about boston

Boston Harbor

Although Boston is small in area (second smallest city with a population >500,000), it is densely populated, young (the median Bostonian is 31, largely due to the huge numbers of colleges and universities), and culturally and ethnically diverse. There are a number of neighborhoods within the city, each with its own flavor and energy and each with an interesting mix of the historic and the modern. It is not uncommon to find a national historic site adjacent to skyscrapers. Surrounding Boston are several towns and the city of Cambridge, which collectively form the greater metropolitan Boston area (all connected by subway and bus). No matter what your interests might be, there's always something to do or see. And best of all, many events are free.

Family and Housing

Family

  • Boston and many suburbs offer outstanding schools
  • Approximately 20% of the residents have children
  • Almost 50% of the residents are married

Housing

  • Relatively expensive, although many residents own their own homes. Prices vary by neighborhood and by suburb.
  • Harvard Housing offers listings and most rental agencies will accept your hospital contract in lieu of a security deposit (through an agreement with Harvard University)

Transportation

  • 5 subway lines running until 12:30 AM and buses that run 24 hours per day
  • Taxis are numerous, plentiful
  • Most residents own a car, but this is not necessary
  • Parking at the hospitals is heavily subsidized
  • Zipcars are everywhere
  • You can walk across Boston in less than 45 minutes! (Yup, it's small!)
Entertainment

Entertainment

  • Outdoor enthusiasts will love this area, as Boston and its surroundings offer countless biking and hiking trails. Leaving the city is quick and easy.
  • Home to the Boston Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and a short drive away from Foxborough and the New England Patriots.
  • Incredible restaurants that fit any taste and budget.
  • An active and world renown theater and symphony (and residents share FREE Boston Symphony Orchestra tickets, courtesy of Dr. Anne Young).
  • Several world famous museums, which offer discount prices to Harvard ID holders.
  • Countless bars, clubs, and lounges for any mood or night.
  • A limitless supply of local musical talent, in addition to a destination for every major concert tour.

Surrounding Area

Boston sits on the Atlantic Ocean.  From the heart of downtown, you are walking distance from the harbor, the Charles River  and community boating launch, Boston Common, the Boston Garden, the historic Beacon Hill, Back Bay, North End, and South End neighborhoods, and countless restaurants and bars. A thirty minute drive will put you in rural countryside (including scenic Walden Pond, once the secluded home of Henry David Thoreau) and will bring you through picturesque old New England towns like Lexington and Concord. In just 45 minutes you could be on Crane Beach or the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Some of the best hiking on the east coast is within 3 hours of the center of Boston. The Maine coastline is  only 1 hour north of Boston. A 90 minute car ride will get you to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun Casinos. And Montreal and New York City are just 4.5 hours away.

Surrounding Area