Best Cities for Retirees in Massachusetts
Massachusetts for Retirees: The Full Picture
Massachusetts ranks #19 nationally for retirees, making it a middle-of-the-pack destination for those entering their next chapter. The state's moderate fiscal health (50/100) and moderate overall tax burden of 9.57% help retirement savings go further.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Massachusetts's health score of 98/100 reflects strong medical infrastructure — life expectancy here is 80.4 years, above the national average. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 9.57% of income. The 9% income tax rate is worth factoring into retirement income projections. Property taxes run 1.15% (effective rate), which is near the national average.
At $615,000, median home prices are above the national average — retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 61/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # | City | Grade | Retirees Score | Overall | Health | Fiscal Health | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newton | A+ | 71.1 | 74.7 | 86 | 97 | 28 | 88,415 |
| 2 | Brookline | A+ | 66.9 | 69.5 | 88 | 83 | 21 | 62,822 |
| 3 | Somerville | A+ | 63.4 | 67.7 | 80 | 77 | 28 | 80,407 |
| 4 | Waltham | A+ | 62.9 | 65.2 | 77 | 75 | 35 | 64,723 |
| 5 | Cambridge | A+ | 61.6 | 67.3 | 84 | 76 | 25 | 118,208 |
| 6 | Framingham | A | 58.8 | 61.4 | 69 | 65 | 42 | 71,866 |
| 7 | Quincy | A | 58.7 | 61.2 | 75 | 59 | 41 | 101,607 |
| 8 | Malden | B+ | 56.9 | 58.5 | 69 | 54 | 40 | 65,136 |
| 9 | Revere | B+ | 55.6 | 57.5 | 66 | 53 | 42 | 59,933 |
| 10 | Haverhill | B | 54.3 | 54.6 | 59 | 59 | 49 | 67,398 |
| 11 | Boston | B+ | 53.8 | 57.3 | 72 | 51 | 36 | 652,442 |
| 12 | Lowell | B | 51.8 | 53.1 | 62 | 43 | 50 | 114,289 |
| 13 | Taunton | B | 51.7 | 53.2 | 50 | 50 | 57 | 59,719 |
| 14 | Lynn | B | 50.3 | 53.6 | 52 | 47 | 44 | 101,250 |
| 15 | Worcester | C+ | 46.2 | 50.9 | 47 | 34 | 55 | 207,629 |
| 16 | Brockton | C | 45.7 | 47.7 | 39 | 49 | 50 | 104,884 |
| 17 | Lawrence | C | 45.5 | 47.4 | 43 | 32 | 50 | 88,174 |
| 18 | New Bedford | C | 42.4 | 45.4 | 38 | 27 | 53 | 100,683 |
| 19 | Fall River | D | 39.7 | 41.8 | 41 | 25 | 52 | 93,864 |
| 20 | Springfield | D | 36.6 | 40.7 | 32 | 14 | 62 | 153,672 |