy League education in social sciences, mathematics, and biomedical sciences at the best university in the world, Harvard University. Earn your degree in science and technology at a different world-class university, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Get involved in computer science, engineering, health sciences, and more in over 300 programs of study at Boston University. Conduct thorough research on topics like international relations, political science, and psychology at the highly-renowned “R1”, Tufts University. Find a public research university in Boston like UMass Boston and dive into graduate and undergraduate programs ranging from business to urban planning. Study finance, economics, and biology at the first private Jesuit university in Boston, Boston College. Or graduate from a more affordable college in Boston—offering programs in liberal arts, business administration, and criminal justice—Bunker Hill Community College.
Pro: Sprawling Outdoor Recreation
One of the biggest benefits of living in Boston is enjoying its beautiful green space and seeing what makes it one of the best cities for outdoor recreation! Explore the 7-mile-long park system, Emerald Necklace—which winds through downtown to Brookline—connecting to scenic spots like the wooded Olmsted Park, the tranquil Back Bay Fens, and Boston’s largest open space, Franklin Park. Travel to the heart of Boston to view over 80 species of beautiful plants at America’s first public botanical garden, the Public Garden. Soak up the sun at Boston beaches, including relaxing on the shores of Carson Beach or gazing at harbor views at Constitution Beach Park. Catch picturesque views of the Boston skyline at sunset on the promenade or watch an amphitheater show at Piers Park. Play pick-up games on Fiedler Field, rent a sailboat for water recreation, or join an exercise course at the Charles River Esplanade. Or hike among nature while taking in lighthouse views, sit under the stars, or go picknicking at the Boston Harbor Islands National & Historic State Park.
Pro: Rich National History
As a major location during the American Revolution, Boston is full of iconic sites and museums for history buffs. Visit America’s oldest park to ride a carousel, have a picnic, and appreciate memorials honoring Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Infantry at Boston Common. Start at the Common to walk through a 2.5-mile route for Boston landmarks like the Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, and King’s Chapel on the Freedom Trail. Inform yourself on early American Home construction and architectural history at the timber-frame abode of Boston’s oldest house, James Blake House. Page through a collection of over 500,000 books in the sprawling, 12-level library founded in the early 19th century, the Boston Athenaeum. Take a tour break by grabbing Paul Revere Burgers, Lobster Grilled Cheese, and Pei Mussels at America’s oldest, continuously-operating tavern, Bell In Hand. Or stop by Boston museums, including full-scale 18th-century sailing replicas and live actors at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum—or explore the history of “Old Ironsides” through key events like the First Barbary War and the War of 1812 at the USS Constitution Museum.
Pro: Vibrant Arts & Culture
From local visual and performing arts attractions to community events and festivals, Boston has a tight-knit culture with a vibrant arts scene. Travel to the Boston Theater District to see productions like Hamilton and Back to the Future at Citizens Bank Opera House or performers like Jimmy Carr and “Weird Al” Yankovic at the Boch Center. Take your kids to see family-friendly shows like CoComelon and Avatar: The Last Airbender at the Emerson Colonial Theatre. Grab a seat for talented musicians like Yuja Wang, Nathan Cole, and Andris Nelsons at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Appreciate rotating exhibitions from acclaimed artists like Van Gogh: The Roulin Family Portraits, Qi Baishi: Inspiration in Ink, and The Visionary Art of Minnie Evans at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring art installations like Light Floor, Let’s Survive Forever, and Glorious Vision of a Rainbow at Downtown Boston’s WNDR Museum. Or get involved with eclectic Boston festivals—including headline musical acts at the Boston Calling Music Festival—celebrate Independence Day at some of Boston’s most historic landmarks at Boston Harborfest, and recognize Boston’s LGBTQ population with events and parades from Boston Pride.
