Boston is an amazing city. Have lived here for most of my life (after moving here from Armenia when I was 7) I can honestly say it's my favorite city in the US, and I've been to Miami, NYC, LA. It's very similar to a European city as you're going to get in the states, people are nice, the city feels homely (not too big yet big enough to have a lot to do). I know this doesn't answer your hacker-related questions, but just giving you my perspective of the city. Come visit and see if you like it.