Categories: City Life

15 Signs You Are Definitely From Boston

When it comes to living in Boston, there's a lot you think you might know, but you'd be surprised by how much you actually don't know.

If you’re from Boston you probably take pride in the many unique elements that are part of your city. There are also some things that we Bostonians do that make complete sense to us, but other people will just never understand. Read through these 15 signs to determine if you are a true Bostonian!

1. Some may call your driving aggressive, you call it being proactive

Yup, cutting people off, extreme honking and a moderate amount of road rage is a fairly telling sign that you are from Boston. Boston drivers are some of the most aggressive in the US but rightfully so because they have places to be! If you find yourself zigzagging through the lanes because that person in front of you can’t seem to make it above 60 mph and you have an appointment to get to, then there is a good chance that you are from Boston.

2. You would walk through a blizzard to get your Dunkin Donuts iced coffee

Whether it’s sunny and 80º or a literal blizzard is occurring, a coffee from Dunkin Donuts is a necessity to start your morning. If you have ever thought about risking it all to get your coffee fix, then you are likely from Boston. Bonus points if you used to get the caramel swirl ice coffee with cream and sugar in middle school.

3. “You’re from Boston? Why don’t you have an accent?”

Being asked why you don’t have the stereotypical Boston accent from someone out of state is a question as old as time. Just because I’m from Boston doesn’t mean I have an accent! Yes, there are some people who do, but honestly, it’s not very common. If you have ever cringed during this exchange, then you are likely from Boston.

4. You know the green line like the back of your hand

If you are from Boston you probably love and are very familiar with the green line train. The green line takes you pretty much everywhere in the city that you need to go and if not, it has connectors at a couple of different stops. Bonus points if this is your main mode of transportation to work.

5. Wicked was in your vocabulary at some point in time

Wicked cool, wicked smart, and wicked fun. If wicked was used to describe almost everything in your life at some point, then you are undeniably from Boston.

6. You are unfazed by the cold

The freezing temperatures no longer phase you as winters in Boston are always brutal. Instead, you choose to appreciate the beauty that the snow brings and celebrate snow days. However, there is only so much cold that you can take, so when it reaches 50º in March you find yourself breaking out the shorts because this feels like summer in comparison. If you’ve caught yourself doing this, or if you simply feel accustomed to the winter cold, then you are likely from Boston.

7. You have gone ice skating at the Frog Pond

Ice skating at the Frog Pond is a winter classic. Though not necessarily indicative of being a Boston resident, if you have memories of going ice skating with your family when you were younger and perhaps again with your friends when you were older, then there is a high chance that you are indeed from Boston. This location holds a special place in all of our hearts as it is an indication of the commencement of the holiday season.

8. You have attended a lobster bake

If you have ever hosted or attended a lobster bake there is a good chance you are from Boston. Lobster is a New England specialty, a means of bringing people together, and an indication that summer is in full swing!

9. The song Sweet Caroline instantly transports you to Fenway Park

It is well known that the theme song of the Boston Red Sox is Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond. When this song comes on, if you find yourself feeling like you are back in the stands at Fenway Park swaying along and shouting out the lyrics, then you are likely from Boston.

10. You have posted an Instagram picture on Newbury St.

Newbury Street is the center for shopping and going out for a late brunch or dinner. If you look back at your Instagram feed and see that you have posted a fashionable picture on Newbury Street, then there is a good chance that you are from Boston.

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11. You have been to Cape Cod, Nantucket or Marthas Vineyard at least once in your life

As soon as Memorial Day rolls around and summer begins, Bostonians tend to slowly evacuate the city and head for summer homes in the Cape, Nantucket, or Marthas Vineyard. You are probably from Boston if you have found yourself planning a weekend trip to any of those locations or have a summer home there yourself. However, if this doesn’t apply to you, I bet you are heading north to either New Hampshire or Maine, both of which are high traffic areas for Bostonians in the summer.

12. You have referred to Tom Brady as the GOAT

If you are from Boston, GOAT absolutely does not refer to the animal, it is Tom Brady. Though sadly he is no longer a part of the Patriots, he will forever be the greatest of all time.

13. You get personally offended when someone from the suburbs tries to tell you that they’re from Boston

Sure there are similarities between the suburbs and city, but it really grinds your gears when someone tries to tell you that they’re from Boston when in fact, they are from a suburb 45 minutes outside of the city. There is a difference, and if you are a true Bostonian, you will inform them of that difference.

14. Clam chowdaaa

Clam chowder is a Boston specialty and if you are a true Bostonian you likely love a good bowl of chowder. Even if it’s not quite your thing, you definitely still know the best places to get it. I recommend trying Ned Devine’s in Faneuil Hall, The Sail Loft in the North End, or Atlantic Fish Co. on Boylston St in Back Bay.