Geography of Boston throws light on the main physical features and the layout and orientation of the city. The capital city of Boston covers a total area of about 232.1 square kilometer. It includes a land area of about 41.2 square kilometers. The area covered by water is nearly 106.7 square kilometers. The geographical coordinates of Boston are 42.358N and 71.06W.
The city of Boston is located on the Shawmut Peninsula, located in the confluence of the two rivers Charles and Mystic rivers. The hilly peninsula of Shawmut is entirely isolated from the mainland by marshy swamps. Boston is a planned and a compact city with an altitude of 5.8 meters above the sea level. Bellevue Hill, the highest point in the city is 101 meters above the sea level.
Boston geography would remain incomplete without examining the suburbs of Boston, which includes the cities and towns of Winthrop, Everett, Somerville, Brookline, Needham, Canton, Milton and Quincy. Greater Boston is the name given to Boston and its suburbs. The Back Bay and the South End neighborhood of Boston are built on reclaimed land. The hills were leveled to fill in the marshlands.
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River Charles plays an important role in the geography of Boston. The river separates the proper city from Cambridge, Watertown and Charlestown. The Neponset river in Boston separates the southern neighborhoods from the cities of Milton and Quincy. Mystic river determines the boundaries between Chelsea and Everett, while Boston harbor separates East Boston from the proper city.
Boston maintains a moderate climate in between the months of April to September. The average temperature recorded in the month of July is 22 degree Celsius. The snowfall can be experienced in the month of January. On average, the temperature recorded in that month in Boston is -1 degree Celsius. Nearly 108 centimeters of snowfall are recorded annually in Boston.
Boston downtown and its neighborhood areas consist of low rise brick or stone buildings, with Federal style architecture. Modern high rise buildings are noticed in South Boston Waterfront and Back Bay. The John Hancock Tower and the Prudential Center are two of the tallest buildings located in downtown, which are major landmarks in Boston skyline.
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