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Is Boston a caring city? Readers ‘respectfully disagree.’
A recent WalletHub study ranked Boston No. 3 in the country. Some readers, however, have a different experience.
The Northeast is known for being straightforward. So, when we asked readers for their reactions to New England’s largest city ranking No. 3 for most caring place in the nation, we received some disagreement.
“I respectfully disagree! A so-called ‘caring’ study not including how more than half motorists behave on public roadway doesn’t make any sense to say the least,” wrote Julie from Andover.
In a study released by WalletHub last week, Boston came in third for the most caring city in the U.S., following Scottsdale, Arizona in second place and Virginia Beach, Virginia in first. The list analyzed 100 U.S. cities and ranked them on a caring-scale of donation to charity, volunteer rates, and professions that require care for others, like teaching, social work, and medicine among other qualifying attributes.
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In an informal poll, we asked readers if they agreed with the ranking. Out of more than three dozen responses, most readers said no, citing Boston’s history of segregation, not-so-nice drivers, and notorious East Coast attitude for why they don’t agree with earning third place.
Is Boston a caring city?
Yes
27%
No
70%
Other
3%
Julie from Andover cited a recent study that ranked Mass. drivers the worst in the country, which included categories like failure to yield, not signaling, hit-and-runs, and safety violations like tailgating and passing a bus.
In true Boston fashion, another reader felt that the opinion of outsiders doesn’t matter.
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“Most of us in Boston couldn’t care less about others we don’t know,” wrote Philip W. from Boston.
Those who agree with the ranking say that it does accurately represent who the people of Boston are at their core.
“In Boston (and general New England), we are kind, not nice,” wrote Mia from Boston. “We may not say hello to you on the street, but if you are stranded during a snow storm on I-95, we will pull over and help you as much as we can. We don’t need to ‘show off’ our kindness in these parts.”
On the category donating to charity, one reader noted: “There are many Philanthropic groups that operate out of Boston!”
Depending on your experience, Boston may feel like a caring place or the exact opposite. But, the study — and our readers — seem to at least recognize the city has grit.
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