Why Massachusetts is Still a Great Place to Live and Work

After living and working in different places, including other states and countries, Krystal-Rae Clarke moved to Florida to start her chef's table business, FoodSaucy. But when it came time to grow her business, she decided to plant roots in Massachusetts. Even though many people are moving from the Bay State to places like Florida and Texas, Massachusetts still has a lot to offer. The Boston Foundation's research arm noticed that the population of Massachusetts shrank in 2021 and 2022 because more people moved out of the state than moved in. But a report from the Massachusetts Budget & Policy Center says the state's population actually grew a little in 2023. So, it's not all doom and gloom. Kerry Spitzer from the University of Massachusetts Amherst says that while people might focus on net migration, more people are also moving to Massachusetts. The state replaces about 83% of the people who leave with new residents. And Massachusetts has a higher growth in median household income than most other states, including Florida and Texas.

Families and jobs are the main reasons people move to Massachusetts. Shannon Gibson, a social worker from Texas, lived in the Boston area for six years. She says the schools in Massachusetts are inclusive and cater to different needs. But the cost of living is higher here than in Texas or Florida. It's important to look at the whole picture. The economy in Massachusetts is strong and diverse. Healthcare, life sciences, education, finance, and technology are all major job creators. Big companies like Lego and Hasbro are moving their headquarters to the state. And Boston has a task force dedicated to helping small businesses. Krystal-Rae Clarke says she's hearing more about small business incentives in Massachusetts. It feels like things are changing for the better. Even though the cost of living is high, there are many good reasons to live and work in Massachusetts.

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