Top LOOKS for Massachusetts
Moving to Massachusetts: What It’s Like to Live in the Bay State
Massachusetts is a much-loved mix of deep history with modern opportunity. It’s home to some of the country’s best universities, hospitals, and research centers, all set in some of the most beautiful cities in the country. This includes a prized urban center like Boston, but also old mill cities that have become attractive to young families and professionals looking for stylish but less expensive options. And finally, you have beautiful, leafy suburbs that offer some of the best public schools in the country.
People move here for education and career growth, but also for a sense of place. From the Cape to the Berkshires, Massachusetts keeps a connection between small-town character and urban life that few states manage to balance.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Massachusetts has a population of about 7.1 million, with most residents clustered in Greater Boston. Growth has been steady, driven by healthcare, biotech, and higher education.
Cost of Living in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is one of the more expensive states to live in, but wages tend to track with costs, especially in metro Boston and Cambridge. Smaller cities and western towns offer real savings without sacrificing quality of life.
- Home prices: The statewide median home price is around $610,000, with Boston averaging over $750,000, Worcester near $450,000, and Springfield under $350,000.
- Rent: A one-bedroom apartment averages about $2,400 statewide, with Boston closer to $3,000 and smaller metros near $1,800.
- Taxes: The flat income tax rate is 5%, and property taxes are moderate but vary widely by town.
- Utilities: Slightly above the national average, especially for heating in winter.
- Groceries and healthcare: Among the highest in the U.S., but quality of care is excellent.
Living in Massachusetts is a trade-off between high costs and a strong job market, great education, and world-class healthcare.
TL;DR: Massachusetts Regions at a Glance
Region---------------------------What Works------------------------Good Fit For
Greater Boston/Suburbs------------Jobs, transit, education--------------Professionals, families
North Shore-----------------------Coastal charm, access to Boston------Commuters, retirees
South Shore & Cape Cod-----------Beaches, small-town feel-------------Families, retirees
Central Massachusetts-------------Affordability, space-------------------First-time buyers, remote workers
Western Massachusetts------------Scenic, cultural, affordable------------Academics, artists, small-city movers
Where in Massachusetts Should You Live?
Greater Boston & Suburbs
Boston anchors the state’s economy and culture. Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, and Newton are long-time favorites for professionals and families, while suburbs like Lexington, Wellesley, and Quincy offer access to top schools and transit.
What Works: Job access, transit, and strong communities.
Watch Out For: Housing costs and competition for schools.
North Shore
Stretching from Salem to Newburyport, the North Shore combines historic homes, ocean air, and commuter access to Boston. It’s one of the state’s most desirable areas for those who want coastal living without Cape Cod crowds.
What Works: Coastal quality of life, walkable downtowns, and good schools.
Watch Out For: High demand and older housing stock.
South Shore & Cape Cod
This region includes Braintree, Scituate, and Plymouth on the mainland, plus the Cape itself. It’s coastal, family-friendly, and filled with summer energy that many residents enjoy year-round.
What Works: Community feel, natural beauty, and top-rated schools.
Watch Out For: Long commutes and seasonal congestion.
Central Massachusetts
Centered on Worcester, this region offers more space and affordability. The job market is growing slowly, but housing is attainable, and the area is well-positioned between Boston and Springfield. Surprisingly to many, this is the 2nd largest city in New England and is making major development progress with the new Triple A baseball stadium and other downtown spaces.
What Works: Cost, space, and access to both coasts and cities.
Watch Out For: Fewer cultural and tech opportunities.
Western Massachusetts
Amherst, Northampton, and the Berkshires define this region — artistic, intellectual, and connected to nature. The area has a slower pace but deep cultural depth, with local colleges and year-round arts programming.
What Works: Affordability, community, and scenic living.
Watch Out For: Distance from major job centers.
Best Cities in Massachusetts to Consider
Boston
Urban, historic, and innovative.
Cambridge
Academic, walkable, and diverse.
Worcester
Affordable, central, and growing.
Newton
Family-focused with excellent schools.
Northampton
Creative, inclusive, and community-driven.
Plymouth
Historic, coastal, and growing.
Amherst
College-town pace with strong cultural life.
Salem
Compact, vibrant, and coastal.
Is Massachusetts Right for You?
Massachusetts suits people who value education and appreciate the historic vibe. It can be expensive, but the quality of life and cultural depth make it one of the most rewarding states to call home.
FAQs About Living in Massachusetts
Q: Is Massachusetts affordable?
A: Not by national standards, but the western and central regions offer lower costs.
Q: What are the safest areas?
A: Lexington, Newton, and Needham often rank among the safest towns.
Q: How’s the job market?
A: Strong — healthcare, tech, and education drive much of the state’s economy.
Q: Do I need a car?
A: In Boston proper, no. In suburbs and rural areas, yes.
Q: What’s the weather like?
A: Four true seasons, with cold winters and mild, beautiful summers.
Q: Are schools really that good?
A: Yes — Massachusetts leads national education rankings year after year.
Ready to Find Your Massachusetts Fit?
Whether you’re drawn to Boston’s pace, the Cape’s calm, or the Berkshires’ beauty, Massachusetts offers more range than its size suggests.
- Take the LookyLOO Quiz to find your best-fit Massachusetts cities and save them in your Movebook.