Massachusetts recently claimed the crown for most educated state in the U.S., according to a study from finance company WalletHub. High rates of higher education and solid public-school systems drove the ranking. But on a deeper level, living in the Commonwealth’s ‘wicked smart’ environment means stability and quality of life, say experts.

Using data from the U.S. Census Beurau and other sources, WalletHub found that 47% of Massachusetts adults 25 and older have earned at least a bachelor’s degree — the highest level in the nation. Plus, the state claimed the highest share of that population with a graduate or professional degree, at nearly 22%.

We interviewed Peace Nguyen, Global Real Estate Advisor at Engel & Völkers, and asked what living in the most educated state means for residents, homebuyers and home sellers.

“I love this question because in Massachusetts — particularly in communities like Wayland, Weston and Wellesley — education isn’t just a statistic, it’s a value system,” she said.

“[This] environment means being surrounded by informed, engaged residents who are deeply invested in their communities. That commitment shows up in strong public schools, thoughtful town planning, cultural institutions and a highly educated workforce. With world-renowned universities like Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology anchoring the region, there’s an intellectual energy that elevates the entire housing market.”

State-sponsored free college tuition programs make high levels of education in the Commonwealth possible and accessible.

However, success starts long before college, as Massachusetts ranked No. 2 nationwide for best public school systems. Massachusetts students earned the highest math and reading test scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Nguyen sees education as a key to continued stability in the Massachusetts housing market.

“Highly educated communities tend to prioritize education, infrastructure and preservation — decisions that protect property values over time,” she said. “For sellers, it means a sophisticated buyer pool. Massachusetts buyers are analytical. They study comparable sales, school rankings, appreciation trends and even municipal financial health. Success requires data-driven strategy, precise pricing and polished presentation.”