8 Safest Towns In Massachusetts For Senior Living

Senior living is best enjoyed in a place where safety is a priority, and these Massachusetts towns consistently report crime rates below state averages. Many of these communities, including Wayland, have recorded little to no violent crime in certain years. That stability is often paired with reputable senior living communities, accessible healthcare services, and well-maintained public spaces. In Williamstown, for instance, seniors can walk through a lively downtown and visit Williams College, while in Chatham, Cape Cod’s beaches and historic lighthouse remain part of everyday life. Below are the safest senior-friendly towns in Massachusetts.

Lexington

Lexington’s consistently low aggravated assault rates place it among the safest towns for senior living in Massachusetts, and that’s just one of its numerous appeals. This town also boasts a few facilities designed to foster social connections and improve health, particularly the Lexington Community Center. Amenities in the center include an outdoor fitness court, a weight room, and study rooms, and senior-specific programs are offered to encourage an active, healthy retirement. Lexington also appeals to history-loving seniors, first settled by Europeans in 1642, and reputed as the birthplace of American liberty, for being the site of the poetic “shot heard around the world.” It was here on April 19, 1775, that the first shots of the American Revolutionary War were fired in the Battle of Lexington and Concord, kickstarting the eight-year-long war that led to the independence of the United States.

Today, the town is dotted with notable historical attractions, including the 1710 Buckman Tavern, where American forces gathered and waited for British forces on the day of the first-ever military engagement of the American Revolution. This tavern is on Lexington Battle Green, which also preserves the actual battle site, alongside other notable landmarks, such as the statue of Captain John Parker, the leader of the local militia. Seniors will enjoy exploring these historical attractions and other unique draws in town, such as the Wilson Farm, established in 1864, which features a wide variety of farm produce, meat, seafood, and freshly baked and cooked foods. Elsewhere, Willard’s Woods is always a great place for a quality outdoor experience. Covering 100 acres, the wooded area boasts 3 miles of trails, multiple streams, and a thriving wildlife population.

Chatham

More than a beautiful town on Cape Cod, Chatham boasts some of the state’s safest neighborhoods. And with far fewer physical threats to worry about, seniors live a peaceful coastal life here alongside several attractions, including notable restaurants like Mac’s Chatham Fish & Lobster. This restaurant’s menu includes everything from seafood delicacies like lobster rolls and fried clams to homemade soups and salads, and it features a bar and indoor and outdoor dining options.

Chatham is also positioned right on the Atlantic Ocean, where it hosts a couple of beaches, including Lighthouse Beach, with its soft sands and the imposing sight of the working Chatham Lighthouse. Hardings Beach is another wonderful waterfront spot where seniors can stroll, sunbathe, and swim in the calm waters of Nantucket Sound, often under the watchful eyes of lifeguards. Additionally, Chatham’s Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge is a delightful spot to unwind, offering views of migratory birds and other wildlife, including seals.

Sandwich

This town is the perfect place for safe senior living in Massachusetts, with a hard-to-beat safety record. FBI Crime data shows the town’s crime rates significantly lower than the state and national averages. On top of that, Sandwich boasts a quiet coastal atmosphere thanks to its location on Cape Cod, along with a couple of relaxing attractions, the most famous being the Sandwich Boardwalk. Stretching over 1,300 feet across a creek and through a marsh, this boardwalk sets the stage for pleasant walks, leading to a secluded beach. Speaking of beaches, the town has several, including Scusset Beach State Reservation, which offers 1.5 miles of beachfront and opportunities for saltwater fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping. And in downtown Sandwich, retirees will have plenty more to enjoy, notably the Heritage Museums & Gardens, which opens in spring and combines natural beauty with a collection of 18,000 items that highlight the history of southeastern New England, including dozens of cars from ages past.

Meanwhile, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Sandwich is a well-established medical facility on Cape Cod that offers rehabilitation care. Plus, the town boasts several other health facilities that support safe senior living, including the highly rated Cape Cod Healthcare Urgent Care - Sandwich, which provides convenient, timely treatment for non-life-threatening conditions. A couple of senior living facilities can also be found in town, including the recent Sandwich Center for Active Living, which offers a wide range of programs and services, along with clean rooms and other amenities such as a walking track, all aimed at helping seniors enjoy a fulfilling life.

Brewster

With five-year FBI crime statistics showing consistently low violent crime rates, Brewster ranks among the safest towns in Massachusetts. A safe and quiet setting for senior living in Massachusetts, this town is situated on Cape Cod Bay and is home to Nickerson State Park, where one can truly witness the natural beauty of Cape Cod. Spanning nearly 2,000 acres, this park features over a dozen multi-use trails, 400 campsites, and ponds for fishing, paddling, and swimming.

Brewster also boasts some of the best beaches in Massachusetts, including Breakwater Beach with its soft sand and calm waters ideal for swimming. Beyond the waterfront attractions, seniors here will enjoy exploring Sydenstricker Glass's handcrafted glassware. Elsewhere, the Lemon Tree Village is always open to offer an intimate shopping experience with its dozens of shops, including Lemon Tree Pottery, which displays a wide variety of art and crafts, from Native American pottery and artifacts to Mexican art, and more. Notably, Maplewood at Brewster is in town to help make life more pleasant for seniors with its services, including assisted and independent living, as well as memory and respite care.