Pro: Family-Friendly Activities
Boston is a great place to live, with plenty of things to do with family around the greater metropolitan area. Play, explore, and learn through fun interactive exhibits like Kid Power, Fantastic Forts, and Johnny’s Workbench at Boston Children’s Museum. Spark an interest in science with exhibits like Perception Playground and Innovation: Earth, or see planetarium shows like Big Bird’s Adventure at the Boston Museum of Science. Stop by enclosures like African Experience and Butterfly Hollow, or get up close with giraffes, Poitou donkeys, and red pandas at Franklin Park Zoo. Bring little ones to see African penguins, epaulette sharks, green sea turtles, and more in the wondrous New England Aquarium. Cruise on land and water through landmark locales like Newbury Street, Post Office Square, and Quincy Market from Boston to Cambridge on the Boston Duck Tour. Spend a day enjoying Boston family fun, watching renowned street performers and musicians perform, chowing on fresh seafood, and shopping from local artisans at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Or attend family events like Cooking with Miss Debbie, JP Fiber Arts Club, and the Kids Book Club while checking out the latest releases at the Boston Public Library.
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Pro: Plenty of Sports Teams
If you’re a sports lover, you’re in luck! Thanks to its high-profile teams and passionate fans, Boston can be considered one of the best sports cities in America! Come to TD Garden to watch the Boston Celtics (NBA) swish three-point buzzer beaters or get loud for game-winning slap shots on ice from the Boston Bruins (NHL). Spend a day at the legendary Fenway Park to see line drives and home run hits from the Boston Red Sox (MLB)! Root for the six-time Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots (NFL) as they score field goals and clutch touchdown passes at Gillette Stadium. Line the stands at Alumni Stadium to watch up-and-coming football prospects in the Boston College Eagles (FBS) make game-changing plays and passes. Or support women’s and men’s Harvard Crimson (D-1) basketball by witnessing exhilarating fourth-quarter showdowns indoors at Lavietes Pavilion.
Pro: Delicious Local Food
Known for its delicious New England clam chowder and colloquially referred to as “Beantown” for its beans, Boston is no less than a foodie’s paradise! Come to West Broadway for Carne Cruda Crostini, Raviolo Carbonara, and Capesante at the traditional Boston Italian restaurant, Fox & The Knife. Chow down Boston seafood specials like Cocktail Shrimp, Ahi Tuna Tacos, and Barking Crab Cakes at Fort Point Channel’s The Barking Crab. Visit Boston’s oldest restaurant for Baked Stuffed Clams, Broiled Boston Scrod, and Oyster House Clam Chowder at Union Oyster House. Enjoy incredible sushi meals and other Japanese food in Boston, like Shrimp Tempura, King Salmon Caviar, and Douzo Special Rolls at Douzo Sushi. Make reservations for Peruvian-Asian cuisine like Ruka Spicy Tuna, Yuzu Lobster, and Pork Yakisoba in the heart of Downtown Boston at Ruka. Stop by for mouthwatering slices of authentic Boston pizza, including Meat Lover’s Pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza, and Caprese Pizza from Ernesto’s Pizza. Or pull out a chair for Rebecca’s Fish & Chips, Grilled Salmon Filet, and Carla’s Meatballs & Linguini at the Boston pub that inspired the TV show, Cheers!
Cons of Living in Boston
While Boston has a storied history and many activities to enjoy, it can be difficult to navigate and has tough winter conditions. Here are five cons of relocating to Boston.
Con: Higher Cost of Living
The Hub can be an expensive place to live—as the cost of living in Boston is roughly 66% higher than the national average. While this can be significantly costly, it’s still less expensive than nearby Massachusetts cities, like Nantucket and Cambridge. Some of Boston’s costs are highlighted in high housing prices, which are more than 150% higher than the national average. Since 2024, however, Boston housing prices have started a gradual decrease from their highs. Additionally, the average income in Massachusetts is one of the highest in the U.S., allowing you to offset steep living costs. The city provides resources for affordable housing in Boston, including listings with subsidized rental housing. Residents can also find affordable neighborhoods in Boston that offer safety and lower home prices, including Allston-Brighton, East Boston, and Hyde Park. If you’re willing to deal with higher costs, there’s plenty to love about living in Boston, including its tight community and culture.
