Why we love Boston

From sultry summer days at Fenway Park to the city’s many iconic historical landmarks, there’s a lot to love about Boston. We asked our readers what it is about the city that they love so much. Here’s what some of you had to say.

Submit: What do you love about Boston?

While in Ireland last semester, all I could think of was how much I missed Boston and its people. I still remember taking the 504 Express Bus after being away for three months and tearing up when I saw the beautiful skyline. In that moment, I knew there was nowhere else I’d rather call home.

-Cindy, from Watertown

Pictured: Boston’s skyline at dusk.

I had the distinct pleasure of living and working in the Boston area about 10 years ago. I fondly recall the commuter rail, taking advantage of walking from South Station through Downtown Crossing in nice weather, shopping at Filene’s Basement, Chinatown, the North End, the South End — the list goes on and on. I feel that Boston will always be a part of me.

-J. Buchanan, from Raleigh, N.C.

Pictured: South Station.

My first July 4th at the Esplanade, a friendly Saudi couple, both grad students, sat next to us on the riverbank. They asked about the holiday, and the history of our city and country. A lively discussion with the inquisitive newcomers followed. The husband bought us all ice cream cones to celebrate! It was a lovely night and an example of Boston’s best-kept secret: we’re diverse, we’re welcoming, we’re open, we’re America old and new.

-Emily, from Watertown

Pictured: The Esplanade.

The National Anthem at the Garden with Rene Rancourt and 18,000 Bruins fans Wednesday night says it all. That was awesome!

-Gary, from Boston

I love Boston because it is my hometown. I was born in Southie, raised in Quincy, and always wanted to move back to Boston. I have worked in Boston, played in Boston, enjoyed concerts, plays, hockey games, baseball games. I love the Common. It was our family Christmas tradition to go see Jordan Marsh’s windows, then on to the Common for the beautifully decorated trees and the live nativity scene (those were the days). In summer, FROG POND!

-Gayle Baranow Bielech, from Philadelphia

Pictured: The Boston Common tree lighting ceremony.

I was at the Marathon cheering on my wife. I made a trek to Wellesley Hills to watch from there before heading to watch the end. I met a very sweet couple and struck up a conversation. This past week they wrote a letter to the editor in the Chicago Tribune. They were trying to find out if my wife and I were OK. In less than an hour, Bill and Sharon have touched my wife and I for the rest of our lives. Their earnestness in tracking us down is beyond words and thanks. While Boston may look after their own – they look after others. The people are what make Boston incredibly remarkable. Stay strong – Boston Strong.

-Brian Williams, from St. Charles, Ill.

Pictured: Wellesley Hills Congregational Church found along the marathon route.

I love the Make Way for Ducklings ducks in the Public Garden.

-ACK, from Washington D.C.

I have been to Boston several times. It is a great city, my favorite in the US. The mix of the history and the culture through the universities in Boston with the blue collar working class that have driven the city for so many years. The diversity with the Italians and the Irish and the strong sports culture, just make it a fantastic place.

On the whole people in Boston, in all of my experiences, are real friendly. Tough people, but friendly. I was so mad this happened to them and on Patriots Day. But I will be back there in September, sitting on the Green Monster at Fenway and more determined than ever to celebrate all that is great about living and loving being in a free choice-filled society.

-Brett Andrews, from Wollongong, Australia

Pictured: Fenway Park’s Green Monster seats.

When I was 8 I visited Boston for the first time with my family, I remember walking the streets with my dad as he pointed out historic sights, visiting the Old North Church and Bunker Hill. I was overcome by the sense of history and how friendly people in Boston were. I consider Boston a second home and know it takes more than a cowards act to beat down the spirit of the people of this great city. All over this country We Are All Bostonians!

-Marsha Hyatt, from King George, Va.

Pictured: Bunker Hill Monument.

