Boston is awesome! I've live here for a good 10 years and you'll be hard-pressed to drag me away. I can also probably answer any Boston-related questions you have.

It's got everything listed above, and in my experience is a brighter place than Seattle with better weather. It has the best public transit of any city in the US (except Chicago).

There's plenty to do and a lot of good places nearby to drive to like the white mountains and good modern art.

(Cmouse of Buddha Lounge)