According to a poll by University of New Hampshire Survey Center, there is an outflow of about 40,000 people, many young people of working age, leaving Massachusetts each year with many working class migrants moving to exburbs in New Hampshire and professionals moving further afield to Florida, Texas and diverse locations in the Southeast, Midwest and West. High housing costs and searching for a better job were cited by many as major reasons for their move.
Other factors cited included taxes, a better place to raise kids, the weather, and traffic. Migrants generally report satisfaction with their move, reporting improved public courtesy in addition to reduced housing costs.
"High housing costs in Massachusetts have primarily contributed to increasing emigration to neighboring New Hampshire and Rhode Island in addition to the Southern and Western states. Other factors cited include taxes, weather, and traffic.
These high costs apply to desirable urban areas, but isn't there plenty of space to build in the rest of the state? When you drive up 91 to Vermont, you pass through nearly empty country after Springfield. Of course, it is not considered desirable right now, but it would have potential in a growing state.