The East Coast has a major appeal as a retirement destination. Massachusetts serves up beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, historic charm, and a funky culture, perfect for retirees who want to try new things and make the most of their newfound freedom.
NewHomeSource found the top 10 cities to retire in Massachusetts. Find the perfect city for your ideal lifestyle, and find the perfect place to build your new home.
Top 10 Cities to Retire in Massachusetts
1. Springfield
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.2%
Median Home Value: $222,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 1,358
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 4,626
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 15
Retirees can enjoy a wide range of fun in Springfield. Home to Six Flags New England and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, you can have fun with your grandkids, or prove that you’re young at heart. If you like swimming, hiking, or boating, then Lake Lorraine State Park is the perfect place for you. Be sure to explore other nearby state parks, including Mount Tom State Reservation and Robinson State Park.
Springfield, Massachusetts has a population close to 155,000. From a cultural richness to affordability, this New England city is a win. Situated in western Massachusetts along the Connecticut River, Springfield offers proximity to West Springfield, Chicopee, and Holyoke as well as the Bradley International Airport.
Excellent opportunities await you at the local senior centers including fitness classes, crafts, and social events. Healthcare services are readily available in Springfield. Baystate Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center are two medical facilities ready to offer quality healthcare.
Springfield is an appealing option for retirement in Massachusetts.
2. Pittsfield
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.1%
Median Home Value: $233,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 279
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 563
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
Pittsfield, MA is a fantastic town for active adults who don’t want to slow down during their retirement. Bousquet Mountain is your destination for local skiing in the winter, and the October Mountain State Forest is a beautiful spot on the Appalachian Trail for hiking. Explore historic Pittsfield sites like its Shaker Village and Herman Melville’s home.
Pittsfield, Massachusetts is under 50,000 residents. It is the largest city and is a hub for arts, culture and outdoor recreation. Spend time at the city parks and conservation areas where you can swim, fish, boat, and play. Pittsfield State Forest offers over 11,000 acres of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Other activities tailored towards seniors can be found at the active senior center in the area. Healthcare services are readily available at Berkshire Medical Center, part of Berkshire Health Systems, offering 24/7 emergency care and a range of medical services.
Pittsfield might just be the right match for your retirement.
3. Chicopee
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.2%
Median Home Value: $251,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 317
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,021
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 11
Chicopee is a charming Springfield suburb that gives retirees a comfortable and peaceful lifestyle. This lovely community is filled with great local parks, so staying active and healthy is easy and enjoyable. Chicopee’s affordable median home price lets retirees on a fixed budget invest in their retirement home in a fantastic community.
Chicopee, Massachusetts has close to 55,000 residents enjoying life in Hampden County. Being part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area, translates to access to a variety of cultural and recreational offerings.
Chicopee Memorial State Park will have you enjoying a multitude of fun including swimming, fishing, picnicking, hiking, and biking. The RiverMills Center, operated by the Chicopee Council on Aging, provides resources, services, and activities tailored to meet the needs of senior citizens in the community. Quality healthcare is covered by excellent facilities in the area.
All of this and more might just be the reason to pick Chicopee for your retirement home.
4. Gardner
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.3%
Median Home Value: $185,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 55
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 161
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 11
Gardner is a picturesque community in Worcester County. Nature loving retirees have easy access to the great outdoors in Gardner thanks to numerous state and local parks, including Dunn State Park and the Lake Dennison Recreation Area. During the winter, you can go skiing at snow-covered Wachusett Mountain.
With about 21,000 residents, this Worcester County gem is situated about 45 minutes northwest of Worcester and just over an hour from Boston. Take the grandkids to Bickford Playground, Greenwood Memorial Outdoor Pool and Spray Park, Greenwood Park, Jackson Playground, Monument Park, North Central Pathway, Ovila Case Playground, and Pulaski Playground to make family memories.
The Gardner Senior Center provides programs and services tailored to the needs of older adults, including social events like "Breakfast With A Badge," where seniors can meet with local police, fire, and EMS representatives in an informal setting. Healthcare services are covered by Heywood Hospital, a non-profit community-owned hospital.
