Moving to Boston

Welcome to Your New Home in Massachusetts

Internationally known for its colleges and universities, Boston is the capital of Massachusetts, the 23rd-most populous city in the U.S. and the center of New England’s culture and economy. Nestled along the Charles River and home to the Boston cream pie, Harvard Yard and clam chowder, “The Hub” has something for everyone. With dozens of historic sites like Faneuil Hall, a healthy job market, outdoor attractions like the Boston Common and the Swan Boats, a thriving nightlife scene and the beloved Boston Pops, students, singles and families will feel at home in no time.

We Can Help You Get Settled in Boston

Moving can be a daunting task, even if it’s just around the corner. We’re here to help. Penske has many convenient truck rental locations in metropolitan Boston. To get you started, the Penske Metropolitan Boston Team offers these simple moving and driving tips for the do-it-yourself mover.

Tips for Moving to Boston

• Choose a 12- or 16-foot truck for a move to a dorm room or efficiency apartment.
• Boston has 35+ colleges and universities, so be prepared for crowds if you arrive during May or August, which are peak student-moving months.
• Pack and carry essential items, including drinks, snacks and a cellphone, in case of unexpected delays.

Tips for Driving in Boston

• Navigate carefully — Boston roads can be narrow and unpredictable.
• Wait out bad weather — don’t try to drive in snow or ice storms.
• Avoid Storrow Drive and Memorial Drive — trucks are prohibited.

10 Things To Know When You Move to Boston

Did you know that you can drive 90 feet underground in Boston via the Ted Williams Tunnel, which is the deepest tunnel in the U.S.? Or that the Boston University Bridge is a transportation marvel and the only place in the world where a boat can sail under a train going under a vehicle driving under an airplane? Here are a few more interesting facts you should know if you’re moving to Boston, MA.

