8 Things to Know Before Moving to Lynn, MA
Lynn, MA, gained an unpleasant nickname due to its historical association with crime and violence dating back to the prohibition era. This title, “The City of Sin,” became so ingrained in the public consciousness that it led to the creation of a rhyme by New Englanders, commonly starting with “Lynn, Lynn, the city of sin, you’ll never come out the way you went in.”
However, beyond its notorious reputation, Lynn also holds the distinction of being recognized as the “Shoe Capital of the World” due to its extensive legacy in the shoemaking industry. The city’s deep-rooted involvement in shoemaking was further cemented when Jan E. Matzeliger arrived in 1876. Matzeliger, already immersed in Lynn’s well-established shoe-making business, invented a machine aimed at automating shoe production after working in a shoe factory.
His invention, patented by 1883 and operational by 1885, revolutionized the shoemaking industry. It not only simplified the process of crafting shoes but also made footwear more affordable for the average American, forever altering the landscape of shoe production.
Here are eight things to know before moving to this interesting city of Lynn, Massachusetts.
1. The cost of living is 31% higher than the national average
Lynn has a 31% higher cost of living than the U.S. average. Utilities are more expensive than the national average because of the high demand for considerable heating in winter and electricity for air conditioning during summer.
Lynn real estate is more expensive than the national average but cheaper than most New England cities. The typical home price in Lynn is $511,164. If you want to stay close to Boston without breaking the bank, you might want to consider Lynn instead of more expensive alternatives like Salem or Peabody.
The annual cost of living for a single person in Lynn is $42,731. This includes accommodation, food, child care, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and other necessities.
2. The city is home to Lynn Technical Vocational Institute
All across Lynn, you can find one of the city’s 19 elementary schools, 24 middle schools, or 4 high schools. Public and private options for K-8 education in Lynn are numerous, but for high school students, there is only one significant private option: St. Mary’s Jr./Sr. High School.
The city is also home to the unique Lynn Technical Vocational Institute, where freshmen spend their first year learning about a variety of technical fields before spending the next three years honing in on a particular concentration. At LTVI, you can choose from 15 different specialty degrees, such as carpentry, cosmetology, health technology, engineering, and culinary arts.
3. It snows a lot in Lynn
Folks moving to Lynn will experience four full seasons, with pleasant summers and extremely frigid winters. Lynn experiences extreme seasonal temperature swings, from a low of 22 degrees in the middle of winter to highs in the 80s in the summer months of July and August.
On average, Lynn receives about 43 inches of snow per year, and occasionally, the city is hit by Nor’easter storms that can bring as much as two to three feet of snow in a matter of days.
4. Live in East Lynn, West Lynn, or Wyoma
East Lynn, West Lynn, and Wyoma are the three major sections that make up the City of Lynn.
Most of the apartment buildings in East Lynn are 4 units or less, making it a more typical urban area in Lynn. Most of these complexes’ apartment buildings date back to before 1939, giving the area a sense of history. One can expect to pay around $1,825/month while renting in East Lynn. The place is great for strolling about and discovering new shops and restaurants.
Rent in West Lynn is $2,183 per month, which is significantly higher than the city’s eastern side. West Lynn is primarily made up of single-family homes, and the vast majority of its residents prefer to own rather than rent. Like its neighboring neighborhood of East Lynn, West Lynn has a median home value of $39,391 and features a large number of pre-1939 constructions.
The Lynn area of Wyoma sits on the city’s northern edge. It’s a thriving area, but there are roughly as many homeowners as renters here as in East or West Lynn. Homes here are also more recently built- a substantial chunk of construction in Wyoma occurred from 1940-1969. The Colonial and Victorian architecture, however, gives the neighborhood a sense of history. The large number of college students in Wyoma is another distinctive feature of the area, adding both youth and diversity.
5. Boston is only ten miles away
Lynn, situated just ten miles away from Boston, offers a convenient proximity, allowing individuals to experience the best of both cities. For those seeking a balance between a big-city job and a tranquil small-town lifestyle, Lynn and Boston complement each other seamlessly. One can work in the bustling city and return to Lynn in the evenings or weekends to relish the serene atmosphere.
Attend sports events or celebratory gatherings in Boston while benefiting from the advantage of residing in Lynn. This closeness enables one to skip the expensive Bostonian hotels by returning home to Lynn for the night.
6. Grab your quick lunches at Atha’s Roast Beef
One of the most popular places to get a quick lunch in Lynn is Atha’s Roast Beef. Atha’s offers a variety of Greek dishes, including pizza, pasta, and sandwiches.
Atha’s Roast Beef has become famous for its daily specialties and large catering platters. This is a major draw for those who enjoy beef, Greek, or Mediterranean cuisine.
7. There’s not much to do
Lynn doesn’t have enough people living there to satisfy your craving for big-city glitz. Since Lynn lacks professional sports teams, major retail centers, and hip eateries, its citizens are left with little to do in their spare time.
If you want to catch a game or mingle with the locals, you can make the short trip into Boston Proper.
If you’re looking for a city with more going on, Worcester or Boston are better bets than Lynn. Some people would much rather live in the hustle and bustle of a much larger city than the relative calm of Lynn.
8. A high violent crime rate
Lynn still isn’t beating the allegations. The violent crime rate in this city is significantly higher than the national average of 22.7, at 40.4. However, the property crime rate of 34 is slightly lower than the national average of 35.4.
While the violent crime rate in Lynn may be higher than the national average, rest assured that the city is making every effort to make its residents feel safe.
In Summary
Lynn, Massachusetts presents a mix of historical significance, great schools, and close proximity to Boston.
Prospective residents should weigh the city’s higher living costs, high rate of crime, and diverse weather conditions before moving here. Lynn offers convenience to Boston but lacks the bustling city vibe.
