What is Life Like in Massachusetts? (Possible Vanity???)

12/11/2012 | Me

[ducttape45]

I wonder,,,,,,, what would life be like in Massachusetts?

Yep, I got a job offer from Westover AFB. Not sure what to make of this; I normally don't apply for jobs in a highly liberal state like Massachusetts. I don't even remember applying for this one. I currently live in central Indiana.

From a federal job standpoint, looking at the possibility of sequestration after Jan 1st, it's not as bad as I had feared. It would actually give me more options if I'm rifted into out of it within the first year I'm on probation.

However, from a financial standpoint, the cost of living is much higher out there and could offset any raise in my pay. Plus I gotta look at the political climate. It's very, very liberal out there, and taxes are much higher than here.

I got some research to do, which is why I posted this here on Free Republic. I'm hoping there are some Massachusetts Freepers on here.

Thanks.

[ducttape45]

Moderator, if I posted this in the wrong area, please move to the appropriate spot.

I'm looking for some good, honest, even gut-wretching advice if that's what's needed. Please, no flaming, no jokes, no wisecracks. I only have 48 hours to make a decision and I need honest, solid advice.

I want to thank everyone ahead of time for your responses and your help because after I post this I have to get back to work and I won't be able to get back on Free Republic for about 5 hours.

[cotton1706]

I’m from MA. What do you want to know?

[brivette]

having lived in Mass for many years, it’s not that bad.

[massgopguy]

You would have to suspend disbelief to move here if you pay attention to politics. I am too deeply rooted in my neighborhood to leave. I tell people I don’t live in MA. I live in an Italian neighborhood surrounded by it.

[TheBattman]

“POSSIBLE” vanity? Anything without a link to a news report/source is likely a vanity. But when the post is all about asking personal questions... one doesn’t even need to ask.

Please forgive me if this came across as crass. The headline with “(Possible Vanity???)” was rather.... well... nevermind.

[mistfree]

I worked for the State of MA for 17 yrs in Boston. You are correct in your assessment that the cost of living is high and taxes are high. From Westover AFB you could commute from NH which would save you a ton in taxes and some in cost of living. Unfortunately many Massholes ruined their State and then moved to NH to get away fronm their dirty work and now NH is turning liberal. On top of that the housing prices near the border have gone way up. If I can stand the Libtards who work for the State you can manage the far more conserative people who work on a military base. I did however, have to learn to keep my mouth shut about politics in the State system. Glad I’m in VA now! Hope this helps.

[ZinGirl]

Please, no flaming, no jokes, no wisecracks

never ever ever ever ever say that...on FR....on a "possible vanity".

cuz then you get posts like mine. :P

Good luck

[Cicero]

Massachusetts is a liberal cesspool politically. But it’s a beautiful state. I spent a good deal of my childhood there, went to college there, and lived there for many years.

The hills and forests and landscape are a lot more beautiful than most of Indiana, where I spent one summer (not a very long stay, I grant). And the people are nice, too, as long as you stay away from politics.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

I've lived here in MA for the last 45 years. I hate it. It sux. I can't wait to leave.

The taxes are high. The Liberals infest every sector of government. The governor is a Baby Obama with a voice to match....he just floated a proposal to replace Mass Pike tolls with an 'on the fly' toll system. It works by transponder. If you don't have one your license plate will be photographed and you'll receive a bill for the tolls...plus a 'fine' for not having a transponder...which will effectively double or triple the toll.

If you own an AR-15, sell it before coming here. It's illegal. No firearm over 10 round magazine....no flash suppressor. No collapsible stock, etc, etc.

There are so many other reasons to stay away from this state it's not funny.

But...you are considering what is effectively a government job. You might be ok. 75% of the state's budget is to fund gubmint employee pensions. 75%.

The only reason to come here is for the seafood.

[ducttape45]

Basically, a rundown on MA like what others (except for a few) have shared already. I guess it all boils down to whether a ultra-conservative from Indiana could make it in ultra-liberal Massachusetts, or is that even a fair comparison? Just looking for some honest advice, that's all. thanks.

I try to thread the needle with the vanity heading (just in case it's needed) and some folks still can't resist the opportunity to make a wisecrack anyway. Why do I try................???

[PrairieLady2]

New Englanders are wonderful people. Go with Honesty, Integrity and a HUGE sense of humor, and you will have a good life there. If you treat a man like he’s your favorite person, he will treat you that way right back. And learn to play cribbage. :)

It’s a pricey place to live, plenty of HUGE taxes. Though it’s been a long time since I actually lived there, when I did, I had a good life.

