How much of a problem is the snow.....really? (Boston: live, move to)

[09Relo]

As a potential resident of Mass, I am watching this message board and see significant mention of getting away from the snow. Considering a move to the Boston area, so just how much of a problem is the snow for commuting, lifestyle, etc. I am in Louisiana currently, and while we may have a rare ice storm, we never have a snow problem.

Is it the snow itself, or the cold? Both? ( I am currently dealing with triple digit temps combined with high humidity.....I know it sounds like paradise, but it can be a bit daunting at times.)

[miu]

I don't find the snow a problem at all. I drive a FWD car with good snow tires in the winter. I suppose it really depends how long your commute is to work.

[capecodcathy]

Depends on where you are. There are certain "snow belts" that suffer more than others.

[neil0311]

North and west of Rte 495 you will get hit much harder than areas inside 128 and closer to Boston or the areas south of Boston (Taunton, New Bedford, Cape). I lived in northern Worcester county and the elevation is higher, so when Boston was getting 35 degrees and rain, we were getting a foot of snow. When Boston got a foot of snow, we got 2 feet. Average snowfall in our area was around 100"/year.

Snow wasn't a huge problem since New Englanders are prepared for it, but it can be a bit of a mental pain, especially when the rest of the country is enjoying the beginning of spring in late March and early April, and New England is still dealing with new snow. Driving is not a problem, and getting a 4x4 or AWD vehicle can help, with snow tires or good all season radials.

[Cliff Clavin]

It depends on where you live, and what sort of commute you have. I live and work in the city, and snow isn't a problem for me. I don't even own a shovel.

I do curse the cold wind from time to time, but I'd probably be cursing the triple digit temps too.

[CaseyB]

Doesn't this look like fun?


YouTube - Massachusetts Snow Storm

[nate14ri]

its not so much the snow as much as the number of 20-30 degrees days we have. months on end. ugh it lasts WAY too long.

also, bostonians tend to leave thier cars after a heavy snowstorm and rely on public transportation because the plows just push the snow up against parked cars.

and then there is the dreaded garbage cans marking shoveled territory.... should heaven forbid you take someone elses shoveled spot....

[neil0311]

Originally Posted by CaseyB

Doesn't this look like fun?

Boy I don't miss that or the plow that comes along after shoveling out the driveway the first time in a big storm, only to leave heavy ice/snow/sand boulders blocking the driveway again.

[bgrasser]

I've found the Grey skies, cold damp days,icy roads, and long snowy winters so much fun that my DW and I bail to Fla 11/01 and don't return 'till the first week of May.....We can't wait for Winter.

[clevedark]

Depending on where you live, snow can have a deleterious effect on your social life, ie you will not see your neighbors from December until April. And that's not even mentioning shoveling the darn stuff. Whenever I have to shovel my car out I cry. It's the most miserable time of the year for me.

Of course hardy native new englanders don't feel this way, so don't bother complaining to them!