Easily one of the top ten states in the US.  The ranting 1-star ratings below do not reflect the character of the state, which combines natural beauty and historical interest to a degree which only a handful of other US states even come close.  MA also has a highly educated and literate population which has resisted the proletarianization of its culture, manners and landscape far more successfully than anywhere in the US, with the exception of Vermont.

The animosity that Massachusetts arouses is due chiefly to one factor: how its treats its non-unionized working class population.  Basically, the state's elite have decided that the state's economic future lies in education, health care and finance.  In order to clear the state of low-productivity workers, Massachussets has made life as miserable as possible for them via taxes, fees and regulations (BTW, this is not the work of 'Liberal' MA politicians, but rather Boston-based coroporate interests and old-school Republican Mitt Romney).  If you are a professional, a student, a tourist or have a well-paid union/skilled-trades job, and don't mind cold weather, Massachussets is a wonderful place to live or visit.  If you are looking to make a living at entry-level work, you would be far better off moving to a right-to-fire/right-to-work state with low taxes and Wal-Marts (Texas, South Carolina, Florida).  Even if the Sunbelt economy comes crashing down-as it eventually will-at least you won't have to worry about paying the heating bill. 

Please shut the door behind you, and stop posting pointless 1-star ratings.