Thinking about moving to Massachusetts? You’re not alone! Over 90,217 people moved to Massachusetts in the last year alone. However, relocating to Massachusetts isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Massachusetts’ best home buying website, finding your dream property is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
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AT A GLANCE:
- Massachusetts ranks #1 for its robust economy with growing sectors like tech, life science, and finance.
- The state currently has over 148,000 new job openings and aims to add 215,368 more by the end of 2033.
- Massachusetts is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including Harvard and MIT.
- The cost of living in Massachusetts is 48% higher than the national average.
- Expect to pay between $2,197-$6,374 for your move, depending on the distance and size of your belongings.
- Massachusetts has a continental climate with hot and humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
3 Reasons to Move to Massachusetts
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in Massachusetts, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Education in Massachusetts
Ranked #1 for education, Massachusetts serves over 1.02 million students with over 306 school districts across the state.
- Public Schools: Massachusetts has a robust public school network with 1,847 public schools. Boston Latin School ranks among the top nationally, while Lexington High School ranks among the best schools in Massachusetts for college readiness.
- Private Schools: Massachusetts has over 661 private schools. Phillips Academy in Andover and Milton Academy in Milton are among the top private schools in the state. The average tuition fee for private schools in MA is around $26,041 per year.
- Higher Education: Massachusetts is also home to Harvard University and MIT, both situated in Cambridge. Harvard excels in studies of liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences, while MIT is known for its science, technology, and engineering programs.
2. Job Opportunities
Home to 18 Fortune 500 companies, the Bay State has over 148,000 new job openings in 2025 and aims to add 215,368 more by the end of 2033. Tech, life science, and finance are among the fastest-growing job sectors in Massachusetts.
- Information Technology: Massachusetts ranks among the top 10 states for IT jobs. The state is home to over 2,000 tech companies, including Akamai, General Electric, and Dell. The median salary of a tech sector employee in MA is $105,721 per year.
- Life Science: Massachusetts is the global hub for the life science industry. The state is home to over 1,200 life science companies, including Takeda, Vertex, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Moderna.
- Finance: Financial services make up 15% of Massachusetts’ economy, supporting 211,000 jobs. The state also has over 350 fintech companies. Leading employers include State Street, Fidelity Investments, and Liberty Mutual.
3. Healthcare in Massachusetts
Massachusetts ranks #1 for its robust healthcare system, with over 97% of its residents insured. Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital rank among the top healthcare institutions in the country, with scores over 90 points.
Additionally, Massachusetts offers several state-funded health benefit programs. This includes programs like MassHealth, which offer coverage for low-income residents. Moreover, the ConnectorCare program provides affordable plans for those not eligible for Medicaid.
Pros and Cons of Living in Massachusetts
Here are the key pros and cons of moving to Massachusetts:
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Massachusetts offers top-tier education with institutions like Harvard University and MIT. | 1. The median housing price in Massachusetts is $662K, almost double the national average. |
| 2. The state ranks #1 for healthcare, with over 97% of its population covered under insurance. | 2. Massachusetts has cold and snowy winters with significant snowfall. |
| 3. The state offers diverse job opportunities with top employers like General Electric and Liberty Mutual Insurance. | 3. The infrastructure in some areas is aged and overburdened, especially around Boston. |
| 4. Summers in Massachusetts are usually warm and sunny, ideal for hiking and watersports. | 4. Massachusetts has a flat income tax of 5%. However, you have to pay an additional 4% surtax for income exceeding $1 million. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Massachusetts ✅
Here are the things to keep in mind before relocating to Massachusetts:
1. Infrastructure & Transportation
Massachusetts has an aging infrastructure that faces challenges in terms of quality and capacity. Around 25% of the roads in Massachusetts are in poor condition. Plus, Boston is the 4th most traffic-congested city in the country.
However, Massachusetts is actively working on initiatives like the MassWorks Infrastructure Program to improve public infrastructure. Additionally, the state is set to receive over $5.3 billion through Bipartisan federal funding for infrastructure over the next 5 years.
2. Climate and Weather in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a continental climate with 4 distinct seasons. Summers are usually hot and humid, with temperatures between 63°F-85°F. However, the winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures between 10°F-36°F.
