Top 10 Tips for Moving to Boston
Moving can be daunting. Whether you’re moving across the world or moving across town, you’ve got a lot of ground to cover (pun intended). Here are our top 10 recommendations on things to know before you move to Boston.
Where to live: Apartments
Depending what on what phase of life you’re at, you probably want very different things in a new apartment. The rental process is complex and not just limited to real-estate agents and signing leases, but also, setting up your new life, discovering the feel of neighborhoods and more. So, if your hoping to find a place that is both comfortable and affordable, we’ve got some great tips on apartment-hunting like when to start, where to look and how to negotiate a great deal.
Who to live with: Roommates
Having a roommate when you move to a new place is often a great way to go, but connecting with people of similar living habits is a lot harder than it sounds. Finding roommates through websites like Craigslist and Facebook can be risky and uncertain. Remember, you’ll be spending at least 6–9 months together so, it’s essential to get to know people before you room with them. Learn to how find and connect with reliable roommates through Hoamsy.
How to commute: Transport
Boston has a wide expanse of public and private commute options, ranging from the subway and buses to ride-sharing services such as Uber and privately-owned cars. It can take a while to understand which option is for you based on your commute needs. Similarly, you’ll need to understand the pros and cons of having your own car in Boston. We’ve got the inside scoop on what options to consider based on your individual commute needs.
What to wear: Weather
Boston’s weather changes with each season so, it’s important to dress accordingly. While brands like Canada Goose are certainly reliable, we can vouch for several others that are equally dependable and a lot more affordable. Stay tuned for our tips and tricks on how to shop wisely in Boston.
What to eat: Food
Moving to an entirely new place means leaving behind some of your favorite foods. When you crave home-cooked meals, you don’t have to travel to another town to fetch ingredients. Many local grocery stores have a range of international cuisines that can be warmed up in minutes. Similarly, if you’d like to dine out, we know all the best little haunts in Boston’s to satisfy your cravings.
How to settle in: Utilities
Renting an apartment in Boston comes with the added cost of paying for utilities such as water, electricity, gas and internet. Utility costs go up considerably over the winter months so, it’s wise to try and have some utilities included in your rent. We got several tricks up our sleeve on how to negotiate on utilities, estimate utility costs and always pay bills on time.
The next set of recommendations are tailor-made to guide international students/young professionals moving to Boston.
What’s required: ID
Boston has strict laws around proper identification. As a new resident, you’ll need to have the right ID on you at all times. We know all the best practices when it comes to getting a valid ID, understanding what ID’s are accepted and the benefits of a Massachusetts ID.
How to stay safe: Health
Whether, you’re moving from a neighboring state or a distant country, having a health insurance plan will save you time and worry. Depending on your occupation, you may be able to opt-in for a great health plan through your employer or your school. Also, Boston has many options for treating minor ailments which could save you the trouble of trips to emergency care. We have the best insights on how you can make the most of your health plan.
How to interact: Social norms
The slight differences in how people interact with each other from one place to another can make a difference. Familiarizing yourself with Boston’s social norms such as the importance of timeliness, social etiquette etc. will help you acclimate to your new environment and feel more at home.
How to have fun: Entertainment
Ranging from apple-picking expeditions and quaint Italian eateries to the freedom trail and whale-watching, Boston is a unique mix of historic architecture and modern-day musings. We’ve got the lowdown on the most touristy sites in Boston based on first-hand experience.
We hope this checklist for moving to Boston helps you plan your move better. Want more moving tips? Watch out for our next blog with tips on how to kickstart the apartment search process in Boston.
