Drug Testing Near Me Boston, MA
If you need a Drug or Alcohol Test in Near Me Boston, MA , Accredited Drug Testing has many drug testing locations in Near Me Boston, MA and the surrounding areas. Our drug testing centers provide urine drug testing, hair drug testing, alcohol testing, DOT physicals, DOT drug testing and DNA testing. Our drug and alcohol testing services are provided for employers in need of a pre-employment drug test, random drug test and post-accident drug test. We also provide testing for individuals needing a drug or alcohol test for court ordered reasons , probation or family purposes. Same day service is available and most drug testing Near Me Boston, MA locations are within minutes of your home or office. Drug testing methods include urine, oral/saliva, hair follicle, blood , ETG and breath alcohol testing. Negative test results are generally available in 24-48 hours.
101 ARCH ST STE 20 0.2 miles
BOSTON, MA 2110
98 N WASHINGTON ST STE 107 0.6 miles
BOSTON, MA 2114
850 HARRISON AVE STE 1N67 1.8 miles
BOSTON, MA 2118
1 HARBORSIDE DR 1.9 miles
EAST BOSTON, MA 2128
Onsite Only #1 2.2 miles
Cambridge, MA 2139
1400 CAMBRIDGE ST 2.4 miles
CAMBRIDGE, MA 2139
1493 CAMBRIDGE ST 2.5 miles
CAMBRIDGE, MA 2139
5 MIDDLESEX AVE 2.6 miles
SOMERVILLE, MA 2145
319 Longwood Ave, 2.7 miles
Boston, MA 2115
1101 Beacon St, 1st floor 2.8 miles
Brookline, MA 2446
1180 Beacon St Ste 1D, 3.0 miles
Brookline, MA 2446
16 WESTWOOD RD 3.0 miles
SOMERVILLE, MA 2143
10 CAMBRIA ST 3.0 miles
SOMERVILLE, MA 2143
125 PARKER HILL AVE 3.1 miles
BOSTON, MA 2120
1285 Beacon St 3.2 miles
Brookline, MA 2446
101 STATION LNDG 3.3 miles
MEDFORD, MA 2155
12 EVERETT ST 3.3 miles
CAMBRIDGE, MA 2138
114 WESTERN AVE 3.4 miles
ALLSTON, MA 2134
124 WESTERN AVE 3.4 miles
ALLSTON, MA 2134
358 HARVARD ST 3.5 miles
BROOKLINE, MA 2446
156 SAINT ANDREW RD 3.6 miles
EAST BOSTON, MA 2128
9 Faun Bar Avenue Ste 2 4.5 miles
WINTHROP, MA 2152
500 CUMMINGS CTR Ste 4350 4.5 miles
BEVERLY, MA 1915
601 Concord Ave 4.6 miles
Cambridge, MA 2138
219 CENTRE ST 4.7 miles
MALDEN, MA 2148
52 CREST AVE STE 7A 4.8 miles
WINTHROP, MA 2152
736 CAMBRIDGE ST DEPARTMENT OF OCC HLTH AND TRAVEL 4.8 miles
BRIGHTON, MA 2135
37 MANNING ST 4.9 miles
MEDFORD, MA 2155
92 HIGH ST 5.0 miles
MEDFORD, MA 2155
725 CONCORD AVE STE 5100 5.2 miles
CAMBRIDGE, MA 2138
376 Arsenal Street 5.3 miles
Watertown, MA 2472
20 S BORDER RD 5.4 miles
MEDFORD, MA 2155
2100 DORCHESTER AVE 5.5 miles
DORCHESTER, MA 2124
41 CARLETON RD 6.0 miles
BELMONT, MA 2478
1996 CENTRE ST 7.3 miles
WEST ROXBURY, MA 2132
199 REEDSDALE RD 7.3 miles
MILTON, MA 2186
1400 CENTRE ST, STE 208 7.4 miles
NEWTON CENTER, MA 2459
92 HIGHLAND ST 7.5 miles
MILTON, MA 2186
ON-SITE FOR POH ONLY 8.2 miles
STONEHAM, MA 2180
165 GRANITE ST 8.3 miles
QUINCY, MA 2169
21 SCHOOL ST 8.4 miles
QUINCY, MA 2169
1 MARINA PARK DR. 8.5 miles
WEST NEWTON, MA 2465
52 BOW ST 8.8 miles
STONEHAM, MA 2180
500 Congress St Ste 1e, 8.8 miles
Quincy, MA 2169
2 Adams Place Suite 305 9.0 miles
Quincy, MA 2169
200 PROVIDENCE HWY STE 202-203 9.4 miles
DEDHAM, MA 2026
370 PROVIDENCE HWY 9.5 miles
DEDHAM, MA 2026
371 BROADWAY 9.5 miles
SAUGUS, MA 1906
70 HOPE AVE APT 409 9.6 miles
WALTHAM, MA 2453
10 FORBES RD STE 260E 9.7 miles
BRAINTREE, MA 2184
9 HOPE AVE 9.7 miles
WALTHAM, MA 2453
340 Wood Rd, Suite 302, 9.9 miles
Braintree, MA 2184
On-site only 9.9 miles
