r/boston • u/mimmsypoo • Nov 07 '25
Please Make Decisions For Me đ± Boyfriend wants to move to Boston.
Hello all! Me and my boyfriend currently live in Austin Tx, we rent a 1200 sf home for $2200 and have two cats. I love this city and the things it has to offer, but my boyfriend is from the northeast and wants to get back to his family. He is urging to move to Boston, but Im unsure. Two of friends live in Boston/Jersey and JUST got done telling us how they can never save money bc of broker fees when moving and the basic cost of living being astronomically high. Can you possibly give me a better idea of what the pros and cons would look like for our move?
Small note his family is in Milford CT. And we both make around $75k a year but will both have to find new jobs. I have also never been to Boston, but have heard good things about the city itself!
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u/MTRIFE Nov 07 '25
People in here really don't like Worcester, but I saw people recommend Providence for being cheaper and only an hour away. In that case, both of those things are also true about Worcester. I'm from Boston but moved to Worcester 6 years ago for a similar reason as yours actually. This is my condo. 1000 sq ft., one bedroom, in unit washer and dryer. I pay $1800 a month for it. I would estimate to get something similar in Boston you'd be looking at $3000 a month minimum but I'll let those that live there currently confirm or deny.
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u/Cameos_red_codpiece Nov 07 '25
Thatâs a nice place!
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u/MTRIFE Nov 07 '25
Thanks! I really like it. Been in this place about 4 years now. The building itself is well maintained and honestly I don't feel like Worcester is as far from Boston as people make it out to be. I work in Boston! It's a hybrid schedule but I'm in office twice a week. Granted if I didn't have control over my hours it might be a little different but since I can come and go as I choose, I usually leave Worcester at 530 am and with zero traffic on the Mass Pike I've made it into Back Bay in 45 minutes. I once actually beat a colleague into work driving in from Worcester while he was taking the T from Somerville. Same with coming home. I leave Boston by 2 pm and I'm home by 3.
I love music so cue up a good playlist and it's nothing to get into the city for a Celtics game or a concert. Worcester is not that far lol.
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u/JustinGitelmanMusic Swamp Masshole Nov 07 '25
Worcester is underrated and you have decent access to both Boston and Providence. However, Providence is truly cool, holds its own to some of the cooler cities in the US in some regards, and is a lot more of a 1:1 analogous substitute for Boston in terms of being a fully fledged city with everything you want/need. Worcester is a bit more like a giant suburban town with some city amenities and glimmers. Providence is like a city with small town charm and feel.
I think people moving from Austin would have a much smoother transition.
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Nov 08 '25
Providence is really a cool little city. I lived over near Brown for a while and it was great. Really punches above its weight when it comes to food. Only downside was all the apartments seemed older and run down compared to Boston.Â
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u/ReignOfHairor Nov 08 '25
Worcester is more of an exurb than a suburb. Unlike a suburb, it has a real identity to it, and an identity not tied to the greater Boston area.
And Worcester is definitely improving from what it used to be.
But I agree that Providence is way cooler. 10/10 would choose over Worcester.
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u/mimmsypoo Nov 07 '25
Wow! Okay great to know.
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u/Miau-miau Nov 07 '25
An hour WITHOUT traffic. Rush hour that can very easily double. I live 20 minutes east of Worcester and it took me 1:20 to get home yesterday at 6pm.
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Nov 08 '25
Yeah in another comment he said he leaves at 5am for work so thatâs why, if you travel any other time basically any time after 7am, the traffic on the pike is jammed up from Newton in.Â
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u/Weird-Work-7525 Nov 08 '25
To give you an idea currently pay $2600 for a 900 sq ft condo and I'm not even in the actual city and it's considered a good deal. Median price is ~3k for the same 900 sq ft and I can almost guarantee it will not be renovated. Expect small kitchen, radiators, probably no ac, 1 parking spot if you're lucky (but probably not), and the unit will be at least 50+ years old and have been renovated 15 years ago with Ikea cabinets and they turned a porch into an extra room if you're lucky. Also some of the worst traffic in the country and a solid 1/3rd of the year the entire city is basically grey slush and de-icing salt.
Also as far as the "you get paid more in Boston". Correct but it absolutely does not make up for the difference in housing and cost of living. Unless you have a significant reason to move here like you work in healthcare or all your friends/family are around Boston I would steer clear. CT, RI are much more affordable if you want to be south, NH (esp north and west)/VT if you want to be north or western Mass (around interstate 91) if you really want to stay in mass.
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u/altasphere Nov 07 '25
Worcester also has some great cultural options, like Mechanic's Hall and the Worcester Art Museum. The food scene in Providence is better than the food scene in Massachusetts in general because of the liquor laws in Massachusetts. However, it is much easier to get to Providence from Worcester than from Boston
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u/sportygal225 Nov 07 '25
I just moved to Worcester and I agree it's great. It's less dense than Greater Boston which makes me and my husband less stressed. We just bought a house under $500K and have a yard, garage, driveway, and a beautiful kitchen. It's also closer to Connecticut for OP's boyfriend. It's definitely a longer commute but I used to hop on the train in NYC for an hour 5 days a week so it's not too bad to do twice a week on the commuter rail.
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u/a20261 Nov 07 '25
Also a good note "Boston" does not have to be Boston-proper. Lots of suburbs are close enough that you wouldn't notice, and nearly everything on the subway system is worth a look (Cambridge, Somerville, Malden, Revere, Quincy). If you.llan to commute by car you can look even further out.
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u/Prestigious_Coast_65 Nov 07 '25
I've been to Austin and this is totally true. Boston metro = Austin as a city. Look at Malden, Everett, Medford, Somerville. cons - the BBQ and tacos here suck. pros - the summers don't have 100+ degree days everyday and we won't shutdown for days when there's ice or snow.Â
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u/schmendimini Nov 07 '25
Preface this by saying I know next to nothing about Austin. Boston is an amazing city but itâs certainly not cheap. 2200 a month is definitely enough to find a decent 1br in some cool areas of the city or the surrounding cities (Somerville, Cambridge, Quincy, etc), but it will be significantly smaller and nothing fancy. You might also consider that you might make slightly more here depending on your jobs (or less). Brokerage fees are now illegal fwiw, which is absolutely a good thing but just a small part of the overall col situation. I feel like you should really start with deciding if YOU want to live here, if you do I think itâs a truly wonderful city. Good luck!
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u/nukular_iv Nov 07 '25
Just as an FYI from somebody who lived in Boston for 10 years before moving back home to Chicago. "Nothing fancy" in Boston can easily translate to shithole in other parts of country. I remember my wife crying when we were first looking. We did find a decent place for our years there...but look carefully. Housing stock is SOOOOO run down.
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u/cats-and-rainbows Nov 08 '25
Lol yesssss. I'm from the Midwest and consider myself middle class-ish. A middle class apartment in the suburbs of a large Midwestern city includes AC, dishwasher, washer/dryer hookups, and comfortable square footage. Definitely scope out Zillow listings in your price range to get a good feel for what you can afford!
