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6 things that make Boston a great place to live

view of boston from the Charles River

Serving with City Year Boston

Boston is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the Northeast, rapidly excelling in the tech, medical and academic fields. From its rich history to its reputation as one of the most prominent sports cities in the country, there is something for everyone in the city of Boston. If you’ve never considered moving to Boston, read on to learn why you should think about serving with City Year in this quintessential New England city.

Boston is the perfect size.

During the course of your AmeriCorps year, you truly can see and explore the entire city. Not only is the city extremely walkable, but the public transportation (the MBTA) is also incredibly accessible. Boston AmeriCorps members receive free MBTA passes, which not only allows you to get to and from work with ease—it helps you become familiar and immersed in the communities you will serve.

This is the best place to immerse yourself in all four seasons.

In the fall, enjoy some iconic New England leaf peeping and head to a nearby orchard to pick apples. In the winter, hop on the MBTA (and ride for free with your pass!) to hit the ski slopes. In the spring, enjoy music festivals like Boston Calling. The 2019 event, happening May 24-26, includes headliners Twenty-One Pilots, Travis Scott and comedians Michael Che, Fred Armisen and more. In Summer, soak up the sun at Carson Beach, Castle Island and Fort Independence (where poet Edgar Allan Poe was stationed during the Civil War) in South Boston or enjoy free, outdoor fitness classes throughout the city.

Just off the shore of Boston Harbor are 34 islands that make up Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park.

Board a ferry at Long Wharf and enjoy the magnificent views as you ride out to the islands. Whether you like camping, kayaking, fishing, hiking or the beach, the park has something for you.

Hungry?

The city is an epicenter for cultural cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for West Indian roti, Dominican, legendary Haitian paté, bahn mí, or Cape Verdean cuisine, delicious local restaurants are right around the corner. There’s a debate about who makes the best roti in Boston, but we think both Ali’s Roti Restaurant and Singh’s Roti Shop are amazing.

Boston is rich with history—both for City Year and for our entire country.

The Freedom Trail connects 16 landmarks, museums, churches and burying grounds across the city. Join a guided tour or opt to explore the route independently. Take a 2.5-mile stroll past John Handcock’s grave, Paul Revere’s house and the oldest commissioned warship afloat, Old Ironsides, and immerse yourself in the moments that shaped our nation. Most of the historic stops along this path are free, and those that charge are only a few dollars admission per person!

It’s hard not to catch baseball fever in this city.

Boston’s beloved Red Sox, the 2018 World Series champions, have played at Fenway Park since 1912. Fenway is the oldest major league ballpark still in use and is considered one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country. Some blockbuster hits such as Fever Pitch and The Town and many others were also filmed at Fenway park. We weren’t kidding when we said there was lots of history here. Plus, if baseball isn’t your thing, Boston has a huge presence in the sports world in general, with successful football, basketball and hockey teams in addition to baseball.

But the best part of living in Boston and working at City Year? We think it’s the students we serve and the great sense of community, no matter what neighborhood you’re in.

City Year and the Boston community

City Year is a key partner to Boston Public Schools (BPS) in realizing its vision to create equitable learning opportunities for all students and develop the city’s future leaders. AmeriCorps members support teachers and staff in delivering instruction that serves the development of the whole child and is responsive to the diverse racial, cultural and linguistic needs of Boston youth. By engaging students, families and community organizations, City Year helps BPS achieve equity, access and results for all students.

City Year Boston currently serves in 23 Boston Public Schools where need or challenges are highly concentrated. Across these partner schools, AmeriCorps members engage with 12,000 students in need of extra support and resources in order to stay on track and to graduate on time.

Ready to serve with City Year? Connect with us today:

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