Living in Boston

Community life in Boston centres on its traditional market, held twice weekly and drawing people from across the Fens. The atmosphere is friendly and bustling, with a strong sense of local pride and agricultural heritage. Boston has a community centre, The Len Medlock Voluntary Centre, which offers clubs and activities for all ages. Social and support groups are active, bolstered by the diverse international population.

The Boston May Fair, annual music festivals, and food fairs bring residents together. Outdoor opportunities abound in Central Park and Witham Way Country Park, where walking, cycling, and recreational facilities encourage an active lifestyle. Riverside walks along the River Witham and green space within the town add to the appeal, while regular volunteering and charity events promote strong social bonds.

Safety in Boston is a key concern for residents, as in all urban centres. Crime rates in Boston are generally in line with similar-sized towns in Lincolnshire, although some neighbourhoods may see higher levels of anti-social behaviour and incidents, particularly in the town centre during evenings. Lincolnshire Police maintain a visible presence and work in collaboration with the local council on initiatives aimed at reducing crime and improving neighbourhood safety.

Boston has benefited from investment in town centre CCTV, and an increase in public engagement through community safety partnerships. Some areas east of the centre and in more suburban locations are perceived as particularly safe, with active neighbourhood watch schemes. Ongoing regeneration projects are also targeting improved lighting and public space design to enhance comfort and security in busy zones.

Parking in Boston caters well to residents, commuters, and visitors. The town centre provides several council-run pay-and-display car parks, as well as some on-street permit zones for residents in densely populated streets around the heart of town. Free parking is available at certain times and locations, particularly for those shopping at retail parks and supermarkets.

Boston is close to major A-roads, making commuting and travel straightforward. The A16 runs north-south, offering access to towns including Spalding and Louth (both approx. 30-45 minutes). The A52 heads east to Skegness (around 35 minutes) and west to Grantham (roughly 1 hour). Traffic congestion can build up during market days, but outside peak periods, the road network is generally clear. The town is well signposted for A-roads leading to the wider East Midlands, including:

• Spalding – approx. 30 minutes via A16 (16 miles)
• Lincoln – approx. 45 minutes via A15/A17 (36 miles)
• Grantham – approx. 1 hour via A52 (34 miles)
• Louth – approx. 40 minutes via A16 (29 miles)

Boston’s food and drink scene is shaped by its multicultural community. The town centre is home to a range of independent cafés and family-run restaurants, offering British classics and a wide choice of Eastern European dishes. Fish and chip shops abound, reflecting Boston’s coastal links, while bakeries and delis also stock Polish and Lithuanian specialities.

Several traditional pubs and newer bars anchor the town’s social life – The Goodbarns Yard and The Eagle are longstanding favourites. Wetherspoons’ Moon Under Water attracts a crowd with its riverside location, and local micropubs are gaining popularity. Nightlife is generally relaxed, with a handful of late bars and a small nightclub. Live music events occasionally take place at The Assembly Rooms or Guildhall, while local takeaways keep the town buzzing into the evening.

School quality: Boston offers several good-rated primary and secondary schools, both selective and comprehensive, giving families a choice in education.

Parks and green space: Central Park and Witham Way Country Park provide spacious play areas, sports facilities, and safe, accessible environments for children of all ages.

Childcare: There are numerous nurseries and pre-schools in Boston, alongside wraparound care at many schools to support working parents.

Safety: While the centre can be busy, residential areas are generally viewed as safe, supported by visible policing and community initiatives.

Family activities: Family-friendly events, soft play centres, leisure complexes like Geoff Moulder Leisure Centre, and riverside walks ensure plenty for children and parents to enjoy together.

Pet-friendly living is easy to find in Boston, thanks to an abundance of parks, green spaces, and access to open countryside. Witham Way Country Park and Sir Joseph Banks Country Park are popular for dog walking, while the riverbank paths around the town provide long, safe strolls for pets and owners alike.

The town supports several veterinary practices and pet supply stores, ensuring pets’ health and wellbeing are well catered for. Many local cafés and pubs welcome dogs, particularly those with outdoor seating. Landlords in Boston are increasingly open to tenants with pets, especially in family-style houses and on the outskirts where larger gardens are common.

Boston benefits from multiple transport links, connecting residents to Lincolnshire and the East Midlands. The town is served by Boston railway station on the Poacher Line, providing direct trains to Nottingham and Skegness, with connections to Lincoln and Grantham available via change at Sleaford. Regular bus services link Boston to surrounding villages, towns, and regional hubs.

For road users, the A16 is the primary north-south route, while the A52 heads towards Grantham and Skegness in each direction. East Midlands Airport is about 1 hour 15 minutes away by car, and rail links provide access to London in just over 2 hours with a change at Grantham.

• Lincoln – approx. 45 minutes by car (36 miles)
• Nottingham – approx. 1 hour 20 minutes by train or car (55 miles)
• Skegness – approx. 35 minutes by train or car (23 miles)
• London (via Grantham) – approx. 2 hours 15 minutes by train

Families searching for schools in Boston have several primary education options. Hawthorn Tree Primary School stands out for its consistently strong Ofsted reports (last rated Good in 2018). Tower Road Academy and Park Academy Primary provide inclusive environments, while Staniland Academy is well regarded for both academic and extra-curricular engagement.

Secondary education in Boston includes the Boston Grammar School, a selective boys' school with a long-standing academic tradition (Ofsted: Good, 2022). The Boston High School for girls (Ofsted: Good, 2022) is similarly well respected. Haven High Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum and a focus on student development, while Thomas Middlecott Academy in nearby Kirton contributes to the town's educational offer.

For post-16 education, Boston College is the principal further and higher education provider. It offers A-Levels, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, and adult education, with excellent partnerships with local employers. While Boston does not house a university campus, the University of Lincoln is accessible by rail or bus, broadening higher education opportunities in the region.