Well, the weather certainly doesn't help. It's usually cold and grey for 2.5 seasons. Also, it's referred to as Taxachussetts for good reason. In addition, the roads, certainly in Boston, are very old and very confusing even for New Englanders. Often you can see where you want to go, but have no real idea how to get there, what with all the one-ways. There's also a strange quirk where green lights coincide with walk signals and jaywalking is a matter of course. Road rage is common amongst an already gruff and dour people. It may be one of the cities with the highest, if not the highest IQ per capita in the world, but most that study there move on. It's very much a transient city and other communities in MA that are home to universities tend to be as well.

There are great educational opportunities in the state, no doubt. But on graduation most leave. Boston is a lot better now than when I was studying there, in terms of things to do in the city. There is a real push to hold on to professionals in Boston and I'm sure elsewhere. To be honest though, there's not too much going on in the state outside of university towns and summer destinations.

As for what you should know . . . let's see. The MBTA is old and usually not on time. It doesn't run late and gets more expensive every year. No matter what, Yankees suck. "Fuck you, Yankees" is an acceptable chant. Basically, Boston sports or fuck off. Also, don't try the accent. To use the vernacular, it's wicked queer when people try it. "Fuck off" can mean, "no way, really?" or, "get ready to fight, motherfucker." Don't go to Southie on St. Patrick's day if you're browner than Italian. Racism is way more common than people think and neighborhoods are pretty segregated.

I realize you asked about Mass in general, but what I've written applies to most of the larger cities, in my experience. I don't have a real answer as to why the emotional score is so low. I think it's lots of little things and ingrained attitudes of misery. It's still a great place for schools and honestly, you'll most likely be dealing with non-natives anyway.