#greater-boston

#greater-boston

In the months ahead, we have major restaurant openings from Michelin chefs and famous New York restaurateurs, as well as a swell of diverse and delicious smaller restaurants joining our neighborhoods. Each week, Boston.com will highlight the restaurant openings worth knowing about across the region. Some spots will already be open, while others are set to debut in 2026. At least one featured restaurant will always be a bonus item - either a pop-up, a collaboration, or event at area restaurants.

Despite the popular (and mostly accurate) narrative that affordability is practically over in Boston, there is still some relative value to be had in 2026 inside city limits (of course, one shouldn't get their hopes up for a discount on a Beacon Hill townhouse). Buyers who want the most bang for their buck should look in areas like Hyde Park, Roslindale, Dorchester, Mattapan, and parts of East Boston, according to Melvin A. Vieira Jr. of RE/Max Destiny.

Yes, the inventory of condos for sale in the Greater Boston area has increased significantly in 2024 and 2025 compared to the historically low levels of the post-pandemic years. This shift is moving the market toward a more balanced environment, offering buyers more choices and negotiating power. Significant Year-Over-Year Growth: Recent data from 2025 shows substantial year-over-year increases in condo inventory.

Finding affordable dining options in Greater Boston isn't easy. With rising prices, scoring a meal under $20 - one that's actually delicious - has become more of a challenge than ever. Thanks to inflation, high rent, tariffs, and other factors, a simple work lunch can cost a downtown diner $25. Double that for dinner, and expect to empty your wallet if your bill has any alcohol on it.

Of the 115 respondents to our poll, 46 people (40%) said they've been job hunting for over a year - the largest group by far. Only two people (2%) reported being on the hunt for less than a month, whereas 45% combined said they've been looking for between one and 12 months. Some have endured the process for multiple years. Kristine A. from Dorchester said she has submitted her resume to over 600 organizations over the last three years and participated in roughly 60 interviews, with no luck.

Boston has so much to offer whether it's your first or fourth year returning to the city, but it can be difficult to justify another pricey ticket. That's why it's important to take full advantage of the city's student discounts. Boston's businesses are prepared to offer students discounts to some of the city's best performances, museums, and sports games-as long as they present a valid student ID. Students also have exclusive access to a number of day-of discounts, if they have the flexibility.

Trader Joe's has announced the opening of another store in Greater Boston, located at 1165 Needham St. in Newton, just three miles from the West Newton location.