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‘A more livable city’: Here’s why readers prefer Boston to NYC
Boston.com readers shared their thoughts on the pros and cons of each city.
Boston.com readers are loyal to their city, especially when it’s pitted against New York City.
After a New York Post columnist recently wrote that Boston gave New Yorkers a glimpse at “what their city could be like,” we posed the question to Boston.com readers: What’s the better city, Boston or New York?
Boston won out in the end, but it wasn’t the landslide you might imagine. Sixty-six percent of the 368 people who responded to our poll voted for Boston as the superior city.
“With lots of Northeastern similarities between NYC and Boston (i.e. steep history, Americana, food, shopping, theater district, seaport ambiance, brownstone home), Boston still seems to be easier to navigate around and into than NYC,” Tony B. from Harvard shared. “Lush suburbs, the beaches, and all the beautiful New England towns are also very quickly accessible. I LOVE this the most about Boston!”
Which is the better city?
Boston
66%
New York City
34%
Paul from Charlestown said he lived in Manhattan for six years before landing in Boston and said he has love for both cities.
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“New York City is a melting pot of culture, and opportunities are everywhere,” he said. “NYC is a great city for a young professional. Boston is a more livable city and allows for people to raise families in the city.”
Livable, family-friendly environments were pros for Boston echoed by several readers. Boston is ranked as one of the top 20 places to live in the country by U.S. News & World Report. New York City didn’t break the top 100.
For the New York City defenders among our respondents, the answer to the question how does New York City compare to Boston, the answer was simple: You can’t compete where you don’t compare.
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“One should not compare first-rate cities to second-rate cities,” a reader from Boston said. “Boston is charming but lacks first-rate cultural institutions.”
The reader makes a bold claim, but Boston’s long list of arts, entertainment, and historical centers might beg to differ. Even Boston’s biggest fans could admit that there was a lot about New York City that Boston doesn’t live up to — particularly when it comes to late-night options.
“Boston has almost all of what NYC has (aside from things like Broadway and broadcast studios, and a real late night scene) in a much more compact package,” Will C. from Brockton said. “In other words, NYC is so big and has so much there [that] it suffers from the law of diminishing returns, whereas in Boston, the whole city is at your fingertips.”
There’s a lot to love about both cities and regardless of where they land on this debate, Boston.com readers were eager to share why they think one city is better than the other. Below you’ll find a sampling of responses from readers sharing why they’d pick Boston or New York.
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Some entries may be edited for length and clarity.
“Boston is much more authentic.”
“Boston has all the advantages of a small town and all the advantages of a big city. And this is not to be taken for granted as cities of similar size often have all the disadvantages of a small town and all the disadvantages of a big city. Another thing I love about Boston is that public spaces are not designed to be attractive to tourists but to be enjoyed by residents. Finally, the snow. There is some snow in NYC, but winter in Boston is much more authentic.” — Daniel, Brookline
“I love the history and tradition. That people who have lived here a long time still hold onto old names … and places. I love the younger generation that goes to school here and stays. And I love that we all think we are smarter and better than everywhere else!” — Michelle, formerly of Dorchester
“Boston has a scale that is perfect for the human traveler. It’s easy and even pleasant to walk around. Look around as you walk and see the beautiful buildings and houses. Get lost in the North End and then treat yourself to a pastry. The parks are cleaner than in NYC. The subways aren’t great, but they actually are less sketchy than NYC. It’s easy to escape Boston and access oceans and mountains. Go hiking and skiing close to the city and catch a show at ART before it goes to Broadway and the price of tickets triple in price. Appreciate the best health care and colleges in the country. Sure, it’s pricey, but that’s because everyone knows it’s so awesome!” — MEA, Somerville
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“I’m an NYC native. I came up here for school. Boston is way more manageable than NYC. It’s cheaper and more convenient. You can also own a car and still live in the city. Boston has all the benefits of big city living with the cozy feel of a town. Boston offers all four major professional sports that are also competitive. World-class schools, medical, tech, finance, etc. Tons of jobs and waaaaay safer than NYC. Boston is also prettier, cleaner, and more historically intact. Also, Boston is full of young people. Boston has its own flavor. That’s why I choose to live here.” — Jason C., East Boston
“Boston is relatively clean and easy to navigate on foot and/or MBTA and the neighborhood community vibe still exists. Not to mention traveling less than 30-45 min drive outside the city brings you to some beautiful New England farm towns and seaport villages.” — Steve K., Boston
“Well, having grown up in and near NY and having then chosen to be here for the last 40 years, I can say that there are several comparably attractive aspects of Boston. 1) It’s big but not too big 2) Has many historic attractions and many of these still have practical functions! 3) It’s much more attractive with a more European look 4) Has the No. 1 science community in all the world 5) I simply despise the Yankees (always have).” — Keith S., Hyde Park
“Friendlier people, usually. Better sports venues and fans, better food (well, Maine lobster), safer and easier to understand subway system, proximity to the rest of Northern New England (Maine lobster, again)…” — Bob, formerly of Medford
“NYC has more character.”
“New York is vibrant! Boston is a great place to live but the city has many issues that often get brushed under the carpet…also nightlife can not be beaten in New York.” — Tyler F., Quincy
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“Boston only thinks they are a ‘big’ city — and there is obviously a chip on the shoulder. Boston is as expensive as NYC but without the perks and glory. We both are overcrowded and have a major rat problem but the similarities end there!” — S, Boston
“Having lived in Boston from 2005-2010 and New York from 2010-present, I would have to say New York is a better city, despite recent public safety issues. There is an actual street grid in Manhattan above 14th street along with a more reliable mass transit network making it easier to move around town. New York also has countless more restaurants, nightlife venues, and cultural attractions across the five boroughs that attract people from around the world. We also have better airport service with JFK, LaGuardia, and nearby Newark airports serving countless destinations. While Boston has won more sports championships in recent years, has a number of world-class colleges and universities, along with a great park system, New York is still the place to be!” — Peter N., New York
“The question is “Which is the better city?” but only one real “city” is listed as an option; Boston is a homogenous village with some city features. I grew up in Boston indoctrinated with the sheltered outlook that Boston was no different than New York, but having lived in NYC for 6+ years before moving back to the Boston ‘burbs, I’ve grown to appreciate both places and how drastically different they are. We Bostonians have a chip on our shoulder and feel the need to tell everyone that we are the best city in the world. But I’m sorry, we’re not and that’s ok. Mark Wahlberg is not a good actor, Legal Seafoods isn’t great nautical fare, and we are not a culturally diverse city because we have elite universities within city limits.” — Mike, Hingham
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“NYC has more character. The pockets within the city are unique and find a way to feel endless; regardless of just being a few blocks. It’s much more lively. There is happy hour and great utilization of outdoor space despite the size. Also, pizza by the slice is far more frequent and common and better in NYC. Boston has the worst late-night food options.” — Michael G., East Boston
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
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