5. Holyoke
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.6%
Median Home Value: $255,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 373
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,747
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 9
You can live a life you love in Holyoke, a thriving suburb of Springfield. Retiring in Holyoke means investing in a town where you’ll wake up surrounded by scenic views of Mount Tom. Every day in Holyoke, you’ll have plenty of picturesque hiking to enjoy and a fun culture that you can explore during cooler months.
About 40,000 residents enjoy a blend of historical charm and access to essential amenities. Located in Hampden County, Holyoke is situated about 8 miles north of Springfield. Holyoke Medical Center is an independent community hospital addressing the healthcare needs of those living and working in the Pioneer Valley.
From a refrigerated ice skating path to a sledding hill, playscapes, picnic areas, and walking trails, there's plenty of recreation. Holyoke Heritage State Park offers exhibits about the city's industrial history, a restored antique merry-go-round, and the Volleyball Hall of Fame. The Holyoke Senior Center provides programs and services sure to keep you engaged and making friends.
Check out Holyoke for your golden years.
6. Fitchburg
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.9%
Median Home Value: $295,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 194
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 439
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 17
You’ll always have something to do when you retire in Fitchburg, MA. This lovely town is home to Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, a wonderful spot for summer hikes and winter skiing. Other local parks include Crow Hill and Pearl Hill State Park, so you can stay healthy and enjoy Mother Nature at her finest.
Located in northern Worcester County, Fitchburg is about 50 miles northwest of Boston. Coggshall Park, known for its scenic beauty, provides opportunities for walking and picnicking. Meet up with friends at the Fitchburg Senior Center with a variety of programs and services. Rest easy knowing HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital's Fitchburg Campus provides a range of medical services.
Give Fitchburg some serious consideration.
7. West Springfield
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.4%
Median Home Value: $307,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 153
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 904
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 15
Retiring in West Springfield means you have a peaceful home in a thriving urban community. You can enjoy everything that Springfield has to offer, including the city’s intriguing museums and local parks, without being surrounded by the constant noise of the city.
West Springfield is located in Hampden County just across the Connecticut River from Springfield. Its convenient proximity to Springfield, Chicopee, and even Hartford, CT (about 30 miles south), gives retirees easy access to metropolitan amenities, major healthcare facilities, and cultural attractions—without the bustle of big-city living.
For leisure, the city is well-known for hosting The Big E, one of the largest fairs in New England. Local parks provide beautiful walking trails, fishing spots, and nature programs, making it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts. Seniors can also participate in social activities at the West Springfield Senior Center, which offers fitness classes, educational programs, and day trips for residents aged 60+. Healthcare is easily accessible with nearby Baystate Medical Center in Springfield and Mercy Medical Center.
The smaller-town atmosphere paired with the convenience of urban resources makes West Springfield a great option.
8. New Bedford
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.8%
Median Home Value: $324,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 508
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,572
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 10
New Bedford is a charming harbor town on the shores of Buzzards Bay, a popular fishing destination. Retiring in New Bedford means investing in beachfront living with a lighthouse and lots of East Coast charm. On days when you don’t want to go to the beach or venture out on a boat, you can explore the New Bedford Whaling Museum or the Buttonwood Park Zoo.
Over 100,000 people make New Bedford home. Located in Bristol County along the South Coast region, New Bedford is situated on the Acushnet River and is part of the Providence-New Bedford, RI-MA Metropolitan Statistical Area. Its proximity to other cities like Fall River and Providence provides residents with convenient access to larger urban centers.
The Buttonwood Senior Center offers activities like bingo, wellness instruction, social gatherings, and educational offerings. Additionally, the Ashley Senior Center provides recreational activities such as card playing and socializing. St. Luke's Hospital offers a wide range of inpatient medical and surgical services, including emergency care, neurosurgery, cardiology, and orthopedic surgery.
Take a look at this New England city for your ideal retirement spot.
9. Worcester
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.3%
Median Home Value: $339,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 1,199
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 3,970
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 15
Worcester is a comfortable community in Massachusetts, perfect for retirees who want to enjoy peace and privacy, while still having easy access to Boston. Living in Worcester, you will be immersed in New England’s natural beauty. Tower Hill Botanic Garden is a tranquil space, perfect for any nature lovers. For a fun afternoon with the grandkids, head over to the hands on EcoTarium, a science and nature museum.