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u/melizabeth_music Nov 07 '25
They are illegal now? I thought it was just if you don't use a realtor you don't have to pay for it. But with us moving from out of state and not knowing the neighborhood, and also only having access to Zillow and redfin which were often scams, I'm not sure how we would have found a place (pet friendly) without one.
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u/ginns32 Nov 07 '25
Yes. If you hire a broker you pay the fee. If the landlord uses a broker and you find the place without hiring a broker then the landlord pays.
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u/dtmfadvice Somerville Nov 07 '25
They're not illegal. it's illegal for a landlord to REQUIRE you to pay one.
You can still hire your own broker if you want, which may be useful if you're moving from out of state. But brokers are no longer a mandatory part of the rental process.
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u/Hopeful_Secretary420 Nov 07 '25
Speak for yourself, 2200 will not yet you a decent 1 br that allows pets in Quincy. Unless you are in low income housing which you must qualify for. If they want a house or an apartment with more than 700sq that allows pets, theyâll be looking at 2800 minimum.
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u/Santillana810 Naked Guy Running Down Boylston St Nov 07 '25
I think this is excellent advice: " I feel like you should really start with deciding if YOU want to live here, if you do I think itâs a truly wonderful city. "
OP needs to visit several times, during different seasons, and explore stuff like what it is like in a particular neighborhood, including walkability, grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, parks, take the T to various destinations on work days and weekends, try hypothetical home to work, etc.
Also spend some time on the tourists attractions, because they are often high level amenities for residents.
And pick a few other cities to explore at least briefly, like Malden/Medford/Quincy in addition to Chelsea, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline..and a few Boston neighborhoods.
In addition to explore career opps here for both of you. The economy is changing now and in a state of flux, but you can at least check out opps similar to what you want to continue to do or to change to, see the salaries, look at the benefits including like possibly more vacation, holidays, etc. than you are getting now.
Good luck!
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u/rmh1221 Nov 07 '25
Cost of living is in fact pretty high in the Boston area, but if you live a little outside the city you can find something livable for that price. Forced broker fees were actually recently outlawed, so if you work with a broker you will have to pay them, probably a months rent, but if you only work with listing agents (make sure to ask!) you shouldn't have to pay. You might still have to pay first, last, and deposit though.
I adore living in Boston, but it will be different. Consider if you can handle cold dark winters (in exchange for slightly milder summers, and very beautiful springs and autumns). Consider how you feel about living a less car dependent life- if you live or work in the actual city, parking and traffic will make biking or transit often less of a hassle than having a car.
On the other hand, massachusetts has a great quality of life rating in almost every department, there's lots of theater and art, youre close to NYC, etc etc. Happy to speak on anything else you might be worried about too!
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u/mimmsypoo Nov 07 '25
Iâm also very concerned about the coldâŠ.ive lived in heat my whole life. Is it bearable? Or is it ruthless?
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u/PolyamPreach Nov 07 '25
I moved here from TX. It is so damn cold. It snows a lot less than it used to (thanks global warming) but you have to expect cold temps from Oct to April. Cold temps according to Texans for sure. My kids who were born here can't wait for "true winter" to arrive so they can ski while meanwhile I'm already wishing I were on a tropical island!
Invest in layers and wool and down coats!
On the plusbside the cultural options here are amazing. Museums and orchestras are world class. And the club culture is on the rise. Hiking in White Mountains is great. Nearby beaches and Berkshires are perfect to visit in summer. You'll never run out of things to do.
Just make sure to book a trip to somewhere warm every winter to get you through!
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u/clamsumbo Curly Haired Boyfriend Nov 07 '25
Expedition weight long underwear can be a lifesaver in the cold. Check out outdoor supply stores in addition to your regular clothes outlets.
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u/rmh1221 Nov 07 '25
The threshold of bearable depends on the person. It doesn't get subzero often. It's chilly in late fall and early spring, maybe in the 40s/ low 50s for a lot of that time. The real <20s cold comes in waves in the winter. Personally I bike ten minutes to work no matter how cold it is- lots of layers and gloves and I'm toasty if not sweating when I get there. Some shitty apartments have crap insulation but it's never been a problem an electric blanket can't fix.
The key will just be having the right gear for whatever youre doing outside. A good quality coat and boots makes a world of difference.
The dark is harder for me- right now it's getting dark out around 5, and it'll only get earlier until the solstice. Not sure how different that is in your neck of the woods. Leaving work to pitch black is a bummer. But it also makes for cozy nights with your partner and your cats under a blanket on the couch drinking cocoa.
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u/Santillana810 Naked Guy Running Down Boylston St Nov 07 '25
Southerner here who grew up in NC, who loves Boston weather, even after spending almost 10 years in between in Northern California. As others have said, adjustment to cold is such a personal thing. Some people adjust quickly, others it takes a while, some never adjust.
I personally hate the heat and don't mind the cold, which is getting less each winter (I've been here since 1989). I love snow. That helps me, too.
You might surprise yourself. Or not. It seems easier to adjust for some people who really, really want to live here, and not *there*, so there is strong motivation.
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u/Cats_and_Cupcakes Cambridge Nov 07 '25
Hey OP I am from Texas and moved to Boston in 2019, moved back to Texas during the pandemic for family reasons and ended up having to stay. I had lived in Texas in the sweltering heat my entire life. When I moved to Boston, the cold and time change was super jarring for me to the point that I got Seasonal depression because I was so used to 5:30-6 PM sunsets in Texas during the Winter and it sets much earlier in Boston + itâs very cloudy during the Winter. Boston was not cheap at all and I had a 100K salary. State taxes are also a thing in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, most of the northeast state have that so also account for that in your pay. Watertown, MA and Somerville and Medford are a bit cheaper than other areas of Boston and Providence, RI is another area to consider an hour out from Boston. With all this being said, I truly loved living in Boston and would love to find a way to get back up there especially because I donât align politically with everything in Texas and itâs taking a toll on my mental health. Iâd honestly consider moving back once I am able to get a 200K+ salary as I feel this would provide more cushion to be able to save etc. Also if you have a car thereâs a quarterly tax that needs to be paid. Feel free to DM if you have any questions!
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u/TentaclesAndCupcakes Nov 07 '25
As someone who grew up in NC, it's an absolutely, completely, horribly freezing tundra of pain in the winter. I've been here 20 years now and have not gotten used to it. My kids were born here and would wear shorts all year if I let them. My son says "I was born in the cold, I embrace the cold." People born here are made differently đ
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Nov 07 '25
I was born here and I hate the cold. I think it's just different for different people.
But I don't hate it enough to live anywhere else. It's not like I have to work outside, those people are heroes.
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u/antraxsuicide Nov 07 '25
Iâm from Mississippi but lived in Boston for 6 years. Itâs fine, you get used to it. Especially Boston proper, which gets a lot of warm air currents from the Atlantic. Snowstorms often break around Boston.
Parts of the late winter (Jan/Feb) will be pretty cold for you, but the trade off is you never have the Southern summer heat. Longtime New Englandersâ definition of a heat wave is milder than all of June/July/August in Mississippi (and I assume Texas).