Wakefield, MA 1880
1030 MAIN ST 10.0 miles
WALTHAM, MA 2451
922 HIGHLAND AVE 10.0 miles
NEEDHAM, MA 2494
16 Main Street 10.1 miles
Stoneham, MA 2180
51 Sawyer Rd Ste 200 10.1 miles
Waltham, MA 2453
800 W CUMMINGS PARK STE 5225 10.2 miles
WOBURN, MA 1801
600 W Cummings Park Ste 3400 10.2 miles
Woburn, MA 1801
485 GRANITE ST 10.2 miles
BRAINTREE, MA 2184
POH on-site only 10.2 miles
WOBURN, MA 1801
Onsite Only 10.2 miles
Woburn Ma, MA 1801
271 WESTERN AVE STE102 10.2 miles
LYNN, MA 1904
286 NEHOIDEN ST 10.6 miles
NEEDHAM, MA 2492
148 CHESTNUT ST 10.6 miles
NEEDHAM, MA 2492
759 GRANITE ST 10.8 miles
BRAINTREE, MA 2184
100 BAY STATE DR 11.1 miles
BRAINTREE, MA 2184
35 BEDFORD ST 11.1 miles
LEXINGTON, MA 2420
58 BEDFORD ST 11.2 miles
LEXINGTON, MA 2420
250 POND ST 11.2 miles
BRAINTREE, MA 2184
17 MAIN ST APT 2A 11.5 miles
WAKEFIELD, MA 1880
90 MIDDLESEX TPKE 11.5 miles
BURLINGTON, MA 1803
1 ORTHOPEDICS DR LOWR LEVEL 13.0 miles
PEABODY, MA 1960
101 ACCESS RD STE 1B 13.4 miles
NORWOOD, MA 2062
851 Main Street, 2nd Floor 13.7 miles
S. Weymouth, MA 2190
229 Andover Street 14.2 miles
Peabody, MA 1960
223 Chief Justice Cushing Hwy, 14.3 miles
Cohasset, MA 2025
48 HAMILTON AVE 14.4 miles
BILLERICA, MA 1821
100 JOHN RD 14.4 miles
CANTON, MA 2021
38 VANDERBILT AVE STE E 14.5 miles
NORWOOD, MA 2062
140 Commonwealth Ave, 14.6 miles
Danvers, MA 1923
335 Morse St, 1st Floor, 14.7 miles
Norwood, MA 2062
66B CONCORD ST 14.7 miles
WILMINGTON, MA 1887
286 WASHINGTON ST 15.4 miles
STOUGHTON, MA 2072
7 INDEPENDENCE WAY APT 13 15.6 miles
FRANKLIN, MA 2038
945 WORCESTER ST ROUTE 9W 15.6 miles
NATICK, MA 1760
42 Washington Street 15.6 miles
Norwell, MA 2061
190 N MAIN ST 15.9 miles
NATICK, MA 1760
75 Stockwell Dr 15.9 miles
Avon, MA 2322
510 BOSTON RD 16.7 miles
BILLERICA, MA 1821
966 PARK ST UNIT B7 17.1 miles
STOUGHTON, MA 2072
194 NORTH ST 17.3 miles
DANVERS, MA 1923
7 FRANCINE RD 18.0 miles
FRAMINGHAM, MA 1701
50 WORCESTER RD STE 3 18.3 miles
FRAMINGHAM, MA 1702
1399 WASHINGTON ST 18.5 miles
HANOVER, MA 2339
210 Quincy Ave, 18.9 miles
Brockton, MA 2302
61 Lincoln St, Suite 308 19.0 miles
Framingham, MA 1702
221 Boston Rd, Suite 1, 19.2 miles
Billerica, MA 1862
Onsite Only 20.3 miles
Whitman, MA 2382
7 DEANE ST 20.6 miles
MAYNARD, MA 1754
P.O. Box 546 20.7 miles
Andover, MA 1810
345 MAIN ST 20.8 miles
TEWKSBURY, MA 1876
700 Rogers Street, 21.9 miles
Lowell, MA 1854
81B MAIN ST 22.0 miles
MEDWAY, MA 2053
421 PINE ST 22.2 miles
MARSHFIELD, MA 2050
39 Village Square, 22.3 miles
Chelmsford, MA 1824
138 Haverhill St, 22.3 miles
Andover, MA 1810
14 ROCKHILL ST 22.6 miles
FOXBORO, MA 2035
10 Commercial St, 23.0 miles
Foxboro, MA 2035
682 DEPOT ST 23.1 miles
NORTH EASTON, MA 2356
1 HOSPITAL DR 23.3 miles
LOWELL, MA 1852
28 Newton St 24.0 miles
Southboro, MA 1772
10 RESEARCH PL STE 200 24.3 miles
NORTH CHELMSFORD, MA 1863
200 SUTTON ST STE 135 24.4 miles
NORTH ANDOVER, MA 1845
1 GENERAL ST 24.6 miles
LAWRENCE, MA 1841
How to schedule a drug test in Near Me Boston, MA
Schedule Online or By Phone-Easy As 1, 2, 3
Step 1: Select and purchase your test online or call our Local scheduling center at (800)-221-4291. One of our representatives is ready to assist you and schedule your test. Payment must be received at the time of registration as testing centers do not accept payments,Same day service is available for most types of tests.
