Boston Newcomers Guide
Boston is a historic, diverse and massive city, and it is quite impossible to deliver a comprehensive Boston newcomer’s guide at anything less than several hundred pages. We don’t have several hundred pages, but what we can do in the space allotted is provide you with extremely solid overview of a city that is both magical and majestic. Consider this a launching pad to a city that never stops rewarding the inquisitive and perceptive visitor.
Economy
Boston has a strong and diverse economy, and the area’s various colleges and universities play a vital role. In fact, educational and health services combined account for 17-percent of the economy. Along with education, the area’s most important industries are financial services, particularly insurance and mutual funds. The largest companies with headquarters in the city include Gillette, which is owned by Proctor & Gamble, Liberty Mutual and New Balance.

Guided Tours
Once you get to the city, an excellent way to become familiar with it is to take part in one or more of its many guided tours. Perhaps the most popular tours are the “trolley” tours. These tours use tour buses fashioned liked trolleys, and they travel to the various historical districts of the area. Boston by foot tours are an even better way to get an intimate feel for the path. If you have to remember how to get there, a foot tour is the perfect way to learn.
Neighborhoods
One of Boston’s most alluring qualities is the striking contrast between its various neighborhoods. It truly is something to behold. Whether you’re looking for an area to live, work or play, you’ll find some amazing opportunities ranging from the historic to the ultra-modern. The most popular areas include the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, the Financial District and the North End. For a more involved breakdown, be sure to see our Neighborhood Guide.
Nature and Wildlife
Surprising to many is that Boston boasts so many nature and wildlife aspects, and the city has always placed a focus on parks and the like. In 1996, the harbor islands, thirty in all, became a part of the National Park system. On the waterfront, there are seasonal whale watching tours and the New England Aquarium, which boasts a 200,000-gallon oceanic fish tank. Other popular sites include the Arnold Arboretum, Franklin Park Zoo and Halls Pond Sanctuary.
Newspapers
For those moving to Boston, its newspapers are an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the city before you ever arrive. The two most prestigious papers in the area are the Globe and the Herald. Both of these papers have a strong Internet presence, and visiting their respective websites can be a great help to newcomers. In addition, both companies will mail a complimentary issue to those moving to the area in the hopes of earning a permanent client.
Other Newcomer Resources
The Boston Chamber of Commerce is an excellent resource for newcomers, and you can request many of their guides directly through their website. Other helpful sites include Boston’s Official Visitor site at bostonusa.com, and the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism site at www.mass-vacation.com. Don’t let those names fool you. Although Boston intends these for tourists, there’s a plenty of information on them for those planning to stick around.
Professional Sports
Boston has a long and rich sports tradition ingrained in its fabric. Baseball’s Red Sox are perhaps Boston’s most famous team, and they play at the recently renovated Fenway Park. The city is also home to the NBA’s legendary Boston Celtics and the NHL’s Boston Bruins, and just about 20 miles outside of the city is Gillette Stadium where the NFL’s New England Patriots play. The city also hosts the MLS’ New England Revolution and the MLL’s Cannons.

Volunteer Work
Perhaps the best way to immerse yourself in a new city and culture is to take part in some of its charitable efforts. The American Red Cross Food Panty is an important part of the city that helps to feed the city’s homeless. It provides sustenance for as many as 3,000 people per month, and they always need more help. The Cambridge Health Alliance is another excellent opportunity, and they require general assistance all throughout the city.
Moving to Boston
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