The so-called Hub has plenty of unique features, as well as unique residents. To fit in, you should explore the lively bar and restaurant scene, and find a sports team to cheer for. Also, consider moving tips such as – researching the living costs and looking for work beforehand, because they can make your relocation way less stressful and help you avoid common moving mistakes. Walking instead of being stuck in the car, and liberal political views are just some of the things you should get used to, which could also be the reasons why you should move here. Nevertheless, it will all be worth it when you start feeling like an actual Bostonite.
Here Are the 11 Best Tips If You Are Moving to Boston
If you’re planning on moving to Boston, know that you’ll be staying in a place with around 250,000 students, where a quarter of the population is foreign-born. Additionally, being home to the oldest university, first public beach, and subway in the US, the metropolis also known as the Athens of America takes pride in not only a diverse and young population but a rich history, as well.
The Hub has plenty to offer to newcomers
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Go Over the Living Costs Before Moving to Boston
When you decided where to move, have you planned it, or was it a last-minute move? Either way, you might want to go over the cost of living in Boston before you permanently change your address. It is easier to organize your finances and figure out how to reduce costs when moving when you know just how much money you will need every month and how much stuff you have, so don’t forget to create a household inventory list. If you are moving to a big city from a small one, don’t be surprised by the prices of accommodation or different prices of food than the ones you are used to.
Research the prices of groceries you consume every day so that you are not get startled when you realize that a gallon of milk costs around $3.30, and that loaf of bread is around $3. According to the online database Numbeo, basic utilities for a 915 sq ft apartment that include heating, garbage, cooling, and electricity are around $150.
When it comes to accommodation costs, you should know that prices vary greatly depending on where you are renting or buying a property. The average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $2,000, while the price of buying a property is about $430 per square foot.
The Hub is not the cheapest place to live in, but compared to other big cities, it can be quite affordable. For instance, San Francisco rent for a one-bedroom apartment is 30% higher, while New Yorkers pay 4% more for the same footage.
Housing plays a big part in the cost of living.
Let Professional Movers Help You Relocate While You Are Looking for a Home
One of the essential house-hunting tips is – let the others do the heavy lifting while you are scouting for accommodation. Plan your moving budget and hire recommended and reliable professional Boston movers who know all packing tips and tricks to handle the packing of your clothes, furniture, and other valuable belongings while you decide between buying or renting. Professional movers will also come fully equipped with packing materials for moving. When talking about valuables, don’t forget to create a photo inventory for moving insurance. You can also get the cheapest way to move out of state, sell or donate unwanted items, find a job before moving to another state, or to relocate during the cheapest time of the year and save some money that way. If you follow all of these steps overall moving expenses won’t put a dent in your savings.
Think about the whole process carefully – you have the time now that somebody else is thinking about moving and car shipping instead of you. Just be sure to look up how car shipping works and find a cost-effective and efficient way to transport your car across the country. The same goes for your other belongings. If you are on a budget, finding the best neighborhoods in Boston will not only be suitable for your finances but your overall happiness in the new location.
Picking the Right Neighborhood to Call Home Is Essential
There are 23 neighborhoods in the area, and no matter which one you choose, make sure that you are happy with it. This is one of the best cities to raise a family in the US that’s why some locations perfectly cater to their needs, while others are great for driven career chasers.
If you are looking for the best places to live in Boston for singles or young professionals, check out areas such as North and East End, as well as Beacon Hill. There’s never a dull moment and you can forget about getting relocation depression.
On the other hand, if you are moving with kids, you will want to be in a location with great schools, high general safety of a neighborhood, and many parks ideal for those relocating with dogs. That’s why you should consider West Roxbury or Roslindale as well as relocating to the suburbs. Also, if you opt for renting instead of buying a property, go over rights and obligations that you, as a tenant, will have.
