Boston
Welcome to one of America’s most iconic cities – home to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Red Sox, Fenway Park, the New England Patriots, the Dropkick Murphys, and the Charles River, and shown in great films such as Good Will Hunting, The Departed, The Boondock Saints, Ted, and Mystic River, Boston is one of America’s true cultural capitals.
City Overview
Founded by Puritan settlers in 1630, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States. It is Massachusetts’ capital and its largest city. Located on the beautiful Charles River, Boston is home to many great universities (“Hawvard” anyone?), restaurants, companies, and, of course – people. Boston has been at the very center of American history – figures such as Samuel Adams lived here. A large percentage of Boston’s population are students – and like all good student towns, there are a million great bars, pubs, and eateries – and plenty of microbrews.
Arts
Boston is sometimes called the “Athens of America” - and for good reason, there is a thriving arts scene here. The annual Boston Book Festival hosts panels with great authors and lets participants browse tons of great books. Attendance is often around 20 or 30 thousand people. Boston is a great city for music fans – The Guardian has called Boston Symphony Hall. “One of the top venues for classical music in the world”. If you like performing arts, you’re in luck, there lots of performing arts groups in the city, including the Boston Ballet, Boston Lyric Opera Company, Opera Boston, Boston Baroque, Cutler Majestic Theatre, and the Orpheum Theatre.
Business
Boston is a real mover-and-shaker. Economically, the Boston metropolitan area is the sixth biggest in the United States and twelfth in the world. It’s a hub for young professionals – every year 350,000 thousand college students come to Boston, and with so much opportunity here many decide to stay long-term. Technology, biotechnology, and venture capital are major Boston sectors. As an American icon, Boston has a large tourism industry as well – grossing billions annually. The seaport and state government also play an important role in Boston’s economy. Other top employers include Boston University, Children’s Hospital Boston, State Street and Trust Co, Harvard University, and Liberty Mutual.
Climate
Boston’s climate is quite pleasant – summers are warm, but usually not hot. Spring and fall are mild, but the winters can be quite cold, with frequent rain and snow.
Cuisine
Boston cuisine is as delicious as it is diverse, you’ll never run out of things to eat here. The seafood is famous, and it’s easy to find mouth-watering plates of steamed lobster or clams. Clam chowder and fish chips are also quite popular. Boston cuisine is by no means limited to seafood. Head over to En Boca on Harvard Square for great Arab and Mediterranean food. The Capital Grille offers fine steaks, and delicious diner fare can be had at Thornton’s Restaurant.
Demographics
The population of Boston is 44% White, 20% Latino, 25% Black, and 9% Asian. The median household income is $51,735. Boston is very much a college town, and the population skews younger than other major cities. The cost of living in Boston is high, but Boston consistently scores well in livability rankings.
Entertainment
Boston is a vibrant city, and there are tons of things to do here. Sports fans are definitely in luck, sports are a major part of Boston culture. When you are watching the Red Sox play at Fenway park, you’ll feel an energy like no other. Pleasant walks can be had in the Boston Public Gardens – be sure to take a selfie with the duck statue! The North End is a great place to to see colonial churches and other architecture, and there are lots of coffee shops and bakeries here to fuel your exploration. Families with children will want to make sure to visit the Boston Children’s Museum.
Historical
Boston is overflowing with American history. The first thing history buffs will want to do is to is take a walking tour of the Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile walk with 16 stops in historical Boston locations. Next, go to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum – You can even buy tea here.
Landmarks
The Old North Church, Beacon Hill, Quincy Market, Fenway Park, Back Bay, the Charles River, the Bunker Hill Monument, the USS Constitution, Old State House, Harvard University, MIT, the Faneuil Historical site, the Massachusetts State House.
