Retirees considering Massachusetts might imagine quiet coastal towns or historic suburbs brimming with charm. But not every town here is welcoming for older adults. Factors like rising living costs, inadequate healthcare access, limited senior services, and increased crime rates are prompting many retirees to rethink their choices. Massachusetts’ charm isn’t universal—some cities offer less comfort and more hassle, pushing retirees toward better alternatives in neighboring states or smaller communities.
The 18 towns listed here share common issues that lower their overall retirement score (ORS): insufficient senior amenities, escalating expenses, tough winters, or poor healthcare access. While bustling areas like Boston and Worcester might appeal to younger residents, retirees face unique needs often unmet in these communities. If retirement is on your horizon, knowing which towns fall short can save you from unexpected struggles. Here’s where Massachusetts misses the mark for retirees.
18. Avon – Limited Senior-Friendly Healthcare
Avon, located just south of Boston in Norfolk County, is a small town with fewer than 5,000 residents. Its compact size might suggest tranquility, but retirees often face limited healthcare choices here. Major hospitals and specialized healthcare services require travel to larger towns, like Brockton or Boston, complicating routine healthcare visits, especially during Massachusetts’ harsh winters.
Aside from healthcare, Avon offers few senior amenities, lacking robust public transportation and recreational centers. With its residential neighborhoods largely catering to families and younger professionals, retirees often struggle with isolation and restricted mobility. Seniors looking for community-oriented amenities might find Avon disappointingly sparse.
Avon – ORS 34.00
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Walkability: 64.11
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 81.61
- Vibrant Score: 63.26
- Transit-Friendly: 78.14
Avon offers a mix of strengths and weaknesses for retirees. While the cultural scene is quite strong and public transport is decent, getting around without a car might be tricky for some. Home prices are rising, but they’re still more affordable than in many neighboring towns.
17. Malden
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 33.50
- Walkability: 94.33
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 80.57
- Vibrant Score: 81.42
- Transit-Friendly: 85.64
About Malden
Malden scores poorly for retirement with an Overall Retirement Score of just 33.50, despite impressive scores in other categories. Its high Walkability (94.33), Urban Sophistication (80.57), and excellent Transit-Friendly rating (85.64) are offset by other retirement-specific factors. The town’s Vibrant Score of 81.42 indicates a busy, active community that may not provide the peaceful environment many retirees seek. Median home prices in Malden have been steadily increasing, making it a challenging market for those on fixed retirement incomes.
16. Taunton
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 33.47
- Walkability: 71.92
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 50.55
- Vibrant Score: 51.53
- Transit-Friendly: 22.83
About Taunton
Taunton struggles as a retirement destination with an Overall Retirement Score of 33.47. The city has moderate Walkability at 71.92 but falls short in Transit-Friendly options with a low score of 22.83, making transportation a significant concern for senior residents who no longer drive. Its mediocre Urban Sophistication score of 50.55 suggests limited cultural and entertainment options for retirees. The median home price in Taunton is more affordable than many areas in Massachusetts, with recent reports showing prices around $580,000-$600,000, which has been increasing at a moderate rate.
15. Fitchburg
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 30.51
- Walkability: 78.96
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 48.99
- Vibrant Score: 65.77
- Transit-Friendly: 33.27
About Fitchburg
Fitchburg ranks 15th on our list with a low Overall Retirement Score of 30.51. While it offers decent Walkability at 78.96, its disappointing Transit-Friendly score of 33.27 creates mobility challenges for seniors. The city’s Urban Sophistication score of just 48.99 indicates a lack of cultural amenities and services targeted toward retirees. Fitchburg remains one of the more affordable housing markets in Massachusetts, with median home prices that are lower than state averages, making it potentially attractive to budget-conscious retirees despite its drawbacks.
14. Southbridge
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 29.86
- Walkability: 74.50
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 30.27
- Vibrant Score: 55.98
- Transit-Friendly: 11.48
About Southbridge
Southbridge presents significant challenges for retirees with an Overall Retirement Score of 29.86. Its extremely low Transit-Friendly score of 11.48 is concerning for seniors who may not drive, while its Urban Sophistication rating of just 30.27 suggests limited cultural enrichment opportunities. Though Walkability is reasonable at 74.50, the town’s overall amenities and services for retirees appear inadequate. Housing in Southbridge is more affordable compared to eastern Massachusetts communities, but the trade-off comes in reduced retirement-friendly infrastructure and services.
13. Boston
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 29.35
- Walkability: 88.83
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 70.69
- Vibrant Score: 86.72
- Transit-Friendly: 88.77
About Boston
Boston’s place on this list may surprise many, with its Overall Retirement Score of just 29.35 despite excellent scores in other categories. While the city excels in Walkability (88.83), Transit-Friendly options (88.77), and Urban Sophistication (70.69), its high Vibrant Score of 86.72 indicates a fast-paced environment that may be overwhelming for retirees seeking tranquility. The median home price in Boston has reached approximately $835,709 as of March 2025, representing a 3.8% increase over the previous year, making affordability a major concern for retirees on fixed incomes.
