7 Massachusetts Towns People Are Fleeing As Soon As Possible
7 Massachusetts Towns People Are Fleeing As Soon As Possible
Massachusetts is a state with a rich history, culture, and economy. But not all of its towns are thriving. In fact, some of them are experiencing a significant decline in population, as residents are leaving for various reasons. Here are seven Massachusetts towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible.
1. Springfield
Springfield is the third-largest city in Massachusetts, but also one of the poorest and most dangerous. The city has a high crime rate, low median income, and low educational attainment. It also suffers from a lack of economic opportunities, as many businesses have closed or relocated. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Springfield lost about 3,000 residents between 2010 and 2020, a 1.6% decrease.
2. Pittsfield
Pittsfield is the largest city and county seat of Berkshire County, a region known for its scenic beauty and cultural attractions. However, Pittsfield has been struggling with a declining population, aging infrastructure, and environmental issues. The city was once a hub of manufacturing, but many factories have shut down or moved away, leaving behind vacant buildings and contaminated sites. Pittsfield lost about 2,000 residents between 2010 and 2020, a 3.8% decrease.
3. New Bedford
New Bedford is a coastal city in southeastern Massachusetts, famous for its whaling history and fishing industry. However, the city has also faced many challenges, such as poverty, unemployment, crime, and drug abuse. The city has a low median income, a high poverty rate, and a low high school graduation rate. It also has a high rate of opioid overdose deaths, earning it the nickname of “Heroin Capital of America”. New Bedford lost about 1,500 residents between 2010 and 2020, a 1.5% decrease.
4. Fall River
Fall River is another coastal city in southeastern Massachusetts, known for its textile mills and immigrant communities. However, the city has also suffered from a loss of industry, a decline in quality of life, and a series of political scandals. The city has a high unemployment rate, a high crime rate, and a low median income. It also has a high rate of corruption, as several of its mayors have been indicted or convicted of various crimes. Fall River lost about 1,000 residents between 2010 and 2020, a 0.9% decrease.
5. Holyoke
Holyoke is a city in western Massachusetts, located on the banks of the Connecticut River. The city was once a major center of paper production, but has since faced a decline in manufacturing, a rise in poverty, and a deterioration of public services. The city has a high poverty rate, a low median income, and a low educational attainment. It also has a high rate of teen pregnancy, HIV infection, and asthma. Holyoke lost about 800 residents between 2010 and 2020, a 1.4% decrease.
6. Chelsea
Chelsea is a city in eastern Massachusetts, located across the Mystic River from Boston. The city is one of the most densely populated and ethnically diverse in the state, but also one of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable. The city has a high poverty rate, a low median income, and a low homeownership rate. It also has a high rate of COVID-19 infection, as it was one of the hardest-hit communities by the pandemic. Chelsea lost about 700 residents between 2010 and 2020, a 1.7% decrease.
7. Lawrence
Lawrence is a city in northeastern Massachusetts, located on the Merrimack River. The city is known for its immigrant population, especially from Latin America, and its industrial heritage. However, the city has also faced a long history of economic hardship, social unrest, and natural disasters. The city has a high poverty rate, a low median income, and a low high school graduation rate. It also has a high rate of gas explosions, as it was the epicenter of a series of incidents in 2018 that damaged hundreds of homes and businesses. Lawrence lost about 600 residents between 2010 and 2020, a 0.8% decrease.
Conclusion
These seven towns are examples of the challenges that many Massachusetts communities are facing, as they cope with the effects of deindustrialization, urban decay, and social inequality. While some of these towns are trying to revitalize themselves and attract new residents, others are losing hope and giving up. The question is: what can be done to reverse this trend and make Massachusetts a more livable and prosperous state for all?