Just a week ago, I took my son to the Boston Public Library. We stumbled into a section full of Russian-language books. I told my 6-year-old that this is one of the reasons to love Boston. It has one of the best public libraries in the country, it lets anyone read any book in any language they want. They just have to walk into this amazing place and have the freedom to be whoever they want to be. Boston is an extremely noble place where knowledge is prized. Boston is glorious.

-KSE, from Boston

My husband is from just north of Boston and from the first time I visited, I knew that it was special. Ice skating on the Frog Pond, Quincy Market, the Common and Public Garden… It was amazing! I was lucky enough to live in JP for a few years and Boston became my HOME. Even though it can be a bit gruff and cold at times, the joy, inspiration and infectious happiness of Marathon Monday is unlike any other. Boston you are in my blood and in my heart.

-Michelle Nobrega-Lee, from Knoxville, Tenn.

Pictured: Frog Pond.

Even though I find myself in other cities thinking I need to “broaden my horizons,’’ I find myself thinking back to all the walks and memories that could only have happened there. My favorite church in the entire world with the most amazing community is on Boylston: Old South Church in Copley Square. Places like that one show me how the city is always brimming with the best that a family of neighbors have to offer. No matter how time passes, I walk down streets in Boston and feel like I’m home.

-Dan, from Gales Ferry, Conn.

I’ve spent many happy holidays in the Boston area. Love the city and its people. A Sunday morning stroll down Newbury Street is what I miss the most!

-Paula Rogers, from Manchester, U.K.

Pictured: Newbury Street.

Growing up in Maine, we took yearly school trips to Boston – Aquarium, Museum of Science, Old North Church. As an adult, I moved to Boston, but I didn’t move to a strange city. I moved to a city that already had my heart. After a couple years, my career took me to San Francisco. They say people leave their hearts there. Not me. I moved to San Francisco, but I left my heart in Boston.

My husband ran Boston in 2011. Best. Race. Ever. I’m also a runner and forever more, I run for Boston. B Strong.

-Liz Covert, from Los Angeles

Pictured: New England Aquarium

My daughter went to Emerson College in Boston. I loved going there to drop her off for the school year, spend time there, see the Sox play, browse on Newbury Street, walk through the Public Garden. I love that it is a walkable city. I love the history. I love the people and the neighborhoods. I am so upset by this tragedy but I know Bostonians will bounce back. You will do it.

-Ed, from Lewes, Del.

Pictured: the Public Garden.

I loved driving down Storrow Drive along the Charles River, hanging out in Cambridge, grabbing a bite to eat on Newbury Street, having drinks on Lansdowne Street, and walking around Faneuil Hall. It’s been 7 years since I moved away, I miss and love you Boston!

-David, from Florida

Pictured: The sun setting over the Charles River looking west from Storrow Drive.

My cousin and I did sailing lessons on the Charles for a dollar (before they cleaned out the river) and she fell in. On the way home on the Red Line, no one would sit near us, we smelled so bad. Love that dirty water.

-DB, from Lexington

I have lived in the San Francisco Bay area since 1976, but was born in Boston, grew up in West Roxbury, went to the Randall G. Morris Elementary School, Girls Latin and Rozzie High – then graduated from Simmons and have an MEd from BU. Although I have lived in Berkeley for the past 25 years, I am still Boston through and through – and never more so than the past few days. And, my Berkeley-born daughter – now 26 – left sunny California to attend Emerson College after falling in love with Boston after a summer at Berklee College of Music. She too loves Boston – and we share that love together.

I love Commonwealth Avenue, the Public Gardens, the Swan Boats, Fenway Park, the Esplanade, and the beautiful Arboretum in Jamaica Plain. I miss Boston terribly, and never more so than now. My heart is with everyone there as you all go through this very trying and wrenching time.

-Miriam Maxwell, from Berkley, Calif.

Pictured: The Arboretum in Jamaica Plain.

