There is a lot to love about living in Massachusetts. From its iconic Cape Cod beaches to the bustling Boston metro area to the peaceful hills of the Berkshires, there really is something for everyone in Massachusetts.

Whether you were born and raised in Massachusetts, or are a transplant to the best state in New England, you know all it has to offer.

Massachusetts boasts a strong economy, affordable living, excellent public schools, and an overall high quality of life. The state has been highlighted as one of the best states to live in the US several times, but publications like US News and World Reports, Niche, and CBS News.

But, just like anywhere, Massachusetts has its downfalls as well.

Recently NewsHub360 ranked the worst places to live in each state and we took a look at their Massachusetts list. While we might not agree with their rankings, the news outlet examined crime rates, employment opportunities, public education, property values, and affordable housing to determine the overall quality of life.

#3 Fitchburg, Massachusetts

via City of Fitchburg
via City of Fitchburg
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NewsHub360 cites Fitchburg's low property value, high unemployment rate, and crime rate as contributing factors to its low quality of life.

#2 North Adams, Massachusetts

Andre Noble Facebook
Andre Noble Facebook
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NewsHub360 cites the city's low employment opportunities, low property value, and small population as contributing factors to the city's low quality of life ranking.

#1 Springfield, Massachusetts

via Springfield City Hall
via Springfield City Hall
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NewsHub360 sites the second lowest property value in the state, with low median household income, low property values, and high crime rates as contributing factors to the area's poor quality of life.

The rest of the top twenty can be seen below:

4. Memorial Square

5. South End

6. Pine Point

7. McKnight

8. Maple High-Six Corners

9. Old Hill

10. Chelsea

11. Fall River

12. Lawrence

13. Lynn

14. Boston

15. Pittsfield

16. New Bedford

17. Holyoke

18. West Springfield

19. Brockton

20. Worcester

 

LOOK: Here are the 50 best beach towns in America

Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which got us thinking about what makes a beach town the best one to live in. To find out, Stacker consulted data from WalletHub, released June 17, 2020, that compares U.S. beach towns. Ratings are based on six categories: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of life. The cities ranged in population from 10,000 to 150,000, but they had to have at least one local beach listed on TripAdvisor. Read the full methodology here. From those rankings, we selected the top 50. Readers who live in California and Florida will be unsurprised to learn that many of towns featured here are in one of those two states.

Keep reading to see if your favorite beach town made the cut.

Gallery Credit: Keri Wiginton

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