A new city, a new job, a new daily routine - relocating is a challenge in almost every way. While you’re (hopefully) making a great career or personal move, navigating this time can be tricky without thorough research or someone to help you transition.

That’s why we work so hard to help clients who are new to our beautiful Boston real estate market. We know how important it is for you to feel stable and supported while finding a place to call home. As we walked our streets this week and carried about everyday life in this historic city, we made note of all of the things we would tell someone who will soon be joining us here. Before you move to Boston, these are the things you simply need to know:

1. BOSTON REAL ESTATE IS EXPENSIVE WHETHER YOU’RE RENTING OR BUYING.

It’s about 40% more expensive to live in Boston than the average U.S. city. A great demand (coupled with a short supply) is what drives the Boston real estate market.

2. THE CITY IS VERY WALKABLE.

Before you buy or rent a parking space, consider your other options. If you prefer not to walk, you can bike using Hubway or take good public transit. Uber has a big presence here, too. Wherever you can’t get on foot, you have plenty of other options that are good for your wallet.

3. THE NEIGHBORHOODS ARE MORE UNIQUE THAN OTHER BIG CITIES.

If you’re looking down a single block, you’ll notice we often change from brownstones to luxury high-rises quickly. There’s a noticeable difference among our many neighborhoods, even though the city itself is roughly small - only 48 square miles. The North End has a very historic, tight-knit feel with lots of Italian eateries nestled on small streets. But the high-rise luxury developments in The Seaport have a completely different lifestyle with upscale restaurants and multi-million dollar condos.

3. THE NEIGHBORHOODS ARE MORE UNIQUE THAN OTHER BIG CITIES.

If you’re looking down a single block, you’ll notice we often change from brownstones to luxury high-rises quickly. There’s a noticeable difference among our many neighborhoods, even though the city itself is roughly small - only 48 square miles. The North End has a very historic, tight-knit feel with lots of Italian eateries nestled on small streets. But the high-rise luxury developments in The Seaport have a completely different lifestyle with upscale restaurants and multi-million dollar condos.

4. SPORTS FANATICISM RUNS RAMPANT.

Rooting for the Patriots and the Red Sox are ingrained in the culture. After just a few days here, you’ll start to notice how the city rallies around its rivalries. It’s often the talk of the town, but you’ll get used to it soon!

5. EDUCATION IS ALL AROUND.

Boston is home to over 100 universities, so we’re a town teeming with bright minds. Unemployment is low (only 5.7%), and you’ll be surrounded by a widely educated population, which has led to much of the great success of Boston.

6. ACCLIMATE TO THE EAST COAST WEATHER.

We have gorgeous weather in the spring, summer, and fall. Our peak heat months (July and August) hover around 80 degrees, while the winter gets some snow with temperatures around the mid-30s. Everyone here enjoys the four seasons, and you can’t beat the days when a light sea breeze blows in from the water!

7. TRAVELING IS EASY.

It’s easy to travel from Boston to the rest of the country with the Logan International Airport. Or Cape Cod, the islands (Nantucket and the vineyards), and skiing are also close by if you prefer a short drive. You can also take a train to NYC from Back Bay station in around 4 hours, and the Acela train is even faster. All of this convenience is packed right into your city!

8. BOSTON IS FULL OF HISTORY, AND YOU’LL SEE THAT.

The buildings are old (some even from the 1600s), and you can walk the Freedom Trail to see some of the most historic landmarks in America, like the Paul Revere House and the Park Street Church. Our city was founded long before many people migrated west - so if you’re coming from the midwest or further, you’ll likely be amazed at first by the age of some of our buildings that are still in use today.

9. THE “EMERALD NECKLACE” PROVIDES BEAUTIFUL GREEN SPACE.

This stretch of green parks and trails extends from Jamaica Plain, through other neighborhoods, past the river, and ends at Boston public gardens. We don’t have a single, large park area, like NYC’s Central Park, but we have these connecting gardens with excellent biking and running paths. If you’re an active person hesitating about how you’ll get in touch with nature in such a big city, have no fear.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Relocating to Boston doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. In fact, we hope you’re excited about living in one of the oldest, most educated, and diverse cities in the U.S. This list of must-knows should clue you in on some of the aspects of everyday life that you’ll soon have in your routine.

From gorgeous outdoor parks to landmark buildings and every bustling sports bar in between, your slice of Boston real estate is happy to welcome you home.