8 Budget-Friendly Towns in Massachusetts for Retirees

As a retirement destination, Massachusetts has some hits and misses. The Bay State is incredibly beautiful for the most part, boasts excellent amenities, is often ranked among the safest states in the nation, and has a highly educated population. That said, this New England gem, according to several publications, is the most expensive in the country. Then there is the Boston Metro, which has some of the worst traffic of any metro area in the U.S. Still, retiring close to the best hospitals in the world makes a lot of sense. Besides, who said one has to fork out $817,000 for a house? Starting with Auburn, discover below 8 budget-friendly towns in Massachusetts for retirees.

Auburn

Home to about 16,800 residents, Auburn is small — yet endearingly homey and vibrant. The town boasts a median home listing price of $445,000, a price point that earns it a place among the most budget-friendly towns in Massachusetts for retirees. An empty nester can sit down with a good read at the Auburn Public Library. The Auburn Mall, with its stores and food court — is an excellent place to go shopping. That said, one of the most exciting aspects of retiring at Auburn is that Worcester, one of Massachusetts’ largest cities, is just about 10 minutes down the road. So, there is no need to worry about healthcare access. If you are looking for spots to occasionally enjoy a round of golf or practice your swings, venues such as New England Indoor Golf and Auburn Driving Range will come in handy. Auburn residents have a median age of 43, with those 60 and above comprising 27% of the town’s population.

Granby

The median listing home price in Granby, MA, is $499,000. This comes with being minutes away from Westover Metropolitan Airport, from where one can hop on a flight to New York, Boston, or Philadelphia on a whim. Cindy's Drive-In is a great spot for ice cream — while Dickinson Farm and Greenhouse — a family-owned establishment that locals love to bits, is the go-to venue for delicious greens, including ripe fruits and fresh vegetables. Worried about healthcare access? Baystate Medical Center, ranked among America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery Award, is just down the road in Springfield. You know retirees love Granby, especially because the median age of residents is 48, with those aged 60 and above comprising 21% of the population.

Palmer

If you are thinking of retiring to a small town where everyone knows each other, one that is close to the highway and, hence, easily accessible — and one that is budget-friendly at the same time — you cannot go wrong with Palmer, which is known for its rich railroad heritage. The "Town of Seven Railroads" provides access to the Quaboag River, Big Y World Class Market, loved for its huge selection of fresh produce, and Baystate Wing Hospital, which has been serving residents of the Quaboag Hills and Pioneer Valley since 1913. Occasionally, a round of golf at the River Hollow Family Golf Center can add some spice to an afternoon — especially after enjoying a slow brunch at Angel's 1376 Palmer Restaurant. Palmer residents have a median age of 47, with those aged 60 and above comprising 20% of the population.

Northbridge

Considering the median home listing price in Massachusetts, Northbridge — a Blackstone Valley town with a median listing home price of $555,000 can be a mouthwatering prospect. Both the Blackstone River, known to have kickstarted the American Industrial Revolution and Mumford River, a tributary of the Blackstone, run through Northbridge. A retiree can pass the time at Shining Rock Golf Club, occasionally enjoy some great views at Lookout Rock, or drive down to nearby Providence for a world of cultural attractions. Milford Regional Medical Center, a three-time recipient of the Outstanding Patient Experience Award, is less than 10 miles from town. Northbridge residents have a median age of 43, with those aged 65 and above comprising 16% of the population.

Gardner

If you think you cannot afford to retire in Massachusetts, wait until you hear that the median listing home price in Gardner was just $370,000 in June 2024, with Crystal Lake, Gardner Cinemas, and Gardner Museum — offering opportunities for various kinds of enjoyment. Besides, one can take a furry friend for a walk at the Pulaski Playground & Dog Park or enjoy a cold drink at the Gardner Ale House. Heywood Hospital is right in town, just in case an empty nester feels a bit under the weather. The town’s residents have a median age of 45, with those aged 60 and above comprising 20% of the population.

Adams

Any retiree needs to pay attention to Adams, a picturesque valley town in the scenic Berkshire County. Here’s the reason: The median listing home price in Adams was only $275,000 in June 2024. For the Bay State, this looks like a steal. Adams has a cute downtown area and provides access to Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts. Expect wonderful summers and falls, when every bud and leaf put up a spectacular color show. Outdoor attractions include Bellevue Falls, whose pool is among the state’s finest. There is also Peck's Falls, Thunderbolt Trail Head, and Hoosic River, which flows right through the town. North Adams Regional Hospital is just a stretch out of town — while the award-winning Berkshire Medical Center is a short drive away in Pittsfield. Adams residents have a median age of 47, with those 60 and above comprising 35% of the population — the highest on this list.

Milford

Milford has plenty of shopping plazas, some cute and quiet neighborhoods — and fantastic biking and hiking trails. As if these features do not recommend it enough, Milford is enticingly affordable. In June 2024, for example, the median listing home price in Milford, MA, was $569,900. If you are looking for exceptional medical facilities, you will love the fact Milford hosts the Milford Regional Medical Center, a recipient of the Outstanding Patient Experience Award. For those who enjoy getting out often, sites such as the Charles River Bike Trails, Milford Pond, and Charles River, the longest within the state — will be at hand. Milford residents have a median age of 39, with those aged 60 and above comprising 17% of the town’s population.

Ware

Not only does Ware boast an excellent score on affordability — with an unbeatable median listing home price of $289K — but it also offers some fine outdoor venues a retiree will love to explore occasionally. These include Ware River Reservoir, Ware River, a thrilling spot to indulge in some non-motorized boating; Snow Pond, the dog-friendly Grenville Park; and Rock House Reservation, a beautiful park with boulders, caves, and forest to explore. Baystate Wing Hospital in Palmer is a short drive from town, making Ware score big on healthcare access. Residents have a median age of 42, with those aged 60 and above comprising 15% of the population. This implies there is an ample chance to link up with peers in the same age group.

“Budget-friendly” and Massachusetts — many will contend — should not be in the same sentence. The Bay State has a median listing home price of $817,475, a price point way out of reach for many Americans. Yet if one looks closely, concentrating on venues a bit inland, a different picture emerges. One will find towns, many of which have a median home listing price of less than $500,000. So, if you are scoping for budget-friendly destinations — and want to be close to some of the nation’s finest hospitals, the Bay State is a prime destination. Just check out the options highlighted here.