Welcome to Boston!
While Boston’s nickname is “The Hub,” known for being a vibrant center for academia, business, tech and medicine, some students in Boston face significant challenges every day. Together we can help students build on their strengths and thrive.
Living in Boston
The city is considered a world leader in innovation, education and the arts and is an ideal place to spend a year making an impact. With a strong culture and rich history, Boston is a welcoming and energetic city that is full of young professionals and diverse leadership. We are so excited to help you make this great city your new home.
- Find housing in Boston using Hotpads
- Public transportation is great for getting around the city, and the Orange and Red lines are MBTA-accessible to many of our schools. City Year AmeriCorps members receive a free Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) pass each month for the year, which is for unlimited use of the subway and bus.
- There are plenty of cheap eats and free activities around the city, or look into Boston’s SNAP: Food Assistance program.
- On average, AmeriCorps members find affordable living in Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, Roxbury and Roslindale, and each pay between $500–$700/month with two to three roommates.
This year, 300 City Year AmeriCorps members will support over 15,000 students in 28 Boston schools.
Learn what it means to serve in Boston.
Learn more about living and serving in Boston firsthand.
Helpful links for your City Year in Boston
- Explore Boston’s world-class museums on Free Museum Days, or all of the free movies and concerts happening throughout the year
- Consult The Boston Calendar, The Boston Globe news + events calendar, Boston’s list of Farmers’ Markets for more fun things to do on a budget
- Borrow passes from the Boston Public Library for entrance to museums and other local attractions
- Download the free Freedom Trail app and take a self-guided tour of Boston’s historic landmarks
- Listen to renowned authors at Harvard Bookstore Readings/Signings
