Populated by an abundance of colleges, universities and health care institutions, Boston is the largest city and unofficial economic and cultural capital of New England. The city’s nearly 600,000 residents reside in 16 densely populated neighborhoods, each of which maintains a strong individual identity and separate network of neighborhood associations and nonprofit organizations. With a developed park system, community gardens, ball fields and playgrounds, in addition to a string of harbor island beaches and waterfront parks, Boston has many opportunities for recreation. With its dense land use and an extensive public transportation system, Boston is among the most walkable cities in the nation.