Nightlife
Boston is full of students and young professionals – so it really comes alive at night. For something off the wall, check out Frost Ice Bar – the largest permanent ice bar in the world. You can enjoy cold drinks while admiring the beautiful ice sculptures. If you prefer something cozier, you can always head down to Wally’s cafe for great Jazz in an intimate venue. Want to dance? Venu is the place to go – Boston’s cool cats come here to dance the night away to hip-hop and latin music.
Transportation
Boston is a highly walkable and bikeable city and there is also good public transportation. The subway (called the T in Boston) connects all major parts of the city and has a line to the airport. Keep in mind that parking is often very difficult in Boston, so the metro is a better option if you can use it.
Finding Apartments for Rent in Boston
There is a lot to choose from in Boston. With Rentberry, it’s easy to find your perfect Boston apartment. Want a great view of the Charles River? Search by amenities and select a balcony. You can also select a fitness center, pool, specific kind of kitchen, or anything else you need. Remember, Boston is a very popular city, and there may be competition to rent apartments in the best areas (especially if you want something close to a T station), so stand out from the crowd and make a custom offer.
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Boston Neighborhoods
Downtown Boston
Downtown Boston is the place to be – if you rent an apartment here, all of Boston is at your fingertips. Want to see a show? Take a quick walk down to the Opera House, or for something less formal, head over to one of the many movie theaters. Afterward, satisfy your appetite with a stop at one of the over 1000 restaurants Downtown.
Fenway-Kenmore
Located close to several universities, this neighborhood is popular with students and with fans of college sports – it can get a little wild on game day, but that’s how they like it here. It’s a great neighborhood for BU or Northeastern students to find apartments for rent.
Back Bay
This lovely neighborhood is famous for its Victorian brownstone homes (some of the best preserved in the United States) and its numerous cultural institutions, such as the Boston Public Library. It’s right on the water and you can find luxury apartments for rent here with stunning views of the Charles.
Mission Hill
Home to the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and lots of college students. There are tons of dive bars here, with great names like The Squealing Pig.
Brighton
A quieter suburban area, Brighton is a great place for families, or for young professionals looking for a more laidback setting. Students also like to rent apartments here, due to Brighton’s proximity to universities. Brighton might not be as action packed as Downtown, but there’s still plenty to do here – start your night with a stop at the Sunset Grill & Tap, a casual eatery with an impressive beer selection.
North End
This historically Italian district has a flavor all its own. The coffee here is especially good, and there are plenty of cafe’s to choose from. In the The Thinking Cup, on Hanover St., you can sip delicious coffee while looking at historical photos of the district. The North End is also quite close to Boston’s financial district – so it is convenient for finance professionals to find apartments for rent here.
Chinatown-Leather District
Charming and vibrant, Chinatown is one of Boston’s most populated neighborhoods. There’s tons of Chinese food here, and during the August Moon Festival, dragons and fireworks too. Chinatown is just a short distance from the financial district, but apartments for rent here are much affordable - great for apartment hunters on a budget.
South End
People take care of themselves in this swanky Boston district. Residents can often be seen in the latest designer fashion. The buildings themselves are good looking too - beautiful brick 19th century bow-fronts (full of lovely apartments for rent) line the South End’s streets. Residents of the South End enjoy the Boston Center for the Arts, B&G Oysters, and excellent boutiques such as The Turtle – which promotes emerging designers.
Beacon Hill
It’s the most expensive part of Boston, but hey – you get what you pay for. Beautiful, colonial style houses line the gaslit streets, and decorative iron work is quite common. Some buildings even have private parks. The Massachusetts state government is located here. Executives and others accustomed to the finer things in life should check out houses and apartments for rent here.
East Cambridge
Know as a rather scholarly part of town, East Cambridge is populated by tech and industry professionals, and students from Harvard and MIT. There are lots of cool lofts and apartments for rent here in converted factories.
Kendall Square - MIT
Right by MIT, some seriously smart cookies live in Kendall Square – many of them MIT students who decided to stay long-term after receiving an offer from one of the big labs nearby. Fans of watersports should find apartments for rent here – it’s right on the Charles.