Boston quick facts

  • Boston city had a 2009 estimated population of 645,169, making it the twentieth largest in the U.S.
  • Average Annual Rainfall: 17 inches
  • Boston is home to the nation's first public park (The Boston Commons 1640), the first public library (1653), and the first subway (1897).
  • St. Patrick's Day was first celebrated in Boston and North America in 1737.
  • Boston is the capital and largest city of Massachusetts.
  • In 1630, Puritan colonists from England founded the city on the Shawmut Peninsula.
  • From 1659 to 1681, it was against the law to celebrate Christmas in Boston.
  • Boston has been experiencing gentrification, and has one of the highest costs of living in the U.S.
  • Nearly 70% of housing units in Boston are occupied by renters rather than owners.
  • Many of Boston's roads were based upon horse and cart paths from the 17th century.
  • Only 34 of Boston's 840 restaurants serve fast food.
  • Nearly a third of Bostonians use public transit for their commute to work.
  • About 250,000 college students live in Boston.
  • More than 18 million people visit Boston every year.