wanderluster

Hey guys, thanks for all your opinions! Well, in fact I kinda already have my own choice based on the programs. I just wanted to make sure that location wouldn't be much of an important factor in making the decision. And it sounds like both places are great for graduate students. I have lived 21 years of my life without needing a car, either in a small city where I could easily get around on foot or bike, or in big cities with extensive public transport networks. Boston seems to fit my commuting habit. But I think it might also be time to get used to having a car. I come from a region with tropical climate, so Durham's weather might suit me better. Having said that, I also spent half a year in the Scandinavia, and did not encounter severe problems with the winter there. I asked about the crime rate because I heard about the murders of a Duke and a UNC student in 2008. But I guess they're just random incidents and say little about the safety in Durham. Also, I am now living in one of the safest places in the world, so just a bit concerned. @ eucalyptus: My stipends are almost the same as yours. But have you taken into account the tax rates? I'm not really sure about this though...

Hey, thanks a lot, Multiple Infusions and bananagramsfan! In fact I haven't needed a car in where I'm living now. So I never learnt to drive, and of course, have no driving license. So in comparing the higher cost of living in Boston with the cost for a car in Durham (insurance, fuel, etc...), which place would be likely more expensive for me? If I were to choose Durham, I would likely consider buying a car sooner or later. Besides, would a bike be helpful in Durham? I guess for weekend getaway trips, a car is a must? And how about the safety? I heard crime rate in Durham is higher than in that in Boston?

Hey guys, I got admitted to schools in Durham and Boston. I've already had my own ideas about each program. However, I have never visited either place so am not sure how graduate student life is like in each city. I'm not in the US so unable to visit them. I'd like to hear everybody's perspective on the pros and cons of living in each city. So far, these are all I've got: Durham: better weather, much lower cost of living Boston: great public transportation, more things to do during weekends (?) Your opinions would be greatly appreciated