1. Living in Massachusetts Means The Budget May Be A Little Tighter
The cost of living index in
Massachusetts is 137 compared to the national index of 100, meaning it’s definitely more expensive to live in Massachusetts than your average US state. You’ll also be spending a bit more than average on health care (124) and groceries (111). However, the median household income in Massachusetts is much higher than in other US states, which somewhat makes up for the higher cost of living.
2. Things Are A Bit Safer In Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a relatively safe state to live. Massachusetts has a score of 47.3 out of 100 when it comes to violent crime, which is only slightly higher than the national average of 41.4. Additionally, when it comes to property crime, Massachusetts has a score of 38.5, which is lower than the national average of 43.5.
3. Commuting In Massachusetts Is A Mixed Bag
Many, many people living in Massachusetts make the relatively challenging commute into the Boston area for work. Meaning that many major roads and highways, particularly those leading to Boston, are often congested or crowded. The average commute time is 28 minutes, which is higher than the national average of 25, and 72% of commuters use their automobile.
That being said, there is a pretty extensive transportation system in Massachusetts, called the T, that commuters can utilize to get around the greater Boston area, as well as a commuter rail that runs all throughout the state. Overall, though, you’ll mostly be using your car and sitting in a lot of traffic, so get some good podcasts ready!
4. MA Has Higher Household Incomes And Low Unemployment Rates
The median household income in Massachusetts is $66,658 which is substantially higher than the national average household income of $53,046. Additionally, the unemployment rate is only 5.60% which is on par with the national average. Higher median household incomes along with low unemployment rates make Massachusetts a great place to find high-paying work.
5. Beautiful Homes...But A Little Pricier Than Average
The median price of buying a home in Massachusetts is $315,200, which is higher than the national average of $188,900. However, Massachusetts has some beautiful homes for sale in great neighborhoods that are known for having wonderful backyards and views, as well as classically beautiful interiors, so chances are you’ll be happy with your home purchase.
Additionally, home appreciation in Massachusetts over the last 12 months is 3.9%,, meaning that the value of homes in MA is increasing with time.
6. Massachusetts Is Open For Business
The top industries in Massachusetts are management, business, and finance which employ 16.69% of the population, followed by engineering, computers, and science which employ 7.49% of the population. Community and social services are also big industries in Massachusetts, employing 1.89% of the population. Some of the largest companies in Massachusetts are Cumberland Gulf Group, Fidelity Investments, and International Data Group.
Many believe Massachusetts is becoming the Silicon Valley of the East Coast, in that there is a booming tech industry in the Boston area which is certainly on the rise. Innovative tech startups are popping up all around the city.
7. The Boston Red Sox Are Way More Than Just A Baseball Team
Living in Massachusetts means you live and breathe the Boston Red Sox. With perhaps one of the most complicated baseball histories known to man, Bay Staters everywhere have had to develop such a strong and enduring love for their team. And, in spite of all odds, the curse was finally broken and the team has been crushing it ever since. That’s what true love looks like.
8. But Massachusetts Sports Are More Than Baseball
While the Red Sox do get a lot of the hype in Massachusetts, Bay Staters don’t discriminate against other sports either. The Bruins, Celtics, and Patriots are just some of the awesome sporting teams that call Massachusetts home.
9. Massachusetts Will Make You “Sea” Food Differently
It’s no surprise that Massachusetts has some of the best seafood in the United States. You don’t really know what seafood is until you have your first bite of a delicious Massachusetts lobster roll or taste your first sip of creamy Massachusetts clam chowder. Check out Finz in Salem or The Mews in Provincetown if you really want to get a taste of MA seafood.
10. And It Doesn’t Hurt That They The State Has The Most Eclectic Food Around
Massachusetts cuisine reflects the diversity of cultures in Massachusetts. There are large Italian, Irish, Hispanic, and Asian populations living in the state, and the food totally reflects that. If you don’t believe me, head to the North End in Boston and try the best Italian food you’ll ever taste in your life at Mamma Maria or Lucca.
Some of the best Asian food on the East Coast is also located in the greater Boston area, like Myers and Chang, and there are even delicious Irish pubs, like Emmet’s or Solas, that will not only serve you an excellent pint, but also provide you with some classic Irish meals.
11. Massachusetts Runs On Dunkin
Before living in Massachusetts, it’s imperative that you understand you CANNOT step foot in Starbucks or else you risk being shunned for all eternity. Seriously. Dunkin’ Donuts is on every corner of every Massachusetts small town and big city.
