New to Boston? Start Here
Plain answers to the things newcomers ask most — moving, money, the T, trash, parking and schools.
New to Boston, or still figuring out how the city runs? Here are plain answers to the things people ask most — moving, money, the T, trash, parking and schools. Each one points to the city's official page, and a few link to the other tools on this page.
Why does everyone move on September 1, and what is "Allston Christmas"?
Most Boston leases run September 1 to August 31, so a huge share of the city moves on the same day. The piles of still-usable furniture left on curbs — especially around the student-heavy Allston neighborhood — get the nickname "Allston Christmas." Streets fill with trucks that day, so book movers early and grab an early time slot if you can.
What does "don't get Storrowed" mean?
Storrow Drive and Memorial Drive have low stone overpasses that tall vehicles can't clear. Every year — most of all around September 1 — rental trucks try to drive under them and get the roof peeled off. If you're driving a box truck, stay off Storrow and Memorial Drive and check the truck's height against the posted clearances.
How much do I have to pay up front to rent an apartment?
Usually first month's rent, last month's rent, and a security deposit — about three months before you get the keys. Since August 1, 2025, a landlord can't make you pay the fee for a broker the landlord hired. To add up your own number, use the Move-in Cost Estimator tool on this page.
How do I find my trash and recycling day?
Pickup days are set by your address. Look yours up at https://www.boston.gov/trash-day . When a Monday holiday lands in the week, collection is usually pushed back by a day.
Why do people get street-cleaning tickets, and how do I avoid one?
From April 1 to November 30 the city sweeps streets on posted days and tows cars parked on the wrong side. The North End, South End and Beacon Hill follow their own rules. Check your street's schedule at https://www.cityofboston.gov/publicworks/sweeping and watch the posted signs.
What do I do with my car when it snows?
When the mayor declares a snow emergency, parking is banned on marked main roads and those cars are towed. Residents with a parking sticker can use discounted garages, and "space savers" have their own rules — including a couple of neighborhoods where they're banned. The Snow Emergencies & Your Car tool on this page walks through all of it.
How does the T work?
The MBTA — the "T" — runs the subway (the Red, Orange, Blue and Green lines, plus the Mattapan trolley), buses, and the Commuter Rail. You tap a CharlieCard to pay. For live service alerts, see the MBTA Subway Status tool on this page.
How do I get my child into a Boston public school?
Boston Public Schools uses a home-based assignment plan: your home address generates a personalized list of schools, you rank at least five, and a computer lottery assigns seats using walk-zone and sibling priorities. Registration runs in rounds early in the year. Apply and check this year's deadlines at https://www.boston.gov/schools .
Who do I call about a pothole, missed trash, or a rat?
311 is the city's non-emergency line. Call 311, use the BOS:311 app, or go to https://311.boston.gov to report potholes, missed pickups, rodents, broken streetlights, downed limbs and more. Parking and street cleaning are the most-reported issues in the city.
What are the main neighborhoods?
Boston is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own feel, rents and parking rules. A few to orient by: Allston-Brighton (student-heavy), Back Bay and Beacon Hill (historic and central), the North End (the old Italian-American core), South Boston and the Seaport (waterfront and fast-changing), Dorchester and Roxbury (the largest, most diverse), Jamaica Plain, East Boston (across the harbor, near the airport) and Charlestown.