Living in Boston
Boston is an active and vibrant city located on the Atlantic coast in the northeastern United States (a region of the U.S. called the “Northeast”). It has a population of about 600,000 people, although there are many close cities nearby. The area‘s total population is more than 1 million.
We know there is much to consider when moving to a new country. Here is some information to help you settle and live in the Boston area.
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Use our interactive map of Boston Neighborhoods and surrounding cities and towns to explore the area.
This section contains information about public transportation in Boston, as well as getting around using cars, bicycles, and the Partners shuttle service.
Once you have a basic idea of the neighborhood(s) you may want to live in, you should decide whether you want to use a real estate agent to help you find an apartment.
When you rent an apartment, basic appliances such as a refrigerator and stove are usually included, but not much more than that. This section provides tips for furnishing your home.
Shopping in the United States, as in many countries, can be an enjoyable and interesting experience, with many different products and selections to choose from. In Boston, stores range from large to small and from expensive to low prices.
If you are coming to the United States with your children, you may need to know about school requirements and childcare options.
A driver’s license is the primary form of identification (ID) in each state in the U.S., including Massachusetts. It may be convenient to have a driver’s license while living in the U.S., even if you do not intend to drive.
While you are in the U.S, you have a number of options for getting telephone and internet services. Many phone and internet plans vary in cost and what they offer, so it pays to shop around.
Some employees and professional staff at Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Spaulding, and McLean Hospital may also hold a joint “Appointment” with Harvard Medical School and/or Harvard University.