Moving to the Area

Utilities

Cable TV – One cable provider is available in each community

Internet – Available through cable company, phone company offers DSL at varying speeds, Satellite Internet is available

Electricity – Billing is generally through one local company, but you can select a different competing provider for a portion of the service

Water – Will be billed through your city or town if so provided, otherwise there are local companies who can test your well water

Sewer – Will be billed through your city or town if so provided, otherwise there are local companies who can pump your septic tank

Gas – Natural gas is available in certain communities when piped to the home, otherwise local companies sell individual propane gas for heating and cooking.

Oil – Various local providers are available from full-service companies who provide both oil and equipment servicing and companies who only sell oil.

Trash – Some communities have trash pickup included in municipal services and in others you need to select a local company to pick up your trash.

Phone Service including Cell – Landline service is still available in most towns, voice over ip services work well, and most all the national cell phone providers are available

Laundry – Homes have laundry hookups, some apartments provide hookups, and local laundromats exist in most communities

Housing

Apartment Information – Area consumers use sources such as Craigslist which is free or paid services such as a realtor

Home Information -Houses may be purchased outright or with a down payment and a mortgage

Property Taxes – Most tax information is available publicly through municipal websites. Taxes are lower than in some neighboring states which don’t have a sales tax or income tax

Insurance – Home insurance is a competitive business in this state through insurance companies and independent insurance agents.

Landscaping – Various local companies are available at various rates

Building Dept. – Building permit and site information is available through this deparment of your local municipality.

Pest Control – Various private pest control companies are available.

Security Systems – Security systems are available for purchase and various local companies offer system installations with full monitoring capabilities

Furnishings & Equipment – Various local furniture stores sell high quality furniture as do a number of nationally known chain stores. Used furniture is offered by the Salvation Army Stores, the Restores run by Habitat for Humanity, and various locally-owned second hand stores. Also, used furniture is sold at individual yard sales and at flea markets

Transportation

Auto Dealers – New and used vehicles are sold by franchised auto dealers and various used auto dealers. There is no temporary plate in MA.

Insurance – Auto insurance is available through nationally known companies or through independent insurance agents.

Registry of Motor Vehicles – Many items can be handled online. There is an in-person RMV office in Leominster.

Gasoline & Diesel – In this state you are allowed to pump your own gas. Self-service is the default with some stations offering full service.

Entertainment – This region is like most areas of the country with a wide assortment of entertainment options available

Movies – Most all drive-in theaters have long-closed,but several successful movie theater chains still operate.

Taxes:

Excise – Local cities and towns send out a bill each year with a bill based on the value of the automobile.

Sales Tax – The sales tax in MA is 6.25%

Income – Massachusetts has a state income tax

Financial Services

Banks – Various in the area offer all types of accounts and loans.

Credit Unions – Very popular in this region,
Various in the area offer all types of accounts and loans.

Mortgages – Offered locally through banks & credit unions and various mortgage companies

Education

Public Schools – MA schools have generally high standards.

Public Colleges – MA has affordable 2 year community colleges as well as 4 year universities

Private Schools & Colleges – various schools are available from parochial or colleges.

Vices:

Alcohol – Beer and wine is sold at the supermarket and available at privately owned liquor stores.

Tobacco – This highly dangerous item is still sold in the state

Marijuana – This item is now legal in MA for recreational use and various places to purchase are available.

It is illegal in Massachusetts to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of any mind-altering substance including alcohol, marijuna, or other drugs or substances and violators are routinely prosecuted.