11 Things to Know When Moving to Massachusetts
Massachusetts is the most populous state in the New England region of the United States. It is also known as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This state is located on the East Coast. Massachusetts is famous for its rich history, some of the world’s best sea food and exceptional education. It has some of the best colleges and universities, a thriving economy, and a diverse culture.In addition to this, Massachusetts has beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. Whether you’re somewhere around Boston or at any other place, you’ll find a lot of fun things to do. So, if you are considering moving to Massachusetts, there are several things you need to know and prepare. Here are 11 things you need to know before moving to Massachusetts.
What to Know Before your Move to Massachusetts
1. Before you Arrive in Massachusetts
Find a reliable moving company, truck rental or moving container
For your move to Massachusetts, you will need to hire a reliable moving company or take on the move yourself. To find the best moving company in Massachusetts, look for helpful reviews, a professional-looking website, and years of experience.
Planning a move to Massachusetts? Have a look at our selection of:
Forward your mail
If you are moving to Massachusetts permanently and you receive a lot of mail (excluding packages), you may want to sign up with USPS’s mail forwarding service. Mail forwarding will allow your mail to be redirected to the right address for a given period of time. The fee for regular mail forwarding is only a little over a dollar for 6 months. If you want to extend the service, you will have to pay around $20 for 6 months more. You can begin your mail forwarding process by signing up on USPS’s website or directly at your local Post Office.
Sell or donate the items you won’t need in Massachusetts
Moving to a new place is an opportunity to start afresh. If you’re moving to Massachusetts, selling the items you won’t need will go a long way in making your move easier. You can sell your old household items and personal possessions, and anything that will not be useful. Pick out the items that will not be useful for you in Massachusetts, then decide if you want to sell them on websites like Craigslist or Facebook MarketPlace or donate them to a non-profit organization.
2. What are the First Steps to Take When Arriving in Massachusetts?
Change your address
Along with mail forwarding, you will also have to update your new address with the concerned authorities in Massachusetts like the DMV. To exercise your right to vote in Massachusetts, you can register to vote online, by mail and in person. To register by mail, you need to fill out Massachusetts Official Mail-In Voter Registration Form and mail it to your town election office. You can register to vote in person at a local MA election office. You should also change your address with your employer, bank, doctor, insurer, and service providers so that you can avoid any complications further down the road.
Exchange your driver’s license
Once you move to Massachusetts and establish residency, you must transfer your out-of-state driver’s license as soon as possible. There is no grace period provided as per the law. In order to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license, you’ll need to visit your local MA RMV office in person with the required documents. You will also have to surrender your out-of-state license. You can also book an appointment online ahead of time to avoid wait times at the RMV.
Register your vehicle
If you have just moved to Massachusetts, you’ll have to register your out-of-state vehicle with RMV within 30 days. Failure to do so might result in penalties and additional charges. To get your car registered in Massachusetts, you need to bring your vehicle title, bring proof of insurance, bring odometer disclosure statements, and pay registration fees at your local RMV office. You can expect your license plates and car registration process to complete immediately. Your new title will arrive within 10 days. In addition to this, you must also complete a vehicle inspection within 7 days of your registration. You can visit the Car Registration Page to check out all the documentation requirements and details.
Consider getting health insurance
Getting health insurance is an excellent way to get peace of mind when it comes to your health. With health insurance, you will not have to worry about spending a ton of money in case of a health-related emergency. Healthcare is regulated by the state in the US and so the state of Massachusetts proposes a website to help you with your health insurance search. Simply choose Massachusetts as your state and create an account.
Consider getting home insurance
Getting home insurance is essential, whichever state you are residing in. It is a financial protection that will cover for your expenses if a natural disaster damages your home. Residents in Massachusetts are at a risk of earthquakes and experience some other natural disasters such as coastal erosion, flooding, and an occasional nuisance landslide.
3. Best Places to Live in Massachusetts
If you are a couple, you might want to consider living in Brookline. It offers a suburban feel, a thriving nightlife, a diverse culture, and a lot of amenities.
If you are a family, you might want to consider Wayland. Wayland offers good housing facilities, some highly rated public schools and it’s a suitable place to raise a family.
If you are single, you should consider moving to Cambridge. Cambridge is home to Harvard University and a lot of great educational institutes. This is the reason a lot of young professionals live here. In addition to this, Cambridge offers a lot of amenities.
4. Housing and Renting in Massachusetts
How to find an apartment in Massachusetts?
If you are looking for an apartment for rent in Massachusetts, these websites will help you out.
How to find a house in Massachusetts?
These websites will help you find a house in Massachusetts.
5. How to Set Up Utilities in Massachusetts?
Electricity, water, and gas in Massachusetts
Department of Public Utilities responsible for investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water companies in Massachusetts. They ensure that consumers are provided with accessible, safe and reliable telecommunication and energy services at reasonable rates. You can visit their website and search for electricity, water and gas providers and even reach out to them if you have any inquiry. The main purpose of DPU is to keep the customers well informed regarding the services they are getting from the utility providers.
Internet and cell phone in Massachusetts
Getting a reliable internet service provider is what everyone desires. The state of Massachusetts has some of the best internet providers and is the 5th most connected state in the USA with 139 broadband providers and 100% residents having access to 25 MBPS internet service. Internet providers in Massachusetts offer a wide range of prices, speed, and connection types. When it comes to a high-speed internet connection, there is a wide variety of options to choose from in Massachusetts, including cable, DSL, Fiber and Satellite. The best internet providers in Massachusetts will have bundling options, various speeds, and multiple package options at reasonable prices.
6. Cost of Living in Massachusetts
The average cost of living in Boston, Massachusetts per month is $4400 for a couple.
Cost of living per month for a couple in Boston
Expense | USD $ |
Rent – Mortgage | $2300 |
Utilities (gas, water, electricity, phone, internet) | $300 |
Groceries | $700 |
Entertainment | $250 |
Insurance (home, car, health) | $600 |
Other (transportation, material goods) | $250 |
Source: TrustedChoice, SmartAsset, Numbeo, expatisan