Boston, MA

Yes. Boston, MA is one of the rare major U.S. cities where car-free living is practical, especially for young professionals. The MBTA subway, commuter rail, buses, ferries, Bluebikes, and walkable neighborhood layout make driving optional in many areas.

Boston, MA has a high cost of living, running about 48% above the national average overall. Housing is roughly 107% more expensive than the U.S. baseline, and average monthly rent across the city is about $3,400, with a practical range of roughly $1,500 to $5,000 depending on neighborhood, unit size, and roommates.

Condos and townhomes are a major part of Boston, MA housing, and the market is relatively buyer-friendly compared with recent years. As of July 2026, the condo/townhouse segment had a median sold price of $790,000, a median 48 days on market, and 10.0 months of supply.

Boston condo owners should budget carefully for monthly HOA costs and building reserves. Average monthly HOA fees are around $575, average annual condo insurance is near $2,100, and special assessments in older or larger buildings have averaged roughly $15,000 when they occur.

East Boston, Jamaica Plain, and Allston-Brighton are highlighted as more affordable, more residential options compared with Back Bay, Beacon Hill, or the Seaport. These neighborhoods still offer city access, with East Boston connected by the Blue Line, Jamaica Plain served by the Orange Line, and Allston-Brighton served by the Green Line.

Boston, MA offers strong urban advantages for families, including dense walkability, major parks, transit access, and a citywide safety profile that ranks well for a city of its size. It has ranked 13th safest city in the USA, with a violent crime rate below the national average.

Boston, MA has a large academic presence, with 35 higher-education institutions and roughly 152,000 students enrolled annually. That college-town scale keeps the city young, active, and especially busy during September move-in season.

Boston, MA commutes are built around the MBTA, known as the T. The Red Line serves Cambridge, Downtown Crossing, South Station, Dorchester, and Quincy/Braintree; the Green Line serves Back Bay, Fenway, Longwood, Allston-Brighton, Somerville, and Medford; the Orange Line connects Jamaica Plain, Back Bay, Downtown, and North Station; and the Blue Line connects East Boston, Revere, Downtown, and Logan Airport.