Calling all who wish to move to MA!!! (Boston, Brockton: rent, how much)

[indigorose]

This idea was thrown out there about starting a "support group" for those that wish to move to MA. I thought it was such a great idea so decided to start this thread. I am one of many who wish to move to MA for many reasons. I would like to hear from those fellow souls with the same desire. What part of MA do you wish to move to? What are your reasons (a love of the scenery, job move, family, etc.)? Do you have a timeline for your move?
I will start with my story. I wish to move to Salem. I have always wanted to visit the area because of the history and figure that since i am now free to move wherever I wish I will move there. I also hear that there is a pretty good public transportation system there so I will most likely get rid of my car once i get there to save some money. I do have sort of a timeline but it all entails on when I can get the money saved up. With the job market the way it is, I never know when that can be. So far that is the only thing on my checklist besides minor packing that is left to do.
Those who have already made the move are welcome to post as well. Feel free to let us know what to expect. What part did you move to? How hard was it to adjust to a different area for you? Just share your story if you think it would help those who wish to move there.

[ChrisA70]

Well, I am one of the lucky ones. I am moving back to Massachusetts next weekend from Florida. After 15 years here, I have had enough of Florida. I miss the seasons, snow, the smell of a woodstove burning in the fall and winter air, fresh cool/cold air, fall leaves, real seafood, real pizza, FRIENDLY'S ICE CREAM. I can go on.

I am moving to Pittsfield in the beautiful Berkshires. I am from Northampton originally, I lived there until I moved to Florida in 1994. Florida was ok for a while, but the state has gone downhill. There is no culture here, people are not the same as up north, they are very kept to themselves, not friendly. My family sold thier restaurant and we are all now moving back HOME.

7 days till we leave, I can't wait....

[KathrynK]

My partner and I would also like to move to MA. We were thinking around the Brockton area but want to make sure this is a good area for a gay family with a 4 year old. We would prefer a smaller city that is close to Boston. Any suggestions?

[ChrisA70]

I lived in Stoughton and I would not suggest Brockton. It's not that great of an area, you would have to look around first to see if it's a good street first. Look into Stoughton or Canton, Dedham is ok, but a few not so good areas there too. Walpole is nice. Avon...

Originally Posted by KathrynK

My partner and I would also like to move to MA. We were thinking around the Brockton area but want to make sure this is a good area for a gay family with a 4 year old. We would prefer a smaller city that is close to Boston. Any suggestions?

[indigorose]

How close to Boston do you want to be? That could help narrow down the field. You mention a 4-year-old so schools are another consideration unless you plan on home-schooling.

[coliseum92]

I grew up in MA, spent the first 19 years of my life there... and personally would not recommend moving there to anyone unless, as in kathryn(?)'s case, you are in a same sex relationship. btw, congratulations on your 4 year old. theres still a lot of diversity in MA i suppose though, really depends on what type of life style you would like... theres the fast city life of boston and the suburbs, and plenty of towns with lots of woods and large yards, etc. i think a better question would be, how much are you willing to spend per month.. obviously quite expensive to live in boston, ive been gone for a couple years (currently live in las vegas) but i know the rent in boston is comparable to New York. Then the suburbs... there are a lot of snobby rich, predominately white towns, and then theres middle class all over MA, really kinda need to narrow your question down.. I personally will never move back if at all possible, unlike BacktoMA, i do not enjoy shoveling snow or raking leaves with all the change in seasons. Here in vegas, theres 2 seasons... Hot.... and really Hot.

[ChrisA70]

That's why I am getting out of Florida, I am sick of the constant heat, and unreal humidity.... It sucks here.

Originally Posted by coliseum92

I grew up in MA, spent the first 19 years of my life there... and personally would not recommend moving there to anyone unless, as in kathryn(?)'s case, you are in a same sex relationship. btw, congratulations on your 4 year old. theres still a lot of diversity in MA i suppose though, really depends on what type of life style you would like... theres the fast city life of boston and the suburbs, and plenty of towns with lots of woods and large yards, etc. i think a better question would be, how much are you willing to spend per month.. obviously quite expensive to live in boston, ive been gone for a couple years (currently live in las vegas) but i know the rent in boston is comparable to New York. Then the suburbs... there are a lot of snobby rich, predominately white towns, and then theres middle class all over MA, really kinda need to narrow your question down.. I personally will never move back if at all possible, unlike BacktoMA, i do not enjoy shoveling snow or raking leaves with all the change in seasons. Here in vegas, theres 2 seasons... Hot.... and really Hot.

[meltinjohn]

I am also in So FL (Manatee) and want to move back to Boston area. I would prefer in the city or a little bit outward like Arlington, Revere or Burlington maybe.
I miss MA so much and when I lived there, I didnt think anything of it but being in FL for 4 yrs for sure changes your tone. How can ppl actually grow to love FL?

[JennandSha]

My partner and I are wanting so very much to move to the cape. I am from Florida... have lived here my whole 28 years of life... This is all I have ever known. I havent venture out very far from my state either... my partner Sha is from Ohio and has always told me I was missing out on the seasons from the north... She moved to florida about 7 years ago. Why... we still dont know We just went to Hyannis for our anniversary. I have never been that far... and to be quite honest.. i didnt want to leave.. it was a very sad drive home. I fell in love with Hyannis the moment I entered the town. Sha has been several times before. I have been looking for a job there since we returned to Florida is July... We will get there eventually.. we are in our late 20's and are not into the big city life.. we are very much wanting to raise a family in a quite quaint little town with a calm natural feel to it. We found all that there. I was all grins for the 5 days we were there... can't wait to make the final move and leave Florida forever!
We felt very comfortable there as a same sex couple... Does anyone know how it is for same sex couple to live there year round?

[brightdoglover]

Living on the Cape is strictly, I think, an issue of jobs. And it's a huge issue.
There's no shortage of appealing, calm towns all over Massachusetts (and New England). The question is always one of making a living.
To the couple looking to raise their child in Brockton, I'd second the "No go," especially with a child in the school system. For a small city near Boston, I'd think Quincy would be far better.