A Guide to Living in Boston: What You Need to Know

Ready for a new adventure? Boston, MA, is a city that truly has it all. Known affectionately as “Beantown” or “Olde Town,” Boston is one of the country’s oldest cities, packed with history, culture, and energy. From world-class museums and historic landmarks to exciting sports events and a thriving culinary scene, there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or starting a new chapter as a Boston resident, All American Self Storage’s guide to living in Boston is your go-to resource for exploring everything that makes the city so unforgettable.

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Table of Contents

I. Economy & Industry

II. Community & Fanatics

III. Arts & Culture

IV. Dining Options Around the City

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A Breakdown of Boston’s Economy & Industry

Population: 675,647

Are you considering moving to Boston, MA, this year for work? Largely considered a “global city” by leading economists, Boston is placed among the top 10 global cities, according to the Global Cities Index. It is host to a number of prominent and influential companies, including 16 Fortune 500 companies—its largest being General Electric, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance, TJX, Raytheon, and Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Overall, the majority of the city’s economy is centered around the healthcare, education, finance, insurance, and high-tech industries. But education is at the forefront, and the city and its surrounding metro area is host to a number of prominent universities and educational institutions—MIT, Harvard University, and Boston College, among many others. These colleges and universities exert a significant impact on the regional economy, not only attracting hundreds of thousands of students to the city but also providing work and research opportunities for area residents far beyond city limits.

Moving forward, Boston is expected to continue its trend of growth, a notion influenced by the emergence of the biotech and green-energy industries within the city, as well as the city’s continued access to a highly-educated and skilled workforce supplied by the city’s universities.

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The Excitement of Boston’s Sports Scene & Local Community

Historically, Boston is known for its sports, and the city is noted as one of the few cities carrying teams in all major North American professional sports leagues: the Boston Celtics of the NBA, the New England Patriots of the NFL, the Boston Bruins of the NHL, the Boston Red Sox of the MLB, and the New England Revolution of MLS.

Boston fans are famously passionate, and with good reason—these teams know how to win. The Red Sox have claimed 9 World Series titles, the Bruins have hoisted 6 Stanley Cups, the Patriots boast 6 Super Bowl victories, and the Celtics lead the NBA with an incredible 18 championships. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, the energy at a game is contagious.

Visiting Boston this year? Grab some peanuts and a hot dog and head to one of the city’s legendary stadiums or arenas. Whether it’s a summer day at Fenway Park or a winter night cheering on the Bruins or Celtics, experiencing a live game is one of the best ways to feel the city’s energy and spirit firsthand.

Annual Events

Beyond live sports, Boston is host to a number of significant community and cultural events throughout the year, including:

• Harbor Fest
  
• Boston Calling
• Boston Science Fiction Film Festival

Some of the biggest events of the year attract visitors from not just around the country but around the globe.

The Boston Marathon

Originally established in 1897, the Boston Marathon is an annual marathon race hosted by several cities in greater Boston in eastern Massachusetts. Overall, this is one of the oldest and most prestigious marathon races in the world, attracting international professional runners from all over. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents gather to watch and cheer on the runners, who range from first-time participants to well-known athletes. The marathon spirit is a feeling you will never forget!

Head of the Charles Regatta

Every October, Boston comes alive with the Head of the Charles Regatta, the world’s largest rowing events. Held along the scenic Charles River, the regatta draws thousands of rowers—from collegiate teams to elite international athletes—and hundreds of thousands of spectators who line the riverbanks to cheer them on.

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A Celebration of Art, History & Performance

Boston’s Art Scene

From historic masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary art, Boston has a way of making creativity feel accessible. From tucked-away galleries to massive museums, there’s always something inspiring around the corner. Whether you’re wandering through classic European paintings or checking out the latest contemporary installations, Boston’s art scene has a little something for everyone.

Pictured above, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts is of particular significance. Noted to be 14th-largest art museum in the world, MFA Boston boasts a significant gallery area displaying more than 450,000 works of art, making it one of the most comprehensive collections in the Americas. Considering a visit? Be sure to check MFA Boston’s Program Calendar prior to planning your trip. The Museum is noted to hold special exhibits, guest speakers, and workshops throughout the year.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is another jewel, known for its intimate collection housed in a stunning 15th-century Venetian-style palace surrounding a beautiful courtyard. For contemporary art enthusiasts, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) offers a cutting-edge selection of visual arts and performances in a striking modern building overlooking Boston Harbor. There are endless opportunities to engage with art in all its forms.

The City’s Theatres

Beyond the city’s art scene, Boston has an extensive history with the performance arts and is celebrated for its numerous theatres, including the Boston Opera House, the Cutler Majestic Theatre and The Citi Performing Arts Center.

The majority of the city’s theaters are spread throughout the city’s historic Washington Street Theatre District. However, the most prominent professional theater companies are located at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge and at the Huntington Theatre. Consider planning a visit to see some of the country’s finest performers if you are within the Boston area this year.