So before you embark on one of those long Massachusetts commutes, you should probably head to Dunkin’ Donuts drive-through and get your caffeine and sweets fix.
12. Massachusetts Has The Best Farmers Markets In The World
If you want delicious and fresh fruits and veggies, you’ve come to the right place. There are numerous farmers markets all throughout the state that emphasize farm-to-table and believe every Bay Stater has the right to locally sourced produce.
Check out Central Square Farmers Market in Boston or Canal District Farmers Market in Worcester, which both have amazingly fresh fruits and veggies, which is perfect considering they’re located in such large cities. There are other amazing farmers markets all throughout the state, including the Salem Farmers Market and the Mass Farmers Market in Waltham.
13. There Are So Many Gorgeous Places To Hike And Explore Nature
There are plenty of gorgeous places to hike in Massachusetts, particularly in the Berkshires, including parts of the Appalachian Trail, Alfred Springs, or Beartown State Forest. There are over 450,000 acres of privately and state-owned forests and parks in Massachusetts, making up nearly 10% of Massachusetts’s total land mass.
Additionally, there are 29 campgrounds, over 2,000 miles of trails, 87 beaches, and a whopping 145 miles of paved bike and rail trails.
14. Massachusetts Is Home To Some Of The Most Beautiful Beaches You’ll Ever See
It’s no secret that Massachusetts has some gorgeous beaches along their coastline. Known for the Cape Cod area, as well as Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts beaches are not only gorgeous, but also quintessentially New England.
Many of them have beautiful lighthouses, tall beach grass, and long stretches of sand that allow you to walk and explore for miles, particularly when it’s low tide. Check out Rock Harbor Beach in Cape Cod or the Joseph Sylvia State Beach in Martha’s Vineyard.
15. There Are Some Awesome Massachusetts Breweries
Massachusetts is home to 72 breweries, and has a long history of brewing excellent beer. Some of their more famous breweries include Samuel Adams and and Harpoon. But there are also many others like Bunker Hill, Newburyport, and Blue Hills.
16. But If You Want To Try A Bit Of Everything, Head To The Cape Cod Brew Fest
Every year, Cape Cod hosts a Brew Fest that takes place on the Cape Cod Fairgrounds. It is a total celebration of American craft brewers. You can sample beer from 75+ breweries and over 250 styles of beer.
There’s also live music, delicious food trucks, and vendors selling all sorts of goodies. The event draws hundreds of people from all over New England who want to celebrate American beer—and drink it!
17. Or If Wine’s Your Thing, Head To The Boston Wine Expo
Boston hosts one of the largest wine events in the entire United States. The Wine Expo lasts a whole week and showcases more than 2,000 wines from over 440 wineries from 13 countries. There’s also excellent food that pairs well with all of the wines, as well as related cultural events, celebrity chef demonstrations, and classy dinners provided.
18. St. Patrick’s Day Will Take On A Whole New Meaning
A whopping 24% of the Boston population is of Irish descent, so it’s no surprise that the best darned St. Patty’s Day parade and celebration exists right here in Massachusetts in the heart of Boston. Over 850,000 people attend the event, making it one of the largest St. Patrick’s celebrations in the world.
19. Enjoy Some Soothing Folk Music At The Largest Folk Festival In The US
Lowell, Massachusetts hosts the largest folk festival in the US, and the best part is, it’s free! There’s music going all hours of the day, and artists play on six outdoor stages. The festival celebrates folk music from all over the world, and there’s some amazing craftspeople, artisans, and food vendors that also attend.
20. But The Big E Is Everyone’s Favorite Celebration
The Big E is definitely one of the most frequented events in the state. Close to one and a half million people attend each year, making this event be known as "New England's Biggest Celebration." The Big E celebrates all six New England states, but Massachusetts gets to be the lucky state that hosts this incredible event.
There are circus events, museum exhibits, competitions, rides, shopping, crafts, daily parades including a Mardi Gras parade, and international cuisine that is out of this world! This 17-day event is actually the fifth largest agricultural fair in the country, and the largest cultural event on the eastern seaboard.
21. Bay Staters Are Some Of The Friendliest, Most Community-Oriented People You’ll Ever Meet
Sure, if you’re a Yankees fan then a Bay Stater might turn their nose up at you. But in all reality, the people in Massachusetts are incredibly friendly and have a strong desire to foster a real sense of community and neighborliness.
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