The state of Massachusetts has a vibrant history, culture, and economy. Not all of its communities, meanwhile, are doing well. In fact, a number of them are seeing a sharp decrease in population as people move away for a variety of reasons. These are the seven communities in Massachusetts that residents are escaping as quickly as possible.
1. Springfield
Although Springfield is the third-biggest city in Massachusetts, it’s also among the most dangerous and impoverished. The city has poor educational attainment, a low median income, and a high crime rate. Due to the closure or relocation of numerous firms, it also faces a dearth of economic prospects. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that Springfield’s population decreased by roughly 3,000 between 2010 and 2020, or 1.6%.
2. The Pittsfield
The largest city and county seat of Berkshire County, which is renowned for its natural beauty and cultural attractions, is Pittsfield. Pittsfield, meanwhile, has been beset by environmental problems, outdated infrastructure, and a diminishing population. The city used to be a center for industry, but many of the industries have closed or relocated, leaving behind abandoned structures and polluted areas. Pittsfield lost almost 2,000 residents, representing a 3.8% decline.
- California RESIDENTS To RECEIVE $500 MONTHLY PAYMENTS In New Guaranteed Income Program: Here Is Who Is Eligible
- Us Job Market Booms With 272,000 New Jobs, But Unemployment Rises Slightly To 4.0%
- Credit Scores Of 720+ See Improved Loan Rates This Week
- Examining The Facts: Fact Check On IRS $8700 Stimulus Check Eligibility & Payment Dates
- Gas Prices On Downward Trend As Fourth Of July Road Trips Approach: AAA
3. New Bedford
Southeast Massachusetts seaside city New Bedford is well-known for its fishing and whaling heritage. But the city has also had to deal with a number of issues, including drug misuse, crime, unemployment, and poverty. The city has a high percentage of poverty, a low percentage of high school graduates, and a low median income. It is also known as the “Heroin Capital of America” due to the high number of fatal opioid overdoses. New Bedford shed over 1,500 residents, a 1.5% decline.
4. The Fall River
Southeast Massachusetts’s Fall River is another seaside community well-known for its immigrant communities and textile factories. But the city has also seen a loss of industry, a deterioration in the standard of living, and numerous political scandals. The city has a low median income, a high crime rate, and a high unemployment rate. Due to the fact that multiple of its mayors have been charged with or found guilty of numerous crimes, it also has a high percentage of corruption. Fall River lost almost 1,000 residents, a 0.9% decline.
5. The Holyoke
Located on the Connecticut River’s banks in western Massachusetts is the city of Holyoke. The city has seen a fall in manufacturing, an increase in poverty, and a deterioration of public services since it was once a significant hub for the production of paper. The city has poor educational attainment, a low median income, and a high rate of poverty. Asthma, HIV infection, and teen pregnancy are also prevalent there. Holyoke lost over 800 inhabitants, a 1.4% decline.
6. Chelsea
Across the Mystic River from Boston, in eastern Massachusetts, sits the city of Chelsea. The city is among the most vulnerable and impoverished in the state, despite having one of the densest populations and widest ethnic diversity. The city has low rates of homeownership, low median income, and high rates of poverty. Given that it was among the towns most severely affected by the pandemic, it also has a high proportion of COVID-19 infection. Chelsea lost over 700 residents, or 1.7% less than before.
7. Lawrence
Northeastern Massachusetts’s Lawrence is a city situated on the Merrimack River. The city is well-known for its industrial past and large immigrant population, particularly from Latin America. But the city also has a lengthy history of dealing with natural disasters, social upheaval, and economic hardship. The city has poor high school graduation rates, low median incomes, and high rates of poverty. Because it was the heart of several accidents in 2018 that caused damage to hundreds of houses and businesses, it also has a high rate of gas explosions. Approximately 600 people moved out of Lawrence, a 0.8% decline.
In summary
The difficulties these seven towns are encountering as they deal with the fallout from deindustrialization, urban deterioration, and socioeconomic inequity are representative of the difficulties that many communities in Massachusetts are confronting. While some of these towns are making an effort to attract new residents and rebuild themselves, others are giving up and losing hope. What steps can be taken to buck the current trend and improve everyone’s quality of life and economic prospects in Massachusetts?