6 Senior-Friendly Towns in Massachusetts
If you are thinking about making a move to Massachusetts, or want a quick visit, and want a senior-friendly spot, the state has some stellar options. From the towns found in the Berkshire Highlands to the historical charm of quintessential New England villages, the beauty of Massachusetts is spread out across the state. It has everything you need. Affordable towns, safe locations, and great healthcare options all can be found in the state. Read on to discover about six senior-friendly towns in the state of Massachusetts.
Pittsfield
With the beautiful Berkshires all around, there will not be a day spent without the physical wonder of nature close by. The region has an array of parks and lakes, giving you all sorts of chances to relax and explore nature.
Pittsfield is a town full of culture too, with lots of theaters, art stops, and museums. It is where you can find places like the Berkshire Museum, Colonial Theatre, and the Barrington Stage Company. All these options provide variations of art and cultural experiences for seniors to enjoy.
The town comes with low home prices, which go for around $288,000 according to Zillow. If you happen to be mindful of what healthcare options are available, the town is home to Berkshire Medical Center, which is known for its high-quality care. It also has places like the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center where seniors can enjoy lots of a variety of activities and programs tailor-made, just for them.
Gardner
Gardner has great things going for it off the bat, like affordable home prices and cheaper than average rent. That combination makes it a wonderful option for seniors to try out.
The town is close to some really nice healthcare services, such as Heywood Hospital. Having high-quality healthcare is vital for seniors, so residents do not have to worry about going far for care.
It doesn鈥檛 hurt that the town is an interesting, vibrant place, full of history and culture, including places like the Gardner Museum and other iconic local landmarks.
Seniors can find all sorts of spots to learn about the city's past at Gardner City Hall, go to cultural happenings, and live a relaxed life full of fulfilling activities. If you are a senior who retains that passion to head out into nature, Gardner has an unbeatable variety of nature spots like parks, forests, and lakes. Dunn State Park and Lake Wampanoag are two such places, and are prime for walks, fishing, or even a nice quiet picnic.
Fitchburg
Only 15 minutes from the New Hampshire border, Fitchburg presents a peaceful, safe option for seniors to live in. House prices here are a bit over the national average at around $375,000, but rent on the other hand is cheaper than the average.
Right outside of town, the UMass Memorial Health Alliance-Clinton Hospital, Burbank Campus covers all the important health issues, from urgent help in emergencies to regular check-ups and complex treatments when needed. The town is also where Fitchburg State University is found, and has lots of programs and classes for seniors interested in life-long learning.
You can also check out some of the town鈥檚 interesting landmarks. The Fitchburg Art Museum features diverse art collections and hosts vibrant cultural events. Coggshall Park offers a peaceful landscape to walk through, capped with its historic stone house. Lastly, Rollstone Boulder, a massive glacial erratic, provides a unique glimpse into Fitchburg's geological history.
Athol
Athol is a tight-knit and welcoming choice that feels like a classic, friendly small town. This kind of setting is especially nice for seniors looking for a calm and slower way of life.
Athol鈥檚 houses are cheaper by $40,000 than the national average. Despite the fact it is cheaper, the town is still an attractive place, surrounded by nature. Plus, Athol is close enough to big cities like Worcester and Springfield, so you have easy access to a variety of healthcare choices. The shopping options aren't so bad to have available either.
It has all sorts of expansive rivers and parks, making it perfect for nature walks and bird watching. The Quabbin Reservoir and nearby conservation spots are great for outdoor activities.
Millers River in Athol is a pretty spot that everyone young and old can enjoy. It lies in the heart of town and it is a fine option for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Head over to the Millers River Environmental Center if you are interested in learning about nature and helping to protect the river area.
Adams
With physical beauty and culture, Adams offers a double-whammy of attractions for seniors to enjoy. The town is considered safe too, and violent crimes are well below the national average.
Adams also has good house prices, averaging around $244,000, a massive $100,000 less than the national average. The town is full of history and culture, with interesting stops to see like the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum. It is also close to North Adams, where you can find the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.
Adams also has some sublime nature spots to check out, like Mount Greylock, the tallest mountain in Massachusetts. When the sky is clear, people can look out up to 90 miles to the horizon from the mountain.
The mountain has an assortment of trail difficulties to try, so, everyone, no matter how good they are at hiking or how old they are, have options to hike up the mountain.
Spencer
Spencer's Memorial Town Hall, on Main Street at Maple Street, By Pmeleski, Public Domain,
This town is one of those places that just feels like "New England," with that characteristic experience with its landscapes, architecture, and small-town atmosphere.
The town is near Worcester, so you have easy access to big hospitals and special health services, like UMass Memorial Medical Center where you can find many types of medical support. The cost of homes is a little bit higher than what most people in the country pay, around $400,000, but it is worth it because there is less crime compared to other places.
The town is wrapped in nature's beauty, with Spencer State Forest and various lakes and parks nearby. These spots are perfect for enjoying the outdoors, like going for hikes, fishing, and watching birds.
The town encourages a life full of activity and good health for seniors. There are lots of clubs to join depending on what you fancy, like the Spencer Historical Society or the Spencer Fish and Game Club.
In Conclusion
Massachusetts has all sorts of wonderful places for seniors to live or visit. If you are looking for a place with cheap places to live, great healthcare, or plenty of parks for spending time outdoors, this state has towns that will match exactly what you need.
Every one of these towns comes with its own special vibe, stories, and friendly neighbors. So, if you are trying to whittle down the right town, make sure to look into all of these fine choices.
