Boston: more than a feeling Disadvantages?
The big city vibe is inclusive without being overwhelming, finds Shaun Kennedy.
What is your full name and where are you from?
Shaun Kennedy. Norfolk Island, but I lived in Whangarei from 2000, and Dunedin from 2008.
What inspired your move, and how long have you been there?
I’ve been living in Boston since March of 2015. I moved so that I could work in politics – I initially wanted to work as a legislative aide, and the scope of opportunity in America was what attracted me. I went there on an exchange visa, got work as a policy advisor, and I’m lucky enough to now be sponsored for a work visa.
What do you do there?
Broadly, I work as a political consultant. More specifically, I manage the day-to-day operations of a nonprofit that educates community members on how to run political and advocacy campaigns, and produces resources to help under-represented communities better advocate for themselves on civic issues. I’m somewhat of a mix between campaign manager and educator.
What are the greatest advantages to living there?
Boston is a really neat city. There are 700,000 residents of the city itself, but 4.5 million in the surrounding area. That makes for a ‘‘big city’’ feel, without being overwhelmed or feeling stifled by a lack of uniqueness. And that contrast is perpetuated in a lot of elements of the city; most of the city’s attractions are ‘‘outdoor’’ and ‘‘active’’ places; you have a beautiful coastline, and expansive countryside; the architecture ranges from Georgian colonial buildings to skyscrapers, and they’re often right next to each other; and it has an amazing history but a young average age of residents. The disadvantages are much the same as any big city. Rent is high, the subway doesn’t always work on time, it’s unlikely that you’ll have an engaging conversation with a stranger just because you’re in the same place at the same time. It’s all standard fare, and barely noticeable when weighed against the benefit of having so much available to you 24/7.
How expensive is it compared to New Zealand? How much is a beer?
The cost of living is certainly higher than New Zealand, and I’d say that’s mostly because of rent prices. Innercity in Boston is close to double the price of NZ, but moving just outside of the city drops that dramatically, and public transportation is inexpensive and (mostly) reliable. Utilities, clothes, and transport are cheaper in Boston, and groceries probably level out. A beer can cost between $3 and $7 for a pint, depending on what you’re drinking. There are some very good local breweries though. Boston’s high cost of living goes hand in hand with a high median income.
What do you do in your spare time?
Summer makes for a very active time in the city. There are always free outdoor concerts, and activities in Boston’s numerous green spaces. So there’s always something happening – even if it’s just a game of cornhole at the Lawn on D, or relaxing in the Common. That made exploring the city, when I first got here, really fun and easy to do. I wasn’t just checking out a neighbourhood, I was getting a show or something thrown in there as well. Winter is a lot harder because of the snowfall, but there are loads of museums, a great aquarium, and the best sports teams in the country.
What’s the local delicacy, and would you recommend it?
That’s either a lobster roll or clam chowder. Yes to both, because Boston has amazing seafood.
Easiest way to get around?
You can walk around the city fairly easily. The subway (aka ‘‘the T’’) is a good option, but navigating the different lines and their destinations can be difficult at first.
What’s the shopping like?
Good variety of department stores and boutique shops. The Back Bay area, which is fairly central in the city, has upscale designer stores, and larger chains and malls nearby, so it’s easy on any budget. There’s also a boutique sneaker shop hidden behind a vending machine if you can find it.
Best after-dark activity?
Enjoying some of the fresh seafood on offer, followed by drinks at one of the many ‘‘speak-easy’’-style bars, and a walk through the city.
Best time of year to visit?
Fall, autumn – whatever you want to call it, makes for a very colourful city.
What are the top three things you recommend for visitors?
1. Walk the Freedom Trail to get a good, pedestrian-friendly tour of the city and its history. 2. Patio dining is really popular. There are some great restaurants that have patios overlooking the city in the warmer months. 3. Don’t be afraid to get out of the city proper. The surrounding cities (Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline) are perfect to enjoy those less-touristy activities and they are very easy to get to.
Besides family and friends, what do you miss most about home?
As a rule, pies in America don’t have meat in them. Nothing beats a steak and cheese.
How easy is it for you to get back to NZ?
It’s usually 20 hours of travel time including layovers. Boston – LA – Auckland
For Kiwis looking to move there, which industries are seeking fresh talent?
Boston has a very innovation-focused economy, so technology-based industries are booming. A lot of national finance and insurance firms are also headquartered in Boston. Getting a visa to work in the US usually requires that you’re in a specialised profession, and that you have an employer to sponsor you. That makes things competitive. If you’re a recent graduate, the J1 visa is a great option to get your feet wet without having a job offer lined up.
If you know an expat who wants to share inside knowledge of their home away from home, email travel@stuff.co.nz with Expat in the subject line.