Massachusetts

Things to know...

Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!

• Weather & Natural Disasters

  Massachusetts experiences a mix of coastal and inland weather, with hot, humid summers averaging in the 80s, while winters can be cold and snowy, with temperatures often dipping below freezing. The state is prone to winter storms, including nor'easters that bring heavy snow, freezing rain, and strong winds. Spring and summer can bring thunderstorms, though tornadoes are less common.

  Tornados

  While tornadoes are relatively rare, the state does experience occasional tornadoes. The peak tornado season runs from May to June and Massachusetts has a statewide emergency alert system. If you receive an alert, it's crucial to immediately head to your designated safe room. It's also wise to keep an emergency kit stocked with supplies for several days and to regularly practice your family's tornado plan, just as you would a fire escape plan.

  Hurricanes & Flooding

  Hurricanes pose a risk to the coastal areas of Massachusetts, particularly from June to November. While hurricanes can weaken by the time they reach the state, they still bring strong winds, heavy rain, and coastal flooding. Stay informed during hurricane season and be ready to evacuate if needed. Flooding can occur year-round, especially in low-lying areas and along rivers, due to heavy rain or snowmelt. Always avoid driving through flooded roads, as just two feet can carry away most vehicles.

  Prepare

  Receiving weather warnings, alerts and updates through multiple means will ensure that you are prepared and can act quickly. NOAA weather radio, local weather broadcasts, outdoor sirens, wireless emergency alerts (if you switch to an American area code), weather apps, and social media are all great tools to receive national and statewide disaster and emergency alerts.

  For more in-depth information, check out ready.gov, a national campaign aimed at educating and empowering individuals to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters.

• Neighbourhoods

  Cities: Bedford, Cape Cod (Sandwich & Plymouth)

  Bedford: Home to Hanscom Air Force Base (AFB), with nearby communities like Lexington, Lincoln, Concord, and Burlington offering a range of housing options to suit different needs.

  Cape Cod: Home to Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC), a multi-service installation that includes Cape Cod Air Force Station. CAF members may consider nearby communities such as Sandwich, which offers a short commute, family-friendly neighbourhoods, and access to Cape Cod’s well-known beaches. Its historic charm and strong sense of community make it an appealing place to live, though some amenities may be limited outside the busy tourist season.

  Located across the Cape Cod Canal, Plymouth - often called “America’s Hometown” - offers a balance of coastal and suburban living. With its rich history, larger size, and wider range of amenities compared to smaller Cape Cod towns, it’s a well-rounded option for military families seeking both convenience and character.

  Neighborhood Navigator: A tool from Military One Source that helps you explore and learn more about a community, including information on schools, amenities, demographics, and more. 

• Base Information & Resources

  For more detailed information about each base, including contact information and specific services offered, you can visit Military One Source and select your state followed by your installation or click the links below.

  The following bases offer a wide range of amenities, including commissaries, exchanges, child development centers, and extensive MWR facilities such as fitness, recreation, and outdoor activities. Spouses and dependents with valid Department of Defense (DoD) identification cards should have access to their nearest installation:

  • Hanscom AFB - 66th FSS
  • Joint Base Cape Cod - JBCC offers family support through the Massachusetts National Guard Family Services office, though it does not have a dedicated Fleet & Family Support Center (FFSC) or Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) like larger Navy or Air Force installations.
    • A Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) website is available to explore on-base facilities and services. For family readiness, spouse support, special needs resources, and local referrals, contact the 102nd Intelligence Wing M&FRC.
• Getting Around

  Bedford: Bedford is primarily car-dependent, with Routes 3 and 128 providing access to nearby towns and Boston. MBTA commuter rail service is available in nearby towns like Lexington and Concord.

  Cape Cod: Cape Cod is best navigated by car, with U.S. Route 6 serving as the main highway. Traffic can be heavy, especially in summer.

• On-Base Medical Treatment Facility

  The following medical groups provide comprehensive medical care to CAF members - and, in some cases, their families - who are enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and are eligible for TRICARE.

  Kaehler Memorial Clinic (Joint Base Cape Cod)
  Operated by the U.S. Coast Guard, this is the primary on-base medical treatment facility at JBCC. CAF members have access to services here; however, dependants are not eligible to use this facility.

  66th Medical Squadron (Hanscom Air Force Base)
  CAF members have access to services here, while dependant access is limited.

  Eligible dependants can access care through the TRICARE network of civilian providers. To find a provider, visit the TRICARE website and select “Find a Doctor” using the provider search tool.

  Unsure about your healthcare coverage? Visit our Healthcare in the U.S. webpage, where you'll find tailored pathways for personalized coverage details. 

• Critters & Wildlife

  Massachusetts is home to wildlife such as venomous snakes like the Eastern Timber rattlesnake and the copperhead, as well as ticks that can carry Lyme disease, especially in wooded and grassy areas. The state also has insects like mosquitoes and occasional encounters with black bears in more rural regions. Compared to Canada, Massachusetts has a wider variety of insects and reptiles due to its milder climate, so routine pest control is recommended to manage ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests that thrive in the state's humid summers.

• Children's Education

  Below is a list of the school districts that serve the respective areas of Bedford and Cape Cod.

  Bedford

  • Bedford Public Schools
  • Lincoln Public Schools district
  • Lexington Public Schools
  • DOD School - Hanscom Primary / Middle School

  Cape Cod

  • Barnstable Public School District
  • Sandwich Public Schools
  • Mashpee Public Schools
  • Cape Cod Regional Technical High School

   

  It is highly recommended that you connect with your installation’s School Liaison, who can provide valuable information on local school districts, act as a bridge between the military community and school administrators, and offer expert guidance on educational matters.

  Hanscom AFB School Liaison Program

• Child Care

  Child Development Centers

  Child Development Centers (CDCs) generally offer childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Care is available Monday through Friday, with some locations offering options such as extended hours, weekend care, and respite care. Child Development Centers vary in size, and larger installations may operate multiple facilities. Programs are certified by the Department of Defense and accredited by a national accrediting body, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

  For a full list of military-operated childcare programs, including Child Development Centers, childcare programs, before- and after-school care, as well as summer and holiday camps, visit MilitaryChildCare.com. There, you can enter your location or military installation to find a comprehensive list of childcare programs, as well as submit requests for care through Child Development Centers, school-age care programs, and DOD-certified Family Child Care providers.

  Additional Child and Developement Resources

  Vsit our Family Care webpage, where you’ll find parenting and advocacy programs, development resources, toolkits, and more.

• Automobile Registration, Plates & Licenses
  The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles provides information on transferring out-of-state titles and licenses.