How to Survive in Boston as a San Franciscan? (live, train)

[mmyk72]

Don't expect strangers to say hi to you or wave with a big smile. But if you strike up a conversation, people are in general friendly. I moved here 10+ yrs ago and in the first month, ram my car into the curb (fell asleep at the wheel) and a stranger stopped, helped change my flat, and made sure I got to a repair shop. That was Incredible.

You will encounter many types of people: busy city people who just want to get from A to B, friendly soccer moms in the suburb, grumpy old folks, warm and helpful Neighbors hopefully,... So pls just come with an open mind. If you are a decent human being them you don't have much to worry about to fit in.

[Bettafish]

I'm Chinese and I haven't encountered any racist remarks here. However people do seem to be on the cold side. None of the neighbors asked me where I'm from or what I do. Hard to make friends.

[scratchie]

Originally Posted by Bettafish

I'm Chinese and I haven't encountered any racist remarks here. However people do seem to be on the cold side. None of the neighbors asked me where I'm from or what I do. Hard to make friends.

People definitely aren't likely to talk to strangers in Boston, although as others have said, they're often friendly if you talk to them. I remember being out of college, and a southern friend of mine came to visit me in Somerville. We were walking down the street and she said hi to one of my neighbors who was sitting on her porch. I had literally never seen someone do something like that in my life.

[G-fused]

Your coming from SF to Boston. I think your making waaaaay too big of a deal about fitting in. It's a bit bizarre really.

And come on, please. Boston is a major metro. Known as a progressive, smart, liberal place, everyone knows that right? And you are questioning if you would have any issues being Asian! That's bizarre.

I don't understand your concern. I honestly thought this was going to be a thread about how you would tolerate the weather.

[blut0fu]

Originally Posted by G-fused

Your coming from SF to Boston. I think your making waaaaay too big of a deal about fitting in. It's a bit bizarre really.

And come on, please. Boston is a major metro. Known as a progressive, smart, liberal place, everyone knows that right? And you are questioning if you would have any issues being Asian! That's bizarre.

I don't understand your concern. I honestly thought this was going to be a thread about how you would tolerate the weather.

Everybody I know knows me as someone with seemingly exaggerated and unearthly concerns and I can't really control that. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Yankeemama]

I moved from S.F. as a native to NYC in mid 90's but spent a good amount of time in Boston. I am mixed race and I never had a problem in Boston based on my hometown. Actually people from the East coast compare Boston to S.F. and I never heard any negative stereotypes about San Fraciscans, in general. Good luck to you. Boston is very pretty city but make sure to layer during the Winter as going from freezing temps outside to heated air inside requires layering.

[495neighbor]

In pockets of towns like Malden or Waltham you may have some resentment most likely a dirty look or two from residual townies who resent the achievements and success of "them foreigners." Most people like that are losers so they won't be the people you will be courting as friends anyway.

[Oistrakh12]

Be prepared to cook at home a lot more. Boston does not have nearly the depth or breadth of ethnic food options as SF.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by blut0fu

I've heard that Bostonians view San Franciscans as obnoxious and ingenuine, and that Bostonians are rather cold but genuine people; so I need to learn how to be accepted rather quickly.

I lived in SF, and I didn't find people obnoxious. Certainly in-genuine.

This is an easy place to live, honestly.

[mdovell]

Surprised no one has said it. It is probably one of the best sports scenes in the country.
Baseball, basketball, football and ice hockey. It wasn't that long ago that most teams were pretty bad. Three world series, three superbowls, a nba championship and stanley cup changed that. While it is true that the football games are further out it still will be in the bars.

Due to the high number of schools moving day and graduation day naturally you'd probably want to know. Once I decided to visit the MIT museum and didn't know it was graduation day. On the plus side there was plenty of coffee and free lunch :-D

As said earlier this is not a place where people are in your face with issues. Yes there might be a protest but this is a far cry from Berkley.

The transit is better then BART. I'd argue that Boston, NYC and DC have pretty much the best public transit in the country at least in terms of rail. You can walk across Boston but I will say there is no Happy Hour.

I don't think you'll find the summers and springs to be bad. But you do have to prepare a bit for the winter. I'm sure you have a bit of cold in SF but snow is pretty rare. Inches if not feet can happen although this year so far has been easy.