3 Reasons Why Massachusetts Is the Best Place To Retire

Massachusetts is a place known for its historical relevance to the United States, as well as for its many colleges and universities. People often move there, but not as many people think about retiring to Massachusetts. This is a mistake, as this state is a great option to live in at any time of life!

Weather, Climate, and Natural Beauty

Massachusetts has something for everyone weather-wise. The winters are long but seem like something out of a holiday movie, springs are rife with flowers and bird chatter, summers can scald you, and the autumns are famous for fiery colors and spooky charms. 

The same applies to landscapes. You won’t find every type of terrain in the state, but with a long coastline, forests, mountains, salt marshes, valleys, and islands, there’s more than enough to choose from and visit. However, one of the best qualities that Massachusetts has is that many of the landscapes are tied to an interesting piece of history. Boston certainly is the epicenter of the history prowess the area has, but you’ll recognize famous names like Cape Cod, Nantucket, the Berkshires, and Martha’s Vineyard as well.

Unique Lifestyle Benefits of Massachusetts

Are you an American history fan? Retiring in Massachusetts might just be your ideal dream. This state is the site of where the Pilgrims landed, of the Salem witch trials, of the Boston Massacre, of the Boston Tea Party, of the Battle of Bunker Hill, and of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. This is where the Freedom Trail is, where Edgar Allen Poe was born, where Paul Revere rode through the streets, where Emily Dickinson penned her greatest works, where leaders of the American Revolution lived and are buried — it can go on and on. Then, to go with these events, there are the museums!

But the museums aren’t just for American history. There’s actually a very influential art community in Massachusetts, and as a result, there are some incredible pieces to see. In fact, the MFA (Museum of Fine Arts) is one of the largest art museums in the country! Then, there’s the theater, comedy shows, and the aquarium — again, it goes on and on. But any true Massachusetts fan knows what the locals really go crazy for, and that’s sports! This state has an obsessive sports culture (some would argue to an almost unhealthy degree), with professional teams like the Bruins, Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics under its belt. All of which have a long history and an even longer line of awards and famous athletes behind them.

Overall Quality of Life

Outside of history, nature, and sports, there are a few other things that anyone looking to retire in Massachusetts would want to know. First of all, some of the best hospitals in the country are here, including Mass General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. In terms of affordability, there is no tax on social security income, and there are a few other tax relief options for the elderly. Additionally, although many coastal cities can be pricier, there are many smaller towns to the west of the state that are much more cost-effective. Many of these towns, like coastal towns, have a historical town center and are reasonably walkable. 

Another major thing to consider is that the state has a reputation for, shall we say, unfriendly people (nicknamed the Mass-holes). Those in the know understand that the locals may not be nice, but they certainly are kind. These strong-willed people won’t put up with things they deem to be wrong, and that’s why the state is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly states in the whole country. It was the first state to legalize gay marriage and has a town that has been called “the gayest town in America.” The coastal areas, in particular, are extremely protective of diversity, both in terms of gender and cultural identities. 

So, there you have it. Massachusetts, with its plethora of historical landmarks, beautiful towns, and protective people, and multiple things to do, is an obvious choice for anyone to retire in! Ready to start planning your next trip? Try Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.