Boston quick facts

• Boston city had a 2009 estimated population of 645,169, making it the twentieth largest in the U.S.
• Average Annual Rainfall: 17 inches
• Boston is home to the nation's first public park (The Boston Commons 1640), the first public library (1653), and the first subway (1897).
• St. Patrick's Day was first celebrated in Boston and North America in 1737.
• Boston is the capital and largest city of Massachusetts.
• In 1630, Puritan colonists from England founded the city on the Shawmut Peninsula.
• From 1659 to 1681, it was against the law to celebrate Christmas in Boston.
• Boston has been experiencing gentrification, and has one of the highest costs of living in the U.S.
• Nearly 70% of housing units in Boston are occupied by renters rather than owners.
• Many of Boston's roads were based upon horse and cart paths from the 17th century.
• Only 34 of Boston's 840 restaurants serve fast food.
• Nearly a third of Bostonians use public transit for their commute to work.
• About 250,000 college students live in Boston.
• More than 18 million people visit Boston every year.