1. 1. Boston Has Many Nicknames
   • From “The Athens of America,” “The Cradle of Liberty” and the newer “Hub of the Universe” to its first nickname, “Tremontaine” — given to the city by the Puritans — Boston is known by many monikers. However, the most interesting might arguably be “Beantown.” This nickname refers to the earliest settlers’ love of baked beans in molasses. Speaking of molasses, did you know that in January 1919, a 50-foot-high tank in Boston’s North End broke and sent over two million gallons of the sticky stuff roaring down city streets? The wave of molasses reached heights of over 25 feet and hit speeds of up to 35 mph, killing 21 people and injuring more before taking down buildings and leaving streets flooded with two to three feet of syrupy mess.
2. 2. Boston is a Four-Season City
   • In Boston, winter brings with it cold and snowy weather, while spring delivers cool to mild temperatures along with cherry blossoms viewable at Boston Common. If you enjoy hot and humid weather, summer days will make you happy, and fall is perfect for viewing colorful autumn leaves. Not sure what kind of weather the day will bring? Peek out your window at 200 Clarendon Skyscraper (aka the old John Hancock Tower) for a little help from a series of colored lights that sit atop the building. If the lights are solid blue, you’re in store for blue skies and nice weather. Flashing blue lights indicate clouds are coming, while solid red signals rain. In the winter, flashing red lights mean snow is coming — but, come summertime, those flashing red lights indicate that the Red Sox game is rained out.
3. 3. In Boston, There’s Always Something To Do
   • From the Boston Marathon on Patriots’ Day to the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on July 4, the city is bursting with opportunities for celebration. You can also experience a thriving cultural scene with music, art and exhibits at one of the city’s 80+ museums. Start with one of Boston’s most famous museums, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, famous not for what it has but rather for what it doesn’t. In 1990, this museum was the site of the biggest art heist in history, where 13 pieces of art worth more than $500 million were stolen. To date, the art and thieves are still at large. If being outdoors is more your thing, embrace the ample opportunities that Boston offers. These include whale watching, strolling through one of Boston’s many parks, kayaking in Boston Harbor, experiencing history on the Boston Freedom Trail and more.
4. 4. Boston Is Home to the Oldest Original Major League Baseball Stadium Still in Use
   • Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox, opened in 1912 and continues to house the city’s only major league baseball team. The park is so popular it even has its own collection of paint colors from Benjamin Moore called the Fenway Collection. In addition, the city is home to the Boston Celtics basketball team and the Boston Bruins ice hockey team. Many Bostonians also cheer on the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution soccer team, both from nearby Foxborough, MA.
5. 5. Boston Is Working Toward a Greener Future
   • Speaking of Fenway Park, did you know a 5,000-square-foot rooftop garden sits above the third-base side of the park? Created in 2015, Fenway Farms produces over 6,000 lbs. of organic produce each year. Food from the farm is utilized within the facility, with extra produce being donated to local nonprofit organizations for distribution to those in need. The garden is also used as an environmental teaching tool for schools and park visitors. Long-term benefits of the garden include improved air quality, energy conservation, moderation of urban heat and storm water amelioration. Be sure to check out the garden the next time you’re at Fenway Park.
6. 6. Boston Is a City of Neighborhoods
   • With over 20 officially designated neighborhoods to choose from, you’re sure to find a place that fits your unique personality. Allston and Cambridge offer the feel of college towns, while Jamaica Plain and Roslindale are filled with community shops and green spaces. If you’re into history, move to one of the historical brownstones in Back Bay, Beacon Hill or South End, or settle down in a popular neighborhood filled with historical attractions in the North End or downtown. And if diversity and vibrant culture are what you seek, choose Roxbury, East Boston or Dorchester.
7. 7. Boston Has Ample Transportation Options
   • Parking in Boston is expensive, but luckily the city has excellent walkability. If you’re more of a bike person, utilize Bluebikes, a bike-share service with various locations throughout the city. If public transportation is more your thing, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) offers commuter rail, subway lines, bus routes and ferry routes. Need a cheat sheet until you learn the subway routes? Look at the colors of the subway lines, which were originally chosen in 1965 after their routes. The Green Line goes through a series of parks known as Boston’s “Emerald Necklace”; the Blue Line runs under Boston Harbor and will take you to the beach and the airport; the Red Line travels near crimson-colored Harvard; and the Orange Line partly runs down Washington Street, which was originally named Orange St. Don’t worry though, the destinations are also listed on the front of each train, telling you its last stop.
8. 8. Boston Is One of the Oldest Cities in America
   • Settled in 1625 and incorporated in 1630 by the Puritans, Boston is home to a rich history and many firsts. Historically, the Boston Tea Party, the Boston Massacre and the Battle of Bunker Hill are some of the more well-known events that took place throughout the city. Want to learn more? Take a walk along the three-mile Boston Freedom Trail to visit these and other historic sites. If it’s firsts you’re after, you’ll be happy to hear that Boston has many of those as well. The city is officially home to the first public park in 1634, the first chocolate factory in 1765, the first police force in 1838, the first library in 1848 and the first subway system in 1897. Disposable razors, the microwave, the Toll House chocolate chip cookie recipe and Facebook were all invented in Boston, too.
9. 9. You’re Going To Pay To Live in Boston
   • Like many major cities, the cost of living in Boston is quite a bit higher than the national average — about 50% higher. You can expect to pay upwards of $3,000 for rent and about 14% above the national average for groceries. It’s important to also factor in transportation when creating your budget — whether that includes the cost of parking a car in the city or public transportation is up to you. However, there’s a good chance your quality of life will improve, as Boston currently sits in the #7 spot of the 100 best cities to live in the United States.
10. 10. Boston Is Weird in All the Best Ways
    • Along the way, we came across a lot of fun facts about this beautiful city, all of which are great conversation starters. You can thank us later. Mother Goose is allegedly buried at Boston’s Granary Burying Ground along with Paul Revere, John Hancock and Samuel Adams. In 1988, Paul Tavilla caught a grape in his mouth that had fallen 788 vertical feet from the top of the John Hancock building. And lastly, Boston still has several weird laws, called “Blue Laws” or “Sunday Laws,” put into place by the Puritans. For instance, you’ll need a license to wear a goatee, and it’s illegal to take a bath without a doctor’s prescription, snore with your windows or doors open at night, scare a pigeon, or go to bed without bathing. Luckily, most of these are no longer enforced.

Moving to Boston? We Offer Complete Service

Whether you’re moving to a renovated loft in the North End, a triple-decker in Dorchester, or a suburb in one of metropolitan Boston’s seven counties, the Penske Metropolitan Boston Team is always ready to help.

• Get everything for your move from Penske and our moving partners. See Moving Supplies & Services.
• We operate over 100,000 vehicles at more than 2,500 locations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What Is Boston Known For?
  • Boston is known for its award-winning restaurants and trendsetting dishes, the Boston Marathon, Fenway Park and the Red Sox, its vibrant and culturally unique neighborhoods and more.
• Is Boston, Massachusetts a Good Place To Live?
  • Boston is one of the most historical cities in the Northeastern United States. It’s a cultural hub with great public transportation options, endless opportunities for entertainment and exceptional outdoor recreation.
• Is Boston an Expensive Place To Live?
  • Yes. The cost of living in Boston is currently about 50% higher than the national average.
• What Dish Is Boston Famous For?
  • Boston is known for many foods, from its baked beans and famous Fenway Frank to lobster rolls, New England clam chowder and Boston cream pie. Boston is a true foodie town.
• What Should I Know Before Moving to Boston?
  • Before moving to Boston, you should know that housing prices are expensive, driving is tough, and parking is expensive and tough. But you’ll be moving to a city filled with amazing history, proud Bostonians, and a thriving culture that’s equal parts artsy and sporty.