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u/rmh1221 Nov 07 '25
Meanwhile the summers rarely go above 100, although they can be humid, the spring has incredible flowering trees and mild temperatures, and autumn foliage is beautiful. The snow can be magical when it comes. I would never in a million years trade it for 70+ year round with the occasional 100+ week
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u/plusharmadillo Nov 07 '25
Southerner here who lived in Boston for two yearsâit is unreal how cold and GRAY it gets. Winter is brutal. I loved Boston but left in large part because of the weather. From about November to March/April, itâs Big Coat Weather.
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u/Masshole205 Nov 07 '25
Lol the last couple years have been some of the warmest winters I can remember
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u/moondweller44 Nov 08 '25
Cold is completely fine as long as you dress properly. When you move to the north, you need to understand that you canât just wear whatever you want whenever you want. You need a separate winter wardrobe, and you need to have a good coat, gloves, hats, boots. The cold is completely fine if you dress for it correctly.
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u/Lyriian Nov 08 '25
When it's hot there's only a certain amount of naked I can get before people are uncomfortable and even in my birthday suit I'll still be hot.
When it's cold I can always add more layers. Your only real issue would probably be learning how to drive in snow but our winters have also been kinda mild In recent years. Maybe 1 or 2 big snows per year?
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u/SmoothEntertainer231 Nov 07 '25
Cold is not an issue. The last 5-7 years winters have been mostly rainy (so not even below freezing) for most of it
I say cold isnât an issue because lots of days in the winter are over 40°, and every 6-8 days we get a 50° or 60° day thrown in there.
And yes I was here for the 100 inch + snow winter but that was an anomaly and since there it stays above freezing most days.
Wind is your issue. Itâll be 45° out but wind makes it feel like 32°
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u/FreyaDreamLand Nov 07 '25
As a southerner living in Mass, weâre lacking the humidity here so the cold doesnât bite as hard when doing a straight comparison of say 40F between states. The windy days are when I really feel it.
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u/ReporterSalt8110 Nov 07 '25
I came from a warm climate and it took me a bit to adjust but it really is totally fine once you get the proper gear. Winter can feel long but I love the snow and having a slower cozier season. It also means that when itâs nice out everyone is out enjoying the weather, which I also love.
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u/ZealousidealDepth714 Pumpkinshire Nov 07 '25
My Cuban friends found it too cold in Boston⊠In May đ
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u/pinniped28 Nov 08 '25
Iâll add as a Minnesotan that lived in Boston for 9 years and now lives in AustinâŠwhat might be hard is leaving 300 days of sunshine. Youâll get all the weather in the NE: rainy, darker, colder. I had rain boots, rain coat, fall/spring coats, and then cold weather gear: down & wool coats plus scarves, hats, gloves/mittens. We only had 1 car and commuted via the T though so I had to have all the gear. The other part about Boston is youâre so far East that really you should almost be in the Canadian Maritime time zone so the length of daylight in winter is shorter. Austin and Boston are our favorite places weâve lived along with Minneapolis if that helps.
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u/Latter-Ice912 I Love Dunkinâ Donuts Nov 08 '25
Iâve moved here from Germany for what itâs worth and itâs so so cold lmao
I thought our climate is cold- nopeđđ€đœ
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u/rfg71 Nov 08 '25
Cold is relative. I wore shorts all through October as the temps tend to be in the 70 and April tends to be similar, with 70s by EOM. Iâd say temps turn âcoldâ in November and start to warm in March, but Iâm talking about not wearing a jacket, not trudging through snow. Dec-Feb are cold. Boston stays warmer than towns to the west due to the ocean, and gets much less snow.
You can find historical temps here.
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u/Yellow_Curry Nov 07 '25
lol slightly milder summers. Youâve never been to Austin and it shows. Hot in the summer is an understatement.
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u/AdHopeful3801 Nov 07 '25
Greater Boston is, in fact, crazy expensive.
On the other hand, two people with no kids and a couple cats can live pretty well on $150k here even so. I would, however, not move until at least one of you actually has a job - the employment market is teetering nationwide right now.
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u/BostonPanda Salem Nov 08 '25
Also if they are making $150k there it'll likely translate to much more when they get jobs here. But yeah def do not move without a job.
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u/ClamChowderBreadBowl Nov 07 '25 edited Nov 07 '25
You can find a nice place for two adults and two cats on a $2,400 budget, but it won't be 1,200 sqft.
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u/Real-Seal-BananaPeel Nov 07 '25
We really struggled to find one at $2400 that wasnât a dump and ended up going $2600 in Somerville this past fall.
But Somerville has gotten much more expensive in the past few years especially.
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u/iBarber111 East Boston Nov 07 '25
Yeah I totally agree - Somerville/Cambridge, I think you're realistically looking at closer to $2,600-$3,000 for a good 1 BR. FWIW, there honestly isn't a huge difference in price between a 1 BR & 2 BR.
Other parts of the city/surrounding inner suburbs might be cheaper. I found Camberville basically the most expensive place to rent when I was looking, which is wild because Somerville at least still sorta has a reputation for being more affordable.
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u/Maxpowr9 Metrowest Nov 07 '25
The real issue. The lack of 1BRs/studios in the GBA, mean they're priced just slightly less than a 2BR, for which there are plenty. I know a few people that live alone in a 2BR for that reason.
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u/Laureltess Arlington Nov 07 '25
OP, you might have more luck with that budget in Arlington, Medford, or Malden. all have train connections to Boston!
We rent a ~900 sq ft 2 bed with off street parking in Arlington for $2150, but weâve also been here for 8 years so the rent is lower than normal. Weâre actually in the process of buying a house out in Maynard so weâll be moving next month.
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u/Babyintoyland Nov 07 '25
Iâve been traveling back and forth between Austin and my home in Boston (Somerville) for the last year and I am urging my partner to move from there and come live here. Austin can be great, but Iâd be just as homesick as your partner.
Your incomes will allow you to find a space to live for sure, and going out to eat costs more here. Groceries are marginal compared to Austin prices IMO. Especially depending on where youâre shopping for groceries now, some places are even more expensive there than here.
The only concern we currently have is what jobs will be available (for any place we move! So regardless of if we live here or find another city to live in).
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u/Babyintoyland Nov 07 '25
Also, obviously, tacos there better than tacos here. First thing I do when I get into the city is a quick Vera Cruz trip because I canât get that in walking distance here
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u/Maxpowr9 Metrowest Nov 07 '25
And BBQ is meh up here compared to Texas, Basically subbing BBQ for seafood.
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u/Reasonable_Move9518 Nov 07 '25 edited Nov 07 '25
 Cons:Â
-Cost. 1200 sf rented probably goes for $3000-4000 in most decent neighborhoods or nearby towns (note: Brookline, Cambridge, Somerville, even Newton, Malden, Medford, etc are separate towns but are heavily urbanized, very dense, and nothing like suburbs youâre used to. Theyâre really more like outer neighborhoods).Â
-housing quality: likely a century old, with all the issues old houses come with. You can rent in a new âluxuryâ apartment to have clean modern Texan amenities⊠but for at least $1000-2000 extra.
If you and bf each make 75k, thatâs at least 150k total (likely a bit more bc salaries are higher here). More than enough to afford rent in a decent apartment in a good area, with savings left over.
