Massachusetts is located in the north eastern region of the United States, and is part of the group of states known as New England. It is also the 4th state of the United States of America. Massachusetts is the 44th largest state in terms of area and the 15th largest in terms of population. It is bordered by 5 states, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island and Connecticut. The states eastern coast joins the Atlantic Ocean.

The state capital of Massachusetts is Boston, which is also the largest city in the state. The state itself has a varied history and was largely colonized by the English settlers in the early 1600’s. Politically, it is well known as being the home state of the Kennedy family. The main cities in Massachusetts are Boston, Cambridge, Worcester and Springfield. Salem, Massachusetts is also infamous for its witch trials in 1692.

Massachusetts – Employment

The state has an unemployment rate of around 9%, which is a similar rate to many other states, but there are opportunities for employment within several sectors in Massachusetts. One of these is education. The state has many excellent schools and universities and qualified teachers will find that there are many opportunities for them. Health care is another sector which is experiencing a shortage of qualified and experienced staff, though foreign trained doctors and nurses will have to be assessed before they are able to obtain a license to practice within the state.

Tourism is also big business in the region, and areas such as Boston and Salem received thousands of visitors each year. There are opportunities in the hospitality and retail field for both skilled and unskilled workers, though there is a lot of competition for these vacancies. Many of these will be seasonal vacancies as will those in the agricultural sector. The state is known for its production of cranberries, tobacco and meat.

Massachusetts – Property

The city of Boston has many options for the newcomer. The district of North End is mainly populated by American-Italians and is the best place to go for an Italian meal. The area is good for families as there is a variety of accommodation available as well as recreational amenities. The Hyde Park area prides itself on its friendly community feel and has many parks and green spaces in between the residential streets. The properties are mainly single family homes and are much sought after.

The Boston district of Roxbury is becoming a popular district for commercial enterprises and as a result properties in the area are mainly apartments which are marketed to professionals with no young children. The district of Jamaica Plain is another American-Italian district and is quite an old part of the city. Other cultures are also finding that the area is ideal for setting up home and there is now a small expat community. Accommodation in the area ranges from apartments to family homes and the area has many ethnic shops.

The South End district is filled with Victorian style homes and has over 30 parks, so is ideal for families and those who are looking for a tranquil area to live in. The property here is much sought after, so prices are a little higher than average. Mission Hill is another district which already has an expat community but is a lively area with many restaurants and businesses so may not be the best district for those with a young family.

The city of Cambridge also has a number of districts which may be suitable for those looking to move to the state. The Wellington-Harrington district is quite a large area and there is a range of property options, from apartments to family homes. Cambridgeport is mainly residential, although there are some businesses now moving into the area. There are some converted buildings which house apartments, although most properties are single family homes. The prices in the area are on a par with the regional average.

The district of Peabody in Cambridge is another area that is ideal for families. This area is mainly family homes, usually with good-sized gardens. The area is a large district and is already home to a number of expats. All the amenities that are required for day to day life are available and prices are reasonable.