Step 2: If you scheduled online, complete the Donor Information/Registration Section and enter where you want the confidential test results sent via email. The zip code you enter will be used to determine the closest drug/alcohol testing center to you and where you will go to take your test.
Step 3: Your authorization form/donor pass will include the local testing center address and hours of operation. It will be sent to the e-mail address you provided. Take the form with you or have it available on your smart phone to provide to the testing center. No appointment necessary!
Urine or hair drug testing methods in Near Me Boston, MA - You choose!
Accredited Drug Testing offers different testing methods depending upon our customer's needs. With a 1 to 5-day detection period urine testing is the most common method used by employers, courts and schools. However, hair drug and alcohol testing are becoming a frequently used testing method due to a detection period of approximately 90 days.
What is the most common urine/hair drug test?
Both a 5-panel urine or 5 panel hair drug test screens for the same drugs, however, the look-back period or detection window is very different. A urine drug test provides a look back period of 1-5 days while a hair drug test provides use up to 90 days from the date the specimen was collected.
- Amphetamines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Opiates
- PCP
Court Ordered Drug Testing (Probation/Child Custody)
Our local drug testing Near Me Boston, MA centers provide drug and alcohol tests that are utilized for a wide variety of court ordered proceedings, including probation and other types of government required tests. Observed tests are available and tests results can be submitted for a wide variety of court ordered proceedings including probation hearings, child custody cases, litigation and all manner of government required tests.
Court ordered drug tests should contain detailed instructions specifying the type of test to be administered and the drugs that should be screened for. If sample collection needs to be witnessed in order to prevent potential tampering or substitution, those specifications will be stated in the court order.
DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Services in Near Me Boston, MA
We also specialize in providing testing services for all DOT Modes including Trucking Industry (FMCSA), Maritime Industry (USCG), Aviation Industry (FAA), Public Transportation (FTA), Railroad Industry (FRA) and Pipeline Industry (PHMSA) in accordance with Part 40 of the US Department of Transportation Compliance Regulations. Additional DOT Services include consortium enrollment, MVR reports, Supervisor Training and policy manual development. In addition, we offer a complete DOT Compliance Program for single operators and small trucking companies.
Additional DOT Services:
- Consortium Enrollment
- DOT Physicals
- Supervisor Training
- Employer Drug Policy Development
- MVR Reports
- Employee Training
- Background Checks
- FMCSA Clearinghouse Verification/Search
The Opioid Overdose Crisis
Every day, more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. The misuse of and addiction to opioids,including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl,is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total "economic burden" of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.
- Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them.
- Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder.
- An estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin.
- About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.
- Opioid overdoses increased 30 percent from July 2016 through September 2017 in 52 areas in 45 states.
- The Midwestern region saw opioid overdoses increase 70 percent from July 2016 through September 2017.
- Opioid overdoses in large cities increase by 54 percent in 16 states.
In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to prescription opioid pain relievers, and healthcare providers began to prescribe them at greater rates. This subsequently led to widespread diversion and misuse of these medications before it became clear that these medications could indeed be highly addictive.3,4 Opioid overdose rates began to increase. In 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died as a result of an opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.1That same year, an estimated 1.7 million people in the United States suffered from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers, and 652,000 suffered from a heroin use disorder (not mutually exclusive).
Employer/Drug Free Workplace Testing in Near Me Boston, MA
Many companies and employers may be interested in being a drug free workplace, if so, Accredited Drug Testing specializes in providing comprehensive and cost-effective drug free workplace programs for small, medium and large companies. Organizations that utilize an employee drug testing program are commonly referred to as a Drug Free Workplace. However, many times companies do not fully qualify as a Drug Free Workplace because the drug testing program which they use does not have all of the components which make up a true Drug Free Workplace under their State specific law. Our Drug Testing Near Me Boston, MA locations are ready to serve your needs.
Want to open a No Fee employer account? Click Here to open your employer drug testing account today and save money!
What Are the Benefits of Being a Drug Free Workplace in Near Me Boston, MA ?
- Enhanced Employee Performance
- Reduced Job-Related Accidents
- Reduced Employee Absenteeism
- Lower Workers Compensation Rates
- Improved Employee Moral
- Customer Satisfaction
On-site/Mobile Drug Testing in Near Me Boston, MA
Do you have at least 10 employees needing a drug or alcohol test? If so, Accredited Drug Testing can provide on-site drug testing at your place of business. On-site drug testing services is frequently used by construction sites, manufacturing facilities, job fairs. On-site drug testing is available for pre employment and random testing. Call us today at (800)221-4291 and speak to our on-site coordinator to schedule your drug testing event in Near Me Boston, MA .
Drug Testing Locations in Near Me Boston, MA
Accredited Drug Testing has drug testing locations in Near Me Boston, MA and the surrounding areas. Many of our drug testing centers open early and have evening hours to accommodate a person's work schedule. Our drug testing locations in Near Me Boston, MA have certified and trained drug testing specialists ready to serve your testing needs in a friendly, knowledgeable and confidential manner.
Drug testing purposes for employers include pre-employment, random selection, post-accident and reasonable suspicion. Testing purposes for individuals can include court ordered, probation, child custody or for any other personal reason.
Accredited Drug Testing is a nationwide drug testing company with testing centers in Near Me Boston, MA specializing in Drug, Alcohol, DNA testing. DOT Physicals and Background Checks.
On the road or vacation? No worries! We can schedule your test, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!
With over 20,000 testing centers throughout the United States, Accredited Drug Testing has testing centers in all States and in most cities and towns.
Which drug testing panel is right for you?
Drug test screening groups are commonly referred to as a drug testing panel. The most common panels used are a 5 panel, 10 panel and 12 panel drug tests, (panels specify how many drugs will be screened) however customized screening can be analyzed for drugs such as opiates, bath salts, synthetic cannabinoids and a wide range of prescription drugs.
Customized Drug Testing Near Me Boston, MA
Accredited Drug Testing in Near Me Boston, MA also provides customized drug testing for synthetic marijuana, Ketamine, spice, kratom, bath salts and various opioids including Fentanyl, Oxycodone, Vicodin, Percocet, and others. Prescription drugs can be screened including Adderall, Ritalin, and Suboxone with levels reflecting usage.
