40s Single California Gal Considering Moving to Boston (transplants, renting)

[parakeet]

i'm considering a move from San Francisco to Boston and would welcome any feedback on cultural differences between the 2 cities, the singles scene, and whether there are any fun areas of the city I should consider renting that would have other singles in the 30s/40s age range. Thanks

[Bettafish]

It seems a lot of complains are from Californians lol
In my own opinion, Boston is less diverse for the most part and looks older. Much colder weather too.
Interestingly most of the "good" neighborhoods are far from the coast.

[sponger42]

Bettafish is right. We moved here after living in California, and we can't wait to move back. The major differences:

1. The weather is very cold during the winter, so be prepared to spend about 6-7 months indoors. It's tough to motivate yourself to go to the club or take a stroll to a coffeeshop when it's 10F out. On the plus side you get to experience all the seasons, with an emphasis on winter.

2. The people are very uptight and insular compared to laid-back transplant Californians. Most people have family in the area and will do stuff with them or their friends they've known since grade school. This means you'll feel like an outsider and have a hard time making more than superficial friends unless they too are transplants. On the plus side, the sense of community means that people preserve their neighborhoods pretty well and take pride in their homes, so it's a pretty town to tour around.

[Cliff Clavin]

Originally Posted by sponger42

Bettafish is right. We moved here after living in California, and we can't wait to move back. The major differences:

1. The weather is very cold during the winter, so be prepared to spend about 6-7 months indoors. It's tough to motivate yourself to go to the club or take a stroll to a coffeeshop when it's 10F out. On the plus side you get to experience all the seasons, with an emphasis on winter.

Not to nitpick, but low temps hit 10F or below just 5 times this winter (Jan 2,3,23,24 and 25). We also saw hi temps in the low 60s in January. There is no reason to spend 6-7 months indoors.

[raveabouttoast]

Agreed - it's definitely an exaggeration.

There are harsh days during the winter, but it's not constant. And it certainly doesn't confine you to the indoors for months at a time!

[sponger42]

Originally Posted by Cliff Clavin

There is no reason to spend 6-7 months indoors.

I don't mean in your house, but I mean plan for indoor events. And the cold--even a balmy 40F like today--slush, ice, etc. does put a damper on going out. It's not much fun to have to arrive at an event dressed in survival gear. And there's not too many people at the beach, islands, or playing in the parks right now. That's a big difference from November until May. During these 7 months, the people you see outside are generally either:
1. Hunkered down in their parkas scurrying from their transportation to the bar, shop, or wherever.
2. Cold-looking dog-walkers doing their duty so their dog can do it's.
3. Nutball runners who would probably get their miles in if fire and brimstone were falling from the sky.

Contrast with CA, where the parks, outdoor cafe's, streets, etc. are filled with people year-round save for the occasional rainy day in the winter.

Not saying one is better than the other, just saying that's the difference, as the OP asked. If you like indoor stuff or cozying up inside with a hot drink while 2 feet of snow bury you, then this is the place for you.

-

If you think this is an exaggeration, what are you doing this weekend? Going for a stroll on the beach? Spend a few leisurely hours fishing from the pier? Gonna play a pick-up game of football with some friends in the park? Browsing a farmer's market, or spending a few hours wandering the streets, window shopping? And this weekend is a warm one.

I'll be at an outdoor market, but just long enough to get what I need, and with hat, gloves, and heavy coat in case the wind picks up or Monday's nor'easter blows in early.

[Boston_Burbs]

Originally Posted by sponger42

I don't mean in your house, but I mean plan for indoor events. And the cold--even a balmy 40F like today--slush, ice, etc. does put a damper on going out. It's not much fun to have to arrive at an event dressed in survival gear. And there's not too many people at the beach, islands, or playing in the parks right now. That's a big difference from November until May. During these 7 months, the people you see outside are generally either:
1. Hunkered down in their parkas scurrying from their transportation to the bar, shop, or wherever.
2. Cold-looking dog-walkers doing their duty so their dog can do it's.
3. Nutball runners who would probably get their miles in if fire and brimstone were falling from the sky.

Contrast with CA, where the parks, outdoor cafe's, streets, etc. are filled with people year-round save for the occasional rainy day in the winter.

Not saying one is better than the other, just saying that's the difference, as the OP asked. If you like indoor stuff or cozying up inside with a hot drink while 2 feet of snow bury you, then this is the place for you.

True, its not like CA... but did you expect the winter to not be cold?

[495neighbor]

Originally Posted by sponger42

I don't mean in your house, but I mean plan for indoor events. And the cold--even a balmy 40F like today--slush, ice, etc. does put a damper on going out. It's not much fun to have to arrive at an event dressed in survival gear. And there's not too many people at the beach, islands, or playing in the parks right now. That's a big difference from November until May. During these 7 months, the people you see outside are generally either:
1. Hunkered down in their parkas scurrying from their transportation to the bar, shop, or wherever.
2. Cold-looking dog-walkers doing their duty so their dog can do it's.
3. Nutball runners who would probably get their miles in if fire and brimstone were falling from the sky.

Contrast with CA, where the parks, outdoor cafe's, streets, etc. are filled with people year-round save for the occasional rainy day in the winter.

Not saying one is better than the other, just saying that's the difference, as the OP asked. If you like indoor stuff or cozying up inside with a hot drink while 2 feet of snow bury you, then this is the place for you.

-

If you think this is an exaggeration, what are you doing this weekend? Going for a stroll on the beach? Spend a few leisurely hours fishing from the pier? Gonna play a pick-up game of football with some friends in the park? Browsing a farmer's market, or spending a few hours wandering the streets, window shopping? And this weekend is a warm one.

I'll be at an outdoor market, but just long enough to get what I need, and with hat, gloves, and heavy coat in case the wind picks up or Monday's nor'easter blows in early.

Winter sport enthusiasts love the New England winter — downhill skiing two hours away, cross country skiing in local parks, snowshoeing, winter hikes and outdoor ice skating. I personally love the four seasons, you can keep the earthquakes and brush fires.

[superleggera]

Back Bay would be a good starting point.

[Boston Shudra]

I've never lived in California so I can't offer much.

I had a relative who went to UCLA way back when. She hated LA becauseshe thought it was dirty, overcrowded , and industrial. I'm sure its different nowadays. She really liked San Diego, though!

Originally Posted by sponger42

1. The weather is very cold during the winter, so be prepared to spend about 6-7 months indoors.

What!?!? WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS!?!? Winter only last about 3 months for one thing, and during it one should go skiing/snowboarding or ice skating! Winter outdoor activities are amazing! And Boston's fall, spring, and summer are great!

2. The people are very uptight and insular compared to laid-back transplant Californians.

Ouch!