First-Time Buyers

Living in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know Before Moving Here

August 15, 2024• 7 min read

Massachusetts is one of the most fascinating states in America — and one of the most misunderstood by people who haven't lived here. It's small by area (7th smallest state), but punches far above its weight in nearly every meaningful category. Here's a ground-level picture of what it's actually like to live here.

The Numbers

Massachusetts sits 16th in population at just under 7 million residents, but ranks 3rd in population density — a lot of people in a small space. Its economy, at $713 billion in annual output, ranks 12th nationally. In per capita income, it's 3rd in the country. Unemployment is approximately 2.5%, placing it 10th nationally — a sign of a genuinely strong and stable job market.

A Short History

Boston is, in many ways, where the United States began. The Pilgrims — religious dissenters from England — landed in Plymouth in 1620. Subsequent waves of settlers established what they called New England across Massachusetts and neighboring territories. Look at a map of Massachusetts and you'll notice it mirrors the general shape of England's coastline; Charles River was named for Prince Charles.

On December 16, 1773, the Boston Tea Party marked the beginning of colonial resistance against British rule. The uprising spread nationally and became the American Revolution. Massachusetts gave the country four presidents — John Adams (2nd), John Quincy Adams (6th), John F. Kennedy (35th), and George H.W. Bush (41st), all with Massachusetts roots.

Boston itself is largely a city of reclaimed land. Most of what are now the North End, West End, and Back Bay neighborhoods were once water. Streets follow the paths of old shorelines, which is part of why driving in Boston today feels like navigating a maze — no one was thinking about cars in the 1600s.

The Big Dig, a massive infrastructure project that began in 1991 and cost nearly $14 billion, rerouted the elevated highway running through downtown Boston underground. It took 16 years, became one of the most expensive construction projects in U.S. history, and is still discussed as a cautionary tale about infrastructure costs and timelines.

Education

Boston and the surrounding area is one of the most concentrated academic environments in the world. The city hosts 64 universities and colleges, including Harvard, MIT, Boston University, Northeastern, and dozens of others. Every year, approximately 346,000 students live in Boston — about 7.5% of the city's total population. Across the state, Massachusetts hosts roughly 1 million students annually.

If you're trying to rent near Boston in August or September, prepare yourself: finding an apartment is extremely difficult. Many of those students stay after graduation, competing for housing for years to come.

The Economy

Massachusetts' economic strength lies in its diversity. Technology, biotechnology, medicine, finance, higher education, and defense are all major sectors here. This matters for real estate specifically: a regional economy that depends on one or two industries is inherently fragile. When those industries stumble, the whole region suffers — as happened famously in Detroit, where the decline of the auto industry effectively collapsed the city. Properties in Detroit that would qualify as mansions elsewhere can be purchased for $10,000–$15,000.

Massachusetts has no such single point of failure. The breadth of its economy creates long-term stability that directly benefits homeowners and investors.

Healthcare is another anchor. Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Brigham and Women's Hospital are among the most respected medical institutions in the world — not just for patient care but for research. Massachusetts ranks in the top three nationally for health insurance coverage.

Family Life and Education Quality

For families, Massachusetts consistently ranks in the top ten states in the country. School quality, after-school programming, parks, museums, and public resources are all strong. The Boston Public Library system offers free museum passes, free access to films and events, free LEGO sets and Nintendo games for children, and extensive programming throughout the year. If you have young children, the state's investment in public resources is genuinely impressive.

Massachusetts is also the birthplace of several American holidays. Thanksgiving originated with the Plymouth colonists. Halloween has deep roots in the region. Patriots' Day — marking the battles of Lexington and Concord — is a Massachusetts-only holiday still celebrated with the Boston Marathon every April.

The Four Seasons

Massachusetts has all four seasons, and each is worth experiencing. Fall is particularly spectacular — foliage season draws visitors from across the world, and with good reason. Winter is cold but genuinely manageable once you've lived through a year or two of it. The days get short — it's dark by 4 or 5pm from November through February — but this adjustment period lasts only a few months before the cycle turns. Major blizzards occur perhaps once every two or three years. Spring and summer are mild and pleasant.

One significant advantage: Massachusetts is largely spared from the hurricanes and tornadoes that affect southern and midwestern states. Most storms track away from the region or weaken significantly before arriving.

Sports

Boston sports culture is among the most passionate in the country. The Red Sox (baseball), Patriots (football), Celtics (basketball), and Bruins (hockey) all have major followings and significant championship histories. The Boston Marathon, held every April, is the world's oldest annual marathon and draws over 30,000 runners. Beyond professional sports, the state's topography and climate support an unusually wide range of outdoor activities — kayaking, hiking, cycling, skiing, snowboarding, and sailing all have strong communities here.

The Downsides

No honest assessment of Massachusetts leaves these out.

Cost of living. Massachusetts, and Boston in particular, is among the most expensive places to live in the United States. Recent data shows Boston has surpassed San Francisco and New York City in rental costs. Housing prices reflect this. If you're moving from a lower-cost state, the adjustment is significant.

Traffic. It's real, it's persistent, and road construction is essentially permanent. Cambridge has had the same stretch of road under construction for over two years, dug up and repaved more than ten times, still not fully complete.

Winter road damage. Salt used for ice control damages the pavement. Snow removal equipment scrapes it further. Every spring, new potholes appear. The cycle never fully resolves.

Attitude. Massachusetts has a reputation for being somewhat unfriendly to newcomers — and there's some truth to it. People here tend to be direct, reserved with strangers, and occasionally abrupt. Once you've built relationships, it changes. But the initial adjustment can be noticeable, especially coming from more openly warm regions.

Laws. Massachusetts law is detailed and seriously enforced. Most of it is sensible. Some of it is a relic of earlier eras. The quirky examples — regulations about gorillas in backseats, peanuts in church, mandatory doctor's note for showers — are largely historical curiosities rather than enforced statutes, but they're a reminder that the legal system here has a long memory.

For Real Estate Specifically

Massachusetts' combination of economic diversity, a large and permanent student-driven population, strong employment, and limited housing supply makes it one of the most resilient real estate markets in the country. It's expensive to buy, and expensive to rent. The long-term fundamentals, however, are sound — this is a market where demand is structural, not speculative.

If you're considering moving here, the best advice is to visit in spring or fall when the state is at its most welcoming. The rest reveals itself over time.