I know that is the perception. I consider myself to be normal (who doesn't?) and I know I am a real conservative.
I live here, and with the exception of the politicians, the liberals and having to drive behind their cars (these aren't MA cars, but they LOOK like them)...
There is a lot to like. I have lived all over the world and in a lot of different states, and I came to love it up here when my dad retired from the Navy and moved back up to his hometown.
There are beautiful beaches, Cape Cod in the off season is wonderful. The White Mountains in New Hampshire are nice. Boston is a great city, very walkable. There is history, museums, etc.
The politics make me gnash my teeth.
The far left runs the state. That would be enough for me to pack up and leave. Too bad because MA has a wonderful history and I’m sure it’s beautiful. But everything the left touches turns to crap, as I’m sure you have witnessed.
I left Florida for the same reason, although the northern part of the state is still pretty reasonable. I now am happy in the Upstate of SC. My neighbor across the street has a giant cross in his yard next to the road that says “Jesus Saves” and no one complains. Can’t imagine that happening in MA.