Boston

Its appeal isn't just a thing of the past.
Listen, my children, and you shall hear of a city that's much more than Paul Revere. Boston's legacy of colonial patriots and American Revolutionaries has long made this city attractive to tourists and history buffs. Boston's residents, however, embrace the city for its ethnic diversity, exceptional medical facilities and outstanding architecture.

Rising high above Boston's easily recognizable skyline is the 62-story John Hancock Tower. Designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, Hancock Tower offers an incredible 30-mile view from its observation deck. On a clear day you can see all the way to Provincetown at the end of Cape Cod, and to Berkshire Hills in western Massachusetts.

It's also clear to see that Boston is a work in progress. Its $14.7 billion Big Dig, the largest civil works project in U.S. history, aims to replace a six-lane elevated highway with an eight-to-ten-lane underground expressway. Begun in 1991, the Big Dig's final ramp was opened in January 2006. In addition to alleviating the daily traffic congestion in and around downtown Boston, completion of the project means that neighborhood streets — many severed or disrupted since the 1950s by the old elevated highway — will soon be completely reconnected. And Boston is truly a city of neighborhoods. From the "Little Italy" of the North End and the artsy South End to the ethnically diverse East Boston and ideally suburban West Roxbury, each neighborhood has its own personality, while blending seamlessly with the others.

Classic Architecture
In 1630, Boston's geographic area was one-third of its present size. In the 19th century, landfill projects altered the shoreline and extended the boundaries of the city toward the sea, allowing for future residential development. While Boston often seems synonymous with the red brick rowhouses, gas streetlamps, and cobblestone roads of historic areas such as Beacon Hill and Charlestown, the architecture of Boston neighborhoods is varied.

East Boston is a mix of renovated older homes and newer "three-deckers" — three-story, three-family flats — while homes in the Back Bay are among the most elegant in the city. The exclusive Back Bay neighborhood primarily made up of Victorian-style, single-family homes and luxurious townhouses. Dorchester, Boston's oldest neighborhood, features architecture that's as diverse as its history. The 19th-century mansions of the city's early elite stand next to the multi-family dwellings constructed when Dorchester became home to groups of immigrants. The quiet neighborhood of Brighton is popular with graduate students, young professionals, and families, all of whom appreciate the close-knit, community feel to the neighborhood. Housing in Brighton is mainly moderate-sized houses and small apartment buildings.

Population Tapestry
Boston's ethnic makeup is diverse, with non-white residents accounting for nearly half the population of the city. Latinos and Asians are the fastest growing ethnic group here, with Boston's Chinatown ranking as America's fourth largest Chinese community. One-third of the city's residents are between 20 and 34 years old. Adding to this energetic young dynamic are the students who attend the nearly 40 colleges and universities in the Boston area — Harvard University is just across the river in Cambridge, as is Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The next largest population group is the 35 to 55-year-old Baby Boomers, many of whom are credited, in part, with revitalizing Boston's urban living. "Empty nesters," whose children are grown, are moving from the more suburban neighborhoods into to the heart of the city. Living in loft apartments or townhouses, they enjoy the easy commute to work and their close proximity to Boston's cultural center.

Entertainment
In addition to fabulous restaurants, attractions and world-class shopping, sports fans cheer hometown teams like the Celtics, the Bruins and the New England Patriots. And Fenway Park, America's oldest major-league ballpark, is home to the Boston Red Sox. One of Boston's most popular tourist attractions is the Bull & Finch Pub on Beacon Street. It's the place "where everybody knows your name" — the restaurant and bar that was the model for the basement bar on TV's Cheers.

A Company of Nurses
Nearly one-quarter of employed Bostonians work in educational and health services. The 48-square-mile city encompasses more than a dozen significant hospitals, most of these rated among the world's best. Notable examples are Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Children's Hospital Boston and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The city also is distinguished for its breakthrough discoveries in medical research.

Without a doubt, Boston's 18th-century defiance of British rule planted the seeds for its refreshing, independent character. Cosmopolitan in flavor, personable in personality, living in Boston is an unforgettable experience. In the words of Charles Dickens, "Boston is what the whole United States should be."

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Boston Transportation

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, also known as the "T," is the nation's oldest and fourth largest transportation system. The T operates an extensive system of subways, buses, trolleys and inner harbor ferries. The T was upgraded in December 2006 to a fares system with clean, modern vending equipment by introducing the reusable, rechargeable CharlieTickets and for those riding more frequently, the CharlieCard. For information on fares, schedules and how to use the new fare system, visit http://www.mbta.com/fares_and_passes/charlie.