Additional customized Drug Testing panels available include
- Narcotics
- Meperidine
- Tramadol
- Fentanyl
- Meprobamate
- Butorphanol
- Ketamine
- Nalbuphine, Naloxone, Naltrexone and/or Metabolite
- Pentazocine
- Antidepressants
- Amitriptyline
- Nortriptyline
- Fluoxetine and/or Metabolite
- Sertraline
- Antihistamines
- Chlorpheniramine
- Diphenhydramine
- Doxylamine
- Pheniramine
- Brompheniramine
- Stimulants
- Stimulants Diethylpropion
- Ephedrine
- Methylphenidate
- Phenmetrazine
- Phendimetrazine
- Phentermine
- Phenylpropanolamine
- Pseudoephedrine
- Alcohol (8-hour lookback)
- ETG Alcohol (80-hour look back)
- Other Drug(s)
- Zolpidem
What is a Drug Test?
A drug test is a technical analysis of a biological specimen, for example urine, hair, blood, breath, sweat, and/or oral fluid/saliva-to determine the presence or absence of specified parent drugs or their metabolites. Major applications of drug testing include detection of the presence of performance enhancing steroids in sport, employers and parole/probation officers screening for drugs prohibited by law (such as cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin) and police officers testing for the presence and concentration of alcohol (ethanol) in the blood commonly referred to as BAC (blood alcohol content). BAC tests are typically administered via a breathalyzer while urinalysis is used for the vast majority of drug testing in sports and the workplace. Numerous other methods with varying degrees of accuracy, sensitivity (detection threshold/cutoff), and detection periods exist. A drug test may also refer to a test that provides quantitative chemical analysis of an illegal drug, typically intended to help with responsible drug use.
Does passive smoke inhalation cause a false positive for marijuana?
"Passive" smoke inhalation from being in a room with people smoking marijuana is not considered valid, as the cut-off concentrations for lab analysis are set well above that which might occur for passive inhalation.
Other abnormalities in the urine screen may indicate that results may be a false negative or that there was deliberate adulteration of the sample. For example:
- a low creatinine lab value can indicate that a urine sample was tampered with; either the subject diluted their urine by consuming excessive water just prior to testing, or water was added to the urine sample. creatinine levels are often used in conjunction with specific gravity to determine if samples have been diluted. To help avoid this problem, the testing lab may color the water in their toilet blue to prevent the sample being diluted with water from the toilet. subjects may also attempt to add certain enzymes to the urine sample to affect stability, but this often changes the pH, which is also tested.
How long do drugs stay in your system?
The window of detection or often times referred to as look back period of a drug test depend on several factors. Some of the factors impacting how long a drug will stay in your system are:
- The amount of the drug taken
- The frequency of the drug taken
- The type of drug taken
- An individual's body metabolic rate and general health
- The amount of fluids consumed since ingesting the drug
- The amount of exercise since ingesting the drug
- Other genetic variations that would impact an individual's response to a specific drug
Why choose Accredited Drug Testing in Near Me Boston, MA ?
Our staff is prepared to assist you with any questions you may have in a friendly and confidential manner and providing exceptional customer service and being available when you need us for drug testing in Near Me Boston, MA is our #1 Priority and we look forward to serving the needs of employers and individuals who need any type of test.
Don't see a location near you? Call us (800) 221-4291)
"When you need a test, choose the best!"
Alcohol Testing Boston, MA Services
(800)221-4291
For more information regarding the effects of drug abuse - Click Here
For more information on a drug free work place - Click Here
Handy Resources
Comprehensive Online Resources for Drug Testing
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Provides comprehensive information on drug testing and its role in substance use disorder treatment.
- FDA: Drug Testing
Explains the FDA's role and regulations concerning drug testing for consumers.
- PDR.net
Provides detailed drug information and safety updates through a mobile-friendly platform.
- BeSafeRx - FDA
Resource by the FDA to help consumers identify and choose safe online pharmacies.
- SAMHSA: Drug Testing Resources for the Workplace
Resources and guidelines for drug testing in the workplace.
- Drugs.com
Provides drug information, side effects, and interactions for consumers and professionals.
- Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)
Online version of the DAST to help individuals assess whether they have a drug problem.
- Merck Manuals
Consumer-friendly medical resource providing comprehensive information on a wide array of health topics, including drug testing.
- SAMHSA Store
Provides access to resources and publications on substance use prevention and treatment.
- National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
Information on state boards of pharmacy and regulations, including those related to drug testing.
- CDC: Workplace Health Promotion
CDC's resources on substance use and drug testing in the workplace.
- Mayo Clinic: Drug Testing
General information about the procedures and types of drug tests.
