Boston: The Best College Town in the U.S.

I fell in love with Boston when I went to college there, and I still believe Boston is the best college town in the U.S. Every fall, hundreds of thousands of students descend upon Boston to attend one of the 80 colleges. For these students, it is a time of self-discovery, and their first experience in dealing with roommates, independence and responsibility. Whether a student lives in the college dormitory or shares an apartment off-campus, Boston offers the opportunity to live in an exciting multicultural environment in diverse neighborhoods, and make new friends with students from across the country and around the world. These experiences will make unforgettable memories, if not define the person he or she will become.

As the hub of New England and home to the cradle of American history, Boston is host to over 12 million tourists annually. And when the students are in town, the vibe is even more energizing. Squares all over town - Harvard Square (home of Harvard University,) Kendall Square (MIT,) Kenmore Square (Boston University and Fenway Park) - are happening places lined with bookstores, shops, cafes and restaurants. Picking a restaurant can be intimidating. There are so many to choose from - Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, Chinese, Indian, Irish, Tex-Mex, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and a host of other ethnic cuisines. On the weekends, you can find street artists and musicians perform at various corners.

Boston is a fairly small city. You can walk from one end to the other in several hours, and it is pretty safe. If you prefer not to walk, there is public transportation - the MBTA or the T - that will get you almost anywhere. These are perhaps the best mode of transportation as the city is famous for its horrendous traffic and parking.

Not only is Boston a beautiful city, it also has lots of things to do. You can sail or canoe on the Charles River, see some historic sights like the Boston Tea Party, the U.S. Constitution, the old North Church and the Paul Revere House, visit one of several museums, or take a ferry to go whale watching or to Cape Cod and the islands. Anyone who loves sports - baseball, basketball, football, ice-hockey, soccer - will be thrilled to live in this sports town. Watch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park and discover why it is America's most beloved ballpark.

With finance, biotech and technology companies awaiting with internships and jobs in the greater Boston area, it is not surprising why many college students choose to stay in Boston even after they complete their education.