Is there a big difference between the people and attitude in Boston vs. NYC?

Question

I currently live in NY and am thinking of relocating to Boston. I am a little hesitant because I definitely want a change and am afraid that Boston might be too similar to NY. Point blank the people here drive me crazy. Very selfish, out spoken, money hungry, rude...let's face it the stereotypes are there for a reason... Just wondering if there is a noticeable difference between Bostonians and New Yorkers. Besides being fanatical about the Red Sox, which I think I could get used to since I hate the Yankees....any input and examples of interactions with people in Boston would be extremely helpful...Thank You!

Answer 1

NY ppl have a lot of attitude and when your crossing they won't stop at least boston drivers arent that crazy

Answer 2

Native Bostonians can be a bit cold and insular, working class, like to mind their business / keep to themselves, cynical but with a sense of humor. To be blunt, the accent is pretty grating. I'm from there, and every time I go home, I cringe at it. Can be a bit provincial, but no complexes about being 'the best city in the world' -- my experience going from Boston to NY is that people in NY acted like we weren't ready for how shocking and badass the city was, but ... it never really was.

Of course there is a good amount of people from other places, especially elsewhere in New England.

That said, people can be rude and selfish everywhere. If you drive, you will find people are generally aggressive on the road and have little patience for people who don't know where they're going. I don't think Boston is very money-hungry though.

You should probably visit. I'll be totally honest, in my experience visiting NYC I've never really found the people exceptionally rude ... might be that I didn't run into the rude people or might be I was used to a certain attitude already.

Answer 3

I moved from NYC to the Boston area... and well talk about culture shock, yikes... but as someone mentioned before its all based on what you are used to.

If you didn't like NY, you probably won't like Boston either... there are people here with those exact same sterotypes.   Yes, everyone here is sports mad, I actually was a Patriots fan... Until I moved to MA...(long story)  and definitely research the area you intend to live in as it will make a huge impact on your successful adaptation to the area.

To be fair.. for an outsider...this area is great for college students or married people with children..  If you are single and don't work in academia... good luck...

Answer 4

Boston and NYC are pretty similar

However, Boston is a bit more provincial and parochial in character. There are definate New England foods (example-chowda is always white, and often served in bread bowls)  Different sports affiliations, different accent. Get used to the word "wicked' being used to mean 'very.'

Bostonians can also be very rude, especially on the roads. We have some of the most aggressive drivers in the nation.

If you want a real change, try the south or midwest

Answer 5

One big difference between the two deal with outdoor activities.  I am from Upstate New York and that area is more like Boston than The City.  Know that there will be crime and knuckleheads everywhere you go so Boston is not exempt.  Some of the biggies are deep sea fishing, seasonal scenery and hunting.  When I go home my family usually goes to the Cape and eat some fresh seafood.  There is nothing like it.  So to answer your question, no there isn't that big of a difference between Boston and New York City!  

Answer 6

Move to Boston. It is a great city, I love it. I can already tell you are going to fit in just fine, you hate the Yankees!  

Answer 7

You need to learn how to talk different. That Boston accent is a hoot.

Answer 8

my bf is from Boston, he HATES people from New York (which i still dont understand) & Yes, the die hard Red Sox fans. The accent is so funny, in a cute way.

He always tells me how weird NYC people are, & that they're all stuck up *******.

Answer 9

Learn the accent.The difference is that, Boston's all about sports.Good thing you hate the Yankees!

Answer 10

People in Boston are friendly

People in New York aren't

Answer 11

NY? attitude?  naw....

anyway..i lived in NY all my life..love it...i dont have a problem with ppl here...

and i did like boston..had a sister who lived in Waltham..its a nice place to visit..didnt interact too much with the ppl but i did like the accent but i hate baseball..whethere NY or Boston

Answer 12

NYC is rude and fast paced...Boston we tend to walk a bit slower and enjoy life a little more. I go to NYC every now and then and just amazed by how many different people there in that city yet absolutely no communication, everyones on their cell phones and going 100 mph. I love boston, its easy to get where ever you want by foot.