8 Wallet-Friendly Small Towns To Retire In Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a favorite among retirees who want to stay close to family and enjoy top-quality healthcare. It is also home to a significant amount of history and culture, and plenty of activities for seniors.

Massachusetts' cities can be expensive, but there are some budget-friendly communities where retirees can enjoy small-town life and access nearby amenities without breaking the bank. Areas like the Berkshires and certain parts of the South Shore and Cape Cod can be affordable and comfortable, making it easy for retirees to enjoy their golden years on their own terms.

North Adams

North Adams is in the scenic northwest corner of Massachusetts in Berkshire County. It is surrounded by rolling hills and is a popular spot for art lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The median home value is about $256,000, making it one of the most affordable towns in the state. For retirees looking to stretch their savings, this combination of low housing costs and high quality of life is hard to beat.

There is plenty to do in North Adams, too, as you can spend an afternoon exploring the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, one of the country's largest centers for modern art. Nearby, Mount Greylock State Reservation offers mountain views and hiking trails. Closer to town, Natural Bridge State Park features a rare marble arch and some beautiful waterfalls.

Rockland

Rockland sits about 20 miles south of Boston in the South Shore region. It provides a mix of suburban comfort and small-town feel in close proximity to the coast. The town also avoids the high prices of Boston's closer suburbs, as the average home median is under $538,000. Rockland is a great fit for retirees who want to live near family in the Greater Boston area while maintaining a manageable cost of living.

The town features scenic walking and biking routes such as the Rockland Rail Trail, which winds through local neighborhoods and woodlands. Downtown Rockland has cozy cafés and restaurants like Marylou's Coffee and Space Bistro, along with the always-welcoming Rockland Memorial Library. You can also reach Humarock Beach in about half an hour when the ocean calls your name.

Milford

Located about halfway between Worcester and Boston, Milford is a nice balance of accessibility and peacefulness. It is well-suited for retirees who want small-town character paired with healthcare and recreation nearby. The median home price is about $550,000, and the town has many quiet neighborhoods that are ideal for retirement.

Retirees enjoy the Milford Upper Charles Trail, a well-maintained walking and biking path that winds through woodlands and along waterways. Fino Field is another community highlight, as it hosts concerts and has an outdoor swimming pool for the summer. Downtown Milford has some great dining options, too, including the always popular Restaurant 89.

Westfield

In Western Massachusetts, Westfield combines affordability with access to culture and nature. It is a short drive from Springfield and the Connecticut border, giving retirees plenty of nearby options for dining and shopping, but the community has a lot going for it, as well. For starters, the median home value is around $375,000, offering significant savings compared to communities farther east.

There is also Stanley Park, a local treasure featuring botanical gardens and peaceful walking paths. The Westfield Athenaeum hosts book clubs and lectures, while Hampton Ponds State Park has spots for swimming and picnics in the summer.

Bourne

Bourne is at the western entrance of Cape Cod. It has an ever-present coastal charm without the traffic and high prices of the mid-Cape. The community is a blend of harbors and wooded preserves, which are perfect for relaxed retirement living. The median home value is around $640,000, right at the edge of the state median, but much lower than nearby Falmouth or Sandwich.

The town's signature attraction is the Cape Cod Canal, where paved walking and biking trails run for miles alongside scenic water views. Scusset Beach State Reservation provides sandy stretches for swimming and fishing, while history buffs can visit the Aptucxet Trading Post Museum, one of the oldest colonial trading sites in the region.

Holbrook

Holbrook is about 18 miles south of Boston, making it a convenient choice for retirees who want to be near family or city hospitals while living somewhere peaceful and affordable. The median home value is about $548,000, and its compact size and close-knit community make it a comfortable place to settle down.

Retirees enjoy walks at the Holbrook Town Forest, which features a series of trails through the woods right in town. The Holbrook Council on Aging runs programs and community lunches that help new residents meet others easily. The downtown area is also home to The Brook Kitchen & Tap, a popular restaurant with daily and seasonal specials.

Ware

Ware sits in the heart of central Massachusetts, near the Quabbin Reservoir. It's surrounded by forests and rivers, making it a lovely retreat for anyone who enjoys peaceful scenery and open space. It is also highly affordable, with a median home value of $339,000, turning it into one of the best-kept secrets in Massachusetts.

There is plenty to explore, too. The Ware Center Meeting House highlights the town's industrial past. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the Quabbin Reservoir trails, which are known for birdwatching and photography. The community is also home to Janine's Frostee, an incredibly popular counter-style restaurant that hosts concerts and other outdoor events.

Gardner

Known as the "Chair City," Gardner is a historic community in north-central Massachusetts. It offers a quiet pace and convenient access to larger towns like Fitchburg and Worcester, and with a median home price of about $367,000, it is one of the more affordable towns in the region.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Dunn State Park, where trails circle a beautiful pond surrounded by forest, and the Lake Wampanoag Wildlife Sanctuary, which provides peaceful paths for hiking. Gardner Heritage State Park shares the area's industrial history, while Mount Wachusett Community College offers free courses to Massachusetts residents for those who want to continue learning..

Massachusetts Does Not Have to Be Expensive

Massachusetts may have high housing prices in its major cities, but plenty of smaller communities still offer affordability and convenience. Whether you want the artistic energy of North Adams or the coastal calm of Bourne, there are plenty of options providing a different flavor of New England life.

For retirees, these communities combine comfort with opportunity, and are places where you can enjoy the seasons and make the most of your retirement years. They provide a setting that feels like home, making them well worth exploring during your retirement.