Massachusetts / Suffolk County

Moving to Boston, MA

Thinking of making a move to Boston, MA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Boston, MA

Considering a move to Boston, MA? This welcoming community of 675,647 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $781,000 and average rents near $3,200. Commute times average 31 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (57% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Boston's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Boston, MA

Boston has a population of 675,647 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 33 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 45% White, 23% Black, and 11% Asian residents, and over 35% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
675,647
Density
14,900 per sq mi
Median Age
32.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
34.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
44.5%
Black
22.7%
Asian
10.8%
Others
22.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Boston, MA?

The cost of living in Boston is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 152.4. Median home values are around $781,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,950. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$781,000
Gross Rent
$2,950
Monthly Electricity Charges
$155
Auto Insurance
$2,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,050
State Taxes
Low: 5.0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
152.4
Grocery
116.0
Housing
215.0
Utilities
118.5
Transportation
132.0
Health Care
112.8
Miscellaneous
121.0

Crime

Is Boston, MA a safe place to live?

Boston is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 890 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 35. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Massachusetts.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
890
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,820
Crime Index
3,710
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 112
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 35

Weather

What is the weather like in Boston, MA year-round?

Boston experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 57% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
24°F
Max
39°F

Summer

Min
67°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
47°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
43.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
57%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $86,000 and a low poverty rate of 19.2%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 56% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 31 minutes, and almost 34% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$50,800
Household Income
$86,000
Family Income
$103,500
Per Capita Income
$46,500
Income Male
$62,000
Income Female
$56,000
Poverty Rate
19.2%
Non English Speakers
38.0%
Rent
$2,950
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Public Transport Usage
33.5%
Commute Time
31.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.6%
Bachelors or More
55.8%

Education

How are the schools in Boston, MA?

Boston offers quality education options, with public schools like Boston Latin School and Boston Latin Academy known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Northeastern University, Boston University, and Harvard University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Boston Latin School
Street
78 Avenue Louis Pasteur
Phone
617-635-8979
Students
2,400
Student Teacher Ratio
12.6
Name
Boston Latin Academy
Street
205 Townsend St
Phone
617-635-9957
Students
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio
13.1

Private Schools

Name
Boston University Academy
Street
1 University Rd
Phone
617-353-9000
Students
380
Name
Winsor School
Street
60 Main St
Phone
617-247-1100
Students
460

Colleges

Name
Northeastern University
City
Boston
State
MA
Distance
0 miles
Students
22,000
Name
Boston University
City
Boston
State
MA
Distance
0 miles
Students
33,000
Name
Harvard University
City
Cambridge
State
MA
Distance
3 miles
Students
31,000

Healthcare

Boston residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 4.5 per 1,000 people and 96.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Massachusetts General Hospital
Address
55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114
Phone
(617) 726-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Address
75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115
Phone
(617) 732-5500
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Boston Medical Center
Address
1 Boston Medical Center Pl, Boston, MA 02118
Phone
(617) 638-8000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
4.5
Health Insurance Coverage
96.0%
Health Care Index
86.7

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Boston, MA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $781,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 33%. The market has seen a 4.8% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.6%. Boston offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$781,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$3,200
Owner Occupied Rate
32.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.8%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Boston handle vehicle services through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Quincy. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Massachusetts
Department
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address
25 Newport Ave Extension, Quincy, MA 02171
Phone
1-857-368-8000

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Boston, MA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Boston, review the core fields on this page: population 675,647, median home value $781,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $3,200, commute time 31.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 57%.

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