Are Boston people friendly? Or nice? (school, live, move to)

[tarheart009]

I've lived in New England before and I like it. I was wondering if it was a misconception that most people from Boston, or MA, are "jerks." I've heard they were rude, but I really want to move to Boston. I want to hope that not everyone is mean and that there are nice people. Somebody help me understand the culture there.

[Lindsey_Mcfarren]

I grew up just outside Boston but my parents were born and bred Texans. I'm sort of a cross of the two. I don't think Boston is any different then any other large city. I think the cold long winters might play a part in the mood as it would anywhere.
I am now 47 and I am still in contact with my friends from grade school.
Personally I don't think its necessarily a good thing to have some bumpkin wander up to you, to start a conversation like you get here in Texas.

[xS☺B☺s]

No welcome wagon will arrive to greet you in Bostonia. People on the street won't walk up kiss you on the cheek and say how happy they are you've moved in. No one's gonna show you pix of their grandchildren on the Green Line. And it will take a long time to be accepted as a Bostonian because so many people come and go so quick.

But people will do business politely, not get in your face, and generally treat you fairly. To become accepted you'll be expected to act like a proper Bostonian.

[opaldust]

I was born in Boston and have lived here most of my life. The people are great-maybe not as "friendly phony"
as some other states but as long as you are nice to them, they will be nice to you.

[Brave Stranger]

You will mostly be ignored in Boston & New England....that's just how it rolls, and that's a good thing in my opinion. No one is going to be in your face slapping your back like you are a long lost friend.

[johnathanc]

Bostonians aren't "mean". That's a silly misconception. People are generally busy, have established social circles, and don't feel the need to chit chat with every stranger like in some parts of the US. Once you get to know this town, you'll realize it's filled with loyal, interesting, hard working, ambitious people. I wouldn't judge a whole city by taking the T or walking down a busy street and wondering why no one is talking or looking at you.

[dapeaz]

It's strange to hear all this, as the friendliness is what's driven me towards considering the area for relocation. I visited for 5 days last summer and was please to have strangers walk up to me while looking at a map (on several occasions) asking where I was trying to go. The food and drink service staff in Boston seemed genuinely friendly. I can't think of one occasion when this southern felt the sting of the abrasive northern stereotype.

[timberline742]

I'm friendly, but not nice.

[G-fused]

If you come here, I will shoot you.

Culture:
Not phony
blunt and to the point
smart
sarcastic
and we are friendly

OP, don't worry, we won't berate you. Come for a visit ya jacka$$.

[Kwa2k14]

Anytime I have been in the area, it seems for the most part people keep to themselves, they really are not friendly, and you have a sense of a boundary feeling. People can be closed off and cold. Very clannish. Hard to meet new people out there unless you are in share some form of an on-going activity they are in, such as classes or work,etc...