MA Among Best States To Move To, New Study Finds

Massachusetts ranked 6th on a list of the best states to move to in 2026 from ConsumerAffairs.

An estimated 7.1 million Americans moved to another state in 2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The ConsumerAffairs team analyzed data to find out which states are the safest, most comfortable, most stable and most affordable for new residents.

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Massachusetts moved up two spots from last year when it ranked 8th overall.

Here are the Bay State's ranks in each category:

• Affordability: 40th
• Safety: 21st
• Economic strength: 32nd
• Healthcare and education: 1st
• Quality of life: 3rd

Two other New England states topped Massachusetts in the new rankings, with New Hampshire taking 1st and Maine ranking 5th.

Utah came in 2nd, Idaho was 3rd and Virginia was 4th to round out the top five.

At the bottom of the list was New Mexico, which also ranked last in safety.

Louisiana, California, Arkansas and Oklahoma were all at the bottom of the list.

Check out the full analysis from ConsumerAffairs.

Even though it ranks high in this analysis, other studies have shown that Massachusetts has a high number of residents looking to move out.

Read more: MA Among States People Are Most Interested In Leaving, Survey Finds

Massachusetts Residents Leaving State At High Rate, Study Finds