re: How important are snow tires?

Snow tires are more more useful than 4WD. They allow you to accelerate and brake normally. You can drive at roughly normal speeds safely.

I’d be surprised if most people in Boston had snow tires. I didn’t have a car when I lived there, but I don’t remember friends having snow tires. Most people in Maine didn’t have them either.

They are really nice though. If you do get them, buy Nokians. They’re vastly better than any other snow tire on the market.

Studies say that studs are only useful on ice, and to skip them. I do like studs better though.

Just personal experience.