Boston Landing: On the Fast Track for Life Sciences Growth

Boston is well-known around the world as a leader in biotech and life sciences innovation. The city holds another, less enviable distinction: some of the worst traffic in the country. Ranked fourth for congestion last year, the metro’s clogged roadways aren’t just a frustration — they’re a recruitment hurdle. For life sciences companies competing for in-demand talent, choosing a location that minimizes commute times can be a decisive advantage.

Boston Landing is rapidly establishing itself as a competitive life sciences hub. A key selling point is the neighborhood’s well-rounded transportation infrastructure, which allows employees to commute via the MBTA Commuter Rail, whose Boston Landing station is located just 0.2 miles from FORUM, or by bike, with easy access to nearby Bluebikes stations.

The neighborhood’s location is particularly beneficial to drivers, as their commute is shorter than if they had to go all the way downtown, while FORUM’s adjacency to the Massachusetts Turnpike means less time navigating surface streets. Additionally, the building provides complimentary parking for office tenants, making it an even more attractive option.

The Allston-Brighton neighborhood, which is anchored by Boston Landing, has seen a significant influx of new residents in recent years. The area experienced a 60% growth in population from 2010 to 2024. With more residents moving in, companies at Boston Landing benefit from greater access to local talent and a workforce that lives just minutes away.

This variety of transportation options is one of the primary reasons Boston Landing has developed into a dynamic mixed-use neighborhood. In addition to offices like the New Balance corporate headquarters, the area is home to a number of trendy restaurants, public spaces and unique retail and entertainment offerings. These include the Roadrunner music venue and practice facilities for the Celtics and Bruins. The soon-to-open, 175-key Boston Landing Hotel will bring further vibrancy to the neighborhood.

Multimodal transit access has become a critical factor in talent attraction and retention, especially as life sciences companies vie for younger professionals who prioritize convenience, work-life balance and sustainability. Properties with strong connections to public transportation reduce commute times and stress for employees, and open up access to a broader labor pool as employees can easily commute from across the region, including downtown Boston and the MetroWest suburbs.