All UNH Survey Center Polls
Abstract
More than two-thirds of Massachusetts residents say the commonwealth is a very good or good place to live, particularly Democrats and young people. However, only one in six residents describe Massachusetts as very or somewhat affordable. Three in ten current residents want to move out of Massachusetts and about one-third say they are likely to do so within the next five years. Those who are likely to leave most often cite a desire for lower housing costs, overall cost of living, and taxes, along with a different political or social environment. About one-third of state residents say they would move to the South if they had to leave Massachusetts, with Florida and South Carolina mentioned most often, while another third would move elsewhere in New England, with New Hampshire mentioned by far most often as a destination.
Department
Bay State Poll
Publication Date
7-7-2026
Document Type
Report
Recommended Citation
UNH Survey Center, "Most Bay Staters Believe Massachusetts is a Good But Unaffordable Place to Live 7/7/2026" (2026). All UNH Survey Center Polls. 977.
https://scholars.unh.edu/survey_center_polls/977