12. Worcester
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 27.28
- Walkability: 86.99
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 52.76
- Vibrant Score: 80.13
- Transit-Friendly: 53.82
About Worcester
Worcester ranks poorly for retirement with an Overall Retirement Score of 27.28. While it offers strong Walkability at 86.99, the city’s high Vibrant Score of 80.13 indicates a busy, potentially noisy environment less conducive to peaceful retirement living. Its average Urban Sophistication score of 52.76 suggests moderate but not exceptional cultural amenities. The median home price in Worcester reached approximately $454,321 as of February 2025, showing a significant 9.2% increase from the previous year, which continues to challenge retirees seeking affordable housing options in central Massachusetts.
11. Revere
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 27.26
- Walkability: 85.05
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 62.49
- Vibrant Score: 78.40
- Transit-Friendly: 79.01
About Revere
Revere presents challenges for retirees with an Overall Retirement Score of 27.26. While the city offers good Transit-Friendly options at 79.01 and strong Walkability at 85.05, these positives are overshadowed by retirement-specific concerns. With a Vibrant Score of 78.40, the city may feel too busy and urban for those seeking a quiet retirement. Historical data shows Revere’s median home prices have been in the upper $400,000s to lower $500,000s, placing additional pressure on retirement budgets in this coastal community near Boston.
10. Fall River
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 23.79
- Walkability: 89.91
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 36.24
- Vibrant Score: 75.11
- Transit-Friendly: 28.99
About Fall River
Fall River struggles significantly as a retirement destination with a low Overall Retirement Score of 23.79. While its Walkability score of 89.91 is impressive, the city’s low Urban Sophistication score of 36.24 indicates limited cultural and entertainment options for retirees. Its poor Transit-Friendly score of 28.99 presents mobility challenges for seniors who don’t drive. Housing in Fall River is more affordable than many Massachusetts communities, with median home prices that have been rising but remain lower than state averages, which may attract retirees on tight budgets despite the city’s drawbacks.
9. Holyoke
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 22.94
- Walkability: 79.41
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 33.45
- Vibrant Score: 73.64
- Transit-Friendly: 45.53
About Holyoke
Holyoke presents significant challenges for retirees with a low Overall Retirement Score of 22.94. Its Urban Sophistication score of just 33.45 indicates limited cultural and entertainment options, while its mediocre Transit-Friendly rating of 45.53 may create transportation difficulties for non-driving seniors. The median home price in Holyoke was around $308,500 as of March 2025, showing a modest 2.9% increase from the previous year, making it one of the more affordable options on this list, though retirement quality of life concerns remain significant.
8. New Bedford
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 21.84
- Walkability: 89.00
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 37.34
- Vibrant Score: 76.10
- Transit-Friendly: 39.23
About New Bedford
New Bedford ranks poorly for retirement with a low Overall Retirement Score of 21.84. While the city boasts excellent Walkability at 89.00, its low Urban Sophistication score of 37.34 suggests limited cultural amenities for retirees. The Transit-Friendly rating of just 39.23 indicates transportation challenges for seniors who no longer drive. New Bedford offers more affordable housing than many Massachusetts communities, with median home prices that have been rising but remain lower than state averages, potentially attracting retirees seeking lower housing costs despite the city’s drawbacks.
7. Lynn
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 20.80
- Walkability: 93.10
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 53.53
- Vibrant Score: 80.48
- Transit-Friendly: 78.30
About Lynn
Lynn presents significant challenges for retirees with a very low Overall Retirement Score of 20.80. Despite excellent Walkability at 93.10 and good Transit-Friendly options at 78.30, other retirement-specific factors create concerns. The high Vibrant Score of 80.48 suggests a busy, potentially noisy urban environment that may not provide the peaceful atmosphere many retirees seek. Lynn’s median home prices have historically been in the $400,000-$500,000 range, making it relatively more affordable than many Boston-area communities, though housing costs continue to rise across the region.
6. Lowell
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 19.57
- Walkability: 92.62
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 56.76
- Vibrant Score: 84.10
- Transit-Friendly: 62.19
About Lowell
Lowell ranks poorly for retirement with a very low Overall Retirement Score of 19.57. While the city offers excellent Walkability at 92.62 and reasonable Transit-Friendly options at 62.19, its high Vibrant Score of 84.10 indicates a busy, potentially stressful environment for retirees seeking tranquility. Recent data shows Lowell’s median home price reached $513,000 in January 2025, representing an 11.4% increase from the previous year, creating additional financial pressure for retirees on fixed incomes considering this northern Massachusetts city.
