(When visiting above links, use community names on left border)Boston
The academician will immediately inform you that Boston is America's college town, claiming many of the world's most revered colleges and universities, and hosting a student population which richly adds to Boston's intellectual tradition. A businessperson will remind you that Boston is home to some of the oldest and most prosperous industrial and commercial undertakings in the country, as well as an expanding center of innovative medical and high technology interests.
To a sociologist, Boston is the original melting pot, through which various ethnic groups have passed and often stayed to create unique neighborhoods which contribute to the city's cultural palette. The political observer will note that Boston has been considered a hotbed of political activity since the American Revolution, producing many famed national leaders and continuing to spawn great political battles like the Irish-Yankee political donnybrooks of years past.
The culture-seeker will naturally recite the endless lists of museums, theaters, galleries, and musical organizations that have always been an integral part of Boston's appeal. The sports fan will tell you of the unequaled knowledge and intensity of Boston's baseball fans and their undying devotion to the Red Sox, as well as the Celtic basketball dynasty, the Big, Bad Bruins and the perennially promising Patriots.
West of Boston
The proximity of major roadways such as the Massachusetts Turnpike and Routes 9, 128 and 495 has permitted a continuing development of high quality suburban real estate. Efficient commuter bus and rail service further facilitates travel into Boston from most western towns. Open spaces, friendly neighborhoods, and high-technological industry have attracted numerous professionals to the fashionable suburbs west of Boston.
South of Boston and Cape Cod
The seacoast towns along the shoreline south of Boston have traditionally attracted those who love a peaceful New England climate.
The South Shore has the same features as other Massachusetts resort towns-beaches, abundant recreational facilities and beautiful old homes-but somehow avoids the throngs that crowd the North Shore and Cape Cod during the summer months.
The absence of hordes of tourists and the relative scarcity of industrial development have left the area comfortably residential and somewhat rural, although the area has more than its share of modern conveniences.
One such convenience is the Old Colony commuter rail train which began service in 1997 to over thirty South Shore communities.
North of Boston
These small communities range from rural, agricultural villages to urban factory cities; from quaint coastal towns to modern technological centers. A more specific breakdown of the cities and towns in the various areas north of Boston is necessary to convey the true flavor of these varied settings and peoples.
Proceeding directly north of Boston along the Atlantic coastline, you will find the North Shore. These towns have in common some of the most beautiful beaches in New England, and a deep history dating back to seventeenth century settlement. As one continues north along the North Shore, urban cities become rural towns and coastal villages.
Central Massachusetts
Bordered on the north by New Hampshire, the south by Connecticut, the east by Middlesex County, and the west by Western Massachusetts, Worcester County is very much its own place. The area combines vast expanses of open, rolling land with mountainous northern regions and flat industrial areas. Some people who live here work along the Routes 128 and 495 industrial belt, or in Boston, Western Massachusetts or even Connecticut. But more and more people are choosing to live and work in the Worcester area, and there are plenty of job and housing opportunities.
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