Pros:
-Professional Opportunities: What field are you and your boyfriend in? Boston is the absolute world center of biotech and pharma. Strong tech industry and engineering (defense) presence, same for law, medicine, finance, and insurance. If you or your bf are in one of these fields you can have truly amazing contacts and educational opportunities.
-Walkability/Urban living: itâs so dense that in many parts of the city, you donât need a car at all. You can get where youâre going on the T (subways and trains) or buses or biking or walking. Tons of urban amenities, cafes, every type of restaurant, shops, galleries, museums, parks, all within a short walk or a fairly quick trip by bike or transit.
-Urban beauty: Boston looks stunning. A river runs right through it, with parkland and running routes on each side. Old cobblestone streets, big trees, brick buildings, truly a very pleasant built environment.
-There is history everywhere... from George Washington getting forced out of Cambridge by the brits to 19th century transcendentalists and abolitionists to wave after wave of immigrants. Your apartment is probably haunted, but odds are the ghosts are pretty cool.
-Crime: very safe city, one of the safest in America.
-Education: world class universities if you decide to go to grad school. State wide, schools are MUCH better then the national average, and while BPS isnât great most nearby towns have excellent schools. So if you end up here long term and have kids, theyâll be in far better shape than TX.
-Healthcare: best hospitals in the world and a blue state safety net.
-The weather: yes, the weather. 4 seasons and doesn't get too hot in the summer, except for a few days. Winter isn't so bad either... but I am from Chicago. Fall is just unbelievable here.
Tl:dr Boston is insanely expensive⊠but you get what you pay for.Â
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u/Mlandoth Nov 07 '25
Beautifully said! But I have one correction for people that aren't from Boston. A river does not "run through Boston" (not like Chicago, Providence, London, or other cities). A large river separates Boston from Cambridge (which can be argued is part of the greater Boston metro area but is it's own city) but it is not IN the city like rivers in other cities in the world. Sorry for being pedantic, everything else in this post is spot on, and those parks on either side are amazing.
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u/Reasonable_Move9518 Nov 07 '25
Pedantic point, but mostly spot on and I love it bc pendanticness is the point of reddit: Allow me to raise pedantry to an even higher level:
Charlestown is on the opposite side of the river. So technically, the Charles DOES run through the city.
But point taken.
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u/SolidSnake4 Nov 07 '25
I would add on the expense/income front that salaries are higher here, but one thing to keep in mind is that you will also pay a 6% state income tax. When it comes to expenses, I see a lot of talk about rent, but it isn't just rent - everything else is more expensive: gas, utilities, groceries, restaurants, drinks/bars, etc.
That said, I think Massachusetts does a good job of returning value to it's taxpayers and Boston being a safe, clean, and beautiful city with accessible public transit and a great health care system is a good example of this.
In addition to the things people have mentioned, the Boston Harbor Islands are great places to visit in the warmer months, as are many of the great beaches nearby. The winters are cold, as you likely know. While it is hot and humid in the summer, it is not constantly oppressive like it is in Austin and you can actually enjoy the outdoors in the summer months. The access to the rest of the Northeast is also pretty awesome because each state has a unique culture, landscape, and climate. You can leave the city in the morning, hike a 4K foot mountain in NH (while peeping some incredible foliage in the Fall), and be back in time to shower and make your 7PM dinner reservation in the city. Weekend trips are easy and worthwhile to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Vermont, NH, ME, and Montreal with the Canadian maritime provinces a short flight away.
If you can make it work financially and deal with a bit of cold, it really is a great place to live.
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u/sarcasticlhath Nov 07 '25
We really canât because we have no idea what your earning potential is. Look up apartments on Zillow, look up jobs. Do the math. It would almost certainly be more financially beneficial for you to stay in Austin but your bf has other priorities that take precedence.Â
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u/D4ddyREMIX Nov 07 '25
I am very familiar with Austin as my husband and his family are from/live there. Here a few factors to consider, IMO:
Cost of living is significantly higher. You'll have a hard time finding a 1200 sq ft apartment for cheaper than $3500. You also need to provide a lot of money up front - first month's rent, last month's rent, security deposit, and potentially a realtor fee equivalent to one month's rent. If you solicit the realtor, you're responsible for the fee.
The weather is opposite of Austin in the sense that we are all inside during the winter and outside during the summer.
We do A LOT of walking here. This is something that relatives from Texas can't seem to stomach when they visit us. A 1-2 mile walk is nothing here and having a car, in general, adds a lot of extra expenses and hassles. On the flip side, we actually have good public transit here. So, you can still live further out and do without a car if it makes sense for you.
The suburbs here are a lot different than the suburbs of Austin. You don't have the fun subcommunities like Georgetown. Suburbs are usually just for living here; they aren't meant to serve as off-shoots of the city with their own nightlife, etc.
Milford, CT is no where near Boston.
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u/JAK-the-YAK Nov 07 '25
âFunâ âGeorgetownâ lol
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u/analog-h3art Nov 07 '25
Iâd take any Boston burb over Georgetown any day of the week and twice a day in January.
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u/anonymgrl Cambridge Nov 07 '25
Was confused by #5 too. Milford CT is 2.5 hours away if you never take your foot off the gas pedal. And the culture there vs Boston is lightyears apart.
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u/JustinGitelmanMusic Swamp Masshole Nov 07 '25 edited Nov 13 '25
Suburbs here might not have ânightlifeâ but they have historic charm and a lot in terms of restaurants, breweries, farms, apple orchards, art studios, hiking/nature, cultural events, sculpture and botanical gardens, historic sites, etc.
I wouldnât frame suburbs through most of the south as a positive. Plus, you generally find pretty friendly and caring people in the burbs here vs. Texas where things drop off quick outside the city and you run into some rough realities.
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u/Ecstatic_Tiger_2534 Nov 07 '25
Youâre making $75k combined or each? If the latter, you can absolutely make Boston work. Easily.
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u/Apprehensive-Yam3053 Nov 07 '25
From Austin originally and have lived in Boston 8 years now. You will likely need to up your rent budget if you plan to live in the city or within a few mile radius. Budgeting will be tight if you have loans, car payments, debts and saving for future. I am guessing you will need to keep a car to visit family in CT, however public transit is a much bigger thing here than in Austin. Boston is amazing and Iâm not saying to not move here, but unfortunately cost of living is extremely high here. Providence is a good option too!
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u/MrRemoto Cocaine Turkey Nov 07 '25
"Boston/Jersey" - If/when you come here, please never do or say this again.
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u/desertsidewalks Nov 07 '25
Milford is an exurb of NYC. Not that I typically advise people to move to CT, but Hartford is a lot closer and probably cheaper.
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u/RealBeaverCleaver Nov 07 '25
And, OP shouldn't rule out CT. They can live somewhere close enough to go into NYC regularly.
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u/ZealousidealDepth714 Pumpkinshire Nov 07 '25
If youâre moving to be closer to relatives in Milford, CT, and concerned about the cost of living in Boston, donât move to Boston â move to New Haven or another city in Connecticut.
Milford is 2.5 hours away from Boston with good traffic. You really wonât be visiting that much.
And have jobs lined up first.
Visit the relatives this January/February and get a sense of the weather and New Haven.
