The eastern part of Massachusetts reflects its long heritage as one of the first colonial settlements in the country. Boston, the state capitol and the largest city in the state lies at the hub of concentric rings of cities, suburbs, and exurbs mixed with occasional patches of semi-rural towns radiating outward from the Atlantic Coast. Within this area is a wealth of history, higher education centers and high tech industry. This region is also home to some of the world’s finest hospitals and medical schools.