MassINC poll: Many Bay Staters say their quality of life is slipping in Mass.

"Survey results reveal a "deepening economic pessimism," MassINC explained in a news release. The 854 Massachusetts residents who were polled reported "widespread difficulty affording both the basics and major life purchases," the organization added. More than half of respondents overall said housing is unaffordable for their household, but that number climbs to 65% among Bay Staters between the ages of 35 and 44, according to the poll."

"Forty percent of respondents said their family's quality of life had gotten worse over the past five years, according to the poll, while 42% said they are now worse off financially than they were a year ago. Less than a third said they are better off than their parents, MassINC noted - a sharp decrease from 50% in 2011. Only 27% of respondents expected their finances to improve over the coming year."

"Many residents also cited healthcare, higher education, and taxes as some of their budget strains, and over a third reported difficulty affording groceries or childcare. Financial pressures are also reshaping, delaying, or even preventing middle-class milestones like buying a home and planning for retirement, according to the poll."

"The cost of keeping up a middle class lifestyle has continued to skyrocket; according to MassINC, respondents estimated that families would need a household income of between $97,000 and $112,000 just to stay in the middle of the pack. "Perhaps because of their pervasive economic pessimism, residents overwhelmingly say that if they had the means, their top priority would be saving more for the future," MassINC added."

A survey of 854 Massachusetts residents found widespread difficulty affording both basic needs and major life purchases. More than half of respondents said housing is unaffordable, rising to 65% among people ages 35 to 44. Many residents cited healthcare, higher education, and taxes as budget strains, and over a third reported difficulty affording groceries or childcare. Forty percent said family quality of life worsened over the past five years, and 42% said they are worse off financially than a year ago. Only 27% expected finances to improve in the coming year. Respondents estimated $97,000 to $112,000 in household income is needed to stay middle class, and financial pressures delay or prevent homeownership and retirement planning.

Read at Boston.com