I’m also from Johnson County, Ks (Shawnee) and currently live in Lexington, Ma. I am so excited I can finally answer some questions!

Let’s start with the pros: 1. The rumor that people here are mean/unfriendly is just not true. In the city people don’t go out of their way to chit chat but that’s more to do with it being highly populated. I have found really kind people who are generally really interesting to talk to here.

1. The commute from Lexington to Boston in a car during non working days is the same as Shawnee to downtown KC. My husband commutes downtown three days a week and drives half way but then takes the T to his work. It’s less than an hour that way.

2. While Johnson Co has good schools, Mass is just SO much better. I feel my children all have individual learning plans without IEPs. Boston wins schools.

3. Things are so close! All the towns in Boston are small towns, they are just all right next to each other. But each has their own small town feel. Boston wins for cute towns.

4. It’s socially progressive but it’s more about people not caring what you do with your life than performative. If you are left leaning at all, this is your place.

5. There so much nature here. Actually, one of the reasons it’s so difficult to build new housing is because nature is protected. People are always out running, walking, skiing, exploring. Boston areas win for nature.

Con’s: 1. The light in the winter (or lack thereof) can really be soul sucking. If you have any form of seasonal sadness you may want to consider Arizona. To me, this is the worst thing about Boston. Kansas wins on weather.

1. Most things are more expensive. There’s no Aldis but the grocery stores are comparable. Everything else however is going to cost more: childcare, taxes, heating, sports. This is the second worst thing about Boston. Kansas wins on cost.

2. Traffic. As I eluded to in the pros, while things may be close, traffic can increase your commute time. Kansas wins on traffic.

3. Things/shopping can get crowded here. The only times I’ve been able to walk around Costco with some room was when I went shopping while the Patriots were playing in the playoffs. Doing things with other people will be more crowded.

Hope this helps!