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Massachusetts is named the BEST place to live in America — despite ranking 44th for affordability and sky-high housing costs

Monday, August 11, 2025
3 min read
MDN Staff
Massachusetts is named the BEST place to live in America — despite ranking 44th for affordability and sky-high housing costs

WalletHub crowns the Bay State #1 thanks to health, education, and safety — as Governor Maura Healey blows billions on illegals and Mayor Michelle Wu’s Boston prices locals out

BOSTON — Massachusetts has been ranked the BEST place to live in America in 2025 — according to WalletHub — despite placing 44th in affordability, sky-high housing costs, a crumbling transit system, and runaway spending under Governor Maura Healey and Mayor Michelle Wu.

WalletHub compared all 50 states across affordability, economy, education & health, quality of life, and safety, ultimately handing the Bay State the top spot according to WalletHub.

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Massachusetts’ own report card tells the real story: 44th in affordability, 9th in economy, 1st in health and education, 6th in quality of life, and 6th in safety. In other words, great if you’re a wealthy Beacon Hill insider — not so much if you’re a working family trying to buy a home.

Meanwhile, Governor Maura Healey has blown billions on hotels, meals, and perks for illegal immigrants, all while infrastructure like the MBTA continues to crumble and rents in Boston hit record highs. Mayor Michelle Wu’s Boston isn’t faring any better — businesses are fleeing downtown, crime is on the rise, and average residents are being squeezed by taxes, tolls, and parking fees.

WalletHub’s lead analyst Chip Lupo says people should consider “financial factors like cost of living, housing prices and job availability” before moving to a state — but here in Massachusetts, affordability concerns have been shoved aside in favor of vanity projects and political giveaways.

Critics call the “Best State” title a slap in the face to locals packing up for Florida, New Hampshire, and the Carolinas. Beacon Hill politicians may be celebrating, but for most people here, the honor is just another reminder that the ruling class is living in a completely different Massachusetts than the rest of us.

The rest of WalletHub’s top five includes Idaho, New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Minnesota — with New Mexico ranked dead last.

As one Boston commuter stuck on the Tobin Bridge put it: “Best for who — the Kennedys?”

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