Airports
Logan International Airport
Hanscom Field
Manchester Airport
T.F. Green
Worcester Regional Airport

Ground Transportation
AMTRAK
Provides nationwide rail service.
Massachusetts Bay Transport Association (MBTA)
The "T" is Massachusetts' public transportation authority, which manages the following services:
Buses
Subways
Commuter Rail
Ferries

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Boston Attractions

You can't blame Boston for anyone's boredom. Take away its fairs, festivals, nightlife, shops, and restaurants, and Boston is still rich in sights, sounds, and experiences. From historical landmarks and cultural outlets, to animals and architecture, Boston has a world of to-do's waiting for you.

Boston has a number of natural and man-made recreational opportunities. Whether it's a whale-watching trip on Boston Harbor, sailing on the Charles River, or skating along the Esplanade, Boston's natural beauty encourages outdoor activities. At Public Garden, the country's oldest public botanical garden, you can ride a people-powered Swan Boat or walk across the world's shortest suspension bridge. The "Emerald Necklace" — a six-mile linear park that begins at Boston Common — is a favorite of walkers, joggers and bicyclists. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York's Central Park, the Emerald Necklace is one of the oldest series of public parks in the country.

Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Battleship Massachusetts at Battleship Cove
Boston Harbor Islands
Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum
Cape Cod Central Railroad
Castle Island
Charles Hayden Planetarium
Children's Museum
Edaville Railroad
Franklin Park Zoo
Freedom Trail
Harvard Museum of Natural History
Harvard University Art Museums
House of the Seven Gables
Institute of Contemporary Art
Isabella Gardner Stewart Museum
John F. Kennedy Library and Museum
Literary Trail of Greater Boston
MIT Museum
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Museum of Science
New England Aquarium
Old North Church
Old Sturbridge Village
Paul Revere House
Prudential Skywalk Observatory and Exhibit
Salem Wax Museum
Stone Zoo
Sports Museum
Trinity Church
Wang Center for the Performing Arts

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Boston Shopping

Boston's shopping venues range from ultra-modern to historic, each with its own unique charm. Whether you're looking for bargains or antiques, a quick trip or a leisurely excursion, shopping in Boston is an extraordinary experience. Be sure to check out Newbury Street, Boston's eight-block equivalent of Los Angeles' ritzy Rodeo Drive.

Arsenal Mall
Atrium Mall
Auburn Mall
Burlington Mall
Cambridgeside Galleria
Copley Place
Emerald Square
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Greendale Mall
Liberty Tree Mall
Mall at Chestnut Hill
Mall at Rockingham Park
Mashpee Commons
Natick Mall
Northshore Mall
Pheasant Lane Mall
Shops at Prudential Center
Solomon Pond Mall
South Shore Plaza
Square One Mall
Worcester Common Outlets

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Boston Nightlife

Despite numerous colleges and an annual influx of young people, Boston is not known for its throbbing nightlife. Most clubs close their doors at 2am, and a smoking ban in 2004 means that many people often congregate on the sidewalk rather than inside. However, if you look closely, you can find what you want, from boisterous dance clubs to upscale wine bars to comfortable beer-and-oyster dives. In funky Kenmore Square, The Modern is a swank lounge that's great for conversation, and at Cambridge's Cantab Lounge – which regularly features live music – you can enjoy a beer amid intellectuals. Otherwise, catch up with friends and the day's events at the News, which offers Internet access, publications, and televisions. If you're in the mood to shake your groove thing, try Avalon on popular Lansdowne Street or the Roxy in the Tremont Hotel, which hosts theme nights, including reggae, swing and techno. While the club scene may be skimpy, some restaurants keep late hours and become gathering spots as the night wears on. Check out the scene at Caffe Pompei or Pizzeria Regina in the Italian-flavored North End.

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Boston Healthcare Facilities

Known for its rich history, classic architecture, and picturesque winding streets, Boston also is home to world-class medical and nursing schools, and some of the nation's finest healthcare facilities. Boston's outstanding hospitals offer cutting-edge medical treatments by the top specialists in the country. Major healthcare facilities in Boston include:

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital
Boston Medical Center
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Caritas Carney Hospital
Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical Center
Children's Hospital Boston
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Faulkner Hospital
Joslin Diabetes Center
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Massachusetts General Hospital
Tufts-New England Medical Center

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Boston Nursing Resources

Massachusetts Board of Registered Nursing
Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Massachusetts Nurses Association
Massachusetts Registered Nurses License Renewal

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Boston Weather

How's the weather?
Living in Boston means you can expect a wide range of weather conditions. Although summer is often hot and humid, and winter is cold and snowy, you may swelter in March and shiver in July. Residents enjoy getting a weather forecast by watching a column of lights on the old John Hancock building in downtown Boston, which follows this code:

Steady blue, clear view;
Flashing blue, clouds due;
Steady red, rain ahead;
Flashing red, snow instead.

During baseball season, flashing red means the Boston Red Sox game has been called off on account of weather.

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