If you’re searching for the best places to retire in Massachusetts, you’ve come to the right place. The Bay State is in the New England region of the Northeastern United States.
It’s known for its rich history, exciting attractions, and breathtaking coastal destinations. Better yet, retirees can benefit from tax advantages, a high quality of life, and world-class medical care.
However, before you move to Massachusetts, you need to know the best places to live. That said, here are 10 of the best places in Massachusetts to retire. We’ll tell you what makes each place desirable and show you what there is to do.
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Best Places in Massachusetts to Retire
Boston
Boston, the state’s capital and most populous city, is one of the best places for city-dwelling retirees to live in Massachusetts. Admittedly, the city’s cost of living is high, but you can expect a vast range of amenities, attractions, and retirement living options.
In Boston, you can choose from countless independent, memory-care, nursing, and assisted living retirement living arrangements. You’ll also have easy access to several world-class medical centers.
You can spend your golden years exploring iconic attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Common, and the Museum of Science. Meanwhile, outdoorsy retirees can enjoy the picturesque Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park.
Chatham
If you’ve always dreamt of escaping the hustle and bustle of the big city, consider moving to Chatham. Chatham is a cozy seaside town at the southeast tip of Cape Cod. It offers retirees a laid-back retirement surrounded by beautiful beaches and historic attractions.
When you’re not wandering along Hardings Beach or sunning it up at Ridgevale Beach, visit historic attractions like Chatham Lighthouse and Godfrey Windmill. Alternatively, go hiking in the scenic Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge.
Regarding amenities, Chatham offers multiple medical facilities, grocery stores, and recreation centers. It also has several retirement options, including independent and community living.
Salem
Salem could be perfect if you’re seeking the best of both worlds. Famed for the Salem Witch Trials that took place in 1692, this small city is well known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and beautiful natural scenery.
You’ll likely spend most of your time in the city visiting popular attractions like Salem Pioneer Village and the Salem Witch Museum. However, you can also enjoy the great outdoors at Salem Willows Park and Winter Island.
The cost of living in Salem is 31.5% higher than the national average, but it’s considered more affordable than other cities in Massachusetts.
Pittsfield
Pittsfield, the largest city in Berkshire County, is one of the best places to retire in Massachusetts if you’re on a tighter budget. According to RentCafe, the cost of living in Pittsfield is 30% less than the state average and only 2% higher than the national average.
Therefore, you can expect more affordable housing, utilities, healthcare, and groceries, leaving you more money to do the things you enjoy. Regarding entertainment, Pittsfield has something for everyone.
Active retirees can hike, swim, boat, and mountain bike in Pittsfield State Forest, while history lovers can explore the Berkshire Museum and Herman Melville’s Arrowhead.
Meanwhile, theater enthusiasts can watch live performances at the Colonial Theatre.
Martha’s Vineyard
In Martha’s Vineyard, a small island south of Cape Cod, retirees can live a peaceful retirement within a tight-knit community and surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Home to approximately 20,000, this is the perfect place to live if you want to enjoy a laid-back retirement.
Imagine spending your golden years hiking along cliff paths, relaxing on sandy beaches, and visiting cultural attractions. Better yet, outdoorsy retirees can go biking, boating, horse riding, and fishing.
Notable attractions include Aquinnah Cliffs, Inkwell Beach, and Martha’s Vineyard Museum. Despite the island’s small size, retirees can expect access to several retirement communities, medical centers, and grocery stores.
Worcester
Worcester, a city in central Massachusetts, is a popular place to retire because it has a relatively affordable cost of living, a low crime rate, and many essential facilities. Furthermore, the city has many exciting attractions, such as the EcoTarium and Green Hill Park.
According to PayScale, the cost of living in Worcester is 15% higher than the national average, which is affordable by Massachusetts standards. As for amenities, Worcester offers world-class medical centers, countless grocery stores, and a wide range of living options.
Retirees can opt for independent, assisted, memory care, and community living. It’s also worth noting that Worcester has an airport, making domestic travel much easier.
West Dennis
West Dennis is one of the best places in Massachusetts to retire if you want to live somewhere with a small-town feel, a strong sense of community, and impressive natural beauty. In West Dennis, active retirees can spend their days exploring Cape Cod.
You’ll never be too far away from scenic hiking trails and picturesque beaches. You can enjoy the best of the town’s natural beauty at West Dennis Beach, South Village Beach, and Grand Cove.
Despite only having a population of approximately 2,300, West Dennis has plenty of bars, restaurants, and grocery stores. The town also has several senior living communities and medical centers.
Northampton
Northampton is the county seat of Hampshire County. It’s well known for its vibrant arts scene, strong sense of community, historic preservation, and outdoor activities. Popular attractions in the city include the Academy of Music, the Botanic Garden of Smith College, and Cracker Barrel Alley.
It’s also worth noting that Skinner State Park and Mount Holyoke Range State Park are nearby. From a living standpoint, Northampton also has much to offer.
You can expect exceptional medical care, plenty of grocery stores, several retirement communities, tax advantages, and a reasonable cost of living. What’s not to like?
Stockbridge
Stockbridge, a town in Berkshire County, is considered one of the best places to live in Massachusetts. It offers residents a suburban feel, affordable housing, and a significantly lower crime rate than the national average.
You’ll also be pleased to hear that the town’s cost of living is 24.8% lower than the state average. Stockbridge might only have a population of roughly 2,000, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of things to do and essential amenities.
Stockbridge has multiple medical centers, grocery stores, bars, and restaurants. It also has a wide selection of outdoor facilities and attractions, including the Stockbridge Golf Club, Goodrich Memorial Park, and Naumkeag.
Falmouth
Falmouth, a coastal town on Cape Cod, offers retirees convenient access to the Bay State’s picturesque coastline. The perfect destination for beach lovers, North Falmouth is near several beautiful beaches.
That said, you’ll likely spend most of your free time walking along the sandy shores of Falmouth Heights Beach, Surf Drive Beach, and Menauhant Beach. You can also enjoy the great outdoors at Beebe Woods, Spohr Gardens, and Goodwill Park.
Meanwhile, the Falmouth town center features grocery stores, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Regarding living arrangements, retirees can choose from independent, assisted, memory care, and community living options.
Final Thoughts About the Best Places to Retire in Massachusetts
Retiring in the Bay State allows you to explore the great outdoors while having access to essential amenities, retirement living options, and retiree tax benefits. You could enjoy the natural beauty of Cape Cod, live among the hustle and bustle of Boston, experience a laid-back lifestyle in Martha’s Vineyard, and so much more.
So, what do you think? Is Massachusetts the perfect retirement destination for you?
If it is, why don’t you narrow down our list of the best places to retire in Massachusetts to find your dream retirement destination?
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Jack Bolton is a content writer and blogger from the UK. He has a strong passion for travel and has an endless bucket list that he’s making his way through!