This is a larger city with about 210,000 residents. Located about 50 miles west of Boston, Worcester provides convenient access to big city amenities while maintaining its unique charm. The city boasts over 60 parks encompassing nearly 1,300 acres, including Elm Park, Green Hill Park, and Quinsigamond State Park. The Worcester Senior Center provides engaging activities for older adults, including fitness classes, educational workshops, and social events.
Worcester covers all the bases for a fulfilling retirement.
10. Agawam
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 21.7%
Median Home Value: $290,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 79
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 405
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 16
Agawam is ideal for anyone looking for a peaceful city where they can enjoy their golden years of retirement. The Robinson State Park offers a natural setting with rivers, mountains, wetlands, and streams making this region a serene place to live.
Agawam has a population close to 30,000. It's found on the western bank of the Connecticut River, directly across from Springfield, Agawam is part of the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Agawam Council on Aging and Senior Center offers programs promoting healthy, positive aging through education and activities. For outdoor enthusiasts, Robinson State Park provides over 1,000 acres of natural beauty with trails for hiking and biking. School Street Park offers a splash pad, playground, and walking paths, making it a pleasant spot for relaxation and time with the grandkids.
As the final city on our list, Agawam will be a great backdrop for your retirement.
Common Questions About Retiring in Massachusetts
How much money do you need to retire in Massachusetts?
On average, expect to need $85,571 annually for a comfortable life in Massachusetts.
What retirement income is taxable in Massachusetts?
While Massachusetts fully exempts income from Social Security or pensions from state taxes, income from all retirement savings accounts is taxed.
Are there any programs to assist first-time homebuyers in Massachusetts?
Yes, check out these first-time homebuyer programs in Massachusetts.
| City | People Over 65 | Violent Crimes | Property Crimes | Hospitals Within 25 Miles | Median Home Price |
| Springfield | 13.2% | 1,358 | 4,626 | 15 | $222,700 |
| Pittsfield | 20.1% | 279 | 563 | 2 | $233,700 |
| Chicopee | 19.2% | 317 | 1,021 | 11 | $251,800 |
| Gardner | 19.3% | 55 | 161 | 11 | $271,300 |
| Holyoke | 18.6% | 373 | 1,747 | 9 | $255,300 |
| Fitchburg | 13.9% | 194 | 439 | 17 | $295,500 |
| West Springfield | 16.4% | 153 | 904 | 15 | $307,900 |
| New Bedford | 15.8% | 508 | 1,572 | 10 | $324,400 |
| Worcester | 13.3% | 1,199 | 3,970 | 15 | $339,500 |
| Agawam | 21.7% | 79 | 405 | 16 | $290,000 |
| Ludlow | 22.4% | 24 | 160 | 10 | $303,900 |
| Westfield | 18.6% | 78 | 327 | 12 | $295,500 |
| Leominster | 18.3% | 170 | 512 | 18 | $345,000 |
| Fall River | 15.9% | 854 | 1,356 | 18 | $357,800 |
| Brockton | 14.0% | 697 | 2,174 | 36 | $405,500 |
| Lowell | 12.4% | 408 | 1,670 | 40 | $395,100 |
| Lawrence | 10.0% | 421 | 938 | 28 | $393,500 |
| Taunton | 14.7% | 286 | 535 | 26 | $388,200 |
| Easton | 19.7% | 43 | 198 | 47 | $560,200 |
| Wareham | 27.5% | 71 | 271 | 11 | $398,000 |
Access to Doctors is calculated by finding the number of hospitals, discounting children’s hospitals and VA hospitals within one mile of the city. NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Other Massachusetts Resources
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The Healthiest States to Live In
10 Best State Parks in Massachusetts
Top 10 Places to Live in Massachusetts
How to Build a House in Massachusetts
The 10 Most Affordable Cities in Massachusetts
Your Guide to Closing Costs in Massachusetts in 2021
The 10 Best Places to Retire in Massachusetts