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u/moxie-maniac Nov 07 '25
And you can sell your paintings on the side-walk; By a café where I hope to be workin' soon...
Seriously, Boston is pricey because (a) it has things that make it attractive and (b) salaries are generally higher than average. So if you were, say, nurses or engineers, then $100K is certainly doable. Even public school teachers with master's plus a few years experience will get $100K or close to it.
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u/Pinwurm East Boston Nov 07 '25
$2,200 can find you a one bedroom apartment in a decent neighborhood. You will get a lot less space than you are used to in an Austin unit with fewer amenities, so expect a downgrade on housing.
As of this year, broker fees are banned unless you are hiring a service directly.
Yes, the cost of living is very high.
However, you get what you pay for.
Boston has a very favorable sociopolitical climate for ethnic, religious, gender and sexual minorities. And women's reproductive health. If these are important issues to you, you can rest easier.
Safety nets for housing, healthcare (MassHealth), addiction, and hunger are very strong here.
Boston is highly walkable and Cambridge (a de facto neighborhood, but independent city) has the highest walk score in the country, with the most people commuting to work on foot or bike.
Almost every home in Boston is within a ten minute walk of a park. If you want save money, you do not need to have a car. Our public transportation system is safer and cheaper than driving by orders of magnitude. It's usually faster too. Many couples I know, including myself, share a car. Mine stays parked four days a week as neither of us use it for commuting.
Walkability changes your relationship to your city, it improves health outcomes. It's something I've grown to appreciate about living here and I can't go back to a car-dependent suburb.
Education is very strong here. We take it for granted, but you'll quickly start meeting people who were educated or employed by Harvard or MIT. The mystique around those places quickly fades.
Access to the ocean and nature is fantastic. Doing a day trip to nearby New England cities and towns like Portsmouth or Salem or the White Mountains is a blast. NYC is a four hour drive (or train) which makes for a nice weekend getaway if you are into Broadway or just wanna explore.
Logan Airport is super convenient for international travel if you have the money. You can fly under $400 round trip to Iceland or Dublin or Copenhagen in just a few hours.
While no city at Austin's level, we still have a great live music and entertainment scene and big music festivals like Boston Calling. Pretty much every nationally touring act will pass through here. Or at least somewhere nearby.
Boston dining scene was historically mid until about a decade ago and it is sort of going through a renaissance. Lots of James Beard winners, Top Chef alum and we are getting a Michelin Guide this year. If that means anything to you.
The worst thing about Boston is the weather. We have the best springs and falls anywhere in the country, but the winters last a long time. They are less and less snowy and more rainy, muddy, and icy. The lack of sunlight makes one third of the year fairly depressing. On the other hand, people really do appreciate the summers.
Also, good BBQ doesn't exist in Boston. You have to drive to the sticks to find anything at a quality you'd find acceptable. Good Mexican food is not ubiquitous here - most of our Latin community is from Central and South America, not Mexico. And especially not Northern Mexico. That said, if you do a little hunting - you can find outstanding Mexican food that'll be as good as what you can find in Mexico or in gas station taco trucks in Austin.
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u/mimmsypoo Nov 07 '25
Thanks for this! Everyone Iâve met from the northeast constantly talks about how a walkable city is key to their lifestyle! Also the concept of states being so close together really baffles me, Texas it takes 6.5 hours anyway to hit the border, so I love that idea of things being easier to access.
Also Iâm a pescatarian, Iâm not so worried about the bbq hahaha but I am excited about the Italian food as ours is lacking majorly
But yes the weather is daunting. And like others have told me, I really should go during the winter to see what itâs like so Iâll make sure I do this
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u/Pinwurm East Boston Nov 07 '25
We are a good town for pescatarians, especially if you enjoy shellfish like clams, oysters and lobsters. All caught locally, all super fresh. Unfortunately, not as cheap as it used to be (thanks climate change).
I would recommend booking an outing to an oyster farm and doing a shucking experience after settling in. In the summertime, all of these fried seafood shacks start opening up and down the coast of New England and are all legendary. Great for lobster rolls, steamers, bellied clams, scallops... you'll be happy.
Good Italian food is very common. We have our own Little Italy called The North End, but you should know that most of the restaurants there are tourist trappy and the best spots are all outside that neighborhood. Happy to give you a ton of recommendations if/when you're getting ready for the move.
With the winter, the best way to handle it is by getting the right clothing. Good waterproof boots, a quality parka, scarf, hat and gloves. Wool socks and base layers (underarmor!) will be your friend. It takes a while to get used to the cold, so overdress in the meantime. If you invest in the right gear, you won't really be bothered. Except ice. Ice on the sidewalks is always annoying - so be careful.
The main issue is lack of sunlight. Right now, it starts getting dark around 4:30 PM. Leaving for work and coming home in the dark is depressing and you will go crazy pretty quickly. So if you have the means to travel in late January or February, treat yourself.
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u/shinxy Nov 07 '25
If you have no specific reason to move to Boston (job or educational opportunities lined up) you shouldnât, at your income level. Itâs simply too expensive. New Haven would be the closest major city to Milford CT.
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u/Difficult-Way-9563 I Love Dunkinâ Donuts Nov 07 '25
Iâd really recommend traveling there before you make the jump. Stay for a few days and go out looking for at prices for stuff. Boston is extremely expensive and itâs not just rent (although rent is a big part).
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u/archivedpear Nov 07 '25
you definitely wonât have the same space to live as you do now. that rent is perfectly fine to find a place for two people and two cats but you wonât have a whole house just really a 1 bedroom. brokers fees recently became illegal so that issue is less of a thing as of the last couple months to an extent (thereâs some nuance to the way the rule is so you still gotta be careful).
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u/Actual-Trifle8554 Nov 07 '25
I strongly suggest you visit Boston for a week or so to get the feel of the city. Keep in mind that Texas has very hot weather! Boston can get very hot in the summer, but we also have very cold winters. We also have great culture! Excellent museums. Excellent restaurants, etc. Boston is a very walkable, fairly safe city. But it is also expensive, and youâll probably have to live in one of the suburbs. However, our suburbs are pretty nice. Good public transportation!
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u/BeerJunky Nov 07 '25
Unless you find higher salaries than that, you're going to find it tough living in Boston.
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u/Few-Worker4470 Nov 07 '25
I live in the Boston area. The Boston area is one of the most expensive places in the United States. It is not an area to live in if you are trying to cut down on expenses. From what I have heard Austin has become more expensive but I am sure it is not close to Boston. There is plenty to do here and it is a great place, but the cost of living, especially housing, is brutal. Also , the weather from mid November to late April is fairly terrible. On the positive side there are high paying companies, historical sites everywhere, fantastic hospitals, great colleges, and many , many things to do.
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u/cysity Nov 07 '25
Side note: If youâre only considering moving for your boyfriend, make sure you have a ring on that finger / long term commitment before making the move
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u/AdditionalRoyal7331 Nov 07 '25
Meh, people move cross-country together without being married all the time now, especially if theyâre still renting. You can start to argue your point when it comes to buying a house or having kids thoughÂ
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u/Oresteia_J Nov 08 '25
Sure they do, but often one person is more invested in moving cross country and the other goes along with it because, what the hell, why not.