Being a coastal state, Massachusetts faces a higher risk of hurricanes, nor’easters, severe winter storms, flooding, and earthquakes. Make sure to check if your property is in a designated flood zone or high-risk area before renting or buying a house.
3. Laws & Regulations
- Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License: You must register your vehicle and obtain a Massachusetts driver’s license immediately after establishing your residency. You will need proof of residency, insurance, and title documents for registration.
- Moving to Massachusetts with Guns: Both concealed and open carry of firearms are allowed with a proper License to Carry (LTC). Residents aged 21 and above can apply for a license to carry after completing a basic firearm training.
- Recreational Marijuana: Adults aged 21 or above are allowed to possess up to 1 ounce in public and up to 10 ounces at home. You can also grow up to 6 plants per person (12 per household) for personal use. However, public consumption is strictly prohibited.
4. High Cost of Living
The cost of living in Massachusetts is 48% higher than the national average. This simply means you will spend more on daily expenses like utilities, food, transportation, and healthcare.
However, suburban areas like Holyoke and Fitchburg offer affordable options. Additionally, a higher average salary of $66K (25% higher than the U.S. average) helps offset the higher cost of living.
How to Move to Massachusetts?
Here is the step-by-step guide to make your relocation to Massachusetts seamless:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you’re hiring professional movers, you can expect to pay around $101 per hour[3]. However, this rate can vary depending on the size of your belongings and the distance.
- On the other hand, if you want to do it yourself, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 lbs ranges between $40-$80 per day[4].
2. How to Set Up Utilities in Massachusetts?
Start setting up your utilities in advance, as the process can take 3-4 weeks.
- Electricity and Gas: Your service provider varies depending on your location. Eversource serves eastern and central areas, while National Grid and Unitil cover some specific cities. You can visit your city website to find out the appropriate service provider in your area.
- Water and Sewer: These services are often managed by the local municipality’s utility department. For example, the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) serves in Boston. Visit your city website to find out the appropriate service provider in your area.
- Internet and Cable: The top internet and cable service providers include Xfinity, Verizon, and Astound Broadband. The average cost of internet and cable service ranges from $20-$40 per month. Visit their respective websites to check availability in your area.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
Most schools offer online registration. Just visit your local school district’s website to get started. Here is how the process generally works:
- Kindergarten or First Grade: Your child must be at least 5 years old for kindergarten and 6 for first grade as of August 31. For registration, you will require proof of residency, a birth certificate, and updated immunization records of your child.
- For Older Students: For the older children, in addition to the documents mentioned above, you will also need the transcripts and withdrawal form from the previous school. Additionally, some school districts may also require standardized test scores.
- Transfer & Special Cases: School transfers in Massachusetts are generally managed by the local school districts. You can directly contact the school district office or visit their respective websites for assistance in the process.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- For Remote Jobs: Remote work is highly popular in Massachusetts, with 1 in every 3 people working from home. If you’re a remote worker moving to Massachusetts, just ensure your employer complies with the state’s employment and tax laws.
- Find a New Job: Massachusetts has 25 MassHire centers and a portal designed to directly connect employers to job seekers. Additionally, you can check job portals like Indeed and LinkedIn to search and apply for jobs in your city.
5. How to Find a Perfect House?
The Massachusetts housing market leans in favor of buyers. Over 22% listed homes have experienced price drops, and inventory has increased by 5.7%. This drop in price and increased supply gives buyers more negotiating power to secure better deals.
- In popular cities like Cambridge, Boston, and Worcester, the average rent ranges between $2,195- $3,500[2], depending on the neighborhood and the nearby amenities.
- If you plan to buy a house in a coastal city, on average, homes for sale in Boston cost around $804K[2]. On the other hand, inland cities like North Adams and Springfield offer affordable options with median housing costs of $254K[2] and $294K[2], respectively.
Should I Move to Massachusetts?
Yes, you should definitely move to Massachusetts. The state offers a unique mix of new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. Whether you are aiming to grow in your career, raise a family, or enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, Massachusetts has it all.
However, relocating to Massachusetts requires detailed planning. Understanding how to buy a house in Massachusetts can help you avoid any unexpected expenses and delays.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Massachusetts, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent, Median home price
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates, Average cost of moving
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Massachusetts, long before the moving boxes are packed.
