Have you been asking yourself “should I move to Massachusetts?” This amazing state is one of the most spectacular, historic areas in the entire United States. And we’re certain you’d hear the same thing from just about every person living here.
If you’re thinking about relocating to Massachusetts but don’t know if it’s the right place for you, then these ten reasons should be more than enough to convince you otherwise. We’ve compiled everything you need to know about the population, things to do, job opportunities, and other aspects of living in Massachusetts.
1. A State Full of Great People
The most recent counts show the Massachusetts population hosts about 6,939,373 residents. That is up about 4 million people since the last census completed in 2010 and continues to rise slowly by nearly 1% each year.
The median age in Massachusetts is slightly under 40 years old. Local demographics include about 79% Caucasian, 7.36% Black or African American, 6.28% Asian, with a combination of races making up the remaining percentages. You’ll also find a long list of famous people from Massachusetts including:
- U.S. Presidents such as John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and John F. Kennedy
- Benjamin Franklin
- John Hancock
- Susan B. Anthony
- Paul Revere
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Edgar Allan Poe
- Henry David Thoreau
- Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss)
- Many more
2. Good Cost of Living Index in Massachusetts
Most numbers are similar to national averages when it comes to the cost of living in Massachusetts, with one or two exceptions. Things like groceries, home utilities, and other miscellaneous expenses are all within a few percent of U.S. averages. Healthcare expenses in the state are nearly 20% lower, in fact.
One of the biggest differences that have a significant impact on the overall cost comes with the housing market. The average price of a home in Massachusetts is $407,900, which has been on a decent upswing this past year as the numbers have risen nearly 4%. Though it is slowing down now, they’re still expected to go up another 1% by this time next year.
3. Fun Things to Do in Massachusetts
Moving to Massachusetts means joining an incredible community of great people, powerful American history, and an incredible number of fun local activities. Whether you’re around the Boston metropolitan area or closer to Springfield, you are sure to find a wide variety of exciting things to do in Massachusetts. At the top of nearly anyone’s list is a visit to the Freedom Trail, where you can learn more about American history than ever before on local tours seeing sites, museums, churches, and much more.
Another great activity for local history buffs is to visit the intriguing museums and art galleries which stand at many of the state universities like Harvard and MIT. But the fun doesn’t end with historical sites. Experience fun all over Massachusetts at local zoos, cultural tours, and even experience the unique and bewitching area of Salem for an interesting look at what times were like during the witch trials.
4. Top-rated Universities
One of the top reasons to move to Massachusetts is for the unprecedented educational system spread across all the local cities.
Even though Massachusetts is one of the smallest states in the nation, it is also home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. On the list of the top 50 highest ranked colleges, you’ll find seven of them across this state. The top-rated universities in Massachusetts include:
- Harvard University – Cambridge, MA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Cambridge, MA
- Tufts University – Medford, MA
- Brandeis University – Waltham, MA
- Boston College – Chestnut Hill, MA
- Boston University – Boston, MA
- Northeastern University – Boston, MA
5. Sports Teams You Will Love
Boston and other parts of Massachusetts are home to some of the most popular and beloved professional sports teams in the country. Few teams have a more dedicated fanbase than the Boston Red Sox baseball team at Fenway Park. Even though the Curse of the Bambino kept them from winning a World Series for 86 years, fans held strong until the curse was finally broken in 2004 and now three more times since then (2007, 2013 and 2018).
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Arguably the most successful team in the NFL since the turn of the century is also in Massachusetts: the New England Patriots. With six Super Bowl trophies and the winningest record since 2000, they’ve been next to unstoppable since Tom Brady and Bill Belichick teamed up in Foxborough. Other popular Massachusetts teams include the NBA Boston Celtics and the NHL Boston Bruins.
6. Great Job Opportunities in Massachusetts
With a current unemployment rate around 3%, Massachusetts jobs are presenting more opportunities now than they have more many years. The continually improving economy has boosted nearly every industry within the state. No matter where you’re living in Massachusetts, you’re sure to find an open position that is right for you and your skillset.
Some of the top employers in Massachusetts are:
- General Electric (GE) headquarters – Boston, MA
- TJX Corporations headquarters (T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and Home Goods) – Framingham, MA
- Showcase Cinema movie theaters
- Fresenius Medical Care North America hospitals and clinics
- Raytheon
7. Massachusetts Has Beautiful Beaches & Outdoor Activities
When most people think of nice beaches and ocean views, their thoughts tend to go straight to places like California or Florida. But Massachusetts has some hidden gems along its coast that will surprise you with their beauty. Some of the best beaches in Massachusetts include Singing Beach, Wingaersheek Beach, Cisco Beach, and many more great spots surrounding Cape Cod Bay.
Other exciting activities for anyone who wants something to do something outside range from whale watching and charter sailing to visiting vineyards and hiking trails.
8. Easy to Change Your Personal Details
Nearly everyone dreads the thought of long lines and annoying wait times at local motor vehicle offices. But the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) makes the process of changing personal information, updating your driver’s license, and renewing your registration as easy as possible. Most of the processes can even be completed online through their innovative new website.
If you’re moving to Massachusetts, make sure you check out the RMV Frequently Asked Questions to get all the details about updating this information.
9. St. Patrick’s Day Means a lot to Massachusetts
One out of every five people in Massachusetts is of Irish descent and that percentage gets even higher in cities like Boston and Braintree. That means more people can wear a “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” shirt than any other state on St. Patrick’s Day and have it actually be true.
If you’ll be living in Massachusetts, make sure you check out local listings to find the closest parties to your home. St. Patrick’s Day in Massachusetts turns the entire state into one giant sea of green with refreshing beer, Irish music, four-leaf clovers, and plenty of corned beef & cabbage.
10. Massachusetts is the Central Hub of New England
Did you know New England covers more than just the Boston metro area? It encompasses six entire states in the northeastern part of the U.S. including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Maine. Massachusetts represents New England as its hub and hosts a number of major events to celebrate the area.
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The grandest of all these occasions is a seasonal party is the Eastern States Exposition, which is more commonly known as The Big E. As a gigantic carnival of sorts, the concerts, rides, events, and shows make it the sixth-largest fair in the entire country.
The 10 Most Populated Cities in Massachusetts
- Boston – Population: 694,784
- Worcester – Population: 184,559
- Springfield – Population: 153,465
- Lowell – Population: 110,264
- Cambridge – Population: 113,036 (Learn more about the city of Cambridge)
- Brockton – Population: 96,539
- New Bedford – Population: 95,203
- Quincy – Population: 94,366 (Learn more about the city of Quincy)
- Lynn – Population: 92,769 (Learn more about the city of Lynn)
- Newton – Population: 89,246 (Learn more about the city of Newton)
How to Move to Massachusetts
Now that you know moving to Massachusetts is everything you hoped and dreamed it would be, count on Mass Bay Movers to handle your upcoming transition. Our 5-star rated team completes more than 1,000 relocations every year all over the Massachusetts and New England area, giving us the industry knowledge experience to assist with every stage of the process.
Give us a call today at (978) 216-4085 or fill out the form above for a free moving estimate!
