What State Is Boston In? Massachusetts—The Bay State's Capital

Boston is the capital and largest city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Quick Facts

• State: Massachusetts (MA)
• Region: New England (northeastern U.S.)
• Population: ~675,000 (city); 4.9M (metro)
• Founded: 1630 (Puritan settlers)
• Key roles: Cradle of American Revolution, higher-ed hub (Harvard, MIT nearby), biotech/finance center, historic tourism magnet.

Common Confusion

People sometimes associate "Boston" with other states due to:

• Boston, Georgia (small town in Thomas County)
• Boston, Indiana (unincorporated)
• Boston, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia (all tiny communities)

But the Boston—Fenway, Freedom Trail, Harvard Yard, Dunkin' on every corner—is unequivocally in Massachusetts.