In the past, New Englanders often held a superiority complex regarding the South and Southwest, viewing states like Mississippi, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and the Carolinas as underdeveloped in terms of education and economy.
However, this perspective is changing as more jobs, employers, and young individuals gravitate towards these regions, spurred by their improving economic and educational landscapes.
Between 2009 and 2024, only Massachusetts, among New England states, exhibited a population growth rate above the national average, per a Pew analysis of U.S. Census data.
The South has emerged as the nation’s fastest-growing region, with Jacksonville, Florida, and Fort Worth, Texas, recently added to the list of American cities with populations exceeding one million.
Remarkably, the last Census that recorded Jacksonville’s population smaller than Boston’s was in 1980, highlighting a startling demographic shift.
Florida is witnessing a new influx of wealth due to a “trillion-dollar domestic migration boom,” further illustrating this transformation.
Much like Europe’s historical view of America, New Englanders have frequently overlooked the changing dynamics in the South and Southwest, and it appears they are now realizing the consequences of their complacency.
While many in New England scoffed at their Southern counterparts, states in the South actively cut business taxes, expanded educational choices, and streamlined regulations on construction.
In a noteworthy shift, The Boston Globe, a prominent voice within New England media, recently published two pieces emphasizing how certain Southern states are outpacing Massachusetts and other New England areas in economic performance.
In an editorial, The Globe raised alarms regarding Massachusetts’ economic competitiveness; while the state was successful in attracting Hasbro from Connecticut, the question persists: “Can it compete with North Carolina?”
According to a Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation report highlighted by The Globe, Massachusetts ranks last in the nation for private-sector job growth, with New Hampshire trailing at 42nd.
The editorial pointed out that Hasbro’s relocation to Boston should not overshadow the broader challenges the state faces in fostering a business climate conducive to attracting and retaining companies.
In a clear acknowledgment of the challenges, The Globe cited a conservative Tax Foundation ranking that placed Massachusetts 41st in terms of state business tax climate, while New Hampshire ranked sixth, ahead of Texas.
Furthermore, the Taxpayers Foundation report revealed Massachusetts is among the bottom 10 states nationally regarding energy costs, healthcare premiums, childcare expenses, commuting times, and housing costs.
The impact is evident, as Massachusetts reportedly lost jobs between 2023 and 2024, while New York, Florida, Texas, and North Carolina all saw job gains of approximately 1 percent or more.
Notably, North Carolina has surged ahead, particularly in attracting high-tech businesses, showing a $10.8 billion expansion in its life sciences sector in 2024, with 25 companies announcing new facilities or expansions.
In contrast, Massachusetts faces a surplus of unused laboratory space, with Hasbro moving into a space that its developer labeled as a ‘laboratory building’ located in the Seaport area.
In parallel, The Globe Magazine featured an essay by Christopher Huffaker detailing how New England states have become complacent in their educational systems.
Huffaker noted a significant shift in approach, as states like Mississippi and neighboring areas adopted phonics-driven reading curricula and a back-to-basics math philosophy, enforcing accountability and ensuring all students make academic progress.
These strategic educational reforms have significantly raised national assessment scores in states like Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama, showcasing their commitment to educational improvement.
The Globe’s recent observations signify a cultural shift in New England, as they are beginning to recognize the declining socio-economic landscape in their own region.
This acknowledgment is a pivotal step, indicating a break from the traditional belief that government spending on transportation, public school systems, and welfare programs are the primary indicators of a state’s success.
In reality, businesses and individuals often prioritize tax rates, educational quality, and overall economic freedom when deciding where to establish roots or pursue opportunities.
New Hampshire has long understood this principle, forging an advantage through policies promoting economic competitiveness.
The Globe’s recognition of the importance of traditional metrics in evaluating state success is a significant milestone.
Yet an important question lingers: How many more businesses and residents must New England lose before more leaders acknowledge that they are directly competing with the very states they once looked down upon—and that they are losing ground rapidly?
image source from：nhjournal
