Explore Massachusetts Beyond the History Books
Curious about what you'll do when you live in Massachusetts? It all depends on which side of the Worcester hills you land. In Boston, you’ll dodge tourists on cobblestone streets and have your pick of artisan coffee or fresh lobster. In Central Mass, you’ll find a grounded, laid-back vibe with plenty of local dives where nobody cares about your LinkedIn profile. Out in Western MA, you’ll be living that peak "quaint" New England life where you know everyone’s name (and their political leanings). And on the Cape? You’ll probably work three jobs just to afford the beach sticker for the sand you’re too busy to actually sit on.
Candice, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Candice has called Massachusetts home for 15 years, which started with a Texas to New England road trip in a Honda Civic, three cats, zero plans, and just enough confidence to assume it would all work out. She has lived all over the state which means she knows Massachusetts is really several states pretending to be one. She has been a writing professor, a software designer, a piano and sax player, and a mom to 2 pre teen kids and a very elderly cat. She lives for brunch, needs regular nature fixes to stay sane, and knows exactly which Mass stereotypes are true. At Snappy Scout, Candice keeps Massachusetts guides fast, sharp, and painfully accurate.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Massachusetts?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
Go Outside & Hike
Climb Mount Greylock, the state's highest peak in the Berkshires
Historic Forts
Walk the Freedom Trail connecting 16 historic sites in Boston
For the Sports Fans
Catch a Red Sox game at legendary Fenway Park
Spend Time on the Water cooling off
Sail around Cape Cod's pristine beaches and harbors
Throughout Summer
Beach hop on Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket islands
During the short days of Winter
Ice skate on Boston Common's Frog Pond
This is what locals do on the weekends
Explore Quincy Market and grab fresh lobster rolls
It's Fall
Drive Mohawk Trail for stunning foliage views out west
Maybe you should go chasing waterfalls
Bash Bish Falls drops 60 feet in the Berkshires
Pick your own farm to table fare
Harvest cranberries in Plymouth County bogs each autumn
Hidden Gem Spotlight
To get some really local color, you need to get out of Boston bubble and into the Gateway communities surrounding it, like Lowell, Worcester, or Fall River.
— Candice Hallsett
Massachusetts Local Expert
Ready to See If Massachusetts Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Massachusetts guide for the bigger picture.