Williamstown

Williamstown is a delightful art and college town in the Berkshires, a place to live, work, and retire. For seniors, particularly, this town promises peaceful living, with minimal risks of aggravated assault, a small population of around 7,500, and pedestrian-friendly streets full of green spaces and exciting draws. Seniors will enjoy strolling in this town’s streets, including Spring Street, where one moment can be spent browsing through books and apparel at the Williams Bookstore, and another savoring Mexican food at Tony’s Sombrero. Notably, Williamstown hosts Williams College, one of the country’s best liberal arts institutions, which will surely enrich seniors' lives with its beautiful campus and attractions, the most notable of which is the Williams College Museum of Art. This art museum features over 15,000 works, from ancient Egyptian and Greek sculptures to contemporary art and American photography.

Meanwhile, Williamstown is home to the Clark Art Institute, another incredible art museum and research center, where art-loving seniors will enjoy spending time. The museum’s collection includes paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings, and other American and European works of art from the Renaissance to the early 20th century, and it hosts year-round events and educational programs for all ages. And just outside the town center, Hopkins Memorial Forest is a great place to spend quality time in nature, with trails winding through lush forests, a garden, and open fields.

Westfield

This town in the Connecticut River Valley stands out for senior living for several reasons. Beyond boasting a crime rate far below the state and national averages, Westfield is home to reputable health facilities, including Western Massachusetts Hospital, an 87-bed facility that is one of the best in the region, providing long-term acute and specialty care services. Additionally, Baystate Convenient Care is a well-regarded facility in town, offering rapid treatment for a wide range of common illnesses and minor injuries. Moreover, Westfield hosts several senior facilities, including Armbrook Village Senior Living, which offers assisted, independent, and memory care.

As for recreation, Stanley Park is a cool spot in town with a pond that supports a large population of ducks, alongside multiple gardens, sports facilities, a wildlife sanctuary, and trails winding through wooded areas. Golf lovers will have a few courses to enjoy, including East Mountain Country Club’s 18-hole public course, one of the best in the region, featuring beautiful greens, a pro shop, and a snack bar. Plus, the three-mile Columbia Greenway Rail Trail sets the stage for peaceful hikes and biking through the town’s tree-lined streets, farms, and the Little River.

Wayland

Wayland offers seniors a safe environment, complemented by several outdoor attractions. This town is special for consistently ranking among the safest in Massachusetts, Where some years pass with relatively few violent incidents, as seen in the FBI Crime Data Explorer. On top of that, seniors will have several communities to choose from, including The Resident at Paine Estate, which is praised for its attentive care and a wide range of services that include assisted living, independent living, memory care, and temporary stays. Moreover, the town is just 30 minutes from Boston, placing top-notch facilities within easy reach, including Boston Medical Center - Brighton, which offers a wide range of services, from 24/7 emergency care to advanced cardiovascular care.

Recreational opportunities include the Sandy Burr Country Club, with its 18-hole public course, and beautiful greenery and views of the Sudbury River. Elsewhere, Wayland Town Beach is a beloved spot on Lake Cochituate for unwinding on sunny days and for enjoying fresh-water swimming and paddling. Additionally, Cochituate State Park is just outside town, offering additional recreational opportunities on the lake, including motor boating, sailing, and windsurfing. The park also features smaller waterbodies for more peaceful experiences, wildlife-watching opportunities, and hiking trails, including Snake Brook Trail, which stretches 1.5 miles through wooded areas and along a brook.

Braintree

One of Massachusetts’ larger towns, Braintree appeals to seniors seeking a mix of convenient amenities and consistently low crime rates. According to FBI data, the town has a lower overall crime rate compared to similarly sized towns. Plus, it is home to high-performing medical facilities, such as AFC Urgent Care Braintree, which is open year-round to deliver rapid treatment for minor illnesses and injuries. Moreover, Braintree is just 18 minutes from Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, offering easy access to New England’s best facilities, including the highly rated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Living near this reputable teaching hospital bolsters peace of mind, as it offers a wide range of health services, including cancer and heart care, primary care, and surgery.

Notably, Braintree is home to South Shore Plaza, one of the largest shopping malls in New England, providing seniors with convenient access to a wide range of shopping options. For nature and adventure lovers, Pond Meadow Park is a cool spot in town, featuring a 20-acre pond for paddling and fishing, multi-use trails, picnic facilities, and a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds. Even more exciting, Braintree offers access to Blue Hills Reservation, which spans 7,000 acres and includes rock-climbing sites, a swimming and fishing pond, and 125 miles of multi-use trails winding through forests and wetlands.

Why These Massachusetts Towns Stand Out for Senior Living

These Massachusetts towns reflect what safe and well-supported senior living can look like. With crime rates that consistently track below state averages, they offer seniors a setting where safety remains a priority. And of course, these towns have no shortage of things to see and do, with a few located near large metropolises like Boston, meaning easy access to even more exciting attractions. From Braintree to Westfield, these towns offer a stable and well-supported environment for retirement.