So You Want to Escape the Boston Beanery Rat Race? A Guide to the Greater Boston Area's Suburbs (Because Let's Be Honest, Your Apartment Sized Kitchen Can't Handle Another Batch of Baked Beans)
Ah, Boston. City of Champions, land of the lobstah roll, and...well, let's face it, tiny apartments and enough students to make you feel like you're back in high school. But fear not, weary urban warrior, for there's a land beyond the Red Sox games and the Freedom Trail: the mystical realm known as the suburbs.
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| What Are The Suburbs Of Boston |
Suburbs: What Are They and Why Do They Exist?
Suburbs, my friend, are those charming (or maybe slightly charmless, depending on your taste) little towns that sprawl out around the city like confetti after a particularly enthusiastic parade. They're where people move when they decide they'd like a yard bigger than a shoebox and a place to park their car that doesn't involve interpretive dance with a parking cone.
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Choosing Your Suburban Shangri-La: A Crash Course
The great thing about the Boston suburbs is that there's a flavor for everyone, like a choose-your-own-adventure book with slightly less danger and significantly fewer kidnappings (hopefully). Here's a quick rundown of the major areas:
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- The Classic Crew: Brookline, Newton, Lexington - These guys are the tried-and-true suburbs, offering excellent schools, a strong sense of community, and housing prices that will make your wallet weep. Think manicured lawns, award-winning bake sales, and the occasional squirrel wearing a tiny fedora.
- The Hipster Haven: Somerville, Cambridge - If you crave a place with a youthful vibe, these suburbs are your jam. Expect craft breweries, independent shops, and enough vintage clothing stores to outfit an army of time travelers. Just be prepared to fight for street parking with a minivan wielding soccer mom.
- The Coastal Escape: Cohasset, Hingham - Looking for a beach bum lifestyle (minus the actual bums)? Head to the South Shore! Here you'll find gorgeous beaches, stunning ocean views, and a distinct lack of Dunkin' Donuts (gasp!). Just be prepared for the possibility of seagulls judging your every move.
Important Note: This is just a whistle-stop tour, there are dozens of other suburbs out there, each with its own unique personality. Do your research, explore your options, and maybe even visit a suburb before you commit. You wouldn't buy a car without a test drive, would you? (Unless you're particularly adventurous, in which case, more power to you.)
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FAQ: Suburbs 101
- How to survive a New England winter in the suburbs? Stock up on cozy sweaters, a good snow shovel, and a healthy dose of schadenfreude for those still battling the elements in the city.
- How to find the perfect house in the suburbs? Patience, my friend, patience. The good ones go fast, so be prepared to move fast and break a sweat (metaphorically, unless you're viewing houses during a heat wave).
- How to make friends in the suburbs? Join a community group, hit up the local farmers market, or, if you're feeling bold, offer to help mow your neighbor's lawn (fresh baked cookies are a likely reward).
- How to avoid getting homesick for the city? Most suburbs are within easy reach of Boston, so you can still get your city fix when you need it. Plus, there's always the option to reminisce about the good old days, like that time you spent three hours searching for parking.
- How to adjust to having a yard? First things first, buy a lawnmower. Second, prepare to be amazed at how quickly weeds can take over your perfectly manicured dreams. But hey, at least you can have a barbecue now!
So there you have it, folks! A crash course on the wonderful world of Boston's suburbs. Now get out there and find your own little slice of suburban paradise (just don't forget the bug spray, because let's be honest, nature can be delightful...and slightly terrifying).
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