- MedlinePlus: Drug Testing
Offers information about various drug tests and their uses in medical diagnosis and treatment.
- University of Rochester Medical Center Health Encyclopedia
Provides a detailed entry on drug testing, including how tests are conducted and what they detect.
- World Health Organization (WHO)
International guidelines and information on public health, including substance abuse and drug testing.
- Healthline: Drug Testing
Consumer health site offering information on how drug tests work and what they look for.
- WebMD: Drug Testing
Provides a patient-oriented overview of drug testing and its purposes.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
Provides a vast database of scientific studies, including research on drug testing and its effectiveness.
AI Overview
Local Drug Testing: An Essential Guide
Local drug testing plays a pivotal role in maintaining safe and productive environments across a variety of sectors, including workplaces, schools, and sporting events. It involves analyzing biological samples to detect the presence of drugs and is crucial for enforcing drug-free policies. This guide provides consumers with comprehensive information about the importance, methods, and benefits of local drug testing.
Importance of Local Drug Testing
Drug testing at a local level helps organizations comply with legal requirements, supports public safety, and promotes health within communities. It is a deterrent against the use and abuse of drugs, providing a basis for intervention and support when needed.
Common Methods of Local Drug Testing
- Urine Testing: The most common method due to its cost-effectiveness and the ability to detect a wide range of drugs over a considerable period.
- Saliva Testing: Gaining popularity for its non-invasive nature and the ability to conduct tests easily on-site with immediate results.
- Hair Follicle Testing: Provides a longer detection window, up to 90 days, making it effective for identifying habitual drug use.
- Blood Testing: Offers highly accurate results but is less commonly used due to its invasive nature and higher cost.
Choosing a Local Drug Testing Provider
- Accreditation: Ensure the provider is accredited by relevant health and safety regulatory bodies to guarantee high standards in testing.
- Types of Tests Offered: Consider the range of drug testing services offered to ensure they meet specific needs, whether for employment screening, legal compliance, or personal reasons.
- Confidentiality and Privacy: The provider should have strict protocols to protect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals undergoing drug testing.
Benefits of Local Drug Testing
Implementing drug testing locally offers numerous benefits:
- Safety: Reduces the risks associated with drug-related accidents in the workplace and public spaces.
- Compliance: Helps organizations adhere to industry regulations and legal standards.
- Health and Prevention: Promotes a healthier environment and provides early detection, which is crucial for effective drug prevention and treatment strategies.
Local drug testing is an invaluable resource for ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, enhancing workplace productivity, and fostering community health. By understanding the options and selecting a reputable provider, organizations and individuals can effectively utilize drug testing to meet their specific needs.
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Local Area Info: Boston
Boston is the capital and most populous city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. The city proper covers 48 square miles (124 km2) with an estimated population of 685,094 in 2017, making it also the most populous city in New England. Boston is the seat of Suffolk County as well, although the county government was disbanded on July 1, 1999. The city is the economic and cultural anchor of a substantially larger metropolitan area known as Greater Boston, a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) home to a census-estimated 4.8 million people in 2016 and ranking as the tenth-largest such area in the country. As a combined statistical area (CSA), this wider commuting region is home to some 8.2 million people, making it the sixth-largest in the United States.
Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, founded on the Shawmut Peninsula in 1630 by Puritan settlers from England. It was the scene of several key events of the American Revolution, such as the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the Siege of Boston. Upon gaining U.S. independence from Great Britain, it continued to be an important port and manufacturing hub as well as a center for education and culture. The city has expanded beyond the original peninsula through land reclamation and municipal annexation. Its rich history attracts many tourists, with Faneuil Hall alone drawing more than 20 million visitors per year. Boston's many firsts include the United States' first public park (Boston Common, 1634), first public or state school (Boston Latin School, 1635) and first subway system (Tremont Street Subway, 1897).
The Boston area's many colleges and universities make it an international center of higher education, including law, medicine, engineering, and business, and the city is considered to be a world leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, with nearly 2,000 startups. Boston's economic base also includes finance, professional and business services, biotechnology, information technology, and government activities. Households in the city claim the highest average rate of philanthropy in the United States; businesses and institutions rank among the top in the country for environmental sustainability and investment. The city has one of the highest costs of living in the United States as it has undergone gentrification, though it remains high on world livability rankings.