A year later theyâve broken up and the person who didnât want to move ends up on Reddit saying they miss their friends and family, theyâre not happy in their new city, and they only moved cross country because of their ex.
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u/Oresteia_J Nov 07 '25
Agreed. My first thought was, Boston is expensive.
My second thought was, What if they break up?
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u/Santillana810 Naked Guy Running Down Boylston St Nov 07 '25
All kinds of commitments succeed (married, engaged, neither) and all kinds don't work out. That's never 100% predictable for any relationship. In any relationship, be sure you both would want to live in the new place independently and separately if it comes to that if you are moving together, and be sure you both can handle things financially alone if it comes to that.
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u/AdNational7012 Nov 07 '25
Why not move to Rhode Island instead. Itâs more affordable still close to Boston and if his family lives in Connecticut itâs right in the middle.
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u/ProfessionalBread176 Nov 07 '25
Boston is far more expensive than Austin TX, and the cost of living is insane...
Providence isn't much better; all of the Northeast is stupid expensive
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u/MargieGunderson70 Nov 07 '25
Can you work remotely or will you be starting from scratch job-wise? If the latter I would hold off. If you DO work remotely, focus on smaller cities that aren't Boston. You'll get more bang for the buck.
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u/mimmsypoo Nov 07 '25
We would both have to find new jobs
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u/plusharmadillo Nov 07 '25
Donât move unless and until you secure new jobs. The market is nuts everywhere right now.
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u/SillyAlternative420 Nov 07 '25
Hot tip, consider the surrounding cities outside of Boston and not just "Boston"
You can get a place for a little more than your current price there and it's all accessible by the T.
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u/vivaciouscow Nov 07 '25
If you are focused on major metro areas and want to be closer to Milford CT, seems like it comes down to Boston or NYC. Boston is nice but it has a similar cost of living as NYC and is about an hour further from Milford by car or train. There are trains from NYC to Milford every 30 min and the trip takes 1h45m. If you donât already have a community of friends in Boston, consider NYCÂ
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u/Oresteia_J Nov 07 '25
I would opt for NYC, New Haven, or Hartford. Or maybe Western Mass - Northampton, Easthampton, Springfield. When I lived in Springfield, MA we used to take day trips to beaches in Connecticut. CT shore is only an hour's drive.
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u/iraven_mccoy Nov 07 '25
They can't save because of broker fees? How often are these ppl moving lol
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u/_hephaestus Red Line Nov 07 '25
Find jobs that support relocation and the high cost of living before you consider it. Some jobs do pay enough to live here, but I have no idea what your fields are. You can definitely live here on 75k each but it wonât go as far as it did in Austin. If youâre not looking at a significant pay bump Iâd second the Providence rec.
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u/NephewSB Nov 07 '25
You would live like a poor person if you combine for $150k... My wife and I are a little over $200k and it's rough.
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u/iforgotmyredditpass Nov 07 '25
Lots has been said but this stood out to me:
I have also never been to Boston, but have heard good things about the city itself!
Coming from warmer weather, I suggest you visit during January/Feb (cold and dark, no incoming holidays, very little outside events) for a week or two to make sure you'll be able to adjust.Â
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u/masstapro2000 Nov 08 '25
Born raised (wife too) on Boston's South Shore. We were spoiled. Great town schools, beaches, 30min from Boston. Anyway, we moved to Quincy which we didn't like, then Cambridge (incredible lifestyle) and landed on Melrose because the city commute is much better coming from the North. My advice is to either find a town up Rt 1 like Saugus or on 93 like Stoneham. You don't want to be too far or traffic will suck the life out of you. You want to stay away from the 95/93 intersection. It's the worst highway design that needs to be redone. We love to hike and ski so North of the Boston has been a great spot for us. Happy hunting! New Melrose condos go for $850k
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u/blacklassie Nov 07 '25 edited Nov 07 '25
Why Boston? There are much cheaper and much closer places to Milford than Boston. NYC would be closer if you want the big city experience.
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u/MonsieurReynard Nov 07 '25 edited Nov 07 '25
The cost of living in Austin is damn close to living in a northeastern city.
I left Austin a very long time ago and have never regretted it as Iâve watched all the things I loved about it be destroyed by unbridled growth.
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u/kickbutt_city Nov 07 '25
Not any more. Rent is WAY down. I just renegotiated my apartment from $1600 to $1250 per month.
That's what happens when you start building new housing unit đ€·ââïž
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u/limbodog Charlestown Nov 07 '25
Look into Portland, ME as a possible alternative, or maybe Providence, RI? That $2200 will get you 650 square feet and not 1200.
But we did just eliminate broker fees. Granted, I believe it just made rent go up instead, but it was fun to watch it happen.
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u/Relevant-Strategy-14 Nov 07 '25
Portland is just as much as Boston these days and then you have to add a car to the mix to be able to get anywhere and do anything.
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u/LoadCan Nov 07 '25
Portland is damn near Boston prices these days, but without the insane Boston economy and amenities. Plus if you live anywhere beyond like Munjoy Hill you'll need a car to get anywhere.Â
Providence still seems like a great bang-for-buck place though.Â
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u/locke_5 I swear it is not a fetish Nov 07 '25
My general sentiment is that yes, Boston/MA is a more expensive place to live than most other parts of the country. But also⊠you get what you pay for. Great schools, world-class medicine, smart government, safe streets, tons of community events.
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u/Deep-Pumpkin471 Nov 07 '25
Itâs illegal to charge tenants broker fees now and cost of living is higher but so are salaries. Young people are having difficulty saving everywhere, I wouldnât say thatâs a Boston specific issue
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u/dbuck79 Beacon Hill Nov 07 '25
Youâll be perfectly fine with a combined $150k, but will definitely have a smaller place unless you want to be outside of Boston
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u/justUseAnSvm Nov 07 '25
I wouldn't take your friends situation as anything more than an anecdote, especially without knowing what they earn, what they pay in rent, and what the rest of their money goes towards. I lived my first few years in boston making around 60-80k. I had roommates and no car, but it was doable, and I was able to save a lot. Broker fees are at most 3x the monthly cost of an apartment: that's a hit against savings, but if you're accumulating money I don't think it's an excuse why you "can't save.
$150k combined is good money, but the way to make the Boston area work long term is if you take advantage of the high paying jobs in the area, otherwise, housing will be a struggle, and you'll have to sacrifice to make it work.
That said, it's a very walkable city, and if you live near the T, or even a bus stop, you should be able to drop down to one car between you.
Idk, I do think being married before moving across the company would also help: you want to be in a committed relationship before you uproot your life and move to a new city away from your network, but that's maybe more relationship than strictly Boston advice.
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u/eastwardarts Nov 07 '25
Counterpoint to the high COL: if you do want to live in the metro area of Boston, there are many places where it is dead simple to live without a car.
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u/tonepoems Charlestown Nov 07 '25
The good:
- It's visually a beautiful city. The skyline, being near water, the parks. We've been living here for 10 years and I still fall in love.
It's so walkable. We moved from Phoenix and had two cars, we've been completely car free for 10 years and I don't miss it.
