Boston Moving Guide – Info and Advice

Boston is one of the most beautiful and oldest US cities.

There is history and culture around every corner in Boston. Yesterday and today mingle to create the vibrant atmosphere of this city.

Having all those universities and colleges makes it harder to find an affordable place especially if you are headed for the downtown.

Find out all the pros and cons, and all the things to know before moving to Boston.

You may also like to read: How to Decide Where to Move. In this guide, we suggest 9 things to take into consideration when choosing where to live next.

Discover the real cost of hiring professional long-distance movers!

Boston – City Information

An introduction – what to know before moving to Boston:

Let’s start with the fact that Boston, Massachusetts is considerably different from any other city in the US – it is filled with history, culture, and modern sophistication all at the same time.

Boston is one of the oldest US that offers something for everyone.

Downtown is really the heart of the city. Many companies and agencies have their headquarters in the area, and City Hall and the State House are also located there.

Boston is probably the most European-like city in the US, with pedestrianized streets, lots of street performers, and historic sites.

Living Costs

If you are moving from cities like Los Angeles, DC, or New York, you might find Boston more affordable.

On the other hand, if you are coming from a small town, there is a great chance that the prices might seem shocking to you.

The housing prices are one of the highest in the USA. 

Median Boston home costs on average $750.000 according to www.realtor.com October 2024.

Bostonian makes up on average about $68.000 a year according to the latest figures from www.talent.com

Taxes in Boston

There is a 6.25% sales tax in Massachusetts, but when it comes to clothing, sales tax is due only on prices over $175 per item. 

Massachusetts imposes a 5.3% tax on both earned income and unearned (interest, dividends, and capital gains.)

Boston Transportation

Boston has an extensive network of subways, bus routes, and commuter rail lines.

The MBTA (or “T” as the Bostonians call it) has a variety of subscription passes that will let you avoid token booths and save money.

Take a look at the MBTA website for more information.

Getting to Boston by plane or train is very easy. All major airlines fly to Logan Airport, which is pretty close to downtown – about 15 minutes by taxi or subway.

Massachusetts is the only state in the country where auto insurance rates are set by the state.

Where you live determines your exact rates. There are discounts for drivers with good records or AAA members.

You may also like to read: Moving to a New City Alone. In this guide, we offer some essential tips to make moving to and living in, a new city on your own easier, cheaper, and safer.

Nightlife in Boston

All year long (except the summer), Boston is full of students studying at the many universities in the Metro area.

Boston has more than enough places for you to have fun. From the Boston Symphony Orchestra to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Newbury Street galleries to the bookstores of Harvard Square. 

You can always find a place to have a drink after a Red Sox game.

The Boston public transit system shuts down at around 12:30 am.

Bars & clubs in Boston close a little early – they stay open until 2 am, in some communities until 1 am.

You may also like to read: Moving to the Suburbs. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving from a city to the suburbs.

Boston Relocation Information

Relocating to Boston is a major decision and the experience would definitely be overwhelming for you if you do not take the help of a professional moving company.

You will be literally exhausted after your move. To take some of the stress out, consider this Boston relocation information, before hiring a cross-country moving company.

You may also like to read: How to Choose a Moving Company. In this guide, we take you step by step through the process of choosing a good moving company.

Boston Moving Companies

When looking for Boston movers, do not forget to check out their status with the US Department of Transportation. Work only with licensed moving companies.

Ask your movers to provide you with their US DOT number and check it on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website to see if your movers have any safety violations in their public record.

Here you can find a list of the best Massachusetts moving companies complete with their latest reviews and average costs.

Boston Movers – Price Rates and Costs

Boston moving rates are a little bit higher than you might expect, but it is always a good idea to have professional Boston movers for your move especially if you are moving to Downtown Boston.

Most of the apartment buildings are with very narrow staircases and no elevators which usually makes relocation a lot harder.

Depending on the type of the move, movers charge by the hour if you are moving locally and by the weight if you are moving long distance (interstate moves).

For example,  moving a two-bedroom house locally in the Boston Area would cost you around $1350 for three men and a truck.

If want to save a few bucks, pack your belongings on your own to decrease the overall time for the execution of the job.

Moving a two-bedroom house from L.A. to Boston would cost you around $4500 – $7900, and moving a 2 bedroom house from Chicago to Boston might cost you about $2600 – $5900.

You may also like to read: How Much Do Movers Cost in Boston? For a more in-depth guide to how much movers charge in Boston be sure to check out this guide.

Parking Permits for the Movers

When you are getting parking permits for your movers, you are making sure they have fast access to your apartment or house.

Saving your movers’ time saves your money.

If you decide to go without a parking permit, there is a great chance that the truck gets a parking ticket and the movers will add it to your final bill.

If you don’t have the time, the parking permits can be arranged by the moving company. 

In order to do that, the movers must be licensed and they should have a bond (insurance) with the city of Boston.

Elevator Reservation

If you are moving into a building with an elevator, you must reserve it in advance for your move with the building manager.

This one is very important to be done to make sure you have the fastest possible move.

If the movers have to use the stairs, there is a great chance that your final bill will get bigger because of the extra time.

You may also like to read: 10 Ways Your Moving Costs Can Increase. In this guide, we look at 10 ways that movers can legitimately increase your final moving costs.

Certificates and Insurance Information When Moving to Boston

Most buildings in Boston require that your movers provide a certificate of insurance (COI).

The building managers want to be sure that your movers have the necessary insurance in case any damage is done to the building.

Another important thing for your movers is that they must have a Workers Compensation Insurance.

Before you hire a Boston movers, make sure they have all these licenses and certificates or you may have problems moving in.

Guest post by John Getsov – moving company representative at Xpress Movers – a relocation service provider located in Massachusetts that serves the USA and Canada.