Is anyone in Boston/Cambridge?

[RPoo]

There is a possible job there for DH. What do we need to think about? Obviously the weather is extremely seasonal. There is a British school there which is a consideration. Is there a strong ex-pat community/easy to meet people?

[Scotinoz]

Not anymore, but I lived in Boston for three years and left five years ago.

Rent can be expensive, but it was a state requirement that heat and hot water is part of the rental charge.

Parking is a nightmare and pricey, but the public transport system (the 'T') is great.

It is cold in the winter, snow sometimes lies from December to March, but it's a different kind of cold. It's not wet, and usually accompanied by blue sky and sunshine. Temps can get down to feeling -15/-20. The city is very organised though and doesn't really stop for snow.

Don't know about schooling - didn't have kids in those days.

I loved my time there - really liveable, great bars, restaurants, museums, galleries etc. Airport was 30 mins by public transport, and loads of affordable domestic and international flights.

[Scotinoz]

Forgot to add, I found it easy to meet people but I was at the going out/drinking/dating stage. There are always expat groups though.

[mathanxiety]

Great Schools site has lots of ways to sort through schools - test data, ethnic breakdown, residential boundaries, etc.

If you choose a public school, choose carefully and be aware that catchment boundaries are strictly enforced. If you choose the British school or any other private school you can be completely flexible about where you live, but make sure you know how long it will take you to get there and for pickup. The British International School is a bit removed from Cambridge and across the river, which reduces your choice of routes. Mixed reviews for the British School...

Chat about neighbourhoods.

Boston in general has a lot of expats, especially Irish expats. Cambridge is quite international, and has a large 'transient' community of postgrads, academics, etc. It's a lively town.