When you think of Boston, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Perhaps it is the exhilarating (and sometimes irritating) professional sports winning streaks, or perhaps it is the historic sites along the Freedom Trail. While Boston is home to approximately 140,000 seasonal coeds, it is not devoid of culture and money, making for a bustling college city vibe. The leading moving companies Boston associated with Moving Apt state that there are numerous reasons why so many people are willing to pay thousands of dollars in rent and mortgages in order to make a move to Boston a reality.
There are various reasons why people opt to live in a nearby suburb rather than in the metropolis. Perhaps they decide not to relocate to Boston after all. The City on the Hill is not for everyone, which is why we wanted to look into some of the benefits and drawbacks of living in Boston, as well as provide some moving tips and cheap moving companies for those on the fence. These pointers should help you see how relocating to Boston might affect your life for the better or for the worse.
Decide on a neighborhood to live in based on how much time you will be spending there
Boston’s neighborhoods:
Boston is a city of commuters (more on that later) who enjoy taking advantage of one of the country’s oldest and best public transportation networks. As a result, it is critical to carefully consider where you will live. If you live and work in the city, look for a home that is convenient to your workplace or near an MBTA (or “T”) stop.
Different districts, like any city, provide a variety of lifestyles. You may choose to avoid specific places entirely, depending on your degree of comfort. We went on a tour of a handful of Boston’s most popular neighborhoods, both inside the city boundaries and in the surrounding suburbs.
Best places to live in Boston:
Beacon Hill: With ancient row houses and cobblestone walkways lit by gas street lights, this neighborhood is perhaps one of the most attractive in the city. Both tourists and locals are likely to visit this location. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $3,000 per month.
South Boston: Sometimes known as “Southie,” is a once-predominantly Irish Catholic area that is currently attracting a growing number of young families and recent graduates. Rent costs have risen as a result of increased waterfront access and a slew of new building. The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,500.
Back Bay: This metropolitan neighborhood is known for being populated by more affluent families and residents. Expect to pay a few hundred dollars extra each month in this neighborhood than in some other popular areas. The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $3,500.
If you decide to rent, know your rights as a Boston tenant
Getting a rental in Boston:
Many people who move to Boston for the first time choose to rent because of the high housing costs. There are more owner-occupied two- and three-unit houses in the city than there are apartment buildings. Because of the city’s layout, you will come across a lot of novice landlords. There are certain advantages to having an owner-occupied landlord, but there are some disadvantages as well. Before you sign a lease, make sure you understand your rights.
Things to know if you are renting in Boston:
Because the housing market in Boston is so competitive, it is typical to hire real estate brokers to find a place to live. However, keep in mind that you will normally have to pay them a charge equal to one month’s rent, in addition to your first and last month’s rent and a security deposit to your landlord.
If you are thinking about moving to go to college, start looking a few months before September 1. This is by far the busiest time of year for move-ins and move-outs in the city. If you are not a student, you can take advantage of this by looking for a property outside of peak student seasons, and even snagging some secondhand furniture and household items around “Allston Christmas” or Move-In Day!
Before you move, figure out if you can afford to live here
Boston’s cost of living:
The cost of living in Boston is well-known. In general, Boston’s cost of living is 47% more than the national average. The cost of living in Boston is higher than in Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Miami, and Dallas. Only a few cities, like New York and San Francisco, have Boston beat when it comes to cost of living.
As an older city, there is less room for expansion, and the public transportation infrastructure is straining under the weight of a big inflow of newcomers. However, career prospects are plentiful, and a well-timed move might result in a fantastic living experience in Boston.
Living factors in Boston:
Housing costs, utilities, and healthcare are the three key components that are much more expensive than the national average in Boston.
A studio apartment in Boston costs an average of $2,318 a month.
Housing options for middle-class families in Boston are restricted, resulting in a lack of supply and, as a result, rising housing costs.
Boston has a typical house value of $569,500 and is considered a seller’s market
Find work in one of Boston’s thriving sectors
Many people relocate to Boston for a variety of reasons. With some of the world’s most well-known corporations operating in the area, incomes can sometimes justify the greater cost of living.
Technology, finance, and life sciences are three of Boston’s most prominent industries. There are a plethora of businesses that provide enticing perks and stock options. There are also several larger-scaled businesses that have been in operation for some time. Because the employment market is so competitive, you should polish your resume and consider having it proofread by a professional.
If you are sure to move to the big city, you have enough information with you now. Prepare well and take care of yourself and the family during the move.
