Massachusetts

Coastal Beaches

Cost of Living: High

Train Access: Yes (mbta commuter rail, amtrak, very safe)

Bus Service: Yes (MBTA Bus, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA), Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA), Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA), Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA), Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MVRTA), relatively safe)

Massachusetts, officially known as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is a state located in the northeastern region of the United States, within an area commonly referred to as New England. It is the 7th smallest state by land area but the 15th most populous and the 3rd most densely populated of the 50 United States. Massachusetts is bordered by Vermont and New Hampshire to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Connecticut and Rhode Island to the south, and New York to the west. The state capital and largest city is Boston, which is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Massachusetts is known for its significant historical, cultural, and commercial impact on the country. It was the site of the first colony in New England, the Plymouth Colony, established by the Pilgrims in 1620, and later, the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The state played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, with events such as the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. Education is a major focus in the state, which is home to prestigious universities such as Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The state's economy is diverse, with key sectors including higher education, biotechnology, information technology, finance, health care, tourism, and manufacturing. Massachusetts is also known for its beautiful fall foliage, coastal towns, and historical landmarks. The state has a varied climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Cultural offerings are rich in Massachusetts, with numerous museums, theaters, and historical sites. Sports are also a significant part of the state's culture, with passionate fan bases for teams like the Boston Red Sox (baseball), New England Patriots (football), Boston Celtics (basketball), and Boston Bruins (hockey).

Living in Massachusetts

Best Places to Live in Massachusetts

Discover the top-ranked towns in Massachusetts. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.

Boston

Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Massachusetts on our Massachusetts forum - meet people, get advice and help others.

Visit the Massachusetts Community

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Massachusetts is considered high, particularly in the Greater Boston area where housing prices and general expenses are significantly above the national average.

Weather

Massachusetts experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The coastal areas tend to have milder winters and cooler summers due to the Atlantic Ocean's influence. Fall is known for its vibrant foliage, while spring brings a mix of weather patterns, from sunny days to rainstorms.

Educational System in Massachusetts

The educational system in Massachusetts is renowned for its quality and rigor, often ranking among the top in the United States. Education is compulsory for children from the age of 6 to 16, with the option to continue until 18. The system is divided into several stages: preschool, elementary school, middle school, and high school. Preschool, while not mandatory, is available for children before they enter kindergarten, the first formal year of elementary school. Elementary school typically includes kindergarten through fifth grade. Middle school, also known as junior high, serves grades six through eight. High school encompasses grades nine through twelve, culminating in graduation and the awarding of a diploma. Massachusetts places a strong emphasis on standardized testing, with students required to pass the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exams to graduate from high school. The state also offers various Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams that allow high school students to earn college credit. Massachusetts is known for its commitment to education, with a well-funded public school system and a variety of private and charter school options available to families.

Universities in Massachusetts

University Costs: high

The university system in Massachusetts is diverse and prestigious, hosting a range of institutions from large research universities to small liberal arts colleges. The state is home to world-renowned universities such as Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and many others. Undergraduate programs typically take four years to complete, leading to a bachelor's degree. Graduate programs vary in length, with master's degrees usually requiring one to two years and doctoral degrees taking longer. The academic year is generally divided into two semesters, fall and spring, with an optional summer term. Massachusetts universities offer a wide array of programs in various fields, and many institutions are at the forefront of research and innovation. Foreign students considering attending university in Massachusetts should be aware that admission is competitive, and proficiency in English is a must. Support services for international students, such as language assistance and cultural integration programs, are commonly provided. Costs vary significantly between public and private institutions, with private universities typically being more expensive.

Explore Articles by Topic

Click a topic below to view articles about living, healthcare, education, and more in Massachusetts.

Living in Massachusetts +

Moving to Massachusetts +

Our Story Our Team Contact Us Partner with Us

Country Resources

Health Insurance Shipping & Moving Language Schools Banking Real Estate Firms More Resources