The Vibe: An Old City With A New Face
Known for their seafood, Ivy League schools, and being the home to Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts is one state that’s deeply embedded in the history of America. Most people around the country recognize this area for being home to the great city of Boston and while this city is a big deal in
Massachusetts, that’s not all that you’ll find in this state.
There are plenty of other cool places away from the busy city streets worth checking out, such as the miles of beaches span the coastline and unbeatable foliage stretches across the countryside. In recent years, Massachusetts has become a happy mix of proud New England natives and transplants from other parts of the country, creating a hip, multicultural vibe with the charming historical backdrop.
Local Flavor: There’s Never A Boring Weekend In The Bay State
Attracting nearly 5 million residents to its metro area, a lot of the most noteworthy annual events in Massachusetts are found around Boston, though it’s usually not too difficult to find various festivals and fairs in other areas of the Bay State, as well. A few of the most notable annual events include the Cape Cod Maritime Days, a celebration of the rich local seafaring history, the Tanglewood Music Festival, capable of attracting over 300,000 visitors over 10 weeks of concerts, and of course, Boston’s enormous St. Patrick’s Day celebration, attracting hundreds of thousands of people to the streets to celebrate this city’s rich Irish heritage.
Cuisine: Seafood Meant For Kings
The food in Massachusetts is similar to what you’d find in the other five New England states, with a heavy emphasis on fresh seafood, as well as traditional American cooking with roots dating back to colonial times. Anything that comes from the nearby ocean will be great, but a few things the Bay State is especially known for include clams, haddock, and lobster.
Of course, it would be a sin to not mention a few of the other regional staples like baked beans, “bulkie rolls” (a sandwich that looks like a burger but often uses different protein), and the wide variety of fresh fruit grown in nearby orchards. When it comes to finding some of the best cuisine in the country, Massachusetts gives the rest of the states a run for their money.
Nightlife: It’s All About The Sports And Beer
It’s always possible to liven up your nights regardless of where you’re at in this state, but if you’re a party animal, the larger cities will put you through your paces. The biggest parties here are found on game days, with celebrations for big wins lasting into the wee hours of the early morning. Two of the coolest places in Boston include Faneuil Hall, a complex near the waterfront that has attracted tons of bars, shops, and restaurants over the decades, as well as the Fenway Park area home to the Red Sox stadium and one of the coolest places in the country for a baseball fan to grab a pint.
However, keep in mind that downtown areas can get pricey fast, meaning that local bar that’s right down the street from your apartment might be the best place to start the night. Plus, tons of fresh new watering holes are always popping up all around the state, making it easy to find that special place where everyone will know your name.
Weather: Four Vibrant Seasons That Keep Life Exciting
Massachusetts is one state that gets four recognizable seasons every year, with perfectly warm summers with temperatures averaging in the upper 60s, cool falls known for changing the landscape in beautiful ways, winter months bringing inches of powdery snow, and rainy springs that send the entire state into bloom. Aside from the occasional hot or cold day and the potential of a tropical storm, there’s really not much to worry about when it comes to weather in this state. Just make sure to practice your snow driving before taking to the streets.
Safety & Crime: There’s No Need To Worry On These Streets
Despite having a huge metropolitan city, the crimes rates in Massachusetts are notably low. The state average hangs around 2,495 reported criminal acts per 100,000 residents, far less than the national average of 3,099 acts per 100,000 residents across the country. Even the big cities like Boston and Worcester stay relatively safe, with crime rates of 3,555 and 4,355 acts of crime per 100,000, respectively. It’s also important to mention that the crime in the larger cities is dropping at an annual basis, making Massachusetts a little safer by the day.
Commute: Traffic Gets Bad, But There Are Other Options
Like you might expect, getting around Massachusetts probably means you’ll encounter a little traffic, especially if you’re closer to Boston. The average commute time in this city is nearly 30 minutes each way, a little higher than the state average, as well as other large cities like Springfield, where the average commute is only 21 minutes. Drivers in this state have a reputation for being aggressive, something that can take new residents not used to city driving a little time to get used to. Dealing with traffic not your thing? You’ll be happy to hear that big cities like Boston are very walkable, in addition to having great infrastructure when it comes to biking and public transportation.
Cost Of Living: It’s Expensive, But You Get What You Pay For
There’s no way around it, life in Massachusetts is expensive. It’s actually one of the most expensive places in the country, with a statewide cost of living score of 130 compared to a national average of 100. Cities like Boston are even pricier, scoring a 144 on the same scale, mostly due to the expensive local housing market, with the median home value at twice the national average of $182,000. However, not everywhere is quite so off-the-charts. Springfield scores a 110 and Worcester scores a 118, and it’s even possible to shop for a home on a budget in this state, with homes in Springfield costing roughly $30,000 less than what you’re likely to find around the rest of the United States.
Sports: There’s Always Someone To Cheer For
There are no sports fans more die-hard than those you’ll find in New England, specifically Massachusetts. With local powerhouses like the New England Patriots, the Boston Celtics, the Boston Red Sox, and the Boston Bruins, it always seems like there’s someone bringing a championship trophy home to Massachusetts. This state can seem like it was developed for the sole purpose of celebrating athletic competition. Just make sure you don’t miss the next championship parade that comes to town.
Nature: It’s Not Just Concrete Jungles In This East Coast State
A lot Americans have this assumption that every East Coast state is just one giant metropolitan area filled with traffic and residents that are constantly in a rush. In Massachusetts, that’s far from the truth. While the Bay State definitely has its big towns, it also has plenty of places that let the local residents escape to a more peaceful world. Aside from being home to almost 200 miles of coastline at notable places like Cape Cod, Massachusetts also has great hiking at places like the 3,491 foot high Mount Greylock, as well as the rolling fertile hills in the Western part of the state surrounding the Connecticut River.
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