As I have written in my biography, I have recently moved to the city to live in a $500-a-month sublet and work downtown. I’ve only been in the city full-time for about a month now - but oh, my, the things I have learned. The city has already changed me, and by the end of the summer hopefully it will have changed me for the better.
Here are ten things that nobody bothers to warn you about when you live in the city.
1. There are two extremes of people.
If you plan on walking around Boston alone frequently, you should know that their are two types of people in this world. The ones that smile at you as you walk by maybe even wave, usually act way over-friendly making you highly uncomfortable and then there's the people that give you the dirtiest look you’ll even get in your life - the kind that will stick with you. (PSA: if you walk into the street when the walk signal isn’t on a car will not stop just to, ya know, save your life.)
2. You will develop a new love for ethnic foods.
Growing up in a small town in New Hampshire, I don’t think that their is even an Indian food place in my entire county. Now I could be wrong about that, but not one that I have ever heard of. I also never knew how lacking I was in quality Mexican food. I was missing out on a whole new world of delicious food to explore by ordering my classic chicken tenders and fries at one of the few good restaurants from my home area.
3. The pace? It's fast.
The only people you will ever see looking relaxed or strolling around slowly and not sprint walking are tourists. People who live and work here look like they are constantly on a mission 24/7. Everyone is more focused, serious and aggressive. Learning how to walk so fast and at times run to catch the T was a big adjustment for me.
4. The PEOPLE.
Okay, so, yes. Everyone knows that there are a lot of people in Boston, and this one may seem obvious. But the PEOPLE. This is one of the many things I love about Boston, and one that will hopefully change me for the better. Every time you step outside, you are on a whole new adventure - you could be riding the T with someone that will find the cure to cancer someday. Seeing so many people from all walks of life at every moment of each day is both inspiring and exciting.
5. More people: specifically, the college students.
The college students in Boston are a whole separate breed of Bostonians, and unlike any other college students in any other city. Each college in Boston seems to have its own identity and culture. It’s almost as if you can tell exactly which college someone goes to just by looking at them, or by listening to a 60-second conversation. I believe that college is a time to get out of your comfort zone and meet people that are different from you. Another unmistakable characteristic of these students is how they strut around EVERYWHERE, from to T to the Top of the Hub, with this insane confidence when they are in a crew of people. Like they own the entire city. No hate here, props to anyone with that kind of confidence, but... really?
6. You will develop a newfound hatred of non-Boston sports fans...
Have I become obnoxious? Probably, yes. BUT. Why the hell would anyone wear a Yankees hat on a day that the Yankees aren't even playing, in the middle of Boston? What reason is there? Boston sports fans have been known to be passionately rowdy, so, like, WHAT are you doing? And why does this all of a sudden annoy me, when it never has in my life? IDK, LMK.
7. ...and a newfound intolerance for people asking you for money.
Me? ME? Are you talking to me? If I had money to give to anyone. I wouldn’t be packing Cheerios in a plastic bag for my lunch. This one is a little interesting, though. Having understanding and empathy for those less fortunate is important. Being a tourist in the city, you don’t have to see the same people sitting on the same corner every day. But when you live in the city, you see these people every day. So, if you stop to give these people financial support every time they ask, how will you pay rent? Is a couple dollars really going to help? It’s hard to look these people in the eye every time I pass them, but I think that’s the most valuable support I have to offer them - because I certainly don’t have money.
8. You're beginning a journey of self-discovery.
Spending so much time having to figure things out yourself and overcome the obstacles that come with a drastic change in location like this really forces you to get to know yourself. How you solve problems, what your strengths and weaknesses are and etc.
9. The fashion is unlike that of any other city.
Boston, as a whole, has a very unique style. It's somewhere between New York’s high-fashion and New England’s IDGAF attitude. I tend to see neutral toned clothing frequently, however, people do wear a lot of fun shoes, hats and sunglasses! When the weather is nice colors come out. Also no brief cases most business people I see use backpacks or just big bags. This isn’t everyone! There is actually a lot of variety and unique looks to keep people watching interesting. But how I would describe the average Bostonian style. Living in the city has made me make a pact to sell the majority of my clothes and get all new ones in an effort to maintain individuality.
10. The coffee.
Residents of cities from all over the country, especially here in Boston, seem to be more particular about their coffee than in the small town that I am from. Coffee shops are a big industry in Boston. Personally, my morning Dunkin Donuts ritual works just fine for me. Sometimes, attempting to go to these wildly successful, independently-owned places downtown in the morning is SO intimidating. Everyone there is paying close attention to exactly where their coffee beans originate from, just how their beans are ground and roasted, and of course, making sure that the exact right amount of caffeine is in their drink. Who knew that ordering your morning beverage was a whole science?
