Living in Boston

Nestled in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, NECO is just steps away from the Charles River and surrounded by the innovation and opportunity of one of the east coast’s most vibrant cities.

This is one of the most important decisions of your life, and we believe that location is more than where you’ll be making a home for four years. It’s also about choosing a location that augments your learning experience.

A hub for healthcare and education

Home to some of the world’s most distinguished academic and medical institutions, Boston is a city full of intellectual energy. Tens of thousands of students from around the globe are learning, researching, and growing professionally here. Boston is also home to emerging healthcare technology companies.

The regions richness of community health centers, VA medical centers and hospitals, and other community health services is the basis of NECO’s clinical training program, so that students learn in the communities of Boston while providing essential eye care services to those in most need.  These opportunities make Beantown an ideal place to pursue your doctor of optometry degree.

Walkable, enjoyable

With walkable neighborhoods, excellent public transportation, access to taxis/rideshare apps, bike rentals (and a growing number of bike lanes/paths), nearly any Boston-area destination is within your reach. From running everyday errands and enjoying a night out to exploring museums and enjoying a game, you can always get where you need to be.

Beyond Boston: New England & the Northeast

Boston is a few hours by car or train to New York, Providence, and other metro areas in the northeast, which could open you up to externship, residency, and career opportunities.

Boston’s proximity to scenic landscapes, quaint towns, seaside villages, and notable historic landmarks could also inspire plenty of daytrips and weekend getaways during your time at NECO. Just a few ideas:

• Cape Cod for the white sand beaches and National Seashore.
• Provincetown for the arts, culture, and nightlife.
• Newport, Rhode Island, for the history and architecture.
• White Mountains of New Hampshire for the fall foliage, hiking, and skiing.
• Portland, Maine, for the food scene and fishing village vibe.