Do you miss massachusetts? (Plymouth, Whitman: transfer, bankrupt, suite)

[bulldogz]

I don't miss it and I live here! I'm so done with the 3 month frantic rushing to get in as much "summer" as possible, and sitting in 4 hour logjams just to get near a body of water. Winter is pretty for about an hour, then if you can't telecommute you are stuck walking or driving in the mess, praying that the town you live in has the funds to plow after Dec. 1st. I won't bother touching on the rudeness and racism that reeks here, take a trip down South or the West Coast to see how people can truly be when they're not trying to take your job or parking spot.

The reality is that the only people on here defending Boston are the ones that take offense personally, and do everything they can to talk up how great it is, yet conveniently ignore the startling fact that Boston has one of the highest rates of exodus for major citites. Beyond healthcare and colleges, it has become less and less of a destination...unless your job was relocated here.

If you don't mind driving 60 miles each way to work, you can own a "quaint" home for under $400k. Doesn't that sound tempting?

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by bulldogz

The reality is that the only people on here defending Boston are the ones that take offense personally, and do everything they can to talk up how great it is, yet conveniently ignore the startling fact that Boston has one of the highest rates of exodus for major citites. Beyond healthcare and colleges, it has become less and less of a destination...unless your job was relocated here.

Sorry you dislike it and I hope you find somewhere you enjoy.

You're wrong to say that the only people defending Boston (or MA in general) are only the people who take personal offense. That may be true in some cases, but most of us are expressing what we like about the area. I for one, love it. Furthermore, I couldn't care less what others think about it (I DO care when people try to say why I defend the area when it's not true though). There's a lot more to Boston than colleges and hospitals and I think most people are well aware of that. How many other cities in the U.S. have architecture, history, and European charm like Boston? How many have the cultural attractions that Boston does or the excellent sports franchises that Bostons does? How many are as close to such a wide variety of terrain (Mountains, lakes, oceans, rivers, etc)? While some cities may fit into some of those categories, none fit into all of them the way Boston does.

Sure it's expensive, but that's evidence of how highly regarded and demanded Boston and its surrounds are. Where do you get your "highest exodus" statistic? Most of the older cities in this country have slower growth rates than the newer ones (i.e. the sunbelt cities) due to ebbs and flows of certain industries, but Boston's still growing... not shrinking. It's estimate for the next census is about 618,000... quite a bit higher than the last census which shows growth.

There are plenty of beaches that don't require you to sit in 4 hours of traffic. You must have missed them. I'll take 4 seasons and the charm of Boston over a warmer city and day of the week. If you don't like, that's fine... but don't make a sweeping generalization of the people that DO like it simply because you don't understand that. Just because you can't grasp why people like something doesn't mean they don't have good a reason for it.

Anyway, best of luck in your move. Boston (and Massachusetts) isn't perfect for everyone, but those of us who do enjoy it here enjoy it for good reason. I love it in Mass. I, unfortunately, have a few months left up here in Maine before I'm back in MA full time. I've lived in Mass, RI, Maine, Washington DC, and spent a couple of months in Virginia Beach and have found nowhere I enjoy more (though I would live in D.C. or RI again with very few complaints).

[gentlearts]

I've lived in several places, but if it wasn't for the high taxes and real estate, I wouldn't mind moving back to be near the relatives there. I grew up in Worcester, and was just back to visit. The family is the thing. I am OK with everywhere I live..each place has it's charm, but I think the secret to being content is to be where your people are..where your parents and grandparents are buried.

[truthseeker2012]

Born and raised in Lowell for 47 years, and recently moved to Exeter, Maine. I can say I do not miss Massachusetts one bit!

[maggiekate]

Once, Bean Town, was great, and as a fariy story, life does change! Where I am now we do have,
yes the Yankees, and Red Sox, a team that was so very happy to hang a banner! To see them play, yes, you may afford it. People leave, why, Homes are so high, taxes, are so high, and so Cold it is!
Anyway, I sort of miss, the old, but am happy with my life!

[atlaw]

I've lived in various places in the US and Mexico and wouldn't ever move back to that freakin' place. somebody said you have to get away to appreciate how bad it reallly is. so true.

[Valerie C]

Born and raised in Massachusetts, lived there till almost 30 y/o. Left the area for a job transfer (5 years) and missed Mass every day. Finally came "home" and found that it no longer fit. Did Mass. change, or did I change?? Dunno, but as atlaw says, sometimes you've got to get away to see the real picture. Now living happily ever after in New Hampshire

[carolynrick2004]

Originally Posted by Valerie C

Born and raised in Massachusetts, lived there till almost 30 y/o. Left the area for a job transfer (5 years) and missed Mass every day. Finally came "home" and found that it no longer fit. Did Mass. change, or did I change?? Dunno, but as atlaw says, sometimes you've got to get away to see the real picture. Now living happily ever after in New Hampshire

You're fortunate enough to still live in New England. I moved out of MA to FL in 1970 near Daytona Beach!!!! Felt as though it was a mistake immediately. Never could afford to move back once I left. I don't "hate" FL, just like MA better. What I hang onto now is that I can travel up there whatever time of year I prefer. I get to enjoy the "fruits of the labor" during season in the summer and the foliage in the fall!! Try to look at it as having the best of both worlds.

If some how it was made financially possible, I would still move back. Grew up in Whitman, MA.

[christo19]

I always love the comments about those who hate MA and moved out of state.......to New Hampshire!!! Holy cow...it's all basically the same folks...

[holden125]

Originally Posted by christo19

I always love the comments about those who hate MA and moved out of state.......to New Hampshire!!! Holy cow...it's all basically the same folks...

I hear you, but at least NH is more rural and a bit more affordable than Greater Boston. I've met plenty of people who traded Brooklyn or Queens for a house 15 minutes into North Jersey and act like they left all their cares behind...