What it’s like to live here

Boston is one of the most distinctive cities in the country. It blends history, higher education, innovation, healthcare, and neighborhood culture in a way very few cities do. From brownstone streets to waterfront parks to dense, walkable districts, Boston offers a lifestyle that feels both urban and deeply rooted.

What surprises many people is how neighborhood-based Boston is. Even though it’s a major city, daily life still revolves around local streets, coffee shops, parks, and community hubs. People don’t just live “in Boston.” They live in Back Bay, Jamaica Plain, South Boston, Dorchester, or West Roxbury — and those places feel completely different from one another.

That’s part of what makes Boston special.

Neighborhoods & housing

Boston is made up of dozens of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality, architecture, and pace of life.

You’ll find:
• Historic brownstones and brick row houses
• Triple-deckers and multifamily homes
• Condos in both classic and modern buildings
• New developments alongside 100-year-old streets

Some neighborhoods feel urban and fast-paced. Others feel quiet, residential, and almost suburban. That variety allows people to stay in the city even as their lifestyle changes — from renting, to buying, to raising a family, to downsizing.

Boston is not one housing market. It’s many, layered on top of each other.

Schools & community

Boston Public Schools serve families across the city and include neighborhood schools, exam schools, and specialized programs. This system gives families a wide range of educational paths, depending on where they live and what they’re looking for.

Beyond schools, Boston has a strong community backbone. Farmers markets, neighborhood associations, libraries, cultural centers, parks, and local businesses help create a sense of belonging even inside a large city.

Many people are surprised by how connected Boston can feel once they settle into their neighborhood.

Getting around

Boston is one of the most transit-friendly cities in the U.S. The MBTA subway, buses, commuter rail, and walkable street layout make it possible to live here with or without a car.

Different neighborhoods have different transportation personalities — some revolve around subway lines, others around commuter rail or bus routes — but overall, Boston makes it easy to move around the city and reach surrounding suburbs.

This is one of the biggest reasons people choose Boston over other major cities.

Who Boston is great for

Boston tends to be a strong fit for:
• Professionals who want walkability and transit access
• Buyers who value culture, food, and history
• Families who want neighborhood-based city living
• People who want long-term stability in a world-class city

The key is not whether Boston is right for you — it’s which part of Boston is.