Massachusetts is a state overflowing with history and yet oddly modern. Massachusetts real estate prices are very pricey.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is an incredible mix of history and bustling modern influences. Historically, the state took in many of the initial European immigrants and was the location of crucial battles in the Revolutionary War. Throw in events such as the Boston Tea Party and you have a state with a heritage. While appreciating the past, Massachusetts also pays homage to changing times and is a hot bed for education, business and sports.

Boston

Tiny city. Perhaps youve heard of it? From colonial architecture to modern skyscrapers, Boston is an amazing city that deserves your attention. A favorite big city, Boston is unique for placing the old with the new. Statutes and old colonial influences sit below modern amenities such as the financial district. People watching is a prime hobby at places such as the Quincy Market and Boston Common. College influences can be found around Harvard University, Boston College and Boston University. Loafing, exploring and sailing are rife in Boston Harbor and the Charles River, not to mention crab caked galore.

If sports are your thing, Boston will be heaven. The Boston Marathon needs no introduction. For professional sports, you have the Bruins, Red Sox, Celtics and, just out of town, Patriots. Throw in a major college basketball, hockey and football influence and you have a town with a major sports passion. Winters are cold, but spring, summer and fall more than make up it. Boston is an absolutely great place to live.

Nantucket

Nantucket is the home of old colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and seaboard beauty. An island, the town of Nantucket is surprisingly bereft of cars, but does get packed with tourists during the summer. Youll find the town full of funky little shops, museums and art galleries galore. Nantucket is a great place to spend a weekend as prices are outrageous. Make sure to take in a sunset at Madaket Beach.

New Bedford

A fishing town through and through, New Bedford has a history as one of the pre-eminent whaling towns in the country. Whaling is off limits today, but the town still bustles with a major fishing industry. While the town has lost some of its charm because of development and a coastal highway, there is a definite feeling of stepping into the past if you move here.

Massachusetts Real Estate

Massachusetts real estate prices are very high. There is simply no way around this fact. A single-family home in Boston proper will set you back a million dollars, while prices vary throughout the state. Unless youre ready to commit to a $500,000 price, youre going to be disappointed with the options.

Massachusetts real estate has a solid, but unspectacular appreciation rate. For 2005, property appreciated at rate of a little below 12 percent, just under the 13 plus national average.

Raynor James is with the FSBO site - FSBOAmerica.org - homes for sale by owner. Visit our home buying page to view and buy Massachusetts real estate.