Population
At just under 6.5 million residents, Massachusetts is the most populous of the New England states, with almost 600,000 in Boston alone. As of 2000, the number of residents in Massachusetts ranked us 13th largest in the country.
Government
The capital of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is Boston, situated on the Atlantic Ocean on the eastern border of the state. The state government has three branches: Executive, Legislative and Judicial, headed by a Supreme Judicial Court.
Taxes
Income - Massachusetts charges a 5.3% income tax on earnings.
Property - Tax rates on real estate are set annually by the individual towns. The rate is set based on a percentage of the assessed value.
Sales and Meals Tax - There is 5% sales and meals tax in Massachusetts.
Licenses and Fees
Drivers - Residents of Massachusetts (MA) are required to have a valid MA license to legally operate a vehicle in MA. Out-of-state or foreign-licensed drivers MUST obtain a MA driver's license upon becoming a MA resident.
Automobile Registration - All vehicles and motorcycles must be registered at any branch of the Registry of Motor Vehicles in Massachusetts. Proof of ownership must be presented at the time of registration, such as the title to your car, a bill of sale, or a past registration. You will also need insurance certification issued by a licensed Massachusetts insurance company prior to registration, indicating that your car is insured in accordance with Massachusetts laws.
Hunting and Fishing - All persons over 15 years of age are required to have a license to fish and hunt. in any inland waters. You may obtain a license from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife or from a city or town clerk.
Boating and Off-Highway Vehicles- All motor boats and other motorized recreational vehicles must be registered with the Division of Law Enforcement. Registration can be done in the Boston office or at one of the regional offices.
Miscellaneous - Visit http://www.mass.gov for information on other Licenses and Fees.
Education
School districts are administered by local school boards which have the authority to make all necessary rules and regulations of the government, organization, and grading in the school district. Kindergarten programs are not mandated by the state; local school boards determine if a child must be 6 years old by September 30 of the current school term in order to enroll for first grade. However, there is some variation between districts; therefore, checking with your district for the dates is important.
Elementary and secondary parochial school systems exist in the larger cities. Many private secular schools provide a fine alternative to the public school system.
Higher education is provided through the numerous fine colleges and universities throughout the state.
Major Newspapers
When moving to a new area, you will find the local newspapers to be an excellent source of information about the communities you are considering.
Boston Globe, 135 Morrisey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125
Boston Herald, 300 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111