Massachusetts is a state located in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It borders Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north. Most of its population of 6.4 million lives in the Boston metropolitan area. The state has contributed many prominent politicians to national service, including the Adams family and, more recently, the Kennedy family. The state today is prominent in higher education, health care, and high technology. is a state located in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It borders Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north. Most of its population of 6.4 million lives in the Boston metropolitan area.