Know Your Tenant Rights When Moving to Boston
When signing a lease, you can be charged for a deposit that can be equal to one month’s rent, as well as a fee to buy and install new locks. That’s something to keep in mind even when moving to a smaller home on a budget. On the other hand, you can’t be charged for an application or credit check fees. To avoid scams, visit the local government site that explains all of your rights and obligations associated with renting.
Rental housing is inspected every five years.
It Will Be Easier to Land a Job If You Know What You Are Looking For
The metropolis is among the top 30 most economically powerful cities in the world, so there are plenty of opportunities for newly relocated folks to secure employment. This is a highly innovative area with a large number of well-educated people and many high-tech companies.
If you have one of those jobs that require relocation, consider yourself lucky because you don’t have to think about looking for employment. Many that don’t have a job waiting for them are wondering how to get a job before the move, and the answer is simple – research and reach out to companies you want to work for.
Research the Job Market
With more than 21 million domestic and international visitors over the year, tourism accounts for a large portion of Boston’s economy. Global Financial Centres Index put it on the thirteenth place on the list of the most competitive financial services centers in the world.
Knowing all of this can give you insight into the job market that you can use to your advantage. Some of the largest employers like Brigham and Women’s Hospital, State StreetBank & Trust Co, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt can have openings. If you don’t want to work in the medical field or finances, check if companies such as Puma, Reebok, and Converse have open positions.
In any case, when preparing to sign an employment contract, compare the costs of living with an offered paycheck, and see if the money can cover your monthly expenses.
Calculate How Much Money You Will Need to Live Comfortably
It’s no secret that people need money. They use it to buy stuff, travel, pay bills, but just how much money will you need to live comfortably in this metropolis? According to personal finance firm Smar Asset, you will need to have a household income of around $121,000 a year to live comfortably.
You will easily land employment in this East Coast metropolis.
Embrace Public Transportation
When you are done unpacking after the move go out and explore transportation options. Getting around Beantown shouldn’t be that hard. Public transportation is cheap and convenient but also easy to figure out. The most popular transportation options are the subway, locally known as the T, buses, ferries, water taxis, and commuter rail. All of them are operated by the MBTA or Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. If you don’t prefer this option, you can always drive around in your car.
Avoid Driving a Car If You Can
Locals will tell you that a traffic jam during the rush hours can be terrifying. Analytic-firm INRIX released a Global Traffic Scorecard that puts the metropolis on the top of the list of the most congested places in the US. That’s why you should avoid driving a car if you can and instead use public transportation or consider alternatives such as walking or biking.
You Can Get Around With a Bike
The metropolis worked hard to be one of the best places for cyclists to live in. There were numerous investments in infrastructure and bicycle tracks. One of the first public bike-sharing systems was started and implemented right here, in The Hub.
According to the Cyclist Safety Report, there are around 56,000 cycling trips in the city every day. If you consider yourself environment-friendly and you want to stay active, consider biking as your primary method of transportation.
With a bike, you can go anywhere you want to.
The Right Place to Get World-Class Education
Schools in Boston are some of the best ones in the world. If you are pursuing high-quality education, whether for you or your kids, you can’t go wrong when choosing The Hub as your next home.
There are 145 public schools your kids can attend, but you can also enroll them in private, charter, and parochial educational institutions. The government also inaugurated a program called Saves that provides every child enrolled in the kindergarten system with a savings account starting at $50.
When it comes to higher education, The Hub is home to many renowned and highly ranked colleges and universities. The nation’s oldest institute of higher education, Harvard, can provide you with a world-class education in the fields ranging from arts and social sciences to engineering and applied sciences. On the other hand, MIT offers degrees in architecture, engineering, and social sciences. Tufts Medical Center can help you achieve your goals in becoming a doctor.
MIT was founded two days before the beginning of the Civil War.
You’ll Have to Accept That Sports Are a Favorite Pastime
You will be living in one of the most accomplished American metropolises when it comes to sports, which can be seen in one of its many nicknames – the City of Champions. Professional teams have won championship titles in all four major sports, so no matter what kind of league you’re into, there will be a team you can cheer for.
