As I previously wrote about the city of Seattle, my and Buddy’s vacation travels gave me the idea to post info. about the areas we visit from a ‘Could I live here?’ perspective. Whether you may be planning a move or vacation, I’ve included the following:
Accessibility -Navigating the area
Activities -Things to do
Affordability -Cost of living
BOSTON, MASS.
Accessibility:
Boston is a beautiful city with a unique blend of our Country’s early American and modern architecture, entertainment, education, parks, and waterways. It is an easily walkable city, but also has a local rail system and bus lines that timely serves the need for people moving.
The city of Boston has many one-way streets and alley/corridors that go back to horse and carriage days- too narrow for our gas powered cars but continue today as pedestrian passageways. There are also a few remaining cobblestone streets(check out beautiful Acorn Street in Beacon Hill) and brick sidewalks in some areas of the city- including the infamous 2 ½ mile Freedom Trail that extends between the Boston Common and Bunker Hill.
We all know that Boston enjoys the beauty of having four seasons with winter lasting approximately 3 months and an average snowfall of about 44 inches. Summertime can get hot and humid with July generally being the hottest month and September having the highest humidity. Wind is not a great factor in Boston but prepare for some gusty strong breezes in early spring. Having the appropriate gear- depending upon the time of year, will help make navigating the city more enjoyable.
Activities:
A first on the list when visiting Boston is to take the on/off trolley or bus attraction to see this city’s historic and entertainment highlights. You can stop at a variety of locations or just stay on the open air vehicle to view the city’s historic gems: U.S.S. Constitution, Old North Church, site of the Boston Massacre and Old State House, Boston Commons and State House, and of course Fenway Park and Harvard University, to name just a few!
Whether you are walking along the Charles River, taking a stroll through Beacon Hill, North End or down Commonwealth Ave., there are many more places and parks to explore and enjoy! The beauty of this city’s historic and modern architectural structures, gardens and squares, along with the energy and aromas of the local restaurants and pubs, add to Boston’s appeal and attraction.
I can’t really pin point to any one place or activity in Boston that I would consider a favorite. There are just too many from which to choose! Standing at historical sites I learned about in American History- such as Paul Revere’s ride or the Battle of Bunker Hill- is an amazing experience in and of itself! But then, sitting inside Bleacher Bar, being at eye level of Fenway Park’s center field and next to ‘Green Monster’ is a ‘to do’ on the ol’ bucket list!
What I can say is that Boston is full of ‘The First…’ ,‘The Oldest….’ or ‘The Last Remaining…..’! We visited the oldest operating Bar in Boston(Bell In Hand) the oldest ballpark in the U.S. (Fenway) and the first public park(Boston Common). Of course, Boston’s last remaining snow melt from the historic 2015 snowfall didn’t happen until July of that year!
Affordability
As with Seattle, Boston ain’t cheap, either! Approximately half of the city’s population are students who are attending the many prestigious(and expensive!) colleges and universities in the area. Apartments in Boston average about $2,500/month and a one bedroom runs close to $2000/montb. The outlaying areas of Somerville and Cambridge run even slightly more than the city area rent costs.
There are a number of desirable areas in the heart of the city, such as Commonwealth Ave., North end, and Beacon Hill. A home in these areas of Boston carry price tags easily over the million dollar mark! And be prepared to get on the waiting list and shell out another couple hundred thousand for a personal parking space in the nearby garage! One unique advantage of this area of the country is the ability to rent or buy a home that has true historical significance.
In case you are not a city guy or gal, there are many beautiful areas outside of the city that offer stunning rolling New England countryside and beaches that offer their own village charm and stories of American history. We visited the beautiful (and tasty!) http://www.RussellOrchards.com in Ipswich, Mass. The drive was beautiful, especially with the changing leaves of the fall season!
Five (or more) Fun Facts about Boston:
*The statue at Harvard University is not that of John Harvard, its founding father.
*‘Happy Hour’ is against the law in Boston
*Boston experienced a massive ‘molasses flood’ in 1919
*Candlestick bowling had it’s start in Boston
*$100 million dollars of paintings are still missing from a great heist at the Isabella Gardner Museum in 1990
*More people walk to work in Boston as compared with other major U.S. cities
*Christmas was banned by the pilgrims in Boston for 22 years during the late 1600’s
*The first subway and chocolate factory was built in Boston