Why Massachusetts Is the #1 Place to Raise a Family in 2026 (And Why So Many Families Are Moving Here)

If you’re thinking about relocating and buying a home, one question probably sits at the top of your list:

Where is the best place in the U.S. to raise a family?

According to WalletHub’s Best & Worst States to Raise a Family in 2026 report, the answer is clear:

👉 Massachusetts ranks #1 in the entire country. (LiveNOW)

Let’s break down why Massachusetts earned that top spot — and what it means for families considering a move here.

 Why Massachusetts Ranked #1

WalletHub analyzed all 50 states using 50 data points across five major categories:

• Education & child care

• Health & safety

• Family fun

• Affordability

• Socioeconomic factors

Massachusetts stood out for elite schools, exceptional healthcare, strong job opportunities, and overall quality of life. (LiveNOW)

Here’s what really sets the Bay State apart:

📚 #1 for Education: Setting Kids Up for Success

Massachusetts consistently ranks #1 in public education nationwide.

Families benefit from:

• Top-ranked public schools

• Nationally recognized universities

• Advanced academic programs

• Strong graduation and college acceptance rates

This isn’t just about test scores — it’s about giving children access to world-class learning environments from kindergarten through college. (LiveNOW)

🏥 Best-in-Class Healthcare & Safety

Massachusetts is home to some of the best hospitals and medical research centers in the world, including Boston Children’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Brigham & Women’s.

Families benefit from:

• Excellent pediatric care

• Low infant mortality rates

• High life expectancy

• Low violent crime compared to national averages

This combination of safety + healthcare access is a huge reason families choose to move here. (Boston's ROCK 92.9)

💼 Strong Job Market & Economic Stability

Massachusetts offers:

• High household incomes

• Strong job security

• Thriving industries in technology, biotech, education, healthcare, finance, and engineering

In fact, Massachusetts ranks among the best states for long-term career growth and income stability — making it ideal for families building long-term roots. (LiveNOW)

🌳 Lifestyle, Culture & Family Fun

From beaches and mountains to museums and historic towns, Massachusetts offers unmatched lifestyle diversity:

• Coastal living on Cape Ann, Cape Cod, and the South Shore

• Suburban communities with top schools

• Vibrant cities like Boston, Cambridge, Salem, and Newburyport

• Four-season recreation: beaches, hiking, skiing, festivals, and sports

It’s one of the rare states where families can enjoy culture, nature, history, and modern convenience all in one place.

🏡 What This Means for Home Buyers

Because Massachusetts offers such strong quality of life, demand for housing remains consistently high, especially in:

• Top school districts

• Commuter-friendly towns

• Coastal communities

• Suburban family neighborhoods

While prices can be higher than the national average, families are investing in:

• Strong resale value

• Stable property appreciation

• Long-term lifestyle benefits

In short: You’re buying into opportunity, stability, and community.

📍 Popular Places Families Are Moving To

Some of the most sought-after family-friendly areas include:

• North Shore (Beverly, Marblehead, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Newburyport)

• MetroWest (Newton, Wellesley, Natick, Framingham)

• South Shore (Hingham, Scituate, Cohasset)

• Greater Boston suburbs

• Cape Cod for lifestyle-focused families

Each offers its own blend of schools, commute access, community feel, and housing options.

✨ Thinking About Moving to Massachusetts?

If raising your family in the best state in America sounds appealing, Massachusetts should be at the very top of your list.

Whether you’re relocating for:

• Better schools

• Safer neighborhoods

• Career growth

• Lifestyle improvement

…Massachusetts delivers across the board.

🏠 Let’s Find the Right Home for Your Family

Moving to a new state can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be.

If you’re considering relocating to Massachusetts or buying your next family home here, I’d be happy to help you:

• Explore towns & neighborhoods

• Compare school districts

• Identify the best value areas

• Navigate the buying process smoothly

📩 Reach out anytime — I’m here to help you make a confident, informed move.

Jim Armstrong
Armstrong Field Group @ Aluxety Real Estate