Moving to a new city can be both exciting and frustrating at the same time. The exciting: It’s a new place with new people and new restaurants to explore. The frustrating: Finding your way around, searching for a place to live, and actually moving.
Luckily, the good usually outweighs the bad. And living in Boston, there’s a lot of good. So what’s important to know when relocating to Boston? Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions.
Photography by Alan Kotok
How difficult is it to find a home in Boston?
Let’s be honest – Boston is a pretty popular place to live and finding housing will likely take a little work. However, with patience, persistence and knowledge, your search will pay off.
Working with a real estate agent will likely give you an edge; after all, they know when new properties go on the market and can help you decide on the best offer once you’ve found your perfect home. And they’ll help you act fast – which you’ll need to do in Boston’s thriving housing market.
Will I be able to find a job in Boston?
Recent statistics put Boston’s unemployment rate at seven percent. While that number sounds bleak, it’s essential to know all the facts.
Jobs are still being created in Boston, especially in areas such as education and health services. Such information can be key in knowing which job sectors you should target, so reading local papers before you arrive can be helpful.
The bottom line is that finding a job in nearly any city is dependent upon your specific industry and how willing you are to compromise. While Boston’s job market is not thriving as much as it’s housing market, not all hope is lost, especially for those who are diligent in their employment search.
What’s public transportation like in Boston?
Boston’s well-known for traffic gridlock and little public parking. So whether you simply don’t want a car in the city, or prefer to drive as little as possible, Boston can be a great city for public transportation.
The Massachusetts Bay transportation Authority operates Boston’s subway, trolley, commuter rail, and bus systems. The subway, better known as the “T” has three color-coded high-speed lines which traverse the city and runs from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m., though it runs less frequently on the weekends.
While the subway is the most popular way of getting around Boston, the bus system is robust and travels further than the subway. And if you’re not in a hurry, the two trolley lines can be a fun alternative.
Which neighborhoods in Boston are worth exploring?
The short answer: All of them!
Like most cities, Boston has a range of diverse neighborhoods – 21 in all – each offering something unique. Choosing a neighborhood to explore depends on what you’re searching for. Let’s take a look at a few.
Chinatown: The oldest Chinatown in New England, it offers the shops, markets and restaurants you’d expect, but with unique Boston style. This highly-populated neighborhood offers both Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants featuring pho, dumplings and Peking duck.
South End: This neighborhood has historically been many things, including a neighborhood for the wealthy and, later, a tenement area. These days, however, it’s well-known for its LGBT and artist vibe. The prestigious Boston Center for the Arts is located here.
Fenway/Kenmore: given it’s proximity to Boston University, this neighborhood is often filled with student-types. But it’s most popular attraction? Fenway Park, of course, the home of the Boston Red Sox. Expect this neighborhood to be crowded with baseball fans on game days.
I am a traveler. I have seen lots of places – from exotic Asia to sophisticated Europe! What makes me appreciate every place the most are the warm people who welcome me – and their willingness to show their culture and tradition! Most of the events I really love, involve feasts and celebrations – each country, each ethnic group has a unique way of celebrating nature, and each has unique tradition – which is such a magnificent scene to watch. Truly, there is a lot to learn in the world – a lot of things to explore, and the journey never ends, well, at least for me ☺
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