Stuck or Satisfied? The Real Reason 81% of Residents Are Staying in Massachusetts

A new survey indicates that most residents plan to remain in Massachusetts for the long term. It's not even close. That blew me away.

The survey, conducted by the Andover-based Polity Research Consulting, LLC, asked respondents, "How likely are you to stay in Massachusetts long-term?"

A majority (55 percent) said "very likely," while 26 percent said "somewhat likely." That's 81 percent who are "very" or "somewhat" likely to stick around.

Only eight percent replied "not very likely," while five percent said "not likely at all." Another five percent didn't know. That's 13 percent who are "not very" or "not at all" likely to stick around.

Get our free mobile app

A Drastic Contradiction to the Blue State Outmigration Narrative

The findings contradict what we know to be true: Massachusetts residents, especially those 26 to 34, have been heading for the exits in search of greener pastures. Businesses are also packing up and moving on, leaving Massachusetts struggling to make up billions of dollars in lost income.

U-Haul Data vs. Local Reality: What the Numbers Tell Us

U-Haul says Massachusetts is still one of its most active states in the great outmigration trend from so-called blue states.

The Polity survey, conducted for the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, fails to explain in its summary why so many residents are suddenly content to remain in Massachusetts.

Perhaps all those who wanted to leave have done so.

Squeezed by Affordability: The Primary Drivers of Moving Anxiety

When asked about their state's top issues, survey respondents prioritize affordability above all else. The rising overall cost of living (26 percent) and high housing expenses (23 percent) are their top concerns. Those are also the primary reasons so many residents decide to relocate to other states.

Yet, 81 percent are at least somewhat committed to remaining here. Perhaps some feel trapped, while others are hopeful that things will improve.