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BOSTON
More Than a Tea Party
Boston is a prime landing place for twenty-somethings looking to establish themselves in a livable, young city with a varied and plentiful job market.
Some things come easily to mind when thinking of Boston: The Big Dig, the Red Sox, maybe clam chowder or those ridiculous accents in The Departed. From a historical angle everyone remembers Paul Revere, the Freedom Trail, and the rebellion of the Boston Tea Party. But Boston is also noteworthy for its thriving community of young people.
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Because Boston is both a college town and tourist destination there is a wealth of opportunities for work, ranging from the biotech world to the hospitality industry. The economy in this New England port is very much alive and kicking - since the 1990's Boston has experienced a city-wide gentrification of monumental proportions, bringing new life (and lots of money) back to historic neighborhoods. As a result the rent can seem a bit steep compared to other cities, although it's certainly not as bad as New York (expect upwards of $900 for a one-bedroom, and $1100 for two). However, the availability of high-paying jobs compensates for cost of living, and there are plenty of young people to prove that in Boston it isn't hard to make ends meet.
Neighborhoods
 Cambridge and Somerville: Over the River and Through the (Harvard) Yard
Across the Charles River from Boston is the historically liberal Cambridge and its more recently gentrified counterpart, Somerville, the perfect place to settle if you're looking for a little space and a quick commute downtown (via the Red Line, between 3-15 minutes). Over-the-river loyalists claim there's no good reason to go to Boston unless you work there, as Cambridge and Somerville are home to some of the area's best restaurants, bars, art, and music. The scene is peaceably mixed-aged scholars share café tables with the youthfully tattooed, while locals and transplants coexist to inspire a decidedly non-packaged culture.
Neighborhoods near the Red Line include Central, Harvard, and Porter Squares in Cambridge, and Davis Square in Somerville. Prices are entirely variable and generally dependent on proximity to the T. If you want more for your money, check out Inman Square (10-15 minute walk to the T) and Union Square (accessible by MBTA bus), where you're most likely to find a deal (and maybe even a backyard).
Beacon Hill and the Back Bay: Lilly Pulitzer, Ralph Lauren, and You
The districts of Beacon Hill and the Back Bay are known for their brownstones, wealthy socialites, and gaslight-lined, wisteria-draped lanes. Located across from Cambridge on the Charles River, they are home to a notable population of Boston blue bloods (John Kerry is one). Crowned by the shiny golden dome of the State House, this area is extremely close to the all the downtown action, including Boston Common-the oldest public park in America.
While it isn't altogether impossible to find a studio for under a thousand in this area, it is reasonable to assume you won't get a lot of space for your money. Realtors tend to list these spaces as "quaint" or "cozy." What you will get for a pretty penny here is location, location, location. These districts are at the heart of the city, and have all the Boston charm, and convenience, one could want.
The South End: Share the Pride
The South End, home to a thriving gay community, represents one of the most drastically rejuvenated sections of the city. Just south of downtown, close to the theatre district, the South End boasts a slew of top-notch restaurants, upscale-independent retailers, and a generally savvy, well-styled crowd.
Yet another historic Boston neighborhood, much of the South End is reminiscent of Beacon Hill and the Back Bay with its brownstones and gaslights. Rent can be on the high end, but if you are looking for South End location without dishing out the dollars, it is entirely possible to find deals. Areas of the South End still on the "up and coming" side of things will be more affordable; however it is worth checking them out in person as many border more dangerous neighborhoods. That being said, if the past is any indicator of future success, the South End will continue to lure new residents as a hip and desirable place to live.
Allston: Don't forget your Keg-erator
Allston, lovingly known as "the student ghetto," is proximal to Boston's largest universities (BU and Northeastern), making it the go-to spot for young co-eds itching to throw some top-notch house parties. If you are looking for an inexpensive pad in Boston, and don't mind the impromptu band rehearsal next door, Allston could be your ticket.
Allston living can be among the least expensive in the Boston area, offering a variety of cheap eats and affordable, shared-living situations. Furthermore, apartments (of variable quality) are almost always located within a stone's throw to the Green Line T, making it easy to get downtown in a pinch. Another option you might investigate should your heart be young, free, and ready to party, is Brighton, another student-centric neighborhood located just to the west of Allston.
Jamaica Plain: Go Green
Otherwise known as JP, Jamaica Plain is one of Boston's most noble and aged neighborhoods. Although the 60s and 70s brought hard times of crime and vagrancy to JP, it has since rejuvenated and today represents one of the most socially aware, artistic communities in greater Boston.
Among JP's offerings: a strong GLBT community, an eclectic shopping scene, friendly restaurants, and greenery. JP has three wooded parkways (the Arborway, the Jamaicaway, and the Riverway), a 265-acre arboretum, a pond surrounded by a running trail, and New England's largest zoo (Franklin Park Zoo). Located to the south of Boston, JP is accessible by both the Green and Orange Lines (about a 15 minute ride to downtown). Renters can expect to find an array of living options, from inexpensive to fancy, although JP still tends to be one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Boston.
Transportation
 The subway system in Boston (called the "T") is the most convenient way to get around the city. Recent station renovations and a new automated system in 2007 bumped fares up to $2/ride, but considering the fact that the T is the oldest subway in America, the improvements are well worth the higher price.
 Additionally, there are multiple bus routes ($1.50/ride), and although scheduled arrival is not always reliable, buses provide the necessary link between neighborhoods without direct T access. Generally commuters can access any point in the city using public transportation within 30 minutes. Furthermore, Boston is a walking city, and although the drivers can be a bit intimidating, there is also a prominent population of bike commuters.
Local Lingo
The Hub is a city with a well known dialect, famously displayed in movies such as The Departed and Good Will Hunting. Bostonians are well known for "pahking the cah in Hahvahd yahd," and the rule of thumb is, to sound like a native, forget your R's and work from there. There's also a good amount of slang in the New England vernacular to brush up on.
Looking for a way to express how awesome the chowdah is? Just say it's wicked good. New Englanders use this superlative to mean "very" in many instances.
Want to find Massachusetts Avenue or Commonwealth Avenue? Unless you want to tell everyone you're a tourist, it's Mass-ave and Comm-ave. If the street name is long, a Boston native will usually use the abbreviated form, and avenues are always, simply, aves (pronounced ahhhve).
Driving in Boston can be a terrifying experience for the uninitiated, especially because of The Big Dig - a huge, messy tunnel construction project that any resident will be happy to give you an earful about, should you ask. If you take your car into the city, be prepared to bang a left, which is, take an abrupt left turn. For less abrupt turns, you need only hang a left (or right.)
Don't despair if a friend is talking about his aunt in Peabidy - he means Peabody, a surburb. Worcester? It's Woostah. In fact, be prepared to be laughed at by natives, because there really is no preparation for pronouncing each and every town and suburb like a pro.
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Education/Medicine
• Harvard University and Medical
• Boston University
• Mass General Hospital
• Beth Israel
Finance
• Fidelity Investments
• John Hancock
• Citizens Financial Group (HQed in Providence, RI)
What do you love about working here?
Boston is a city that feels like a small town. You'll always run into people you know, so you never really feel lost. It's great, too, because you can easily get to know all the people in your industry.
Kate, 29
Princeton University, Public Relations
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