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Where to Eat & Drink in Boston

Overall, Boston’s culinary scene is a reflection of New England cuisine, in that it has a large emphasis on seafood and dairy products. Subsequently, its best-known dishes are New England clam chowder, fish and chips (usually with cod or scrod), baked beans, lobsters, steamed clams, and fried clams. Still, that is not to say the city’s culinary scene is devoid of variety. We’ve gathered a number of our favorite restaurants you might want to consider visiting if you are ever in the Greater Boston area. Read more below!

• Yvonne’s – Yvonne’s is a refined yet playful supper club in a handsome hideaway accented with marble & mahogany wood. Previous winner of Wine Spectator‘s “Award of Excellence” in 2019 and 2020, Yvonne’s is the ideal setting for group dining, business entertaining and birthday celebrations.
• Giulia – Located in nearby Cambridge, Giula is a Boston-area Italian staple, notable for its selection of fresh handmade pasta dishes, and its spectacular wine selection, all set within a rustic, cozy setting that includes a communal table. Menu highlights include the Garganelli with Mushroom Consva, Torchio with Basil Pesto, and our personal favorite, the restaurant’s Swordfish with Pesto Trapanese.
• Puritan & Company – Puritan & Company serves Modern American cuisine, with an emphasis on traditional New England fare. Led by chef-owner Will Gilson, this Cambridge staple highlights fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from area farms, and is noted for its quality food, local beers, and wine from independent makers worldwide.
• Saltie Girl – Saltie Girl is a small, 30 seat seafood driven dining bar that is known for curating one of the largest tinned seafood collections in New England. Beyond this, Saltie Girl is noted for their fresh, locally sourced seafood dishes that include their Baked Stuffed Lobster, Wild Striped Bass, Snow Crab, and our personal favorite, the restaurant’s Gloucester Lobster Roll.
• Row 34 – Currently offering 3 locations in Boston, Burlington, and Portsmouth, Row 34 is a stylish brick-&-wood eatery that serves an extensive oyster menu plus fish entrees & craft beers. Perhaps their website states it best: “If we could eat oysters and drink beer for every meal period, we probably would.”

Boston’s Historic Pubs

Boston’s pub scene is a living piece of the city’s history, where centuries-old architecture meets modern craft brews and lively conversation.

Many of the city’s pubs date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, serving as gathering spots for locals, travelers, and even historical figures during pivotal moments in American history. The Bell in Hand Tavern, established in 1795, is widely recognized as the oldest continuously operating tavern in the United States. The Green Dragon Tavern, though the original building is gone, is legendary for being a meeting place for revolutionaries like Paul Revere and the Sons of Liberty. The Black Rose in the Faneuil Hall area brings a taste of Irish charm and hearty fare.

It is no wonder Bostonians take St. Patrick Day so seriously!

See What Else Is On Tap

The flavors don’t stop with bites. Boston is well-known for its collection of innovative breweries, pubs, distilleries, and wineries, that include:

• Boston Harbor Distillery – Founded by Rhonda Kallman in 2012, Boston Harbor Distillery specializes in making whole-grain whiskey and other inventive spirits, operating out of a rustic, historic 19th-century waterfront warehouse that overlooks the Neponset River.
• Trillium Brewing Company – Operating 6 breweries throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut, Trillium Brewing Company was founded in March of 2013 by JC and Esther Tetreault with the desire to create a New England Farmhouse-inspired experience through the lens of craft beer. Currently this brewery offers an extensive menu of award winning craft beers, and a number of its locations feature full-service restaurants and beer gardens.
• Dorchester Brewing Company – Founded in 2016 by a group of professionals with an unnatural love of craft beer, Dorchester Brewing Company features a taproom with 20 draft lines, a Hopservatory, 4-season Rooftop Greenhouse, a game room, restaurant, and more. Additionally, this brewery is noted to hold numerous events such as wedding celebrations, fundraisers, and corporate events throughout the year. Be sure to check their event calendar prior to planning your visit.
• Harpoon Brewery – Originally founded in 1986, Harpoon Brewery is an employee-owned Boston area brewery noted for its extensive craft beer list that features numerous award winning brews that explore a wide variety of daring and innovating beer styles. Additionally, this Boston area staple is noted for its extensive philanthropic efforts throughout the New England area.

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All American Self Storage: The Greater Boston Area’s Self Storage Pros

So, now that you know the city well enough to begin planning your trip or your move, what are your next steps? Look no further than All American Self Storage to help you get organized before you make your big transition!

All American Self Storage is your first stop for affordable Boston storage units. Currently, this self storage facility offers two convenient locations throughout the Greater Boston area: All American Self Storage in Natick, MA, and All American Self Storage in Mansfield, MA. Amenities of these facilities include temperature-controlled storage units, drive-up storage units, and indoor storage units, all secured within a gated and fenced-in facility with keypad access and 24-hour camera monitoring. Feel confident choosing All American Self Storage this year for all of your storage needs. Come stop in and chat with our storage experts today!

 

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