Boston
Oliver Wendell Holmes famously termed Boston as "The Hub of the Universe." It has also been deemed "The Athens of America." To many it is known as "Beantown." Whatever name you choose, Boston is a unique city that has played a prominent part in the American experience.
In theory, Boston is a city of history, of neighborhoods, of education. United States oldest Major City, Boston is also a city of industry and finance, and a city of firsts. In addition, city is famous for its medical centers. Boston can also be called as a city of seasons, where every spring is a time of hope eternal for the beloved Red Sox, until reality sets in with the chill of autumn and the call becomes "wait until next year."
The streets of this old city are winding and narrow, and majority of them is one-way, which adds to the charm and elegance of the city. All this makes driving in Boston a memorable experience. For example, if you miss a turn and plan to circle the block to get back, you may see why it is rumored that the expression "You can't get there from here" originated in Boston. The parallel block you are expecting to find may not exist. Add the Big Dig project to the mix and mastering the roads of "The Hub." can be a feat of distinction.
Boston has the oldest subway and bus system in America, the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority). A ride on the MBTA or to the locals "The T," is an adventure of some sort which visitors to Boston should try. There are also numerous taxi and limousine services as well as numerous bus tours and duck tours.
To get a feel of the history and the neighborhoods of Boston, follow the red line on the sidewalk of the Freedom Trail. Starting at the Boston Common Visitor Center on Tremont Street, the 2.5 mile walking path takes you on a journey back to the origin of the American Revolution. Statistically, the trail connects 16 historical sites winding through Beacon Hill, The North End and Charlestown. Able-bodied people of all ages can easily do the walk on their own, or opt for a guided tour hosted by costumed characters like James Otis or Abigail Adams. In addition, one can also enjoy the Freedom Trail on a trolley tour or travel between the landmarks on the MBTA.
Now coming to business and economy fronts, the Boston area offers a wide scope of business opportunities. International bigwigs such as Gillette, Fidelity Investments, and Polaroid make their corporate homes in Boston. From biotech to healthcare, from education to hospitality, or from finance to technology, the city and state have many programs to help create a serene atmosphere for doing business in Boston.
For new or existing businesses needing assistance or support, there is ever present city's Office of Business Development who provides resources to help them succeed. In addition, the Office of Business Development also supports Boston Main Streets, a program working to help revitalize commercial districts in the neighborhoods. The small businessman can easily access city resources through the Boston Empowerment Center. The city also has collaboration with lending institutions, and state and federal agencies through the City of Boston Technical Assistance Partners.
More than 200,000 students attend college in Boston and Cambridge. Thousands more attend the colleges in the surrounding suburbs of the city.
Many of these students opt to settle in Boston, which gives employers a tremendous talent pool. There are numerous employment resources available to those hiring and for those seeking employment in Boston. Theoretically speaking, the leading fields of employment in Boston are life sciences, health care, biotech, commercial construction, and banking. In addition, there are various private employment agencies primarily focused for specific industries, and many agencies for general employment. There are also government agencies such as the Massachusetts Division of Employment and Training, which offers unemployment insurance, job training, and assistance in job searches. The Boston Job Bank and Bostonhire.com are few examples of the many on-line sites for job seekers.
The founding of Harvard University, the first college in America in 1636, and the first public school, Boston Latin a year earlier, give impetus for the Boston area to develop into a world renowned center for higher education. Along with high profile universities such as Boston College, Boston University, MIT, and Northeastern University, there is a school for every individual in Boston. There are art, music, and architecture schools, as well as high-class medical and research institutions. You will find two-year colleges, technical schools, UMASS Boston and the state community college system, and many others.
What stands apart Boston from other college towns is its intimacy. Each college has its own unique identity, but each is also a part of a huge energized college community. With the beaches and mountains of New England near by, students have access to great getaways, as well as living in a world class Cosmopolitan City.
Boston has been termed the biggest small town in America. Statistic Wise: More than 600,000 people, plus the student population reside in Boston's twenty neighborhoods. From South Boston to East Boston (Called as Southie and Eastie respectively by locals), from Roslindale to the Back Bay, each neighborhood is a distinct, individual community. The neighborhoods are differentin their ethnic make up and income levels, but they all share from the benefits of city services, parks, hospitals, and the MBTA.
Although Boston can be provincial, the wide variety of its neighborhoods enriches the experience and culture of the city. An understanding of Boston's neighborhoods is extremely important for those who are finding a place to live.
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