20 Pros and Cons of Living in Boston

Densely populated Boston is ranked as one of the best major cities to live in the country, with amenities that feature historical and charming attractions along with modern perks and stunning architecture throughout the city. Whether it’s exploring historical sites like the Paul Revere House and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum; catching a game at Fenway Park; checking out the fascinating exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts; or eating lots of seafood, Italian, Chinese, and more cuisines, there’s quite a lot to enjoy about being a Bostonian. But is Boston a good place to live for you? Ultimately, that’s up to you to determine. Just like any city, there are both pros and cons of living in Boston. To help you make that determination, here are 20 pros and cons of living in Boston that we think you should consider before making the move.

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Fun Facts You Should Know About Boston

• Boston is named after a town in England, and the settlers who came from there decided to keep the original name.
• The first ever Dunkin’ Donuts existed in the city of Quincy, which is just over 10 miles away from Boston.
• Harvard University, founded in 1636, was the first college in North America.
• The Boston Cream Pie, the official dessert of the state, was created at a local hotel called the Omni Parker House.
• Revere Beach, established in 1896, was the country’s first-ever public beach.
• The total population of Boston is right around 654,400.

20 Pros and Cons of Living in Boston

As one of the best cities to settle down in the U.S., there is a lot to love about living in Boston. Before moving somewhere new, though, it’s still important to become familiar with the cons along with the pros to get a full picture and decide if the city is really for you. Here are some pros and cons of living in Boston we think you should consider.

Boston is renowned for its higher education, including MIT and Harvard. But its public K-12 schooling is also top-notch.

1. Pro: You’ll Have Access to Top-Notch Education in Boston. 

Boston is known for its top universities — like Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University — but this region is home to many of the world's leading institutions that are known for their academic excellence and innovation. They provide residents with access to a wide range of cultural events and cutting-edge research. These establishments also contribute to the city's job market by attracting highly skilled workers.

2. Con: The Winter Weather Can Be Harsh.

The harsh winters in Boston can be very challenging for residents. Cold temperatures and heavy snowfalls can result in issues such as disrupted daily routines and higher heating expenses. Snowstorms can also lead to shutdowns within the city, which will sometimes last for days at a time. If you’re moving from somewhere that has a warmer climate, get ready and be prepared for the wrath that the Boston winters will bring!

3. Pro: There Are Plenty of Picturesque Outdoor Spaces.

The city of Boston has plenty of green spaces and parks that provide residents with a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of busy city life. One of these is the Boston Common, which is the oldest public park in the country and filled with beautiful paths for walking.

Frederick Law Olmsted's creation, known as the Emerald Necklace, is a series of interconnected parks that encircle the city. These green spaces not only enhance the area's beauty but also provide ways for residents to stay active and take the time to enjoy some fresh air, whether it be during a work break or a weekend stroll. 

4. Con: Navigating the City By Car Is Not for the Weak.

Even the best drivers might be discouraged from driving in Boston due to the high costs of parking and limited spaces. Besides that, traffic is common and the streets of the city aren't exactly the easiest to navigate. Its winding streets and colonial past aren't designed to handle modern traffic demands, which typically results in lots of congestion. Those driving into the city often for work or other reasons can usually expect to deal with delays. Getting to the city center from the suburbs can be particularly challenging due to the high volume of traffic during rush hour, which is why a lot of residents prefer to commute through the MBTA instead of using their own cars.

Boston is the birthplace of the American Revolution, and memorials dot the cityscape to honor it.

5. Pro: Boston Has a Vibrant History and Cultural Scene.

The city has a wide variety of historical sites and landmarks, including the Freedom Trail, the Black Heritage Trail, and Fenway Park. Boston played a significant role during the American Revolution, and it continues to celebrate its history through various festivals and reenactments occuring every year. Events like the Boston Heritage Festival educate residents about the country's roots, while other events like the Boston Arts Festival help showcase the performing arts scene of the community over the years, which is a major draw for many visitors, as well.

You can also visit the Boston Tea Party Ships, an interactive historical experience dedicated to the taxation protest known as the “Boston Tea Party” — you can even become a Son of Liberty by throwing tea into the Boston Harbor!

6. Con: There’s Always Congestion of Tourists and Students.

Due to the city's history, residents are used to seeing tourists in Boston. However, during the warmer months, the visitors really ramp up. It's not uncommon to encounter groups of tourists on tours or getting on a crowded train to explore the various attractions of the city. In certain areas, especially those close to college campuses, you may also encounter issues relating to noise with all the students. The Green Line of the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority may be particularly overcrowded at certain stops due to the large student population.

7. Pro: You Can Rely on Walkable Streets and Quality Public Transportation. 

Although it isn't considered to be one of the biggest cities to live in the U.S., Boston still takes up a decent amount of space at approximately 48.4 square miles in size. Its small-town feel and highly walkable environment (a 99 out of 100 and a “walker’s paradise” according to WalkScore!) make it an ideal place to live for those who prefer not to have a car.

One of the most important advantages of living in Boston is its subway system, which is commonly used by commuters to get around the city. The MBTA, also known as the "T," provides routes into the suburbs and neighborhoods that make up Boston.

8. Con: The Boston Cost of Living Is High.

One of the biggest disadvantages to living in Boston is the high cost of living, which is close to 20 percent higher than the state average and more than 50 percent higher than the national average.

When it comes to the cost of living factors, housing is one of the highest costs in the city. You can save money on rent and housing prices by living with a roommate or moving to a cheaper area outside of the main business district; however, you can still expect a decent amount of your salary to go toward rent and any other housing expenses. 

While Boston has an average home value of around $750,100 — close to New York’s average — other cities in Massachusetts, like Lynn, have average home prices closer to around $555,300. The average home price in the U.S., on the other hand, is only around $357,500. 

Looking at annual salaries for Boston, a single adult would need to make more than $62,500 before taxes to live comfortably. For comparison, a single adult living somewhere in New York County would need to make more than $69,000.

Be ready for ugly, cold winters like this. But gorgeous weather outside of it. 

9. Pro: Aside From Winter, You Can Expect Beautiful Weather.

Despite its challenging climate in the frigid winter months, Boston’s other seasons are beautiful. The city experiences summer temperatures that typically range from the high-60s to the mid-80s, and it’s known for its fall foliage. Springtime provides the best of both worlds, with reasonable weather ideal for still engaging in outdoor activities.

You'll be able to enjoy the outdoors in Boston once the winter weather is gone, which is still the majority of the year. The city's public gardens and green spaces are a sight to behold and offer walking paths ideal for staying active.