Furnished Apartments in Boston

Facts About Boston

Boston is the capital and the highest-populated city in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, U.S. Boston covers 48.4 square miles and is also a seat for Suffolk County. Boston is also the cultural and economic hub for the Greater Boston metropolitan zone. 

• America’s first lighthouse came up in Boston Harbor in the year 1716. 
• Boston is named after an English town. 
• Boston Common dates back to the year 1634. 
• Fenway Park is an iconic site with the Red Sox patenting the Fenway Green shade.
• The first chocolate factory in the U.S. came up in Boston. So did the country’s first subway in 1897. 
• Ted Williams’ Tunnel in Boston is North America’s deepest tunnel. It goes 90 feet beneath the surface of the earth.  
• Revere Beach was the country’s first public beach. 

Boston is an acclaimed worldwide pioneer in entrepreneurship, engineering, IT, biotechnology and other industries. Boston is one of the costliest cities to live in the U.S. and is also one of the most philanthropic cities in the country. The Greater Boston Area has the country’s 6th biggest economy at $363 billion. 

Logan International Airport in East Boston is run by the Massachusetts Port Authority. Nearby airports include the Norwood Memorial Airport and Beverly Municipal Airport.

Cost of Living in Boston 

Boston homes are on the costlier side with median prices standing at $460,300. Rentals may hover around $1,486 for studio apartments on average while one bedroom apartments come for $1,696. Two bedroom apartments come for anywhere around $2,103. 

Utilities will cost around $147.15 on a monthly basis in Boston. A meal at a regular restaurant costs $15 while a mid-range establishment serves up meals for anywhere upwards of $69. The MBTA monthly LinkPass comes for $84.50. 

Tips for Visiting Boston

Boston may initially seem daunting with its high-tech neighborhoods and skyscrapers. However, here are some tips that will help during your visit. 

• Expect to walk around quite a bit. Plan ahead with seasonal and comfortable footwear. 
• You should ditch cars and rentals owing to costly parking fees and navigational issues. 
• Get hold of the T-Pass or CharlieCard for seven days. The former offers good value for extended durations while the latter offers discounts on subway charges with free bus transfers thrown into the mix. 
• You can check out available water transit options including water taxis and ferries along the Boston Harbor. 
• Happy hour is banned in Boston. Deals are mostly limited to food between 4 and 6 PM. 
• You should not miss the lip-smacking seafood in Boston. 
• There are several free activities including concerts, lectures, film screenings, museums and more.

Also Read: Discovering Boston: Relocating Tips, Guide & Practical Advice

Things to Do in Boston 

Boston does not have any dearth of things to do. Here’s taking a look at some of them. 

1. What are the most popular things to do in Boston? 

Some of the popular things to do in Boston include the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, New England Aquarium, Freedom Trail, Boston Commons, Museum of Fine Arts and Fenway Park.

2. What are some free things to do in Boston? 

Some free activities in Boston include walking tours, Samuel Adams Brewery tours, U.S.S. Constitution visits, exploring the Boston Public Library and more. You can also visit the Boston Public Market, check out the Bunker Hill Monument and stroll down the Harbor. 

3. What are some romantic things to do in Boston? 

Couples can take romantic strolls in the Public Garden and Boston Commons. You can opt for brunch cruises at the harbor or get a couples’ spa treatment. The Boston Aquarium is a surprisingly romantic destination for a date. There are several museums that couples can explore as well.

4. What are the most family-friendly things to do in Boston? 

Some of the most family-friendly things to do in the city include checking out the New England Aquarium and Museum of Science along with the Museum of Fine Arts. You can visit the Arnold Arboretum and the Castle Island Park along with the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. The Boston Children’s Museum is also worth a visit.

5. What are the most unusual things to do in Boston? 

Some of the most unusual things to do in Boston include visiting the Mapparium Library and also the Harvard Bridge. Discover the hidden and concealed Bodega store while checking out the famous Scarlett O’Hara house. All Saints Way is another unusual attraction along with abandoned tunnels running beneath the city. 

Places to Visit in Boston 

There are several interesting places to visit in Boston. They include the following: 

• Freedom Trail – The Freedom Trail covers three miles, taking you past 16 noteworthy monuments and historic sites. You will start at Boston Common before crossing the Old Granary Burying Ground, State House, King’s Chapel Burying Ground, Old South Meeting House, Paul Revere House and other attractions. The trail ends in Charlestown with the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument. 
• Faneuil Hall – Often called the cradle of liberty, this was built in the years 1740-42 by none other than Peter Faneuil, the Huguenot merchant. He presented this to the city upon the condition that it had to remain open for the general public. The upper floors have council chambers used by revolutionaries in the 18th and 19th centuries. The fourth floor has the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Museum. 
• Fenway Park – Fenway Park is often called America’s Most Beloved Ballpark and you will love the home to the Boston Red Sox. It opened its doors in 1912 and the Green Monster is one of its much-loved sights. 
• Boston Common and Public Garden Swan Boats – Boston Common is the oldest park in the U.S. You will also love the Frog Pond and Central Burying Ground of 1756. Check out the Public Garden that spans 24 acres, the oldest botanical garden in the country. 
• Beacon Hill – Visit Beacon Hill for its quaint homes, tranquility and the popular Louisburg Square. Louisa May Alcott resided here from 1880 till the year 1888. You will love the Nichols House Museum and Charles Street with its shops and boutiques.

Also Read: Moving to Boston: What to Expect

Places to Eat in Boston 

Boston has no dearth of excellent places to eat. You will love Tasting Counter by Chef Peter Ungar for its theatrical dining experience. Other picks include Asta and Uni which serves up unique Japanese-inspired smaller plates. You should also try the fabulous meals on offer at SRV, Sarma and O Ya. Dive into the heady riot of flavors at these top Boston restaurants. 

Street Food in Boston 

Boston street food is colorful and vibrant, encompassing everything from shredded chicken in tostada and tacos to French fries, fried cauliflowers and more. Try joints like Koshari Mama, the Boston Night Market, Esquite, Eloti Mexican Street Corn on the Cob and more. Also check out Chilacates Mexican Street Food along with Mike & Patty’s. 

Shopping in Boston 

Shopping in Boston is a delightful affair. Check out Newbury Street for its prime retail outlets and leading brands. The Prudential Center is a great place for mall-hoppers while Harvard Square offers a diverse range of dining, shopping and entertainment options. Downtown Crossing is another shopping place worth trying along with the Cambridge Side Galleria. Head to the Copley Place Mall for high-end stores and brands alike.

Also Read: Expat Guide: The Top Areas in Boston for Expatriates

Transportation in Boston

Boston has its Logan International Airport while nearby airports include Hanscom Field, Beverly Municipal Airport and Norwood Memorial Airport. The MBTA runs its rapid transit system in Boston including commuter railway and bus networks along with water shuttles. Amtrak has intercity rail networks passing through Boston as well. 

Weather in Boston

Fall is the best time to visit the city. Summers are the peak seasons for tourists although fall is when it really comes alive. The weather starts drying up and comfort increases from September onwards. October is a bright month with adequate foliage for company. Spring may witness rainy and unpredictable weather at times.