Where Are People From Massachusetts Moving?

One question you may think I hear a lot: "Should we just leave Massachusetts?"

It's a fair question but not one that I hear often. Housing costs are high, but Massachusetts has a lot going for it that people move specifically here to find. So I dug into the most recent data to see where people are actually going, why they're leaving, and what to think about before you make a move yourself. 🏡

The Top States People From Massachusetts Are Moving To

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey, these were the top three destinations for people leaving Massachusetts:

Rounding out the top ten, in order: California, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Texas, Maine, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.

A few things worth knowing about these numbers:

• These are people leaving, not the full picture. About 183,700 people moved out of Massachusetts to another state in 2024, but about 152,500 moved in. That left the state with a net loss of roughly 30,000 people to other states.
• People move both ways. Plenty of New Yorkers, Rhode Islanders, and Californians moved here, too. Massachusetts actually gained more people from Rhode Island than it lost to it.
• The trend is continuing. The newest Census estimates show Massachusetts lost a net of about 33,000 people to other states between July 2024 and July 2025.
• It's not just retirees. Adults ages 25 to 34 are leaving at a higher rate than you might expect. That's the same age group as a lot of first time buyers.

Why Are People Leaving Massachusetts?

Everyone's reasons are personal, but a few themes come up again and again:

• Cost of living. Housing is the big one. When rent or a mortgage eats up most of your paycheck, it's natural to look around.
• Taxes. Florida and New Hampshire, the top two destinations, have no state income tax. That's a big draw, especially for higher earners and retirees.
• Retirement. Warmer weather and a smaller, simpler home appeal to a lot of people once work slows down.
• Family. Many people move to be closer to kids, grandkids, or aging parents.
• Jobs and lifestyle. Remote work has made it easier to live wherever you want, and some people want more space or a slower pace.

When people who left were asked why, the top three answers were a lower cost of living, a better quality of life, and lower taxes.

What Does Selling a Massachusetts Home Actually Mean?

If you already own a home here, you may be sitting on more equity than you realize.

Here's a simple example. Say you bought a house in Worcester County ten years ago for $280,000. Home values in Massachusetts have risen a lot since then, so that house could be worth much more today. The difference between what you owe and what it would sell for is your equity, and that money can:

• Help you buy your next home with a bigger down payment, or even in cash
• Cover moving costs and any updates the new place needs
• Give you a cushion for retirement or a career change

One helpful thing to know: if you've lived in your home for at least two of the last five years, federal tax rules generally let you exclude up to $250,000 of profit (or $500,000 for married couples) from capital gains tax. Everyone's situation is different, so check with a tax professional before you sell.

(This is an example only. I'm happy to pull real numbers for your home and neighborhood.)

Is Leaving Always the Better Financial Move?

Not always. A lower price tag or no income tax can look great on paper, but it helps to look at the whole picture:

• New Hampshire has no state income tax and no general sales tax, but its property taxes are some of the highest in the country.
• Florida has no state income tax, but homeowners insurance can be very expensive, and HOA fees and storm prep add up.
• Distance matters. Being far from family, friends, and the people who help with your kids has a real cost, even if it's not a dollar amount.
• Moving isn't free. Between agent fees, closing costs, movers, and setting up a new home, it's worth running the numbers on both ends. 

I'm not a financial advisor, so for the money side, it's smart to sit down with one. What I can help you figure out is what your home is worth, what you'd get for your money in the place you're considering, and whether the house you'd be buying is a solid one.

Before You Leave the State, Take a Look at Central Mass

Here's something the headlines don't always mention: a lot of moves happen within Massachusetts. If cost is the main reason you're thinking about leaving, Central Mass might give you what you're after without moving away from your people.

• More house for your money. Towns across Worcester County often cost less than Greater Boston for a similar home.
• Room to breathe. Bigger yards, quieter streets, and trails, lakes, and farms all close by. Great for families who love being outside.
• Still connected. You can get to Boston, Providence, and Hartford, and you're still close to the people you'd miss.
• Fixer upper opportunities. Older homes here can be a great way to build equity. I've done a lot of renovation work myself (framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more), so I can help you tell the difference between a smart project and a money pit.

Thinking About a Move?

Whether you're leaving Massachusetts or coming to Massachusetts, moving across the state, or just curious what your options are, I'm happy to talk it through. No pressure, just honest answers.

Reach out with questions, ask about first time buyer programs, or request local market insights for the towns you're considering:

[email protected]  | 508-365-7036 | www.AnnieOakman.com

Have you thought about leaving Massachusetts? Where would you go? Tell me in the comments!