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Taxes are a likely reason behind the movement. All three states take the "general welfare" clause of the Constitution as just cause to steal and redistribute as they see fit.

While the politics of Massachusetts stink, keep in mine the governorship has been in Republican hands the majority of the last century, including the current occupant.

I'd be upset if people were leaving Massachusetts due to the same sex marriage issue before it is given to the voters to decide. That would be a surrender. They'll need every vote the state can muster to strike down the same sex marriage law.

Rhode Island raised the "general welfare" clause to include the taking of private property to enrich wealthier individuals, which was upheld in the US Supreme Court this last year.

New York has always led the way in developing new ways of separating money from people, state citizens and visitors alike. It's no surprise knowledgeable citizens of that state go elsewhere. Visitors should go elsewhere too.

Taxes in Massachusetts, as a share of income, are relatively low--lower than in Georgia or North Carolina, for example. We've had many years of Republican governors and between tax cuts and our high incomes we do not pay much in taxes. I think we're ranked like #29 among states for state and local taxes.

Throw in our federal tax burden, where our high salaries and the progressive tax system means that we subsidize a lot of poorer states, and we rise to #4.

It's all about jobs, and housing.
The high paying, hi-tech job market has definitely slowed down.
The median price of a single family home is approaching $400K.I certainly don't blame anyone for seeking greener pastures. If i was younger, I'd probably bail out too.
One interesting point to ponder in my county(Barnstable); second home ownership has skyrocketed, keeping our local taxes down, while keeping the building industry very busy.

Richard

Tax-wise, Massachusetts is better off than in years past. I know people who moved to Pennsylvania and North Carolina who were shocked that personal property taxes (real estate) and/or income taxes were higher than Massachusetts. I have yet to discover why the populace in Massachusetts continues to vote against its interests by voting Democrat.
In my state legislative district, Cheryl Jacques resigned her state senate seat (after impregnating her "partner" with a turkey baster) to become the short-lived director of the Human Rights Campaign, a gay advocacy group. Her office manager, a basket case who never held an actual job, ran against a very competent Republican (Scott Brown) for the state senate seat. Brown won the interim election, and then prevailed again during the regular election cycle. But both elections were close, in the 51/49 percent range. With good voter turnout. I can only wonder why.
Real estate prices will moderate but not collapse as illegals occupy older urban properties while those who can, leave for the suburbs. Those with equity take the opportunity to cash out and move on to a more hospitable climate (in many senses of the word).
Jeff Jacoby used the word "disdain" for the elite's attitude toward the electorate. As one of those who is pulling the wagon (and getting fewer every day), I am waiting for the day I take off my harness and move on to a state where "disdain" is not the general attitude towards the populace.