5. Brockton
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 18.41
- Walkability: 83.50
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 52.23
- Vibrant Score: 74.29
- Transit-Friendly: 66.80
About Brockton
Brockton faces significant challenges as a retirement destination with a very low Overall Retirement Score of 18.41. Though the city has good Walkability at 83.50 and moderate Transit-Friendly options at 66.80, other retirement-specific factors create concerns. According to recent data, the median home price in Brockton reached $495,000 in January 2025, showing a 6.4% increase from the previous year. While more affordable than many Boston-area communities, the city’s retirement quality of life indicators suggest retirees may face challenges despite the relatively lower housing costs.
4. Everett
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 18.18
- Walkability: 95.74
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 61.82
- Vibrant Score: 88.02
- Transit-Friendly: 86.88
About Everett
Everett ranks very poorly for retirement with an extremely low Overall Retirement Score of 18.18, despite having some of the highest scores in other categories. Its exceptional Walkability at 95.74 and strong Transit-Friendly rating of 86.88 are overshadowed by retirement-specific concerns. The very high Vibrant Score of 88.02 indicates an exceptionally busy, potentially noisy urban environment. Recent data shows Everett’s median home price at approximately $680,000 in February 2025, representing a significant 24.8% increase from the previous year, creating substantial affordability challenges for retirees.
3. Springfield
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 15.54
- Walkability: 83.05
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 35.63
- Vibrant Score: 74.25
- Transit-Friendly: 46.68
About Springfield
Springfield ranks third worst for retirement in Massachusetts with an extremely low Overall Retirement Score of 15.54. While the city has good Walkability at 83.05, its low Urban Sophistication score of 35.63 indicates limited cultural amenities for retirees. The Transit-Friendly score of 46.68 suggests transportation challenges for seniors who don’t drive. Recent data shows the median home price in Springfield at approximately $300,724 as of January 2025, which is significantly more affordable than eastern Massachusetts communities, but retirement quality of life concerns remain substantial.
2. Chelsea
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 12.94
- Walkability: 96.18
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 57.28
- Vibrant Score: 88.91
- Transit-Friendly: 91.67
About Chelsea
Chelsea ranks second worst for retirement in Massachusetts with an extremely low Overall Retirement Score of 12.94, despite having the highest scores in other categories on our list. Its near-perfect Walkability at 96.18 and outstanding Transit-Friendly rating of 91.67 are overshadowed by significant retirement-specific concerns. The extremely high Vibrant Score of 88.91 indicates a very busy, potentially stressful urban environment. Historical data has shown Chelsea’s median home prices in the upper $400,000s to lower $500,000s, making it relatively more affordable than many Boston-area communities but still presenting financial challenges for retirees.
1. Lawrence
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 7.87
- Walkability: 95.37
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 32.27
- Vibrant Score: 86.17
- Transit-Friendly: 56.37
About Lawrence
Lawrence ranks as the absolute worst town for retirement in Massachusetts with an incredibly low Overall Retirement Score of just 7.87. While the city boasts excellent Walkability at 95.37, its poor Urban Sophistication score of 32.27 indicates very limited cultural amenities for retirees. The extremely high Vibrant Score of 86.17 suggests a busy, potentially stressful urban environment. According to recent data, Lawrence’s median home price has reached approximately $500,000, representing a significant 70% increase over the past five years, creating substantial affordability challenges despite being lower than eastern Massachusetts averages.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Retirement Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates a town’s suitability for retirees. It factors in safety, healthcare access, tax burden on retirees, community services for seniors, climate comfort, outdoor recreation, and overall peace and quiet.
- Walkability: Measures how accessible a town is for pedestrians. High scores indicate areas where daily errands and activities can be accomplished without a vehicle, which is particularly important for seniors who may eventually limit or cease driving.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Reflects the availability of cultural institutions, educational opportunities, restaurants, and entertainment options that contribute to a stimulating retirement lifestyle.
- Vibrant Score: Indicates the energy level and activity of a community. While high scores reflect lively communities with numerous activities, they may also suggest noise, congestion, and a fast pace that some retirees find stressful.
- Transit-Friendly: Evaluates the quality and accessibility of public transportation options, which is crucial for seniors who no longer drive but wish to maintain independence and mobility.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
- Redfin – Massachusetts Housing Market: House Prices & Trends
- Rocket Homes – Boston, Massachusetts Housing Market Report March 2025
- Redfin – Everett Housing Market: House Prices & Trends
- Redfin – Brockton Housing Market: House Prices & Trends
- FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis – Housing Inventory: Median Listing Price in Massachusetts
- NBC Boston – Massachusetts home sales are on the rise to start 2025 – but so are prices
