We Are #1—Most Charming State Capitol in U.S.

Monday, July 25, 2016
GoLocalWorcester News Team

History is good business for the Commonwealth. Tourism dollars keep pouring in and the latest ranking will only help Massachusetts tourism.

Massachusetts now ranks #1 for the "most charming state capitol." Make now mistake about it, this ranking is about how great the city is -- the neighborhoods, the streetscapes, the local business, the quality of life.

The economic impact of tourism on Massachusetts is significant. On average, every $142,843 spent in Massachusetts by domestic and international travelers generated one job in 2013.  Traveler spending in Massachusetts directly generated $2.7 billion in tax revenue for federal, state and local governments in 2013, up 4.9 percent from 2012.

"There is little that is more charming than the feeling of the history of the past and the excitement of history in the making. For these reasons, our state capitals always have a special appeal that draws in the attention and pride of their entire state," said the new study.

According to the state's numbers on tourism impacts:

Direct spending: $19.5 billion (Domestic $16.8 billion, International $2.7 billion)
State & local taxes: $1.2 billion
Jobs supported: 132,000
Wages paid: $4.1 billion
21.3 Million Domestic Visitors
2.235 Million Overseas Visitors
735,000 Canadian Visitors

Specifically, Boston captures the top ranking for its scoring in five categories:

The affordability of local businesses
The ratings of nearby businesses
Are they locally-owned? - are they corporate chains or local boutiques?
How active the residence is and the density of nearby gyms, bike tracks, parks, etc.
Crime statistics

According to Rentlingo.com, "The Charm Index stems from the belief that a charming neighborhood is created from flourishing local business combined with a residence that feels safe, is active, and has many opportunities to interact with other residents. Local shops such as bookstores, theatres, and restaurants that receive high ratings by residents tend to create very charming atmospheres, call us crazy. Meanwhile, neighborhoods that are not as charming have a higher percentage of chain stores, pawn shops, strip clubs, credit loan stores, crime, and do not have access to community institutions such as parks, town halls and flea markets."