, get ready to be surrounded by green spaces, quality sports, four distinct seasons, and top-notch academic researchers. For young professionals, foodies, and academics, it might be the perfect city.

Before the Puritans arrived in the early 1600s, the area now known as Boston was inhabited by various Algonquian tribes including the Massachusett and Pawtucket. Since then, Boston,

Massachusetts

has grown into a center of controversy, culture, and innovation. Today, Boston is known for its health industry, academic research, literary culture, seafood, and incredible green spaces.

Boston is exciting but it’s also one of the most expensive cities in the country. Before moving to Boston, it’s time to consider the pros and cons. Luckily,

car and renters insurance

super app

Jerry

has created a guide for the Boston-bound. Did you know that Happy Hour is illegal here? Keep reading to learn all the best tips for your move.

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What you need to know about Boston before you move

Yes, some of the Boston stereotypes are true—but this area has a lot more to offer than academic institutions and colonial history. With a population hovering around 690,000, Boston is a vibrant area that perfectly balances the past and the future. There’s simply nowhere like Boston.

1. Cost of living is higher than average

Unless you’re moving from

New York

San Francisco

, or

Washington, D.C

., you’re likely to experience a serious increase in cost-of-living if you move to Boston.

Your rent prices are the first major expense. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Boston is about $2,400—and that’s in the cheaper neighborhoods. If you want to live close to your work downtown, you’ll spend closer to $3,400 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. The average size of a one-bedroom is about 724 square feet.

Food is more costly here, too. In fact, food costs 24% more in Boston than in the rest of the nation. You’ll pay about $15-20 for a basic meal out. One saving grace, however, is that sales tax does not apply to groceries here.

The median salary here is $53,000 and the minimum wage is stuck in the past at $14.25 per hour.

2. The economy is growing (especially if you work in tech or healthcare)

While the Boston job market isn’t as sizzling as, say, the Bay Area, there is slow and steady economic growth here.

The most popular industries are healthcare, restaurants, travel, and education. The most common jobs in Boston are software developer, registered nurse, management analyst, medical scientist, and marketing manager.

Boston ranks first in the nation for hospital beds per capita, which makes sense because of its top-notch medical centers. This city is also an epicenter of academic culture, with Harvard, MIT, and Boston University all in the vicinity.

3. You’ll need to worry about assault and robbery more than car theft

While its crime rate is declining every year, you do need to think about the risks when moving to an urban environment like Boston.

Assault and robbery are the two most common crimes in the Boston area. However, violent crime and property crime rates are decreasing,

according to the Boston police

Car theft rates have been rising in recent years—2020 had the highest rate in a decade (1,217 thefts). Be sure to park in well-lit areas and invest in some upgraded car security if you move to the area (bonus: it could earn you a discount on your

car insurance

!).

MORE: How to check for Massachusetts road closures

4. Dogs and kids are welcome almost everywhere

Whether you’re moving with Fido or Freddie, Boston is ready to play nice.

Boston is rapidly becoming one of the most

dog-friendly

cities in the nation. Buildings are becoming more dog-friendly, and there are tons of dog-friendly breweries in the city. With green spaces on practically every corner—and permission to ride the MBTA during off-peak hours—your dog will love Boston as much as you do

Kids make up 16% of Boston’s population, and the median age of the city’s residents is a youthful 32.4 years old. Bostonians take education very seriously, so your little ones will have access to world-class schooling and cultural institutions. If you’re relocating with kids, consider a family-friendly neighborhood like Jamaica Plain.

5. Driving is rather unpleasant

The downside is that car ownership in Boston is expensive and inconvenient. You can own a car in Boston, but parking is tricky in most neighborhoods. Traffic sucks and Massachusetts drivers have a

terrible reputation

for rudeness on the road (although they’d probably call it “assertiveness” instead of rudeness).

Plus, car insurance rates in Boston are slightly higher than in the rest of the nation. There are also many

toll roads

The upside is that you probably don’t need a car! You can travel between Boston’s 23 neighborhoods via public transit (MBTA) using trains and buses. Even better, Boston is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the commonwealth, with plenty of

protected bike lanes

. Bring your own bike or rent one from Hubway.

6. The weather’s great if you love all four seasons

Boston is a four-season city. Summers are humid, autumn is colorful and picturesque, winter is snowy, and spring is wet. You can expect temperatures to range between 20 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but it’s not unlikely that you’ll experience lows in the teens and highs in the 90s.

Windstorms and rainstorms have become more common in recent years. Coastal storms and Nor’easters result in blizzards more often than not. The sleet is pretty miserable but it does make spring that much more beautiful—especially in the Boston Public Gardens.

Moving to Boston means being prepared for any kind of weather. Pack your sunscreen and your snowsuits!

MORE: Driving in the snow: 7 tips for winter safety

7. Embrace the Dunkin’ craze

Seriously, it’s a way of life here. More than 3 million people are served daily by DD. If you want to blend in, learn

how to order

at this doughnut chain like a local. You’ll find Dunkin’ every few blocks in Boston.

Iced coffee is the star of the show. Dark coffee is black coffee with no cream or sugar. The secret menu is worth memorizing (the toasted French Vanilla is delectable), and there’s a difference between flavor swirls and flavor shots. Oh, and order via the app so you don’t have to wait in line.

