The capital of Massachusetts, Boston is a dynamic and cosmopolitan city that has preserved most of its historic buildings. Boston is a dynamic and charming coastal city, where it is pleasant to stroll around to better understand its astonishing mix of authenticity and modernity.
But where should you live in Massachusetts, Boston or elsewhere?
Boston or the cradle of America
There is a lot to do if you live in Boston, including:
Boston’s historical heritage can be discovered through the Freedom Trail, a red line that winds through the city and traces its past. This circuit, which sometimes takes the form of a line of paint on the sidewalks and sometimes that of bricks, passes by 16 sites linked to American independence, such as Old State House and Old North Church.
Listed as a National Historic District, Beacon Hill charms with its Victorian style, with its cottages, brick houses and gas street lights. Revolutionary history is also concentrated in several museums, such as the USS Constitution Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts (closed Tuesdays) or the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum (closed Wednesdays), established in memory of the 35th President of the United States. Founded in 1848, the Boston Public Library, the oldest in the country, is an important cultural center that curious visitors will not fail to discover.
Ivy League, the best universities in the world
if you are a student, then Boston is the location of choice.
The city’s history is closely linked to that of the country’s most famous university, Harvard, flagship of the Ivy League. Located in the suburbs of Cambridge, it was founded in the 17th century, making it the very first university in the United States. Open to the public, you can visit its campus, its natural history museum and its ethnology and archeology museum.
Nearby, there is also the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), specializing in the fields of science and technology. No need to go far to continue the anthology of major universities with Brown in Providence and Dartmouth in Hanover, located just two hours away.
Gastronomy in Boston, seafood cuisine and multiple influences
The lobster roll is one of Boston’s essential culinary specialties. A port city, Boston is famous for its seafood and fish. Seaport District, the lively harbor area, is dotted with places offering oysters, lobster rolls and clam chowder, a traditional clam dish. Another specialty, beans. Nicknamed Bean Town, Boston is famous for its baked beans, a dish made from beans and tomatoes which is especially eaten at the Quincy Market.
Situated along the Freedom Trail, this historic building houses former market halls, which have now become shops and street food stands. Sweet lovers can try a slice of Boston Cream Pie, a typical cream pie.
A legacy from elsewhere
A multicultural center, Boston is also famous for its Italian cuisine, shaped by a wave of immigrants at the end of the 19th century. The North End neighborhood, which includes Little Italy, is very lively and we love to get lost there. Chinatown is full of small places offering Chinese specialties, including fresh noodles, dim sum and bubble tea.
More residential, Back Bay is home to Mediterranean restaurants and numerous grills. The South End district is famous for its warm atmosphere and French wine bars.
Sport and nature in Boston
Every year, the Boston Marathon, the oldest in modern times, is held on the third Monday in April, and is a major international event. With sport as an institution, Bostonians live to the rhythm of the baseball, basketball, hockey and American football seasons. Fenway Park, historic stadium and home ground of the Red Sox, is famous for its friendly atmosphere, it is also the oldest Major League Baseball (MLB) stadium still in operation. NBA matches are played at TD Gardens, the impressive Celtics venue located in West End, near the marina.
Green city, parks and bucolic walks
Boston is crossed by the Charles River, a coastal river which separates it from Cambridge, before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. Its esplanade is taken over during the sunny days by joggers, families picnicking or students. Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, which overlooks the waterfront, also offers pleasant walks.
To recharge your batteries, Common Park, the oldest in the city, is particularly popular with Bostonians. The natural heritage here can also be discovered by visiting Boston Harbor, 34 charming islands accessible by boat. Rich in history, they can be explored along hiking trails and offer superb photos and opportunities for adventure.
Other cities in Massachusetts
Beyond the metropolis and its string of islands, the surroundings of Boston are also worth the detour. An hour south, Plymouth is a coastal town famous for welcoming the Mayflower in 1620. Now it traces colonial history with a replica of the ship, museums or a reproduction of a 17th-century English village.
Not far away, the Cape Cod peninsula and the neighboring islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are surrounded by wild beaches and punctuated by typical New England fishing villages. A little extra, from the bay, you can observe the whales from mid-April to October, when they migrate towards the North Atlantic.
Among the treasures of Massachusetts is Provincetown, a pretty town located on the tip of the Cape Cod peninsula. Whaling? Several dozen cetaceans live near the coast of Cape Cod. It’s up to you to have a keen eye to spot this majestic spectacle.
With its mountains adorned with conifers, The Berkshires form a true green lung in Western Massachusetts. Located 2.5 hours from Boston, they offer a nice base for anyone who wants to relax for a weekend. There is no shortage of family activities here.
In Lenox, residents love having picnics on the Tanglewood property, where you can enjoy the sunsets while attending a musical performance from the end of June to mid September. This green setting welcomes the Boston Symphony Orchestra and many other artists every summer. Hancock Shaker Village, with children, is also great because they can learn lots of things about the agricultural world, approach the animals and even see their babies depending on the season.
Boston or not, if you live in Massachusetts, it is a matter of live style. Boston is where most of the jobs and universities are, but the other cities in MA have a better quality of life. Note that it is very easy to move within Massachusetts, with many local moving companies providing flexible moving services.