As a native New Yorker, I never thought I would love a city as much as I love Manhattan. I have visited various cities across the United States and although they had their positive qualities, none of them compared to New York City. However, with that being said, I think I have found a city that I love as much, if not more than, New York City. Boston. I have visited Boston a few times in my life, but after living here for almost a month I have come to know the city on a more intimate level. The things I love about Boston are too many to name, but here are a few:

1. The Size

Boston is much smaller than New York City. As someone who is quick to anxiety and bad with directions, a smaller city is the perfect fit for me.

1. The T

Speaking of poor direction skills, I actually can navigate the T. Although it can be overcrowded, it is very manageable and gets you where you need to go.

3. Free Events

Don’t let Boston’s size fool you! There are an infinite number of things to do in Boston, a lot of these being free, perfect for a college student’s budget.

4) Student Central: Speaking of college students, Boston is the biggest college “town” in America, so there are lots of events specifically for college students. Also, you’ll most likely have friends at colleges across the city, making Boston you’re campus.

5. Food

Looking for a bite after a late night of studying? Well there are plenty of options here! Whether your looking for Chinese food or some good wings, you will not be disappointed.

6. The North End

Hands down, my favorite food is Italian food. Lucky for me, I have the wonderful North End full of little Italian restaurants and tons and tons of cannoli.

7. Dunkin’ Donuts

Sorry to break it to all you Starbucks lovers, but America (and Boston) runs on Dunkin’, and it was founded right here in Boston!

8. Newbury Street

If you want to do a bit of window-shopping after you grab your coffee, Newbury Street is the place to be! With tons of shops and beautiful buildings, you could wander around there for hours.

9. History

If you’re more a history buff than you are a fashion enthusiast, there is no end to the historical sites in one of the oldest cities in America.

10. Patriots

You can’t talk about Boston without mentioning the Patriots. You may call Pats fans obnoxious, but we call them enthusiastic.

11. Mindy Kaling

I just learned this recently, but Mindy Kaling, otherwise known as the funniest most brilliant woman ever, is from Cambridge, which is close enough to Boston so I’m going to count it!

12. Cleanliness

City and clean are not words you tend to here together, unless there is a not in between them, but Boston is quite clean.

13. The Duck Statue

Remember the book Make Way For Ducklings? Well there is a stature of the little ducklings and their mother in Boston’s Public Gardens. Some people might not consider this noteworthy, but if you like adorable animals it is a must see.

14. The People

Bostonians get a bad rep, but they are some of the nicest people I have ever met. It is a very welcoming city.

15. NORTHEASTERN: The best school in the country.