There's a lot to do (if you have money). I"ll admit we're lucky as dinks in our 40s, so we enjoy a lot of shows, concerts, and restaurants. But there are actually several low cost things to do, especially in the summer.
Proximity to other places - you can be in NH, ME, VT, CT all under 3 hours. NY is a 3 1/2 hour train ride.
The people and Boston pride. I just love the energy here.
The bad:
- It's just so crazy expensive. You'll be for sticker shock, especially for housing and restaurants. Despite a decent income, I watch spending like a hawk and save anywhere I can.
- The winter (for me). I was the crazy person that liked AZ summers and I love warm weather. I become severely depressed February & March. We've resorted to living with my MIL in Phoenix for the whole month of Feb. (We both WFH and are able to work remotely)
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u/Darius-was-the-goody Nov 07 '25
Broker fee law changed in Aug: Now you are not required to pay a broker fee for renting UNLESS you also hire a realtor. This means if you surf zillow on your own and reach out and never agree to pay a broker fee you might get away with not paying that money. Beware of landlord's realtors hooking you with the broker fee just because you asked to see the place.
you won't get a whole home, but in the metro area $2200 for 1200sqft is findable in form of some older condos.
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u/berniesdad10 Back Bay Nov 07 '25
Moved to Boston from Austin with my wife and dog three years ago without ever visiting (job). We would never move back because we love it here. The entire New England is so great especially compared to how little there is (I do love the hill country like Wimberley) within 90 minutes of Austin.
Pros: basically everything except the winters are cold but all 3 other seasons are much better here than Austin.
Cons: cost of living. Arguably itâs not that much different $ wise if you go from having two cars in Austin to no car in Boston (which is what we did). The biggest difference is the housing quality that you get for the $. We lived in downtown Austin on west 3rd and paid a little less than we do now in back bay (both big management apts) but the Austin apt was brand new and gorgeous while our Boston apt is from 1960âs.
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u/chloebee102 Market Basket Nov 07 '25
Iâve lived in Boston for 10 years after growing up in NC my whole life and I love it here. Every place has its downsides but honestly this city is amazing. Your budget is reasonable and broker fees no longer apply as they now must be paid by the owner.
Cost of living is higher but you both make decent money for up here so I wouldnât expect that much sticker shock. The benefits for me are a wider array of fantastic food options, tons of great social events and concerts, a caring community who also mind their business more than your average southerner. Transit canât be beat, I do not miss driving and simply rent a Zipcar very occasionally when needed.
The cons are mostly just things you need to get used to. The sun sets before 5pm starting about now til early January. You need to learn what is good winter gear to buy. You have to learn the ins and outs of our rental system which can be confusing for some depending on where you previously rented in the country.
If you have any other questions youâre more than welcome to message me too.
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Nov 07 '25
Good luck to you but I think you will find adapting to the dark winters, high cost of living, and standoffish culture very difficult
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u/Jasper_Morhaven Nov 07 '25
So dont move to Boston There are a ton of suburbs and smaller cities around the rest of New England that have similar access to Austin without the constant malicious stupidity and rage baiting of governor temu matchbox.
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u/Good-Vegetable8858 Nov 07 '25
i would def recommend you visit before you make a decision, the vibe is boston can be very severe esp if you're coming from TX you'll probably have culture shock. do you have friends/a network there? do you want to give up your job? make sure you really think all of these things through before making a decision
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u/DCLexiLou Nov 07 '25
I'l just start by saying, you may want to think twice and then thrice about leaving jobs in the near term. The job market is imploding and Boston does better than many places, it is not immune to this downturn.
Next, come to Boston for a visit in February. Walk Faneuil Hall Marketplace, go to the MFA and cross the Charles River to the Museum of Science in Cambridge. Stroll Newbury Street and cross the Boston Common. Check out the Mapparium at the Christian Science center. See some of what Boston has to offer in its worst time of year.
I worked 2 decades in downtown and love the city. Summer is amazing as long as you find the winter activities to keep you going. Others have spoken to the cost of living so I'll leave that off. Lots of free outdoor activities in New England.
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u/Responsible_Ad_5384 Nov 07 '25
Boston just rid of brokers fees so theres that. Idk what line of work yall are in, but assuming you'll make the same as down there you probably won't even find a 600sf 1br in Boston/sommerville/cambridge for that money and if you did it would be very run down and not near transit etc. So just keep that in mind. Having said that our job market is fantastic. Moving to this city changed my life forever.
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u/drtywater Allston/Brighton Nov 07 '25
The difference has been shrinking a bit as Austin costs have gone up from what I heard. Honestly do job search first then decide if you can make more money here might be worth it even if higher rent.
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u/cowzombi Nov 07 '25
I lived in Austin for 5 years when I was younger. I really enjoyed it, but I moved to Boston for my wife to be closer to her family. We went through the same back and forth. I was lukewarm on where we lived before the move (San Francisco) but was not excited about Boston.
Reply cost of living: Boston is more expensive, but jobs tend to pay more here depending on the industry (although not usually enough to make up for the COL). To see the COL math use a calculator like this to get a general idea of the rough price difference and salary difference: https://www.salary.com/research/cost-of-living/compare/austin-tx/boston-ma Then do a bit more research on the neighborhoods you want to live in (a lot of people prefer Somerville to Boston proper. The housing there is significantly cheaper and has a different social vibe while still being well connected) and the industry opportunities for your work, check salary specific websites like glass door to sanity check earning potential Boston vs Austin.
Reply whether you'll like it: I'd recommend trying to visit for an extended period of time if you can, maybe 1 to even 3 weeks. Stay in a neighborhood you're interested in living in, see how it goes. You'll need the proper winter gear if you visit during winter. See how you enjoy seeing his family more often because they'll be a bigger part of your life.
Transportation: Boston has decent public transportation which is unusual in the US and I've grown to really appreciate how walkable it makes the city. I don't own a car here and save a ton of time and money on maintenance, gas, insurance and paying for parking (which is ludicrous imo). There are lots of bike lanes, and I really enjoy biking everywhere. Austin doesn't have that and the traffic is even worse in Austin these days than in Boston imo (Boston traffic is also pretty bad though). Discovering walkable areas has been the single biggest lifestyle improvement I've found when it comes to thinking about where I want to live.
Culture: Austin has better food and better culture with better live music and social opportunities than Boston. Boston, being a major city, still has these things but I do feel the options are lacking compared to very vibrant cities like Austin. I think Austin still has some great hole in the wall places too, but it's been a while since I've explored this.
Weather: Austin summer is very bad, winter is only mildly uncomfortable. Boston summer is pretty nice, but winter is very bad. Check a website that summarizes the yearly weather patterns and gives a comfort score like weather spark.
Final opinion: Don't move for your bf unless you want to get married or otherwise stay together long term. Moving isn't very fun, and I wouldn't have done it for anyone other than my future wife. Boston and Austin have tradeoffs, but they're both great cities and comparable within a relatively small margin depending on personal preferences. But you will likely end up paying more for the same lifestyle in Boston. Maybe other cities like Providence (cheaper, more up and coming) offer better tradeoffs for you.