Con: Busy Traffic
Much like other big cities, Boston deals with frequent traffic, and it also ranks among the worst cities for traffic congestion. Though congestion is down roughly 10% from 2023-24, Boston drivers still lose approximately 79 hours sitting in traffic. However, while getting around in a car can be difficult, it lives up to its nickname as “America’s Walking City”, as it’s considered one of the most walkable cities in America. There are also several options for Boston public transportation, thanks to the hundreds of bus, subway, and commuter rail routes between it and surrounding cities from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). Get from Boston’s Long Wharf to Hingham’s Hewitt’s Cove or Hull’s Pemberton Point over water using MBTA’s Public Ferries. Pedal around Boston, Brookline, or Cambridge’s most beautiful bike-friendly paths by renting from the city’s bike sharing program, Bluebikes. Or travel cross-country and beyond by booking a flight at the Boston Logan International Airport.
Con: Frigid Winter Weather
Some may find winters in Boston uncomfortably cold, so it’s important to properly prepare for severe weather before moving. The average temperature in Boston during January ranges between a low of 24 degrees and a high of 37 degrees, and the city receives an average yearly snowfall of 54 inches. This is not without use, however, as there are plenty of fun things to do during winter in Boston! Bring your whole family to Boston Common for recreational ice skating or figure skating shows at Frog Pond. Make a trip to Canton to carve down slopes like Walsh’s Way and Lower Big Blue, or try out tubing at Blue Hills Ski Park. It should be noted that summers in Boston are warm but milder, averaging around 73 degrees with a daily high of around 80 degrees. Additionally, the City of Boston is considered one of the best places to visit during the fall, thanks to its lush foliage and breadth of seasonal activities. Take a trolley tour to some of Boston’s most haunted sites with Ghosts & Gravestones, go apple-picking at nearby Carlson Orchards, or ride on water to experience Boston’s whale-watching season between April and October.
Con: Dense Urban Atmosphere
Boston is one of the most densely populated cities in the U.S., housing approximately 692,000 residents within an area of 89 square miles. It frequently attracts tourists, is home to college students, and has high-traffic roads—those not used to a dense city may feel overwhelmed. With Boston’s density, however, you’re never far from essential resources, including public transportation, important activities and amenities, and community engagement. Some of Boston’s busiest streets are some of its most charming, including Beacon Hill’s picturesque Acorn Street. Residents can discover eclectic shopping, dining, boutiques, and events like Dine Out Boston and Friday Brunch while walking down bustling Newbury Street. If you’d rather avoid crowds, June to October offers a mix of reduced tourism and comfortable weather. And, some family-friendly neighborhoods in Boston located a significant distance from downtown, such as Hyde Park and Roslindale, provide opportunities to live more quietly.
Con: Limited Nightlife Opportunities
While Boston nightlife has great opportunities, its happy hour ban and 2 a.m. curfew for most clubs make it less traveled than the top party cities. There are still enough fun after-hours attractions, however, to rank it among some of the best U.S. cities for singles! Get rowdy for high-energy live music performances featuring headliners like Altego, Different Font, and Ayeoo at the Boston nightclub, The Grand Boston. Join a skeeball league, listen to live DJing, or attend sports watch parties while drinking Larry Bird or Pik N Pop cocktails at The Greatest Bar. Bring your friends to sing your favorite songs, ranging in genres from Reggaeton to Country to Rock, on the high-tech stage at Stage Karaoke x Studios. Sip classic Boston cocktails like an Espresso Martini, New York Sour, and French 75 while attending Monday Comedy Nights or Triple Trivia Tuesdays at the cozy pub, Lucky’s Lounge. Grab late-night bites with Ignition Fizz, Sake Sunrise, and Flame & Glory cocktails while engaging in a sim racing experience at F1 Arcade. Or enjoy charcuterie with a revolving wine selection in the heart of Downtown Boston at haley.henry.
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The Extra Space Storage team is committed to helping people find the perfect place to call home no matter what stage of life they’re at. Our “Best Places to Live” picks, are designed to make moving easier by providing accurate and comprehensive information on various metro areas across the country. We consider factors like cost of living, job opportunities, local attractions, education, and more to help those looking to move make an informed decision. Discover more about our methodology today.
