Why Boston? - Broke In Boston

Why Boston?

Boston

There’s no getting around it, Boston is expensive—the 3rd most expensive place to live in the country next to New York City and San Francisco. This is largely due to real estate costs where the laws of supply and demand rule. With 60 colleges and universities located within a 60 mile radius of Boston, the city retains an extremely high rental occupancy rate: around 99 percent most years. High demand and lack of rent control give landowners the ability to charge as much as they can for real estate rentals and sales. Similarly, the density of Boston’s urban center limits available space for retailers. Landowners charge more for this limited space and retailers pass these costs onto you, the consumer. That is one important reason your martini ends up costing $11 when an entire bottle of good vodka retails for $28. Broke in Boston was written as the cure for these ailments.

For Residents

Given that the Boston metropolitan area is home to a population of over 200,000 students, employers are able to take advantage of the overabundance of labor and pay less money to their employees than they would in other parts of the country.

On the brighter side, there’s a reason demand for apartments and space is so high: Boston is undoubtedly one of the most fun, vibrant, historical, and beautiful cities to live in. Often described as the most European American city, Boston has retained much of its original cultural heritage and “old world” charm.

For Tourists

Boston is an energized, beautiful metropolis steeped in history. Visitors may choose to get lost in this history, or to simply wander down its cobblestone streets, dine at its fine restaurants, explore its museums, or dance the night away at its clubs.

For history buffs, Boston—the trading hub of the American colonies and the birthplace of the American Revolution—is a special place. Some of America’s greatest heroes and thinkers such as Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere, Edgar Allen Poe, John Adams, and John F. Kennedy hailed from the city.