Firstly why Boston, Massachusetts?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Boston
• State: Massachusetts
• Population: 691,632 people
• Boston’s quick summary would be The historic capital of America, famous for the Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, and its rich academic institutions.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 70,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 80,000 annually
• Net Migration: -10000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 8,000
• Number of Homeless people: 9,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as a major city offers extensive job opportunities and cultural attractions attracting diverse populations

Perk #1: Boston Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 39%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 52%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Black
• The median income is (and growing)  $65,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Boston is $140,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $75000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Boston’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 180 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $5,924
• Property Tax %: 1%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $2,800
• Rent for an average house: $3,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Back Bay
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, Brookline, and probably could include Somerville
• Avg. Age of Homes in Boston: 87 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Boston’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Boston are  Education, Healthcare, and Finance
• Boston Job Scene: strong job market in finance education and tech
• The General Tech Scene: major tech hub known for its vibrant startup culture, education, and health tech
• Boston Resident’s pay $2,800 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Boston: 6.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 600 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 36

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Boston

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $200 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-93 and I-90 provide major routes through Boston
• Commute Time: 35 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic on Storrow Drive
• Transportation Score: 89 out of 100 described as Excellent Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Boston: 600,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.9
• No. of Car Washes: 25 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Boston: mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-registry-of-motor-vehicles
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 78 of 100
• Local Airport: Logan International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Boston’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Nor’easters
• General Weather in Boston is best described as experiences a humid continental climate characterized by cold winters hot summers and beautiful spring blooms alongside vibrant autumn foliage
• Winter Weather in Boston i’d describe as cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Boston can be described as cool with rain possible
• Summer’s in Boston are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Boston is usually cool with occasional rain
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 0 days in summer
• Days in a row in Boston below Freezing: 23
• Average Annual Rainfall: 45 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality affected by urban density
• Boston Winter Air mixed air quality heavily affected by urban pollution

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Boston Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Boston 35
• While the number of trade schools inside Bostons’s city limits are 32
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Boston Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Boston Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Boston only Doctors is about 3,600
• Local Hospitals here is  22
• Full-time Boston only Police Officers is about 5,400
• Crime Rate Index: 65/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Boston’s Monthly utility bill average is $200
• Boston’s Monthly Gym Membership: $85
• Boston’s Water Quality Score: 75

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Boston

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 25 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: state capital known for its rich history and educational institutions
• You might enjoy shows at the Boch Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Boston  boasts a bustling nightlife with lively bars restaurants and entertainment options reflecting the city’s history

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Boston

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a vibrant restaurant scene with diverse cuisines
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 300 scattered around Boston
• The Popular Sports Team is Boston Red Sox
• Top Level Political Climate in Boston can be described as liberal stronghold with a focus on education and social issues
• Boston’s Longer standing religious establishment is Trinity Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Boston Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Boston has 220 Parks?
• Boston Common is Boston’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Boston Farmers Market normally open Tuesday & Thursday 11am-6pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Walking tours, hiking, and cultural sites

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Boston Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Boston can be described as rapid urban pace with a rich historical and academic atmosphere
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Boston visiting the museum exploring parks attending arts events
• The Cities people commute to from Boston are Cambridge 3 miles away Quincy 9 miles away Somerville 5 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Boston or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy traffic on Storrow Drive. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Boston’s Nor’easters risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Back Bay is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Boston are Cambridge 3 miles away Quincy 9 miles away Somerville 5 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 65 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Boston has 23 days in a row below freezing and 0 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Boston people have an average (positive or negative) $75000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   9,000 homeless people living in Boston. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal stronghold with a focus on education and social issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Boston.

Retiree & Senior Life in Boston

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might qualify for exemptions aimed at helping offset property taxes
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Boston Home
• Boston Senior Center hosts educational classes social activities and health workshops for older residents

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Boston, Massachusetts?

If Boston, Massachusetts ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Boston, Massachusetts, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!