Moving to Massachusetts
Massachusetts, otherwise known as ‘The Bay State’, is a amazing state to work and live. If you are moving or relocating to MA, we have assembled a detailed list of some important facts and useful information to help make your move an easy transition.
As one of the original 13 colonies, Massachusetts was admitted to the union on March 10, 1778. Since then, MA has grown in to a booming place to live. Rich in colonial history, Massachusetts offers many landmarks that will satisfy any history buff.
Geography
Located in the New England Region of the country, Massachusetts is bordered by Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. With a total land area of over 10,554.57 Square Miles, it comes in as the 6th smallest state.
Population
Currently, the population of MA is 6,811,779 making it the 15th most populated state in the union and the 4th most densely populated. The state capital, Boston, has a population of 569165. which is the 5th largest capital in the country.
Other Populous Massachusetts Cities are:
| US Rank | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | Boston | 673,184 |
| 131 | Worcester | 184,508 |
| 165 | Springfield | 154,074 |
| 262 | Cambridge | 110,651 |
| 263 | Lowell | 110,558 |
Notable Massachusettsans
Massachusetts is home to various famous and some infamous people such as, John Adams a prominent 2nd US president is from Braintree and John Quincy Adams a memorable 6th US president is from Braintree. Others include people like Samuel Adams a patriot and Jack Albertson a actor .
Climate
Massachusetts is located on the eastern edge of the North American continent. This, coupled with its northerly latitude, exposes the state to both the moderating and moistening influence of the Atlantic Ocean, and the effects of hot and cold air masses from the interior of the continent. Its climate is characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm summers. The polar jet stream is often located near the state, giving it highly variable weather patterns, wide ranging daily and annual temperatures, and generally abundant precipitation throughout the year. Massachusetts is approximately one-eighth of New England’s total land area. Though small in size, and with forestland comprising more than half of the state, Massachusetts is home to more than six million residents. The topography varies from flat coastal plains in the east to hillier and higher terrain in the west, which provides some regional variations in climate. For the most part, summer temperatures are comfortably warm and relatively uniform across the state. Average temperatures in July range from 67°F to 70°F in the western portion of the state and along the coast, and between 70°F and 74°F in central areas. January temperatures are more variable than summer, ranging from the low 20s in the west to around 30°F near the coast. Average annual precipitation varies from 40 to 50 inches across the state.
Crime Statistics
Safety and security should always be an important consideration when relocating to a new area. A state’s crime rate affects more than just the safety of its citizens, it drastically affects property value, economics and the overall quality of life. Based on the last FBI Crime Statistics, Massachusetts’s violent crime rate is 39 per 10k residents which is greater than the national average of 37.3. In addition, the state’s property crime rate is 185per 10k residents which is less than the national average of 248.7.
Massachusetts ranks #19 in the US for violent crime and #44 for property crime.
Schools & Education
Whether you are a student, have children, or neither, a state’s educational system is not only important to those attending, it’s vital to the overall quality of life, culture and economics of the state. Based on data from multiple public and private sources, we were able to rank Massachusetts’s educational system.
Overall Grade: B
Massachusetts spends on average $14081.00 per pupil, which is greater than the national average ($11,900). MA ranks #1 in the US compared to the rest of the country. While MA ranks #1 in spending, the latest graduation rate is 87.30%%.
Another important factor is the percentage of families that enroll their young children (ages 3-4) in an accredited pre-school program. Massachusetts ranks #3 with over 57.80% of children attending a early educational program.
Taxes
The current income tax rate for Massachusetts is 5.10% which ranks 22nd favorable amongst other states. If you are purchasing property, you may want to consider the the property tax burden rate. This is the amount you pay in taxes per $1000 earned. MA’s rate is $37.62 which ranks 38th in the US.
Currently, MA sales tax is $14.09 for which it comes in as 9th compared to other states.
Sports
Massachusetts fans are not only loyal but also very unwavering to their local major league teams. Massachusetts is home to the following teams: the Boston Bruins, the Boston Celtics, the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots, and the New England Revolution .
Utility Companies
Before you move to Massachusetts, it’s advised that you know who your utility companies are. We have an extensive list of both public and private utility companies in MA.
Other Resources
For more information about moving to Massachusetts, visit their website at http://www.state.ma.us/