The Cost of Living is a Big Fear Among Many MA Residents

Halloween may be right around the corner, but Massachusetts residents have a set of fears that don't necessarily have things that go bump in the night right at the top of the list, though it is a fear among Bay Staters.

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Since Halloween is coming up, I was interested in learning what some of the common fears are among Massachusetts residents.

The Fear of Climate Change and Coastal Flooding

One fear for Bay Staters on the list is the fear of climate change and coastal flooding, particularly in areas like Boston, Revere, and New Bedford, as these cities are at risk from coastal flooding and stronger nor’easters. This one wasn't naturally on my radar since I live in the Berkshires.

The Fear of Losing Local Identity

Another interesting fear that Bay Staters have is the fear of losing local identity. While this one may seem surprising or unexpected at first, it makes sense since Massachusetts is known for localism. It's what sets us apart. Bay State folks don't want to see too much overdevelopment, as it could threaten and eliminate small-town charm and character.

Fear of the Cost of Living in Massachusetts

There's one fear shared among Massachusetts folks that ranks high, which doesn't surprise me, and that is the fear of the cost of living in the Bay State. As a matter of fact, a 2025 Boston Globe poll found that affording housing is the number-one practical fear across the Commonwealth. Rent and property taxes are major worries, even in smaller towns like Northampton and Salem. The consensus is that the high cost of living in Massachusetts is driving residents out of the state.

Other Fears Shared Among Massachusetts Folks

Some other fears that Massachusetts residents share include fear of ticks and Lyme disease, and folkloric fears/the supernatural, as I mentioned earlier. What's your biggest Bay State fear?

25 Scaredy Cat-Approved Halloween Movies

LOOK: How Halloween has changed in the past 100 years

Stacker compiled a list of ways that Halloween has changed over the last 100 years, from how we celebrate it on the day to the costumes we wear trick-or-treating. We’ve included events, inventions, and trends that changed the ways that Halloween was celebrated over time. Many of these traditions were phased out over time. But just like fake blood in a carpet, every bit of Halloween’s history left an impression we can see traces of today.

Gallery Credit: Brit McGinnis