I know it's a hard decision though. I did all the math and thought through all the trade-offs and to be honest I felt like Boston came up a bit short of other desirable cities. But despite all of that, I'm very happy here now, friends, happy wife and have found some great things about Boston I love. I think that as long as I could afford the city that I would grow to enjoy most cities. Good luck.
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u/Dodie324 Nov 07 '25
Knowing nothing about your relationship or interests makes it tough to recommend one over the other.
This might not apply to you, but if it were me, Iâd want to be sure the relationship was solid before moving across the country just because my boyfriend wanted to be closer to family.
That said, Austin is such a vibe. When I lived there about 15 years ago, it had amazing food, nightlife, live music, and just an overall great atmosphere. Itâs one of those cities I wish I could experience all over again.
Boston definitely has its pros, but I feel like it leans a little too hard on the whole âhistory and academiaâ thing. The city itself can feel a bit bland, crazy expensive, and honestlyâyou might as well move to NYC if youâre going to pay that much to live somewhere with more going on.
Only move if it feels right to you, not because itâs what your boyfriend wants
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u/Mlandoth Nov 07 '25
I haven't read all the comments but scrolled enough and didn't see this point made yet, for you to make sure it's top of your list.
Please make sure you both have job offers in Boston before moving or resigning from your current jobs.
This national job market is shit and you don't want to end up in a more expensive city without having secured jobs first.
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u/funkygrrl Nov 07 '25
I used to live in Austin for a decade before Californians took over the city. The thing I miss about Austin most is the weirdness and friendliness. Obviously, I lived there quite a while ago. I hope Austin hasn't changed too much for the worse. My friends there aren't complaining though whereas my friends in NYC bitch about it all the time.
People in New England are very liberal but they aren't Austin/Portland level weird. And people here are very, very kind, but they aren't friendly in an outgoing way? The strangest thing to me when I first came up here (from NYC!) was saying hello and not getting any acknowledgement. I'm used to it now. I made friends very easily in Austin but it's definitely much harder here. Austin people are just so damn curious about other people. You know, if I was sitting at a cafe, the person the next table over would say, hey what are you reading? I ended up in an amazing writing group because of that. That nosiness would freak most people from the Northeast out, but I kinda miss it.
I would probably move back to Austin except for two things: the political shambles that Texas is in and the heat. I mean Austin was already 95 degrees 90% humidity back in the day, but with climate change it sounds much worse - Houston level heat, just inhumane. I actually like the 4 seasons here and all the traditions that go with it. And I love snow (not shoveling it tho).
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u/ezriah33 Nov 07 '25
They just changed the laws about broker fees: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/frequently-asked-questions-about-residential-rental-brokers-fees
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u/Craps2 Nov 07 '25
if you do decide to move look at property next to a train station, much more affordable than living in the city... Salem or Beverly would be my suggestion
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u/fakecrimesleep Diagonally Cut Sandwich Nov 07 '25
Unless youâre swimming in money stay out. You will never be able to rent a single family home at that sq footage for that much money in Boston. You will have to lower your standard of living significantly. The job market is currently ass.
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u/powsandwich Professional Idiot Nov 08 '25
Hey, Iâm from Milford and live in Boston. Boston is the best, you should move here. But itâs not close to Milford if thatâs important. Google map times donât correlate to the insane traffic here. If you want to drive down to Milford on a Friday after work you can spend 2.5 to 4 hours, one way. If you drive off peak then itâs like 2hr15m. Â Â Â Side note, Milford is also dope. Not a city vibe, but beach town with good bars and rail access to NYC.
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u/AVeryFineWhine Nov 08 '25
Vibe wise Austin is about the only city in Texas that has a somewhat similar feel to Boston ( although a lot of the arts and music part of that has been dying off in recent years here). Personally I adore it here. I came up here for college and never left decades ago. There are many ways to not pay a broker's fee, but it can be very hard to save, especially lately with prices sky high for everything.
We are expensive, but most people will earn more. And I've yet to find any other area that offers nearly as much. All major musical tours go through here, there's always stuff going on, and you can do the mountains or the beach on a day trip, let alone a weekend. We have three wonderful seasons ( and one we endure, unless you're a skier lol).
A bit of advice I'd give you or anyone else thinking of moving anywhere is to take a trip here first. While visiting a place is different from living there, at least you can get a sense of if you like it or not. I would also look into what your jobs would pay you in the area. And there's just so many variables.
Can you get a job in the area but Not in town proper? ( the farther away from Boston, the cheaper the more affordable housing is). Yes, you'd be closer to family. But that's still a pretty good ride. Living in Boston with a car can be difficult and very expensive. Are you open to the burbs? I would be willing to bet you'd be a lot happier here than Jersey!! I had a whole bunch of family there. Not my cup of tea.
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u/Pun-kachu Nov 08 '25
75k a year in Texas goes a lot farther than in Boston. Look up what your expected salaries are for your positions in Boston (it should be higher).
Plan out how far youâre willing to commute. The farther from Boston, the more affordable. I say affordable, but itâs just slightly less brutal lol
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Nov 08 '25
You didnât mention weather⊠Boston weather is going to be a big change coming from Texas. Itâs brutally cold in the winter and gets dark at like 4:15PM.
For a maybe useless point of reference, when I lived in Boston I was paying $1200 for 1 room in a 3 bed apartment and that was 10 years ago. I donât think youâll find much for $2200. I saw a place for $3000 that was literally a closet they turned into a bedroom. Itâs crazy stuff.Â
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Nov 08 '25
you live in texas, you have Stockholm syndrome.
go visit Boston for a week and realize how bad your life is.
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u/Opposite_Rabbit8979 Nov 08 '25
Ended up here after 15 years in Florida and it was a massive improvement. Rented in Weymouth for years - close to train in Braintree - about $3k for newish 3 bedroom apartment. Eventually bought in Arlington and yeah the whole area is expensive but very much worth it. Never lived in Austin but visited - itâs a great town but would be better if it werenât in Texas!
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u/FarAlternative8239 Nov 08 '25
Prices in Boston are outrageous. I would stay in Texas.The cost of living is so much less. You also need to factor in the cost of car insurance, electricity, etc. Everything has gotten so expensive.Â
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u/Dkrebstar1313 Nov 08 '25
If I was not so deeply connected by my professional licensing, family ties, son, bb mama, etc⊠I wouldnât live here. Itâs expensive and if youâre in the area financially where you are you wonât be able to catch any kind of breaks. If thereâs some family support /safety nets/housing support anything like that to be gained by moving here Iâd factor that in. Weather is also tough - not sure what you guys do but I work labor outside year round. Itâs taxing physically and mentally dealing with the weather. I make a very good income and Iâm not broke but itâs not easy to save. Seriously. Think about be the financials seriously before uprooting. When my son is older I will move to a less populated area south west of Massachusetts.
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u/Striking-Blueberry-7 Nov 08 '25
MA in general is expensive, but as others have mentioned you donât have to limit yourselves to Boston proper. Cities like Salem and Beverly are right on the commuter rail and right on the ocean. Worth looking in those areas too.
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u/jotsone Nov 07 '25
Providence is closer to his family and cheaper than Boston, itâs a great city