Oh..and enjoy the food, too! Make a few trips to Boston and some points north for excellent historical sites, fine restaurants, night life, museums...

It’s a democratic state, but the revolution still plays a strong part in the atmosphere.

[Hemingway's Ghost]

First off, Massachusetts, though a small state, is very regional in nature. You'd be living out in the Springfield area, which may just as well be in California as far as the people who live within the 495 belt (e.g., Boston and its suburbs and ex-burbs) are concerned.

That's good and bad. Lower cost of living out there. But you'd see more poverty, too, and its effects . . . Springfield and its environs have its issues as far as that is concerned. And some of the most liberal of the liberals we have come from that section of the state as well.

Personally, I wouldn't move to the Springfield area, but my calculus could be a great deal different than yours, so your mileage may vary. In general, however, Massachusetts is not a bad place to live. It's just expensive and run by people who think they know how to live your life a whole lot better than you do.

[cotton1706]

Well, I’m an ultra conservative in ultra liberal MA. It can be a lot to take if you follow politics. There is enormous corruption in government, but that’s nothing new. Things are more expensive because of the chokehold of the unions. Road projects never end. Depending on your commute, there are tolls. We have a flat income tax rate of 6.25% and no tax on food or clothing.

The climate’s probably the same but there’s lots to visit. Cape Cod, all the seaside towns, New Hampshire.

[who knows what evil?]

There is a reason people are LEAVING New England in wholesale numbers. Don't even THINK of moving to Massachusetts. Expensive (astronomical taxes, heating bills), crowded, dirty, morally bankrupt...there is a reason citizens of NH have been referring to them as 'M*ssh*les' for decades. I am leaving New England soon, and the idea of having to drive thru Massachusetts to reach my southern destination makes me nauseous.

Bad idea...one you would regret for the balance of your days.

[556x45]

There are good places to live and good places to visit. MA is one of the later. There are loads of fun things to do but the living environment is horrible. Basically, its an anti-freedom zone. If you enjoy being told when to jump and how long to stay aloft you’ll be all set.

[who knows what evil?]

Though it’s been a long time since I actually lived there, when I did, I had a good life.

That must have been a long time ago...wonderful people??? Ye gads. Honesty? Integrity?

Wow.

[A. Patriot]

I was born there and moved to the “deep, deep, South” with my parents at age 18. There is the gun issue as has already been mentioned, but the biggest down-side is the number of people EVERYWHERE. On the roads, in the stores, etc. Too many people in small areas for me.

[Obadiah]

I live in a well-known liberal city in the Midwest. We are very conservative and to be honest, living here grates on you. Sure the people are nice if you avoid any type of political conversation, but you had better get used to seeing every leftist preaching bumper sticker on every Prius and Subaru around. And DO NOT put any Conservative bumper sticker on your car — it will get keyed and trashed.

Yeah, you can do it, but it ain't Indiana and you need to think long term rather than just getting a new job for the next six months. Living in a worker's paradise has consequences. You can do it, just know what you're getting in to.

[NHResident]

FYI - I left the midwest (Illinois) several decades ago to move to NH - not far from the mASS. border - so this isn’t exactly what you asked but as a transplanted mid-Westerner, I can offer some perspective - (Why am I still here? Trapped by economics and the the state of the market. We survived living here but none of my kids live within 1000 miles of NE.

Do NOT expect a warm greeting from neighbors here - they don’t like people from ‘flyover’ country. Making real friends is hard - making acquaintances is really easy. You and your kids (even ones born after you arrive) are considered interlopers and ‘foreign’ but not exotic (if you are European or from the British Isles - you’re okay) - expect repeated, casual insults about the slow thinking, slow talking, ignorant people from the Midwest, south and everyone not an atheist or Unitarian - Congregationalists are tolerated and in some towns even among the favored.

Don’t be surprised if your local Democrat committee-man/person is a proud Communist or has dedicated Communists as parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. If you hunt or shoot - you can get away with it in some of NH but many will be leery of your extremist views.

Many people do live in NH and commute to jobs in mASS. It does save some in taxes but if you earn your money in mASS. you pay taxes there andNH just elected another Democrat Governor and turned the state legislature over to the Dems - the Dem majority are ALL in favor of an income tax, sin taxes, any kind of taxes - so that advantage may not last long.)

Lots of transplants and fugitives from mASS. taxes - the common name for transplants and invaders (tourists or relocatees or tax-evading spenders) for our ‘neighbors’ from the south is MASSholes. It fits.

[who knows what evil?]

Keep in mind that the Obamas vacation in Massachusetts every year...the fact that they feel very welcome there should give any potential new residents something to think about...