Be a part of the crowd on the bleachers of Fenway Park cheering loudly for the Red Sox or flock to Gillette Stadium with other Bostonians and watch the Patriots.
Questions like how to make friends in the new city will be quickly answered if you embrace Boston’s sports culture. That can be your common ground with locals, no matter if you move during holidays or in summer, so use it well.
Red Sox fans are called Red Sox Nation because of their vocal support of their team.
You Can Bar Hop as Long as You Don’t Miss the Last Call
You might want to order that last beer before 1 am because local bars don’t stay open long into the night. After 2 am, you’ll hardly find a joint to continue your binge drinking. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you can’t have a cold one during the day in one of many breweries and pubs all around the area.
Give Craft Beer a Chance
All the fans of locally brewed ale can happily settle down in The Hub. You will be able to try some innovative mixes as well as brews made out of local herbs and rare fruits. Bostonians love to experiment with their beer, and more often than not, the end result is an exotic and unique drink you won’t regret trying.
Massachusetts is home to 200 breweries.
Discover Restaurants and Enjoy the Diverse Offer of Foods
With a food trend that includes local sourcing, healthy meals for kids and adults, fresh produce, and global flavors, you will be delighted with the offer of eateries in the metropolis. In some of the best restaurants in Boston, you’ll find everything from vegetarian-friendly meals to international specialties.
If you are moving to another state alone and you want to make friends, you can invite new colleagues to grab brunch or a dessert with you. It will be easier to make small talk and get to know a person over a plate of delicious food. Also, if you and your partner are moving in together, here you can find excellent date night spots, that ooze with a romantic vibe.
No matter what you choose to eat, the metropolis probably has a diner that serves it.
Level up Your Dating Game
If you are young, single, and ready to mingle, this is the spot for you. The median age of 30.8 years puts you in a youthful environment where the number of guys and girls is almost the same. This is also one of the cities with the largest LGBT population in the US, creating a diverse dating pool.
If you are not moving for a relationship, and you want to meet somebody, use dating apps, or check singles bars. Bostonians love speed dating and singles events where you can meet people.
B-Town has one of the largest LGBT populations in the US
Explore Entertainment Options and You Will Find Activities You Will Enjoy
After reading about the cost of living, transportation options, and other essential aspects of living in a particular city, you might wonder about the things to do in Boston in your free time. It’s is a fun place to be in, so don’t worry, you will have your fair share of adventures.
When true Bostonians are not cheering for their favorite teams, they enjoy movies, vast art collections in many museums as well as shopping. You can spend some money at Downtown Crossing, Newbury Street, or Copley Place, where many boutiques, national department stores, and pushcarts are located. When you feel like you need to escape the enclosed spaces and bask in the sun, you can head out and relax in one of many green spaces all around.
There Are Plenty of Things You Can Do Outside
There are more than 2,300 acres of parkland throughout the metropolis. If you are relocating with your pet, you will have the opportunity to take them out to one of 220 parks. Within the city, you will find more than a few athletic fields, 75 game courts as well as two golf courses. If you enjoy spending your time outside, strolling around, you’ll be happy to hear that there are 65 squares and 17 fountains. Boston Common and Public Garden are great spots for people-watching, having a picnic, and spending time with friends.
Green spaces give you a great excuse to spend the day outside.
Free Your Mind and Enjoy Being Part of an Inclusive Community
Overall, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is often regarded as socially progressive and very liberal. Bostonians are especially known for nurturing progressive and liberal views. If you are not used to that, brace yourself for something different before the relocation. You will quickly adjust to the new state and forget about moving stress if you accept the differences of others around you. Anytime is the best time of the year to move here. Free your mind of all the prejudice, and you will see that life can be great when you don’t hold grudges against people that don’t think like you.