As a toddler, I had a relative that lived at Phillips and West Cedar, the north side of Beacon Hill. Every time I visited, which was often, my aunt made sure that Boston held something exciting and new to do and Boston remains so – a place that is filled with new and exciting. I love it.

-Bob Mersereau, from Shrewsbury

Pictured: A snow covered Beacon Hill.

Jamaica Pond. Fenway. The shops on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain. The running trails along the Charles. All of the hole-in-the-wall shops and restaurants and events that build community and connections — even though it’s a world-class city, you never feel anonymous in Boston. I fell in love with Boston the moment I set foot there, and its streets and nooks and crannies still have my heart. Proud to have been a Bostonian, if only for a few too-brief years.

-Lauren Catlett, from Albany, N.Y.

Pictured: Jamaica Pond.

I first visited Boston in a business trip in 2003. Loved the visits to Harvard, MIT, Science Museum and the atmosphere. Then, in the next 3 years came back for the same purpose. Became a Sox and a Celtics fan, visited the marvelous Fenway Park, walked all around downtown. Always had a nice felling. Last year, in the vacation of my new job in Brazil, chose Boston to spend a week. Everything is special in Boston’s history. I’m sure I’ll be up there in the 2014 Marathon! Stay Strong Boston!

-Marcos Santos, from Sao Paulo, Brazil

Pictured: The Alchemist sculpture at MIT.

I’m a just turned 57-year-old lifelong resident of New York City. I’ve been a Bruins fan for about 50 of those years. I have made many trips to Boston to see the Bruins play and in doing so have visited most parts of this great American city. I love Beacon Hill, The Public Gardens, Boston Common, the Back Bay, the North End, and the historic trail just to name a few places. I’m a Yankees fan but have toured Fenway, baseball history at its finest! Go Bruins, Go Boston. You will always be in my heart and soul!

-Russ Citron, from New York City

Pictured: Group tour at Fenway Park.

I have fond memories of growing up in Dorchester, St. Peter’s neighborhood. Being a family of ten, we have lots of stories to remember. Knowing your neighbors made up strong neighborhoods.

I am BOSTON STRONG – DORCHESTER PROUD!

-Cathy G. Rizz, from Weymouth

Pictured: St. Peter’s basketball league in Ronan Park in Dorchester.

I love Boston! Rich in history and tradition, it the birth place of our great country. I have never lived in Boston but have always felt apart of this great American city. With the intent of instilling Boston and American history, we walked the Freedom Trail along with your many beautiful historic placed, when my now grown children were young.

If my funds would allow, Boston would be my home. My youngest lives in Quincy. How dare someone(s) come to this city of grace and committ such unspeakable carnage.

God bless Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United States of America. We are with you Boston. Deep sympathies to all who lost loved ones, friends, and injuries. Hats off to all who so bravely rushed in to assist.

-Patrice Kelly, from Sarasota, Fla.

Pictured: Freedom Trail.

Why Do I love Boston? Because it is a city where I can go and find peace. Newton, Cambridge, Copley Square, Boston Common Park, so many places where I can feel at home. Boston is always there with arms wide opened!

-Alberto Rios, from Monterrey, Mexico

Pictured: Boston Common Park.

I was born in Dorchester, went to St. Kevin Grammar School, Cardinal Cushing High School and Boston City Hospital Nursing School. Those buildings are long gone. But they are a part of me. My brothers and I played kick the can on the street, baseball in a parking lot and threw pimple balls against the wall of St. Margaret’s Hospital. We shopped at Elm Farm in Uphams Corner and occasionally went to see a movie at the Strand. Boston is in my child hood. It’s comfort and nostalgia. It’s in my blood.

-Pam Hamilton, from Milton

Pictured: Strand Theatre

Boston has raised me since I was a little kid. It is impossible to imagine what I would be now if I grew up in a different city, one without the T or Newbury or Kendall Square or the Common or the ICA or everything that has had an impact in my life.

-RF, from Belmont

Pictured: The boarded deck of the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art).