Boston Info
Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 17
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Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 11:47 pm Post subject: BOSTON CITY PROFILE / BOSTON CITY GUIDE |
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BOSTON CITY PROFILE
Introduction
The Atlantic Ocean has played an important role throughout Boston's history. Situated on one of the world's finest natural harbours, Boston was once the maritime capital of the colonial United States. Known variously as the birthplace of the American Revolution, the site of New England's largest fleet of clipper ships, meeting place of America's literati, and home of many venerable educational and cultural institutions, Boston remains the largest city in the six New England states. During the 1980s, Boston gained fame as a high technology and defense research centre, as well as a good place in which to conduct business. This was in part attributable to the vast network of research facilities connected with schools in the region. Since the economic downturn that occurred in 1988 through 1992, the city has been enjoying an economic recovery, with several large ongoing projects that will improve its infrastructure, including the famous (or to some, infamous) Big Dig. The city remains one of the country's premier tourist attractions. In recent years, various sources have ranked Boston among the best large cities in which to live in the United States.
The City in Brief
Founded: 1630 (chartered, 1822)
Head Official: Mayor Thomas M. Menino (D) (since 1994)
City Population
1980: 562,994
1990: 574,283
2000: 589,141
2003 estimate: 581,616
Percent change, 1990–2000: 2.6%
U.S. rank in 1980: 20th
U.S. rank in 1990: 20th (State rank: 1st)
U.S. rank in 2000: 23rd (State rank: 1st)
Metropolitan Area Population (PMSA)
1980: 2,806,000
1990: 3,227,707
2000: 3,406,829
Percent change, 1990–2000: 6.2%
U.S. rank in 1980: 7th (CMSA)
U.S. rank in 1990: 7th (CMSA)
U.S. rank in 2000: 7th (CMSA)
Geography and Climate
Area: 48 square miles (2000)
Elevation: Ranges from 15 to 29 feet above sea level
Average Annual Temperature: 51.6° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 42.53 inches of rain; 42.6 inches of snow
Economy
Major Economic Sectors: Services, trade, manufacturing, government
Unemployment Rate: 4.9% (March 2005)
Per Capita Income: $23,353 (1999)
Cost of Living
2004 (3rd Quarter) ACCRA Average House Price: $466,429
2004 (3rd Quarter) ACCRA Cost of Living Index: 135.4 (U.S. average = 100.0)
Other Information
2003 FBI Crime Index Total: 35,049
Major Colleges and Universities: Boston University; Tufts
University Medical School; Harvard University School of Medicine; Boston College; New England Conserva-tory of Music; School of the Museum of Fine Arts; University of Massachusetts at Boston; Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Daily Newspapers: The Boston Globe; Boston Herald |
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