So I grew up in Arizona as well as Bay Area, CA (my parents were divorced). Moved to Austin, Texas in 2000 and NM a couple years ago. I’ve never lived in the Northeast, never even been further than NYC in that direction, though I loved Brooklyn.
I’ve been thinking lately, partly because I’ve always hated the heat and partly because I’m sure global warming won’t be kind to the area, that I’d like to check out the Northeast, maybe upstate NY or around there. Maybe Maine. Maybe even Canada if things get particularly a way here. In any case, besides taking time to actually visit the area which I plan to do next fall for about a month, hopefully, I’d love to get any opinions about living in that region. Likes? Dislikes? Favorite areas to consider? Suggestions? Anyone make the kind of geographic change I’ve described? Thanks!
Boston is very expensive. However, there are areas in MA that could/should be affordable.
Of course I’m biased because I’ve been in this area forever.
We get 4 seasons. I love the colors of Autumn. I enjoy snow, although, we may not get snow at all in the near future.
You’ve got great beaches on the Atlantic and then some nice skiing up in NH & ME that are only 2 hours away.
Boston area has the best medical care pretty much anywhere on the planet. I’ve personally transported numerous people from Logan airport to the area hospitals.
Sports? Big history of lots of champions.
Very diverse cultures all around Eastern MA. Very LGBT+ friendly.
People complain about cost of living and tax rates. Yet, the quality is worth it. I don’t know the particular tax rates, but, we are definitely not “Taxachusetts” anymore in comparison to all the N.E. states.
I’m somewhat familiar with the rest of N.E., so, feel free to ask.
Boston is so awesome. You didn’t mention the museums, historical places, concerts, festivals, theaters, hundreds of little cafes and restaurants, bookstores, art galleries, several dozen universities each with events open to the public. Taking the T (public transportation) over to the Boston Common to see what’s going on, then walking through downtown, maybe stop at Fanueil Hall for a snack, then go all the way to the North End to a restaurant. Oh gods I’m homesick and I only lived there like 8 years.
Yes, yes … I didn’t want a 25,000 word comment 😉
Op said they were from the Bay Area, do you understand how fucking cheap Boston is compared to the Bay Area? We left in 2020 during Covid and our little ass non-renovated 1467sqft 1954 home sold for 1.45mil. Now it’s again on the market for over 2mil.
Ok. Sure, I’m not familiar with price comparisons. I just know folks around here say it’s expensive. Even in my city just South of Boston, a 1bdr apt is between $2K-3K.
Another big plus of the immediate Boston area is the possibility of a walking lifestyle and of living without a car. This can require a mentality shift, and you have to like walking and not mind public transportation to fully benefit from the cost savings. I’m not sure if it makes up for the expense of the area though.
If you are in the right field, the pay or job opportunities could make up for the cost of living.
True. Definitely possible. I know a few medical staff that have roommates and they are about a 15 minutes walk from an entire area full of hospitals & clinics.