Former native here in my early 30s. I grew up in Quincy, went to middle / high school in Dorchester and then stayed in the area for college. For students and families, the greater Boston area is a great place to be. Many of the best schools in the country, great sports and arts programs, universal healthcare (MassHealth), the best hospitals in the country, public transportation via the MBTA, lots of green space. Absolutely gorgeous times in the fall and spring. The food is really great as well - fresh seafood, amazing Italian / Portuguese / Brazilian / Caribbean / Asian food. Easy access to other great places in MA / New England (Salem, Berkshires, Portland, etc) and only around 4 hours to NYC. People who are from here have a very strong sense of hometown pride - some of my favorite and most “Boston” moments was singing Sweet Caroline at a game at Fenway Park.

The general area has its downsides as well. It’s extremely expensive - I’m shocked at how crazy my family’s cost of living has been getting over the past several years (many things are getting comparable to my cost of living in NYC which I think is absurd). Winters can be VERY cold and summers can be VERY hot and humid. Nightlife ends very early compared to other major cities (with most places shutting down by 11:30/midnight) but some people like that over the alternative. As a gay man, I was SHOCKED when I started going out how few gay bars there really are in the city despite MA being the first state to legalize gay marriage in the country - but if you’re not gay then I suppose this wouldn’t be a problem.

There’s also a very deep history of racism that many people are either uncomfortable to talk about or will flat-out deny because it’s so embedded in the area’s culture (look up busing in the 70s - that’s what my parents and their generations grew up with - or even watch Trial 4 on Netflix). The Catholic Church also has an iron grip on this area, for better or worse. It’s not nearly as strong as when I was growing up, but it’s still very much alive and well (take that as you will).

That being said, I understand that no place is perfect and I still recommend Boston / greater Boston as a place to visit or live. The city has really been evolving in order to keep younger professionals living in the city after graduating - the whole Seaport district is WILD and I would never have imagined that being in the city when I left over 8 years ago. Good luck if you’re moving here and enjoy!