Your Guide to Boston

So… you’re moving to Boston.

Congratulations!

If you’re reading this, chances are that you’re about to graduate from college, move to a new city (perhaps all alone), and begin your first real job through the FAO Schwarz Fellowship. Firstly, congratulations! While it may seem like there’s a lot going on right now, I hope you’re taking time to appreciate your accomplishments thus far and soak in your last few moments as a college student. You’ve done a lot! Don’t forget to stay present. When you’re ready to start thinking about the future, this document can serve as a guide for figuring out the logistics of this exciting next chapter of your life!

Many Fellows move to new cities and states for their Fellowships and have questions about life in Boston, New York city and Philadelphia. Fellows created these guides to give you some insight into how to make your move successfully.

The Boston City Guide

Created by FAO Schwarz Fellows

Boston History

Boston has undergone waves of gentrification, significantly reshaping its neighborhoods. Historically working-class areas like South Boston, Jamaica Plain, and East Boston have seen rising rents and an influx of wealthier residents, often pushing out long-time communities of color. The city’s rapid development, driven by its world-class universities and booming tech and biotech industries, has exacerbated housing disparities.

Boston is also home to the Massachusett people, the original inhabitants of the land. Indigenous advocacy groups like the North American Indian Center of Boston (NAICOB) work to preserve Native culture and rights in a city that has often overlooked its Indigenous history.

Prospective residents should be mindful of this history and engage with local organizations supporting Indigenous and historically marginalized communities. Try to become informed about the neighborhoods you are moving into and working in. Engage with local organizations and shop at small businesses when possible!

Housing

When moving to a new city, the most intimidating part of the process for many people is finding a place to live that won’t break the bank. The way that you go about finding housing can differ based on what you are looking for in an apartment, who you want to live with, and what your budget is. Regardless, here are some important things to consider when starting your apartment hunt:

Find a neighborhood (or neighborhoods) that you are interested in living in:

You will want to consider what areas are close to your host non-profit and what forms of transportation are available in that neighborhood. I also recommend that you spend time looking into the history of that neighborhood, preferably before moving there. Remember that regardless of where you move, there are likely thousands of families who have called that area home for generations and thus it is your job to respect and uplift the existing community. Each Boston neighborhood has its own unique atmosphere and transit options. Here’s a breakdown:

Allston/Brighton: Young, lively, student-heavy, with a mix of dive bars and affordable eats. (Green Line – B branch)
Cambridge: Intellectual, historic, and home to Harvard and MIT, with a mix of charming old homes and modern developments. (Red Line)
Somerville: Artsy and progressive, with a thriving nightlife scene in Davis and Union Square. (Red Line, Green Line – E branch to Union Square)
Fenway/Kenmore: Baseball, nightlife, and proximity to Boston University and Northeastern. (Green Line – B, C, and D branches)
South Boston (“Southie”): Traditionally Irish working-class, now gentrified with young professionals and luxury apartments. (Red Line – Broadway and Andrew stations)
Dorchester: Boston’s largest and most diverse neighborhood, with great food, a strong community, and more affordable housing options. (Red Line – Ashmont and Braintree branches)
Jamaica Plain: Green spaces, a progressive community, and a mix of young professionals and longtime residents. (Orange Line – Jackson Square, Stony Brook, Green Street, and Forest Hills)
East Boston: Waterfront views, Logan Airport access, and a mix of old and new, with a strong Latinx presence. (Blue Line)
Beacon Hill/Back Bay: Historic, affluent, and picturesque with cobblestone streets and high-end shopping. (Red Line, Green Line, Orange Line at Back Bay Station)

Consider what you want in an apartment:

When I was looking for housing, I had a conversation with my alumni fellow mentor to gain some insight into the process. One thing that really stuck with me was that I needed to consider all the small details, down to what floor I wanted to live on. It is important to contemplate what you need and want in an apartment. Consider things like windows, kitchen size, number of bathrooms, and washing machines/dryers. Some people prefer to be in an apartment on a main road while others prefer to live on side streets. Ask yourself which aspects of your dream apartment you would be willing to compromise on and which you cannot live without. It is also important to pay attention to the cost of monthly rent. If you are unsure what your cap should be, I recommend looking at apartments with rent that is equal to or lower than 30% of your annual salary. So, for example, if I am making $40,000/year, I would not want to pay more than $1,200/month or $12,000/year (30% of $40,000).

