Strange Local Behaviors Newcomers Should Know About
Moving to Boston comes with a learning curve that goes far beyond housing prices and neighborhoods. When I first moved here, I quickly realized that there are plenty of local quirks and behaviors that can feel confusing or even shocking to newcomers. Over time, many of these habits grow on you, but they’re definitely worth knowing about before you make the move.
If you’re thinking about moving to Boston or anywhere in Massachusetts, here are some of the most surprising local behaviors that catch newcomers off guard.
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Dunkin’ Is a Lifestyle
One of the first things people notice when moving to Boston is the devotion to Dunkin’ Donuts. This isn’t just a coffee stop, it’s a way of life. You’ll find a Dunkin’ on nearly every corner, and locals order with impressive speed and confidence.
When you’re moving to Boston, it doesn’t take long before you have a regular order and a favorite location. Owning a home here means you’re never far from your daily caffeine fix.
The Boston Accent and Local Pronunciations
Another adjustment when moving to Boston is the accent and local language. The Boston accent has a complicated relationship with the letter “R,” which often disappears entirely. “Car” becomes “cah,” and “Harvard Yard” turns into “Hahvahd Yahd.”
Town names are another common source of confusion for people moving to Boston. A few that catch almost everyone off guard:
Woburn is pronounced Woo-burn
Worcester is pronounced Wooster
Haverhill is Haver-hill
Stoneham is Stone-ham
Peabody is Pee-buh-dee
Learning the correct pronunciations is practically a rite of passage when moving to Boston.
Driving in Boston and Surrounding Areas
Driving is one of the biggest adjustments for people moving to Boston. Local drivers are known for being assertive, which is a polite way of saying aggressive.
Expect quick lane changes, minimal use of turn signals, and plenty of honking. Rotaries are everywhere, and while they may seem chaotic at first, locals navigate them confidently. If you’re moving to Boston, consider this your unofficial driving orientation.
Boston Weather and Local Resilience
Weather is another major factor to consider when moving to Boston. Summers are warm and ideal for beach days, but winters can be intense.
Nor’easters are powerful storms that can bring heavy snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding overnight. Despite this, locals tend to shrug it off. There’s plenty of complaining while shoveling, followed by pride in surviving yet another New England winter.
Snow days often turn into cozy nights indoors, and for many people (myself included), winter is an excuse to hit the slopes and embrace seasonal traditions.
Sports Culture Is Serious Business
Sports fandom is deeply ingrained in life when moving to Boston. Loyalty to teams like the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Bruins runs deep.
Even if you’re not a sports fan, it’s hard not to get swept up in game-day energy and spirited debates.
“Wicked” Is Part of the Vocabulary
When moving to Boston, you’ll quickly notice locals use the word “wicked” to mean very or extremely.
For example, “That view is wicked awesome.”
It might sound strange at first, but before long, it becomes part of your everyday speech. Hey, I even named my blog with the word… Wicked Northshore!
Marshmallow Fluff Is a Real Thing Here
People moving to Boston are often surprised by the local love for Marshmallow Fluff. It’s more than a snack, it’s a tradition.
Many Massachusetts households keep Fluff on hand for sandwiches, desserts, or straight-from-the-jar indulgence. There are even annual Fluff festivals celebrating this sticky staple.
The College Town Rhythm of Boston
With so many colleges and universities, life changes seasonally when moving to Boston. Areas like Cambridge, Amherst, and Boston itself feel dramatically different during the academic year compared to the summer.
During the school year, towns are energetic and crowded. Once summer hits, restaurants are easier to book, and public transit feels noticeably calmer. When moving to Boston, it’s helpful to understand this yearly rhythm.
Conclusion: What to Expect When Moving to Boston
These local behaviors and traditions are part of what makes moving to Boston such a unique experience. While some habits may feel strange at first, they often become the very things people grow to love about living here.
If you’re planning on moving to Boston or exploring communities throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire, I’m Jeni Lu. I help buyers navigate not just the housing market, but the lifestyle that comes with it. Follow along for expert guidance on finding the right home in the right community.
