🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Boston home for a while, and I can confidently say that it’s a city that will captivate you with its unique blend of history, culture, and modern charm. Boston is a city that seamlessly blends old and new, from the cobblestone streets of the North End to the sleek skyscrapers of the Financial District. With a Nomad Score of 65/100, Boston is an attractive destination for remote workers, offering a high standard of living, excellent education system, and a thriving cultural scene. As a Boston digital nomad, you’ll find that the city has a lot to offer, from world-class museums to a vibrant food scene.
One of the things that drew me to Boston was its rich history and cultural significance. From the Freedom Trail to the Museum of Fine Arts, there’s no shortage of historical landmarks and cultural institutions to explore. And, with a Culture Score of 70/100, you’ll find that Boston is a city that’s deeply rooted in its heritage. But, what really sets Boston apart is its community. With a thriving expat and digital nomad scene, you’ll find that it’s easy to connect with like-minded individuals and make friends.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Boston, there are a few areas that stand out as particularly appealing to digital nomads. Here are three of my favorites:
- Beacon Hill: This historic neighborhood is known for its charming gaslit streets, beautiful architecture, and upscale vibe. It’s a great place to live if you want to be close to the city center and have easy access to public transportation. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Beacon Hill can range from $2,500 to $3,500 per month (approximately $2,100 to $2,900 USD).
- Cambridge: Just across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood that’s home to Harvard University and MIT. It’s a great place to live if you want to be surrounded by intellectuals and creatives, and it’s also close to many top-notch restaurants and bars. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Cambridge can range from $2,200 to $3,200 per month (approximately $1,800 to $2,600 USD).
- Jamaica Plain: This up-and-coming neighborhood is located just a few miles southwest of downtown Boston and offers a more laid-back, small-town vibe. It’s a great place to live if you want to be close to nature, with the Arnold Arboretum and Jamaica Pond nearby. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Jamaica Plain can range from $1,800 to $2,800 per month (approximately $1,500 to $2,300 USD).
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Boston can be steep, but it’s worth it for the high standard of living and excellent amenities. Here are some typical expenses you might incur as a digital nomad in Boston:
- Rent: As mentioned earlier, rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from $1,800 to $3,500 per month (approximately $1,500 to $2,900 USD).
- Food: Eating out in Boston can be expensive, with the average cost of a meal ranging from $15 to $30 per person (approximately $12 to $25 USD). Groceries can also be pricey, with a basket of basic items (milk, bread, eggs, etc.) costing around $50 to $75 per week (approximately $40 to $60 USD).
- Transportation: Boston has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and trains. A monthly pass can cost around $90 to $130 (approximately $75 to $110 USD).
- Coworking: There are many excellent coworking spaces in Boston, with prices ranging from $200 to $500 per month (approximately $160 to $410 USD) for a hot desk.
Internet & Coworking
As a digital nomad, you’ll need reliable internet to stay productive. Fortunately, Boston has excellent internet speeds, with an average speed of 42 Mbps. There are also many excellent coworking spaces to choose from, including:
- WeWork: With several locations throughout the city, WeWork offers a range of membership options, from hot desks to private offices.
- Industrious: This upscale coworking space has locations in the Financial District and Cambridge, and offers a range of amenities, including high-speed internet and on-site fitness classes.
- The Wing: This women-focused coworking space has a location in the Back Bay and offers a range of amenities, including high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and a rooftop lounge.
Some popular cafes with good internet include:
- Thinking Cup: With several locations throughout the city, Thinking Cup is a popular spot for coffee and work.
- Render Coffee: This trendy coffee shop in the South End has excellent coffee and a cozy atmosphere.
- Pavement Coffeehouse: With several locations throughout the city, Pavement is a great spot for coffee and work.
Boston has a thriving digital nomad community, with many meetups and events to connect with other remote workers. Some popular groups include:
- Boston Digital Nomads: This Facebook group has over 1,000 members and hosts regular meetups and events.
- Remote Workers Boston: This Meetup group has over 500 members and hosts regular events, including coworking sessions and social gatherings.
- Nomad List Boston: This online community has a range of resources and information for digital nomads in Boston, including a map of coworking spaces and cafes.
Culture & Lifestyle
Boston is a city with a rich cultural scene, from world-class museums to a thriving food scene. Some popular attractions include:
- The Museum of Fine Arts: With over 450,000 works of art, this museum is one of the largest and most visited in the country.
- The Freedom Trail: This 2.5-mile trail takes you on a historic tour of the city, from the Old State House to the USS Constitution.
- Fenway Park: Even if you’re not a baseball fan, a visit to Fenway Park is a must-do in Boston.
The food scene in Boston is also excellent, with a range of options to suit every taste and budget. Some popular restaurants include:
- Neptune Oyster: This historic seafood restaurant in Faneuil Hall is a must-visit for any seafood lover.
- Craigie on Main: This trendy restaurant in Cambridge has a range of creative dishes, including a famous burger.
- Toro: This Spanish tapas restaurant in the South End has a range of delicious small plates and a cozy atmosphere.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to ensure that you have the correct visa to work in the United States. The most common visa for remote workers is the B-2 visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to six months. However, it’s essential to note that the B-2 visa does not permit you to work in the United States, so you’ll need to ensure that you’re not engaging in any activities that could be considered work.
There is no specific digital nomad visa available in the United States, but some options for remote workers include:
- O-1 visa: This visa is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in their field, including arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics.
- L-1 visa: This visa is for intracompany transferees who are being transferred to a U.S. company from a company outside the United States.
It’s essential to consult with an immigration lawyer to determine the best visa option for your specific situation.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips for living and working in Boston as a digital nomad:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card from a range of providers, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Prices start from around $30 per month (approximately $25 USD).
- Transportation: Boston has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and trains. You can purchase a monthly pass for around $90 to $130 (approximately $75 to $110 USD).
- Safety: Boston is generally a safe city, but as with any city, it’s essential to take precautions to stay safe, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings.
- Weather: Boston has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Be sure to pack accordingly, with warm clothing for the winter months and light clothing for the summer.