Does Boston live up to its stereotypes?

Yes and no. One

stereotype

is that Boston has serious sports fans and they like to drink. And, well, this one’s true! St. Patrick’s Day is practically a holy occasion in Beantown, in part due to the affinity for alcoholic celebrations and in part due to the number of Irish people here.

Many long-term residents come from family money with multiple generations that have attended prestigious schools. But you don’t have to be Warner Huntington III or even Elle Woods to make a home here. Nearly 30% of the city is foreign-born and that number grows every year.

Boston is culturally diverse, creatively inclined, and future-oriented. If that’s your dream—and you can handle expensive rent and extreme seasonal weather—then moving to Boston might be the perfect plan!

For tips on how to make that move the smoothest transition possible, read on.

Key Takeaway Boston is an exciting, high-paced city where locals work hard and play hard—but it’s balanced out by the high cost of living and extreme weather conditions.

MORE:

Does my car insurance cover me if I move to a new city?

Finding a place to live in Boston

Leave the “pahk the cah” jokes behind and let’s learn how to find a place to live in Boston.

The median price of a single-family home was around $700,000 last year. Prices will probably continue to increase in the coming years. If you don’t have the cash for a down payment, then you might need to rent.

Prepare to pay between $2,300 and $2,800 for most apartments in Boston. The closer you live to downtown, the more costly your rent will be. Zumper, Zillow, and HotPads are great places to start your hunt for lodging. Just remember that you’re competing with local students, so apartments are at a premium.

When choosing a neighborhood, start by making a list of your needs and a basic budget. If you want to live in a cheaper neighborhood, you might end up spending more on transportation and entertainment, for example.

If you’re not familiar with Boston’s 23 neighborhoods, here are a few pointers:

Most iconic neighborhoods: Jamaica Plain, Cambridge, Somerville, Beacon Hill, Brighton and Allston, Financial District, North End (Italian-American)

Best neighborhoods if you’ve got kids: Hyde Park, West Roxbury, Charlestown, Jamaica Plain

Best neighborhoods for foodies: Chinatown, North End, Allston

Best neighborhoods if you want to keep your car: West Roxbury, Watertown, Arlington

Most affordable neighborhoods: Allston, Fenway, Roslindale, Dorchester

If possible, try to visit a few neighborhoods in person before you sign a lease. Sure, the unit might look awesome but the street noise might be a dealbreaker.

Pro Tip Living with a roommate is a smart way to save money living in Boston, especially if you want to live downtown.

MORE:

Cheap car insurance if you rent an apartment

Moving to Boston checklist

Have you created a list of your ideal neighborhoods? Moving can be stressful on the best of days. Make sure you follow this moving to Boston checklist to ensure everything goes smoothly, from packing up your old place to spending your first night in your new home.

Before you go

Before you move, make sure to:

Find a good moving company if you need professional help—or book a U-Haul if you’d rather pack everything yourself.

Pack up your stuff carefully, especially if you’re moving a long distance. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends for help!

Inform your utility company and insurance provider that your address is changing.

If you’ve decided to bring a vehicle, consider shipping your car to Boston to save time.

Plan your route. Purchase your plane tickets or

prepare for an epic road trip

After you get there

Take the time to update everything and settle in properly once you arrive. Devoting a few hours to this process will make your new life in Boston much easier, we promise.

If you moved with a car from another state, be sure to register your car in Massachusetts and update your insurance.

Purchase renters’ insurance at your new address to protect yourself and your belongings (and your bank account).

Update your mailing address, voter registration, and healthcare information.

Explore your new neighborhood! Find your new favorite coffee shop and late-night pizza joint.

MORE:

Complete checklist for moving out of state

How to save on car, renters, and home insurance in Boston

Whether you’re keeping your car in Watertown, renting a studio in

Cambridge

, or buying a classic colonial-style home, you’ll need insurance if you want to move to Boston. Get quick, confident help from insurance super app,

Jerry

. Savings is around the corner, whether you need

home

renters

, or

auto insurance

No matter what type of insurance you need, Jerry can compare quotes from some of the nation’s top providers in 45 seconds and get you signed up in record time. Just download the app, enter your information, and let Jerry handle the rest!

Moving to Boston is the adventure of a lifetime. And we’ve got good news: just by using the Jerry app to shop for car insurance, users save an average of $887 a year. With a little extra pocket money, your move will be that much easier!

“Before
Jerry
, I was paying $280 for basic full coverage. Jerry found me a Progressive plan for $117 that includes better coverage. This was even better than previous quotes I’d received!” —Faith M.

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Is it worth moving to Boston?

We can’t say what’s right for you—but there’s a lot to love about Boston. If you like east coast vibes, four seasons, intellectual culture, and sports, you’ll probably love it here. But if you need more sunshine or a more laid-back culture, it might not be worth the move.

How much money do I need to move to Boston?

It depends on where you’re moving from. If you’re moving from elsewhere in Massachusetts—and doing all the packing yourself—you could get away with spending $100 on moving boxes and a tank of gas. If you’re coming from across the country with furniture, you might spend several thousand on the move alone. To survive in Boston, you should aim for a minimum annual salary of around $55,000. If you’re supporting a family or want to live alone, you’ll need more than that.

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