WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A new report shows Massachusetts is one of the least popular states for people to move to. Based on data from U-Haul, Massachusetts ranks 49th out of all states for growth and this ranking has remained the same since 2023. Last year, U-Haul customers coming to Massachusetts only accounted for 48% of one-way traffic with 52% leaving the state. Some expressed concerns about the state's healthcare, high cost of living coupled with relatively higher taxes, all playing a factor. For Nicky Santiago, the price of housing led him to move to Connecticut. "It's more affordable ever since Covid, especially more affordable over there not by that much but enough where it made a difference," said Santiago. Owner of ERA M. Connie LaPlante Real Estate in South Hadley, Steven LaPlante explains why this was a common trend among many. "I think was a combination of two things, it was either people retiring and taking the equity where the equity would go further for them real estate wise. But I also think that during COVID, a lot of jobs went remote and so people could, you know, sell their Massachusetts home, move south, but keep the Massachusetts salary," explained LaPlante. Despite this, there are still many factors that make it an attractive state for many. "Colleges free for those under 25 without a college degree. And that's my husband fits in that category.He's able to be a nursing student, which fills a great need in the state and pretty much nationally," said Bruce Glenny of West Springfield. Glenny also explains the state has popular hiking and scenic destinations to visit. All the more reason, why so many people choose to call Massachusetts their home. According to the United States Census Bureau, there are over 7 million people currently living within the state. The two states in New England that scored high and people tend to move to are Maine and Vermont. Local News Headlines Coexisting with bears topic of monthly Berkshire Green Drinks event MassMutual Center presents over $5K check to Springfield Boys and Girls Club Springfield Fire Dept. mechanic retires after 38 years Report: Massachusetts ranks low for states people choose to move to WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.