10 Pros and Cons of Living in Massachusetts
As one of the first original colonies in the U.S, Massachusetts holds a rich history and culture. Have you dabbled in the idea of living in Boston? Imagine cheering on the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, singing Sweet Caroline at the top of your lungs, or wandering through the streets of historic brownstones – you’ll find something to love. And if you’re wondering if Massachusetts is a good place to live, we’ve curated ten pros and cons of living in Massachusetts to give you an idea of what to expect. So whether you’re moving into an apartment in Cambridge or looking for homes for sale in Westford, read on for the pros and cons of living in Massachusetts.
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Quick Facts about Massachusetts
Population
7,029,917
Median home sale price
$644,000
Average rent in Massachusetts
$2,833
Largest cities in Massachusetts
Boston, Cambridge, Quincy
Pros of living in Massachusetts
Living in Massachusetts provides a blend of historical charm and modern amenities, making it a great place to live. The state has a robust educational system and a thriving job market, offering ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. These are just a few things to love about Massachusetts—read on for more.
1. Beautiful scenery all over the state
From the gorgeous views from the Taconic Mountains to the coastlines of Cape Cod, the Bay State has plenty of stunning scenery. Take a day trip to the beaches and cliffs in Martha’s Vineyard, or walk through Boston Common, the oldest public park in America. If it’s the fall season, plan a drive around the state to see amazing views of the fall foliage. If you want even more spaces to explore, check out these seven beautiful places in Boston.
2. Massachusetts is full of history and culture
As an original colony, Massachusetts is home to many famous sites. History buffs will thrive in this state, from the first public botanical gardens and the Boston Tea Party to the Mayflower and the first Thanksgiving feast. Discover historic cities through museums like The Plimoth Patuxet Museums in Plymouth or the Whaling Museum in Nantucket.
3. Some of the best seafood in the U.S
Massachusetts is, of course, known for its history, but did you also know it has some of the best shellfish in the country? The Bay State has everything from oysters to lobster rolls, clam chowder, and more. Take a trip to the harbor and try freshly caught seafood off the coast, or explore a charming seaside town in Cape Cod and fall in love with the many seafood restaurants proudly named some of the best in the state.
4. The summers and fall in Massachusetts are magical
The summers in Massachusetts are so lovely that many say they make up for the cold winters. With temperatures rarely above 90 degrees, you’ll find yourself enjoying the outdoors comfortably. As for the fall season, Massachusetts is known for its vibrant fall colors, attracting lots of visitors yearly. You will see temperatures ranging from 52-72 degrees Fahrenheit, a perfect transition to the winter. Enjoy drives through historic roads like Mohawk Trail, or explore towns known for their fall foliage like Amherst to see how vibrant this state can get.
5. Great educational opportunities
You’ll find over 30 universities and colleges and top-performing K-12 programs throughout the state. A recent study found that Massachusetts has the best public schools in the country. From Ivy League like Harvard University, located in Cambridge, to other well-known colleges like Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts offers excellent educational opportunities.
Cons of living in Massachusetts
While there are many reasons that make Massachusetts special, it’s important to consider the drawbacks as well. The high cost of living, frequent tourism, and heavy snowfall are just a few disadvantages of residing in the state. Read on to learn more about these challenges.
1. Massachusetts has a high cost of living
In popular metros like Boston, housing is expensive. Boston has a median sale price of $800,000 compared to cities like Hartford, CT, with a median sale price of $320,000. Besides other purchases like groceries and transportation, the cost of living can be high depending on your budget. If you’re looking for cheaper alternatives to big city metros, check out Boston’s most affordable suburbs or discover some of the affordable places to live in Massachusetts.
2. Some areas may feel crowded
Despite being the seventh smallest state in the U.S., Massachusetts is the third most densely populated state in the country. You can find students, young professionals, and suburban families filling college cities. In addition with residents, Massachusetts receives thousands of tourists yearly, which can crowd certain attractions.
3. Prepare yourself for harsh winters
With temperatures dipping below freezing in December and January and about 60 inches of snowfall per year, you’ll want to prepare your home for winter if you live in Boston While the state does experience harsh winters, the snow brings excellent outdoor activities for all adventurers. Go skiing at the Blue Hills Ski Area or snowshoe at Weston Ski Track; adventures await you.
4. Strange laws that will make you wonder why
Massachusetts is a quirky state, and we’ve got the proof. The Bay State is known for having weird laws that will make you wonder why it was ever a law in the first place. To give you an idea of how strange the laws can get, here are a few:
Gorillas are not allowed in the backseat of the car
Candy cannot contain more than 1% of alcohol
Clam chowder cannot be made with tomatoes
5. Competitive rental market
As for any densely populated area, housing can be competitive, and in Massachusetts, the rental market is known to be intense, especially in college towns. In these cities, you’ll find more owner-occupied homes rather than apartment complexes, and with many colleges starting around the same time, demand is high, leading to higher costs. So if you’re planning on moving into an apartment in a college town like Worcester, it’s best to start your search a couple of months ahead.
Methodology: The population data is from the United States Census Bureau and the median home sale price and average rent is from the Redfin Data Center.
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