DC to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to Massachusetts

ConsDC

• High living costs
• Metro congestion
• Hot, humid summers
• Heavy traffic
• Political climate

ProsMassachusetts

• Charming towns
• Robust public transit
• Milder summers
• Scenic drives
• Rich history

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Massachusetts

• Harsh winters
• Fewer free museums
• Higher taxes
• Rural distances
• Limited job variety

DC

• Cultural diversity
• Smithsonian museums
• Vibrant nightlife
• Central location
• Government job market

Pros of moving from DC to Massachusetts

• Say goodbye to high living costs and hello to charming towns
• Look forward to moving away from metro congestion and moving to Massachusetts with robust public transit
• Swap the hot, humid summers of DC for milder summers in Massachusetts
• Get ready for scenic drives in Massachusetts

Cons of moving from DC to Massachusetts

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from cultural diversity in DC to live with harsh winters in Massachusetts
• You'll lose out on the pro of Smithsonian museums and have to settle for the con of fewer free museums
• Time to bid farewell to vibrant nightlife and get used to higher taxes in Massachusetts
• Swap a central location for rural distances

DC vs. Massachusetts: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from DC to Massachusetts, you will be trading the iconic Half-Smoke of DC for the equally delicious Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. And while the locals in DC rave about their flavorful Mumbo Sauce Wings and sumptuous Food Truck Varieties, Massachusetts residents know they have tasty Baked Beans and Lobster Rolls to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Bowls they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Jackfruit Tacos of Massachusetts. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic DC eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Rosa's Thai Café, and Zaytinya. After the boxes are unpacked in Massachusetts, don't wait too long before making your way to Massachusetts' acclaimed eateries like Union Oyster House, Neptune Oyster, and Legal Sea Foods.

When comparing lifestyles, Massachusetts shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than DC. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Massachusetts compared to what you are used to in DC. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Massachusetts.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between DC and Massachusetts

• The Victorian and Beaux-Arts architecture that DC is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Massachusetts.
• Compared to DC's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to metro and rooftop decks, Massachusetts real estate listings often highlight features like access to education and historic properties.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Massachusetts is less walkable than DC.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Massachusetts is less bike-friendly than DC.
• Massachusetts has less of an urban feel than DC.
• Massachusetts housing costs are 1% less expensive than they are in DC, with a median home price of $612,509 compared to DC’s $619,320.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Massachusetts have increased by 46% compared to an 8% increase in DC.
• Rent in Massachusetts is 5.81% more expensive than in DC.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between DC and Massachusetts

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from DC to Massachusetts. Massachusetts gets 1% fewer sunshine days than DC.
• Massachusetts has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to DC.
• Say goodbye to possible flooding, tropical storm and hurricane remnants, severe thunderstorms, rare tornadoes, winter storms and ice, and heat waves in DC, but be on the lookout for potential nor'easters, winter storms, blizzards, ice, coastal flooding, storm surge, hurricanes, tropical storms, inland flooding, severe thunderstorms, and occasional tornadoes in western Massachusetts.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Massachusetts is 7 degrees colder than in DC.
• The average winter lows are 7 degrees colder than they are in DC.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Massachusetts. Massachusetts receives 4 more inches of rain compared to DC.

Financial & Community Snapshot: DC and Massachusetts

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Massachusetts tend to earn about 6% less than in DC
• The COLI in Massachusetts is 13% lower than what you are used to living in DC
• The state income tax in MA is 5.0% compared to 6.0% in DC
• The affluence in Massachusetts is high compared to high in DC
• The poverty level is low in Massachusetts compared to moderate in DC
• In terms of homelessness, it is visible in DC and less visible in Massachusetts

Political and Religious Climate in DC vs. Massachusetts

• DC tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
• Massachusetts, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Democratic
• Massachusetts' religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with a mix of other faiths
• DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as varied with no single majority

Education Guide When Moving from DC to Massachusetts

How Much Do DC to Massachusetts Movers Cost?

Moving 427 miles from DC to Massachusetts will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.