Why are people moving out of Massachusetts?

Young people are moving out of Massachusetts at high rates seeking job opportunities, more affordable housing, and more. How is outward migration impacting the state and what could we do to get people to stay? Neil Whitteredge, who recently moved from Massachusetts to North Carolina, joined Crystal Haynes to discuss the pros and cons, along with Boston Indicators Research Associate Peter Ciurczak who added in some key research points.

00:00 - 00:40 Intro
00:40 - 1:50 Why are people leaving?
1:50 - 3:00 The impact on young people
3:00 - 3:50 Out migration in Massachusetts
3:50 - 6:00 Pros and cons
6:00 - 8:05 The housing crunch
8:05 - 11:03 Call to action?

Note: Ciurczak referenced a 2024 Zillow report on median home prices, not a 2022 report as mentioned in the segment.

GBH News is a premier source for in-depth local news and original story telling based in Boston, Massachusetts.

[GBHNews]

Have you left Massachusetts? Tell us why:

[bradfordjhart]

I worked in this state for 20 years, I applied for unemployment this year for the first time ever I get $0. Yeah I won't be staying around. That's how much you care about me when I needed help.

[joannahayden]

I’m glad the comments were allowed.
It’s the policies.
Massachusetts is a beautiful state with a fantastic school system, but the politics are ruining everything.
We have no options.

[panzer]

Totally agree, housing problem is incredibly insane. My rent went from $2400 in 2022 to $3200 this year for a 500sq one bed room in Fenway and even I paid that much, I don’t have my own laundry. Moreover, a month broker fee is required for most cases.

[Digimonisbetterthanpokemon]

If you move remember exactly why you moved and what political party is the majority in MA.

[LienNguyen-nrob]

Too expensive to live in MA, most people live on paycheck by paycheck because rent is too high, food, insurance, etc.

[markcollins]

I left. Look, MA is fine and dandy...IF your income is well over $100, 000 a year. Otherwise, it will take every penny you have, to maintain an existence in your station in life. Never getting ahead, and slowly falling behind. How long will this be sustainable, only time will tell.

[sarahdornevil]

Why aren't they talking better about the price of the damn rent, which is getting worse and worse?

[rp]

I am from MA. It's a democratic state. The democratic party is not what it once was, "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." The liberal agenda is causing much decline but not as bad as CA and NY yet. Thanks mayor Wu for adding all those additional Christmas trees around downtown crossing this past Christmas to cover up all the vacant store fronts. What exceptional leadership. Thank you to the Brookline couple who took in the illegal family into their home. Let's see how that works out once they get used to Brookline and refuse to leave. Thank you, city of Boston for that "wonderful" MLK and wife hands million dollar statue on the common. Looks more like something from a 1970's Penthouse Magazine. Again, mayor Wu, thank you for supporting the businesses on Hanover Street. Imagine the "increase" in customers they will be receiving this summer. Oh, and thank you Governor Healy, it will be so nice having an illegal alien shelter near the Childrens Museum in South Boston if it opens with my tax dollars. Parents will be so pleased about taking their kids there this summer.

[CattyWampus_OFG]

Left in 2007 moved to NH.
I left because it is Extremely expensive to live there. The amount of taxes you pay isn't worth it. It has crumbling infastructure. Violent crime is out of control. Massachusetts is for Rich liberals. I live a far better life now in NH with no sales tax and no income tax. I make slightly more money per hour in NH.
My family feels safer. Never will I return to that 3rd world state.

[mypeeps]

I’m leaving Done with Massachusetts . Been here my whole life. It’s not housing or work
It’s the fact that Massachusetts
Is moving in illegal immigrants !
This taxpayer is moving.

[HeritageWealthPlanning]

MA has one of the worst estate taxes out there. That’s why many
People over 65 are leaving.

Pretty simple actually- what you tax you get less of

[AL-bebr]

Massachusetts is one of the worst states to live in. Too expensive, too many people, too many taxes, terrible politicians and the worst maintained roads in new england

[chrischoir]

is this guy serious? low income in Mass mean you get rental assistance and other welfare. That means you probably make more than someone who has a good job.

[peterdangelo]

Left in 2006 with my family for the mid west. My wife and I are professionals and high earners. Best financial decision I have ever made. Too many taxes - too many rules. You can keep it -

[NeTxGrl]

Born and raised in Mass. I left a long time ago. It's too expensive. Also I'm from the western part of the state that Boston ignores. Politics are ruining everything.

[nicholasthompson]

I looked at living in Massachusetts after college. It needs to be less expensive.

[jacquelynharper]

The real issue with Massachusetts is the politics, the economy is only tech and life science, taxes, nobody cares about the middle income, illegal immigrants and too many minorities, etc. However people think by moving out of state that all their problems will be solved, everyone thinks where they will live is going to be affordable but eventually there new place where they migrated to will become expensive due to people moving there. The national average for a house in all 50 states is greater than 600k its not just Massachusetts. There is no way out of this.

[wisdom_well]

Too much taxes, very expensive, so little in return, potholes everywhere. No place to park.

[frankdatankdegen]

Cost of living has everything to do with reduce it all