Boston offers the unique perspective of multiple worlds. A city steeped in American history, Boston also lives on the leading edge of innovation in technology, education, health care, and social entrepreneurship. This city is a great place to find your spark.
With an unmatched concentration of prestigious universities and research centers, an international atmosphere (with 28% of residents coming from abroad), and rich funding sources, Boston’s ecosystem leads in innovation and entrepreneurship.
From scrappy startups to global corporations and everything in between, Boston’s highly educated and well-resourced community can help give shape to your ideas
For social entrepreneurship in the nation (Social Enterprise Ecosystems Report, 2019)
Best Startup Ecosystem in the world (Startup Genome, 2021)
Most diverse U.S. cities for women in tech (CBRE Tech Talent, 2021)
The thriving Greater Boston area has a diverse population of 4.7 million people. New England has been inhabited since at least 2,400 B.C. by the Massachusetts tribe of Native Americans, who call this beautiful green peninsula in the Massachusetts Bay “Shawmut.”
Boston’s settlement by the Puritans, American Revolutionary battles, significance as the first state in the Union to abolish slavery, and collection of renowned universities make the city a complex and heady place. (History.com)
A protected historic district, the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston is named for the actual beacon once used to warn colonial residents about invasions. Tour the historic homes and narrow streets—lined with brick sidewalks and gas lamps—where such famous Americans as Louisa May Alcott, Robert Frost, and Sylvia Plath once lived. While you’re there, visit Charles Street’s exceptional antique shops.
As the largest city in New England, Boston has a diverse population and a rich range of cultural districts. Welcoming immigrants and refugees, Boston is known as a culturally diverse destination and city of opportunity.
Black
Hispanic/Latino (non-white)
Asian
Two or more races
White
Boston and Cambridge received a score of 100% from the Human Rights Campaign (2021) on their Municipal Equality Index, thanks to strong non-discrimination policies, workplace equality, and municipal services.
Known for art, music, education, and community
Famous across the country for its rich arts and culture
Recognized for a rich collection of Latino specialty shops, restaurants, and businesses
Celebrated for the promotion of the Vietnamese American history and culture of Boston
Respected as a historic neighborhood of artists
Revitalized to return a creative district to Upham's Corner and the Fairmount Corridor connector
Established as an art and design district, offering an Open Market in the summer and fall, and the SoWa Vintage Market every Sunday year-round
One of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston has a collection of nearly 500,000 works of art. Each year, over 1 million visitors from around the world visit to experience ancient and contemporary art, special exhibitions, and educational programs.
With galleries, programs, artists’ spaces, and alternative venues, the Institute of Contemporary Art gives you access to art in all media—visual arts, performance, film, video, and literature. Located on the Boston waterfront, ICA acts as a catalyst for contemporary art in Boston.
The location of a world-famous art heist, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum displays renowned works from Europe, Asia, and the United States. The collection includes more than 7,500 paintings, 1,500 rare books, and 7,000 archival objects from ancient Rome, Medieval Europe, Renaissance Italy, Asia, the Islamic world, and more. View work from Titian, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Manet, Degas, Whistler, Sargent, and Matisse.
Beautiful park spaces, walkability, and low crime rates make experiencing the outdoors in Boston a pleasure. Take in all four seasons as you explore the city. You'll want flip flops and cool clothing for summer, a light jacket and layers for fall, heavy winter coat and snow boots for winter, and some rain boots for spring—you can get everything locally from a variety of stores from discount and off-price retailers to designer brands.
One section of the city’s parks is so vast that it’s called The Emerald Necklace. With parks, sailing, and skiing options nearby, you keep your body and mind moving.
Home of the world-famous Boston Marathon as well as the world's largest two-day rowing event, the Head of the Charles Regatta, Boston is a serious sports destination. From the Patriots (American football) and the New England Revolution (soccer/football) to the Red Sox (baseball), Celtics (basketball), and Bruins (hockey), there’s a lively scene to fit every interest.
The food in Boston is a lot like the culture: a diverse scene brimming with tradition and inspiring transformation. Here are just a few districts to consider when you set out on your culinary adventures.
Naturally delicious New England specialties like steamed lobster, oysters on the half-shell, clam chowder, and “'sacred” cod go down smoothly with the incredible harbor views of the Seaport District. Got extra time? Consider hopping onto one of the local trolley tours for a nostalgic city experience.
Love pasta? Want to try a more old-world style of pizza? Visit the North End, known for authentic Italian specialties. Want more options? Visit the Boston Public Market, an indoor, year-round marketplace with about 30 small New England businesses.You can purchase fresh foods, prepared meals, crafts, and specialty items all under one roof.
With a diverse range of Asian restaurants and businesses, you can easily spend days exploring Boston’s Chinatown. Don’t miss the Chinatown Farmer’s Market on Saturdays in the summer and the annual Lunar New Year celebration!
With eight blocks of high-end retailers and boutiques, Newbury Street in Boston is a destination in its own right. If you somehow don’t find what you’re looking for, the Prudential and Copley shopping malls are just steps away.
The MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) operates subways, buses, commuter rails, and ferries. The “T” was the first subway built in the United States. Four lines run from the main downtown stations: red, blue, green, and orange. There also is a trolley line (the Mattapan). Getting around the city proper using public transit is a breeze.
Visit the MBTA website for information on getting and loading your Charlie Card to use public transit in and around Boston.
If you decide to live outside of Wellesley, where Babson College is located, there are two ways to get to campus using public transportation, in addition to carpooling. Many students have their own cars and drive to campus, parking in the provided student lots.
Take the commuter rail to the Wellesley Hills Station. Then walk to Olin Hall (25-minute walk).
Take the Green Line (D Branch) to Woodland. Then grab a ride with CATCH Connect.
If you’d like to avoid public transit, you also can find peers who live near you and carpool together in their car or share an Uber or Lyft.
You can choose to live in bustling Boston proper, in beautiful Wellesley near campus, or in a range of neighboring New England towns, each with its own unique style and activities.
At the northwestern corner of Boston, Brighton has a population of 43,000 and is closely connected to another popular community, Allston. Brighton has a beautiful Historic District, a high student population, and is known to be affordable and well-connected by the Green Line.
Located on the western edge of Boston, Brookline has roughly 59,000 residents and is considered very family friendly. With many shops, parks, and apartment buildings, the town is comparatively affordable and well-connected by the Green Line.
Yes, Boston proper makes the list! With a population of over 636,000 within city limits, there are a variety of districts and communities to consider, including Back Bay, Beacon Hill, the North End, the South End, and Fenway/Kenmore Square. Living in Boston proper simply means you’ll get to experience the city to its fullest.
Part of the Greater Boston Area, the town of Wellesley has roughly 28,000 residents. Safe, walkable, and with many good restaurants and little shops, you can live conveniently near campus with access to three commuter rail stations that connect directly to Boston.
Check out the Unofficial Guide to Boston for Babson Students and Partners (pdf) to learn more about navigating living opportunities in Wellesley, Boston, and surrounding towns.