3 of the Best Things About Living in Massachusetts
Whether you’re a Red Sox fan or you love to watch the leaves change in the fall, it’s hard to beat living in Massachusetts.
One of the original 13 colonies, Massachusetts has a history of progressive politics that translates to strong social programs and strong communities. No matter your reason for living in the state there are a couple of things everyone can agree makes it one of the best places to live in New England and in the U.S.
Excellent Healthcare Options
From embracing the Affordable Care Act with a wide range of Massachusetts health care plans to offering some of the top hospitals in the nation, Massachusetts is tops for healthcare. Massachusetts General is one of the top hospitals in the nation. Opened in 1811, this hospital is known for its work in making joint replacement surgery the standard operation it is today by practicing better methods and reducing healing time. Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Baystate Medical Center are other top options. U.S. News and World Report looked at each state’s quality of health and access to care and rated Massachusetts the second-best state for health care.
Top Schools
Not everyone is ready for a hip replacement. If you’re raising a young family, good schools are an important consideration. Access to free, quality education is a bedrock of this nation, yet not every state provides a great, or even good, free education. Massachusetts’ school districts consistently rate top in the nation. In a similar study to the healthcare study above, U.S. News rated states based on performance, percentage of adults with at least a two-year degree, number of children enrolled in preschool, rates of graduation and college readiness, to name just a few parameters. Again, Massachusetts placed second overall.
Want a better family life? Beyond K-12 education, Massachusetts is home to some of the world’s most highly sought-after colleges and universities. Boston and its suburbs are home to Harvard, Boston College and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. There are dozens of others throughout the state that offer a top-notch higher education. Its educational prowess also helps to diversify its economy which is another reason why living in Massachusetts is a good idea.
A Diverse Economy
For some states, there are only one or two industries that draw new residents. In Massachusetts, however, the economy is both diverse and growing. Like many places, the tech industry is growing but Massachusetts has strong jobs in many sectors. Because of all its high-rate universities, it’s a hub for education professionals. Because of its location, it still has strong agricultural and fishing industries. Fishing brings in millions in annual revenue to the state. New Bedford is the most valuable fishing harbor in the U.S. bringing in over $3 million a year on its own. Like many New England states, the state government offers free help on starting up your own organic farm. Even if you just want to get into traditional trade business, living in Massachusetts is the thing to do because it’s a great place to be.
Of course, if you love four seasons in which to play, or you just want to live in one of the most historic regions in the U.S., living in Massachusetts offers something for everyone.