Where Is Boston? See Its Map Location and State

Boston Skyline
© bwzenith/iStock via Getty Images

Written by Patrick MacFarland

Updated: November 7, 2023

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Boston is perhaps one of the most well-known cities in the United States, and probably even the world. The city is known for its famous Boston baked beans, being the site of where the American Revolution began, and also the home of some of America’s founding fathers.

Boston has famous landmarks and is filled with a rich history of the founding of the United States. Although only about 650,000 people live in the city, the metropolitan area is home to millions. 

Many people know about Boston and what it is known for, but do people know where it is? Do people know how far it is away from other major cities in the Northeast? If you are wondering where Boston is, let’s take a look at where it is on the Massachusetts map. We’ll also explore Boston’s geography, what the city is known for, the climate in the city, and other facts about Beantown.

Where Is Boston Located on the Map?

Boston is the capital city of Massachusetts, which is a state in the Northeastern United States. The city of Boston is roughly in the central-east part of the state, sitting next to the Massachusetts Bay and Atlantic Ocean. 

But where is Boston on the map? Let’s take a look below.

How Far Is Boston from Other Major Cities in the Northeast?

Boston is in the central-east part of the state of Massachusetts, however, because it is a major city in the US, it is easily accessible to other big cities in the state and surrounding states. Let’s take a look at how far Boston is from other cities.

CityPopulationDistance from Boston
Salem, MA44,81924 miles
Springfield, MA154,78991 miles
Worcester, MA205,91845 miles
Provincetown, MA2,99449 miles
Plymouth, MA60,80340 miles
Dover, DE38,992322 miles
Concord, NH44,00663 miles
Trenton, NJ90,457242 miles
New York, NY8.4 million216 miles
Providence, RI189,69241 miles

Is Boston a Good Place to Live?

Boston - Massachusetts, Massachusetts, History, Street, Famous Place

Boston has several nicknames including Beantown, The Cradle of Liberty, The Athens of America, and The Hub of the Universe.

©Sean Pavone/ via Getty Images

Let’s start with the pros of living in Boston. The city is situated in a great place in the US. You can travel all over the Northeastern United States in a relatively short time. The city is located on the sea, which is great if you want a beach day in Cape Cod or Provincetown. The city is very historical so you won’t run out of things to do and likewise, there are plenty of opportunities to grab your hiking shoes and go explore nature. The Northeastern city also has a robust public transit system.

For families that would like to live in Boston, the good news is that the city is one of the safest in the entire country. There are also plenty of golden opportunities for your kids to have a great education. The city is also extremely diverse, which means you will be able to eat many different cuisines and experience many cultures.

Of course, with every pro, there are also cons. The winters in Boston are harsh. Because the city gets nor’easters, you will have to bundle up with several layers during those snowstorms. Beantown is also very expensive and the cost of living is quite high. If you need a car (and won’t take public transit), you will get headaches with the horrid traffic and lack of parking.

What Is the Climate in Boston?

Quincy Market in Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Some famous people born in Boston include Steve Carell, Matt Damon, John Krasinski, Uma Thurman, Ben Affleck, Barbara Walters, Mindy Kaling, and Edward Allan Poe.

©Medioimages/Photodisc/ via Getty Images

Boston has a humid continental climate, but sometimes it can be quite subtropical in summer because its location is in a transitional zone. Summers are usually warm and hot, and winters can be cold. Rainfall is common during winter and sometimes even snow can fall on the city. The city is prone to getting nor’easters, which is why winters can sometimes be harsh. The city averages about 43 inches of rain and 49 inches of snow per year.

Although not many natural disasters besides nor’easters happen in Boston, the city has had several tornado warnings throughout the years. But, fortunately, the city has never had tornados strike.

In terms of record temperatures, Boston’s hottest temperature was 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) on July 4, 1911. Boston’s coldest temperature was -18 degrees Fahrenheit (-28 degrees Celsius) on February 9, 1934.

The Geography of Boston

Geographically, Boston isn’t very hilly. It’s actually a flat city that is easily walkable. The elevation ranges from 19 feet above sea level to 330 feet above sea level. The highest point in the city is Bellevue Hill. The city known as Beantown is situated next to Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay. Boston’s area is 89.61 square miles (including both land and water).

What Is Boston Most Known For?

Boston Harbor and Financial District at sunset and Tea Party Ships & Museum in Boston, Massachusetts.

The first lighthouse in the US was built in Boston Harbor in 1716.

©f11photo/Shutterstock.com

Boston is arguably one of the most famous cities in the world. It’s considered the “Athens of America” because that’s where the birthplace of the US happened. The city is steeped in rich history because many historical events happened in Boston. Paul Revere sounded the alarm to his fellow colonists that the British were coming. Key battles in the American Revolution took place here. And colonists protested the tea tax and dumped tea all over the Boston Harbor.

Boston is also famous for its baked beans, which is why the city is also called Beantown. You can eat some quintessential Boston foods like cannoli or Boston cream pie, for fuel. The Red Sox are the team to root for when you’re here, so just hide your Yankees t-shirt for another day. In reality though, the Northeastern city is a sports town and Bostonians are famous for its successful sports teams like the New England Patriots and the Boston Celtics.

Facts About Boston

Boston subway system

Boston is home to the first subway in the US, constructed in 1897.

©iStock.com/Chris Watson

  • Population: 675,647
  • Mayor: Michelle Wu (D)
  • Council President: Edward M. Flynn (D)
  • Settled: 1625
  • Incorporated: September 7, 1630 (as a town); March 19, 1822 (as a city)

Conclusion

Boston is a majestic city that has long been a favorite child of the US and Democratic politics. It was named after a city in England called Boston, in Lincolnshire. The city also has the prestige of being the first in many things, including the first public park, Boston Common, in 1634; the first public school, Boston Latin School, in 1635, the first public library in 1848, and the first subway system, built in 1897.

The birthplace of America has seen a lot of history and many presidents were born in the state, but more recently it has been one of the key centers of progressive politics.

The city is a desirable place to so many people because of its location in the Northeast, the slew of jobs available, and the historical value of the entire city. Even the weather is pleasant most of the year. That’s why rents and home prices are high. The Boston City Council has a full plate of issues that no doubt will be tackled.

At the end of the day, Boston is still an amazing city full of opportunities for its residents. Boston is a place filled with history that you will be in awe of when you find out some sordid fun fact about the bench you’re sitting on or the lamppost you’re leaning against. Boston, after all, is the Athens of America.


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About the Author

Patrick Macfarland is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering travel, geography, and history. Patrick has been writing for more than 10 years. In the past, he has been a teacher and a political candidate. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from SDSU and a Master's Degree in European Union Studies from CIFE. From San Diego, California, Patrick loves to travel and try new recipes to cook.

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