We’re working on making Boston a much better hub—stay tuned!
In addition to the biosecurity hub, advantages for Boston not listed in the Boston section include immediate proximity to two of the top 2/5/5 global universities (the only place on earth where two are within a mile of each other), an advantage both for outreach/community-building and for the “culture fit” aspects discussed in this post.
It’s also nearly ideally positioned between other EA hubs and mini-hubs:
Non-horrific distance in both time zone and flight to London (5 hours apart/6.5 hour flight) and San Francisco (3 hours apart/7 hour flight). Decent flight connectivity to Central Europe as well (though NYC is better for this).
Easy train ride to NYC (on which I am typing this comment!) and quick flights to NYC/DC.
I live near Boston (Somerville, just north of Cambridge).
Perhaps this is obvious but it’s worth noting that the urban core of Boston is denser than a lot of other cities, which makes it easier to get around, either by walking, bike, or public transit. The public transportation is very good (although only by American standards) and will get better with the Green line extension opening (hopefully by Fall 2022). They also seem to be doing a really good job with urban planning / construction here generally compared to other cities (they are actually allowing lots of new housing to be built to meet rising demand).
The main downside is the cold weather, which is exacerbated by moist air from the ocean. However if you know how to dress properly it shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Another downside, if you’re young, is high-turnover among the people in their 20s since many are just here for school.
We’re working on making Boston a much better hub—stay tuned!
In addition to the biosecurity hub, advantages for Boston not listed in the Boston section include immediate proximity to two of the top 2/5/5 global universities (the only place on earth where two are within a mile of each other), an advantage both for outreach/community-building and for the “culture fit” aspects discussed in this post.
It’s also nearly ideally positioned between other EA hubs and mini-hubs:
Non-horrific distance in both time zone and flight to London (5 hours apart/6.5 hour flight) and San Francisco (3 hours apart/7 hour flight). Decent flight connectivity to Central Europe as well (though NYC is better for this).
Easy train ride to NYC (on which I am typing this comment!) and quick flights to NYC/DC.
Same time zone and 3.5 hour flight to Bahamas.
I live near Boston (Somerville, just north of Cambridge).
Perhaps this is obvious but it’s worth noting that the urban core of Boston is denser than a lot of other cities, which makes it easier to get around, either by walking, bike, or public transit. The public transportation is very good (although only by American standards) and will get better with the Green line extension opening (hopefully by Fall 2022). They also seem to be doing a really good job with urban planning / construction here generally compared to other cities (they are actually allowing lots of new housing to be built to meet rising demand).
I’m excited about the EA co-working (https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/cCrMqacEhFRnoHthF/do-you-want-to-work-in-the-new-boston-ea-office-at-harvard) and biosecurity hub projects here.
The main downside is the cold weather, which is exacerbated by moist air from the ocean. However if you know how to dress properly it shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Another downside, if you’re young, is high-turnover among the people in their 20s since many are just here for school.
As a newcomer to Boston, I endorse those advantages.