People are leaving Massachusetts in droves. Who are they?

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by MrDee12345

I'm in the category of people who would love to move back, but not sure I could afford it.

Mass has its problems, but I'd rather have Mass problems than Alabama problems.

As much as I'd love a single family home, I'd be willing to sacrifice that dream to get a decent condo inside the 128 belt. I'd even happily bring my wife and daughter to live in just about any city in the Commonwealth. Outside of Springfield, I'm not sure if there's any city in the state where crime is so awful that I'd be concerned about living there. Not to mention, having access to the best hospitals and schools in the country, along with free community college and an improving MBTA? What's not to love?

Trying to convince my wife that Worcester or Lowell wouldn't be bad places to live. W. Mass is a possibility, but due to costs we may have to go south to RI or CT, although my wife is trying to sell me on the DC area (and we're even considering NH ugh).

Aren't you in Singapore? I've always understood that to be one of the most expensive places in the world to live. I'm surprised that coming to MA would be such an adjustment.

[blisterpeanuts]

Originally Posted by MrDee12345

I'm in the category of people who would love to move back, but not sure I could afford it.

Mass has its problems, but I'd rather have Mass problems than Alabama problems.

As much as I'd love a single family home, I'd be willing to sacrifice that dream to get a decent condo inside the 128 belt. I'd even happily bring my wife and daughter to live in just about any city in the Commonwealth. Outside of Springfield, I'm not sure if there's any city in the state where crime is so awful that I'd be concerned about living there. Not to mention, having access to the best hospitals and schools in the country, along with free community college and an improving MBTA? What's not to love?

Trying to convince my wife that Worcester or Lowell wouldn't be bad places to live. W. Mass is a possibility, but due to costs we may have to go south to RI or CT, although my wife is trying to sell me on the DC area (and we're even considering NH ugh).

Sure, if you are rich, Mass. is fine. But for 99% of us, the cost of living is becoming not worth the alleged good schools and such.

By the way, one of the reasons we moved back to Mass. years ago was to get our child into one of those so-called good schools. We have been quite disappointed (after experiences in 3 suburban school districts).

The charter elementary school she was in, back in Arizona, was excellent. Free except for $50 fee per semester, uniforms required, competitive entrance with waiting list, the teachers seemed very committed and dedicated, and the standards were high. They used the Singapore math curriculum and the classrooms were well equipped and bright and cheery places. They had intelligent use of websites and email.

The first school we put her in, once we were situated back in Mass., was a mediocre public elementary school with unionized staff. In fact, the teachers were having a contract dispute with the town that year, and one of the side effects was that they refused to update websites with homework, nor were they responsive by email.

I could go on and on about the Massachusetts schools. And then there's the over priced colleges and universities that focus too much on race and equity, too little on academic excellence in recent years.

I'm very sorry we didn't stay in Arizona.

[msRB311]

'Not to mention, having access to the best hospitals and schools in the country, along with free community college and an improving MBTA? What's not to love?'

an improving MBTA? wow it's been a while since you've been here...the free community college thing hasnt even started yet and the hospital situation is getting worse.

I also agree that having your kids go to school in MA does NOT mean they're going to get accepted to some ivy league college or something even close to that. It really depends on the type of student the kid is and parents have to be more and more involved in the school work it seems. I have seen parents put kids in pricey private schools (which in most cases are better than most public schools) here thinking oh, this will help them get into a top college. Not always the case.

[MrDee12345]

Originally Posted by lrfox

Aren't you in Singapore? I've always understood that to be one of the most expensive places in the world to live. I'm surprised that coming to MA would be such an adjustment.

Nah. I'm in Malaysia, Singapore's cheaper ex-spouse (they were part of the same country from 1963-1965).

Things here are pretty affordablish.

We're also considering your current home (RI) as a possible location to relocate to. Might take a few years, though.

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by MrDee12345

Nah. I'm in Malaysia, Singapore's cheaper ex-spouse (they were part of the same country from 1963-1965).

Things here are pretty affordablish.

We're also considering your current home (RI) as a possible location to relocate to. Might take a few years, though.

Gotcha! That makes sense. I haven't been in over a decade, but I really enjoyed KL. My sister honeymooned in Langkawi and insists it's one of her favorite places. I'd love to go.

Good luck! We've always loved RI, but probably wouldn't have made the move if we weren't getting such a significantly better value. Happy to be here though.

[LexWest]

Originally Posted by BostonBornMassMade

I didn't ride the T no...I'm all set on that.

Oh my goodness, scooters are everywhere. Delivery scooters mainly. I saw two of them just waiting at a bus stop, chilling. Multiple as I went through Andrew Square. I was riding with my Dad and aunts and saw one at night in Hyde Park with no reflector and no backlights, so the debate ensued over whether a reflector or a light was preferable, but something should be done. Also saw scooters driving up bike lanes the wrong way and weaving in and out of cars.

Fenway looked alright. There was some construction going on, and I think the charm of that area is totally one, though.

I will say I did see MORE police than normal though.

I was only there 3 days. I think the additional housing is necessary but man they just have to do so much to get it approved that it looks bad, much like Phillys new housing. The increased informal and food trucks is a net positive. But their setups are pretty ugly.

Fenway has been getting built up for a while, and no I’m no fan myself. Though any thought of Boston becoming anything like Filthydelphia?! Ugh!