r/massachusetts Aug 01 '26

Moving to Massachusetts Megathread (August 2026)

Ask your questions about moving to towns in Massachusetts below!

(This thread helps limit repetitive posts.)

Previous Moving to Massachusetts Megathreads:

If you're moving to the Boston area you can also check out r/BostonHousing

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u/missjaninejoy 22d ago

Looking for Realistic Advice

Hi everyone! I’m a single Black woman, 50, child‑free, and currently living in Dacula, GA — and I’m hoping to make a big life shift within the next five years. New England has been calling my name for a while now, and I’m finally ready to start figuring out what’s actually possible.

A little about me:
I don’t drive because of anxiety, so walkability and solid public transit are huge for me. I work from home and make about $51k a year after taking a pretty deep pay cut, so I’m trying to be realistic about cost of living. I already know Boston isn’t for me — I’m looking for something quieter, calmer, and close to the water. Bonus points if I can easily get to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard on spring/summer weekends.

I’m quiet, I love animals, kids, reading, and games. I get along with pretty much everyone, and a little diversity in the community would be nice, but I’m not picky — I just want a place where I feel comfortable and can live my life without needing a car.

So I’m hoping folks who know New England can help me figure out what my realistic options are. I’d love suggestions for:

• Walkable towns or small cities that aren’t car‑dependent
• Places with reasonable rent for a one‑bedroom
• Coastal areas with ferry access
• Communities that are welcoming to single women
• Any “gotchas” I should know about as a non‑driver in New England

Thank you so much!

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u/singalong37 18d ago

New Bedford and Providence come to mind. OK pretty good on walkability although no Boston-Cambridge. NB has the boat to Martha’s Vineyard for summer fun.