Budget and Timeline

Boston is a NOTORIOUSLY expensive city to live in. It can be very difficult to find a studio or one bedroom apartment that is affordable. Expect to pay at least $1,800–$2,500 for a studio or one-bedroom, with lower prices in outer neighborhoods. Many leases start on September 1st, coinciding with the influx of students. If possible, look for leases beginning in winter or spring for better deals.Many apartments require a broker fee (typically one month’s rent), though some no-fee listings are available, so be prepared to pay at least 2 months of rent upfront when moving in!

Please note: If you are seeking out a stranger, I would, of course, recommend getting to know them a bit before meeting up in person. Remember internet safety and trust your gut! And, regardless of how you find your roommates, make sure you discuss your living styles to make sure you are compatible before signing a lease!

Pro-tip: Moving in with people who already call Boston home means that you will not only have to buy less furniture and necessities, but it also means that you will have people in your life who know their way around the city and can give you advice on what to do and see!

Find roommates and/or an apartment:

Even though it can be admittedly spooky to live with strangers, it’s totally possible to find incredible roommates. Here are some strategies for vetting:

Classic Word of Mouth: Time to use your insta story and friend network to your advantage! Start by asking people who live in Boston if they know anyone who has an open room or is also looking to move to the city around the same time as you.
Social Media: Consider joining Boston housing groups on Facebook. You can vet people by age, find prospective roomies to apartment hunt with, and find already established housing groups looking for a new member to move into an empty room. Message first and be sure to speak on Facetime before exchanging any money or making any agreements.

Be sure to discuss your living styles and vet your compatibility before signing a lease!

Find an apartment:

Facebook, Zillow, Apartments.com are all great sources for finding apartments. If possible, try to find an apartment that doesn’t have a broker’s fee to save money.

Make sure to have your potential roommates Facetime you when they are touring apartments so that you can get a feel for the space. Due to weather fluctuations in Boston, strive to find an apartment that either has utilities included or speak to previous tenants about how much utilities typically cost in both the summer and winter months so you can budget accordingly.

Apply for housing:

Once you have found a place that you want to live, you will need to apply for the apartment. This is a process in which you submit several documents to the landlord or building management company to prove that you will be able to pay the rent. Here is a list of some of the documents you may be asked to provide:

1. Rental application: You will receive an application from the landlord or management company that you will need to fill out. This will likely ask for some of your personal information as well as your rental history. If this is your first time renting, do not worry! Most landlords are understanding of this and will still accept your application if you have a proof of income.
2. Proof of ID: They will likely ask for either your driver’s license or passport to confirm your identity.
3. Bank statements: A bank statement from the past two or three months is generally required so that the reviewer can see your financial history.
4. Proof of income: Make sure you can provide proof of income from past jobs as you will likely not have started your role at your host organization yet. It may be beneficial to submit a statement from your organization’s HR department that details what salary you will be making upon starting the fellowship.
5. Guarantor: A guarantor is someone in your life, usually a relative, who is willing to back you financially in the case that you are unable to pay your rent. For first time renters, guarantors are an important part of an application as they serve as extra assurance to the landlord that rent will be paid every month. Guarantors do not have to pay anything unless you fall behind on rent payments. In the application process, you may be asked if you have a guarantor. If you do, they will be asked to provide their bank statements and proof of income. If you do not have one, do not worry, it is still possible to be approved for an apartment.

Please note: After you have been accepted for an apartment, you will be expected to pay both the first month’s rent AND your security deposit! If you can, save up before applying for housing!

Furniture and Moving

Once you’ve found your apartment, the next step will be to move your things up to Boston and decorate your apartment. I would recommend bringing less than you anticipate needing during your move, and acquiring new items during your first few months in your new home. This will ensure that you’re buying things you truly need. Additionally, Boston is a moody city as it relates to the weather: our summers are muggy and our winters will freeze you.

Allston Christmas: September 1st is the most popular moving day in the city. As a ton of college students leave their leases, they often leave their furniture. If you walk around Allston during the first week of September, you will likely find free furniture in good condition. Just make sure to sanitize it and never take a mattress.
Buy what’s already there: Sometimes, people who are moving out don’t want to bring all of their furniture with them. If you are moving into the room of someone who is moving out, consider asking them if you can buy some of their pieces. You will often save money this way!
Facebook marketplace: I LOVE FB MARKETPLACE. You can find truly anything your heart desires on this lovely corner of the web and negotiate a reasonable price. Just move quickly!

