The Bay State has it all: sandy beaches teeming with fresh seafood to be caught, a rich history that goes back to the start of the nation, top-tier academic institutions, and a New England charm that permeates it all.
You might be looking at Boston houses for sale in the Eastern part of the state or seeking a quiet home in the Berkshires out west, or searching for roommates in downtown Boston. No matter where you want to settle, there are some things you should know about moving to the Commonwealth (and it’s not just that they don’t all have Boston accents).
You Will Get All Four Seasons
The summers are hot and the winters are frigid. Though temps tend to rise quite high in the summer months, many a New Englander will tell you they don’t mind as it makes up for the snowy winters.
Massachusetts winters are cold, and the snow is more predominant in the Eastern part of the state thanks to its proximity to the ocean. One thing that does occur throughout the state are spots of ice storms, so you may want to pack traction cleats for walking around.
The bloom of spring is stunning, but nothing beats the sights that greet Mass natives in fall. The blazing oranges and reds draw in tourists from around the region.
Sports Fans Don’t Mess Around
From ice hockey and basketball to football and baseball, Massachusetts is home to some of the most popular and championship-winning teams in the country.
Several well-known pro sports teams include the NBA’s Boston Celtics, NHL’s Boston Bruins, MLB’s Boston Red Sox, NFL’s New England Patriots, and the MLS’s New England Revolution.
In addition to pro sports, Massachusetts has plenty of colleges with popular sports teams including Harvard, Boston College, Northeastern, UMass and Boston University.
The Economy is Thriving
Massachusetts’ economy is strong, and was ranked third best state economy in the U.S. according to WalletHub in 2021.
There is a booming high-tech industry, educated population, and staple sectors such as agriculture, trade and fishing.
History Buffs Will Be In Heaven
So many influential events in history happened in Massachusetts: the Salem witch trials, the Boston Tea Party, the landing of the Mayflower. Since Massachusetts is one of the 13 original colonies in the U.S., its history runs deep.
The state is also home to Dr. Suess, Emily Dickinson, the Basketball Hall of Fame, and vacation spot for the Kennedy family.
Health Care is Top Notch
There are excellent health facilities throughout the state. Highly ranked hospitals include Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, New England Baptist Hospital, McLean Hospital, and Boston Children’s Hospital.
U.S. News has ranked Massachusetts as the fifth best state for health care.
And So Are the Schools
Massachusetts is home to several of the world’s top universities and colleges. These include Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston College, Tufts University, Amherst College, Williams College, Wellesley College, Emerson College, Boston University and Northeastern University.
There are also excellent public schools throughout the state, such as Newton Public Schools, Lexington Public Schools, Wellesley Public Schools, and Westford Public Schools.