Transportation

The MBTA (the “T”)

Boston’s subway system covers much of the city but is known for frequent delays, aging infrastructure, and occasional maintenance shutdowns. The system consists of:

Red Line: Runs from Cambridge (Harvard, MIT) through downtown to Dorchester and Quincy.
Green Line: Has multiple branches (B, C, D, E) covering areas like Allston, Brookline, Fenway, and Somerville.
Orange Line: Runs from Jamaica Plain through downtown to Malden.
Blue Line: Connects East Boston and Logan Airport to downtown.
Silver Line: A bus rapid transit line serving the Seaport, South Station, and Logan Airport.

Other modes of transportation

Buses: Cover areas not reached by the subway, though they can be slow due to traffic.

Commuter Rail: Connects Boston to suburbs and outlying cities like Worcester, Lowell, and Providence.

Biking: Bluebikes, the city’s bike-share program, is a solid option for commuting. It’s oftentimes much faster to bike than take the bus in some parts of the city!

Walking: Boston is one of the most walkable cities in the U.S.

Driving: Owning a car isn’t necessary, and parking is notoriously difficult BUT if you’re lucky enough to find housing with a parking spot, it makes seeing the rest of New England easier and you could live in a cheaper area and commute to work.

Budgeting

Moving out on your own as a *financially independent adult* can bring a whole host of new stressors, especially in a city as expensive as Boston. However, it’s more than possible to have a balanced budget, pad your savings, and explore the city all at once. You just might have to think ahead! Here are some tips:

Where to begin: When thinking about your budget, consider what length of time you want to budget for. Most find it useful to budget their monthly expenses as this format can be easily adjusted for changes in expected spending such as gift buying for the holidays or higher electric bills in the heat of the summer.

Deciding on your tools: To create a budget, explore the many options out there for tracking your spending. You may want to use a pen and paper, an excel sheet, or a budget tracking app. Feel free to try out different methods if the one you are using does not work for you!

Calculating spending: Your next step is to calculate your spending by assessing your monthly income as well as what you generally spend on monthly expenses such as laundry, groceries, and rent. This process may be easier once you have lived in Boston for a few weeks and know how much you can expect to spend. However, it is also possible to create a budget based on estimations which you can then refine to more closely fit what you actually spend. Regardless of when you make it, you should begin by estimating, or calculating, how much you will be making in a month which you then subtract by the amount you spend on necessities. If you end up with a positive number, you have money to do what you please! If you have a negative number, you should reassess your spending and see where you could save money to cover your expenses.

An easy rule of thumb is to break your budget into percentages. I follow (roughly) the 50/30/20 rule, meaning I spend 50% of my income on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% into savings (If you’re reading this, MAKE A ROTH IRA AND HIGH YIELD SAVINGS ACCOUNT!)

Pro tip: During this process it may also be helpful to make note of what types of things you are spending money on. If you are keeping track of every time you spend money, you can color-code these expenses and see your total spending for things such as shopping or eating out!

Fun things to do

Museums

From the latest in contemporary art, to great art collections, scientific specimens, natural history, books and more the Boston area is jam packed with museums, and arboretum, and even an aquarium and a zoo.

Walk

Boston is a great walking city with many networks of historical locations, city parks, and great neighborhoods organized into trails. A few of the best are the Emerald Necklace, the Freedom Trail, The Black Heritage Trail, the Harborwalk and the Walking City Trail are all wonderful wuys to get to know this city.

Eat

From food trucks to breakfast spots, Boston has a lot of places to dine that include everything form delicious and authentic global cuisines to New England clam chowder.

Adventure

Hop a ferry and explore the Harbor Islands. Take the commuter trail to Salem for Halloween or a sumner afternoon at the beach. Kayak or sail on the Charles. Or grab a Blue bike and explore the surrounding towns.

Final Thoughts

Moving to a new city is certainly a bit scary, but it is also very exciting! You will grow so much as you explore, build new relationships, and find new hobbies. Boston is a wonderful place to do so, and hopefully this guide helps with that process!