Discover the Best Boston Suburbs for Retirees

A row of houses with green lawns, reflecting the best Boston suburbs for retirees
A row of houses with green lawns, reflecting the best Boston suburbs for retirees

For empty-nesters wanting to downsize or retirees looking for a new adventure, the best Boston suburbs for retirees offer an ideal combination of stress-free living, beautiful homes in quiet communities, and easy access to the city's activities and attractions. Let’s explore some of these good suburbs of Boston for retirees, where you can find engaging communities and a relaxed yet upscale lifestyle. 


Summary:

  • Is Boston a Good Place to Retire?

  • Best Boston Suburbs for Retirees

  • New Homes in Boston Suburbs for Retirees

  • Conclusion


Is Boston a Good Place to Retire? 

Boston is a city rich in history, culture, attractions, and recreational activities. Additionally, living in Boston means convenient access to exploring places throughout New England. You can hop a train to New York City or spend a weekend in Maine or Vermont. Being in Massachusetts also lets you experience all four seasons, though you’ll want to make sure you have the appropriate gear (clothing and tires) when winter comes along! 


Though the cost of living in Boston, MA, can be higher, there are plenty of advantages to living here. For example, according to the AARP® (March 2024), Massachusetts doesn’t tax Social Security benefits. Boston is also known for its high-quality healthcare system. In 2024, Newsweek® recognized eight of the city’s hospitals for offering stellar care.


Best Boston Suburbs for Retirees 

To help you narrow down your search for the best suburbs close to Boston for retirees, here are our top picks of areas that could be ideal for your next life chapter.


Stoneham

Just 10 miles north of Boston, Stoneham feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city, in part because of the beautiful state park that borders this suburb, the Middlesex Fells Reservation. This state park has free parking, an off-leash area for dogs, rentals for kayaking and canoeing, hiking trails, and trails for mountain biking. Easy access to this park makes Stoneham one of the best suburbs near Boston for active adults.


Pros


  • Several local parks and recreation areas and nearby golf courses 

  • Less than two miles from Winchester Hospital, a regionally ranked hospital per U.S. News & World Report in September 2024

  • Conveniently close to the Stone Zoo for a fun day out with friends or loved ones

  • A rotating events calendar with programs like Pop-Up Stoneham, which supports local businesses


Cons


  • Somewhat limited shopping and entertainment options due to being a smaller community

  • Proximity to major highways a potential drawback for those seeking a quieter community


North Reading

Less than 20 miles north of Boston is the suburb of North Reading. Residents on Niche (September 2024) praise the town’s quiet and peaceful atmosphere, making it one of the best suburbs of Boston, MA, for active adults.


Pros


  • A small population, offering a serene suburban atmosphere

  • Situated near Ipswitch River and Ipswitch River Park, with restored wetlands, wildflower meadows, a canoe launch, and tennis and basketball courts

  • Abundant green spaces, including proximity to Harold Parker State Forest


Cons


  • Limited nightlife, requiring travel to nearby towns or a trip to Boston

  • No public transportation


Westborough 

While the suburb of Worcester is often recognized as a great place to live, the peaceful town of Westborough, just 16 miles away, deserves attention as one of the best suburbs around Boston for retirees. Reviewers on Niche.com give the town an A+ score as of September 2024. Residents highlight the area’s parks and cozy coffee shops, the charming downtown area, and the appeal of local boutiques and restaurants.


Pros


  • Easy access to the tranquility of Chauncy Lake, with a 2.5-mile trail around the perimeter

  • Conveniently close to Worchester for a change of scenery and additional shops, restaurants, and activities to discover


Cons


  • Longer commute to Boston (33 miles)  

  • Popular among households with children due to its highly ranked public school system, a potential drawback for those seeking an older demographic


Peabody

Roughly 20 miles northeast of Boston is Peabody, one of the best suburbs north of Boston for retirees and active adults. With roots dating back to 1855, the city was named after George Peabody, a famous philanthropist. Now, residents on Niche call out the area’s restaurants and community-oriented feel. As of September 2024, they also note how easily accessible stores and entertainment options are due to the area’s roadways. 


Pros


  • Part of Massachusetts’ North Shore, offering residents access to the various waterways like the Crane, Danvers, and North Rivers 

  • Several country clubs, including Salem Country Club and Kernwood Country Club

  • Proximity to historic Salem, including attractions like the Salem Witch Museum


Cons


  • Higher cost of living, 3.1% greater than the state average per BestPlaces as of September 2024 

  • Some traffic congestion

 

Interior dining and gathering area in a new home in one of the best Boston suburbs for retirees
Interior dining and gathering area in a new home in one of the best Boston suburbs for retirees

New Homes in Boston Suburbs for Retirees 

If you’re looking around the best Boston suburbs to buy a house, be sure to explore the over-55 communities in Boston, MA, from Del Webb® and Pulte Homes®. Both these communities offer stunning condos in two of the best Boston suburbs to live in for retirees and active adults: 


  • Chauncy Lake: The community in Westborough offers one- and two-bedroom condos and sits alongside the lake it’s named after, overlooking 400 acres of beautiful open space. Residents enjoy amenities like a fitness center, sports courts, arts and crafts rooms, and numerous social events.


  • Martins Landing: This Pulte Homes active adult community is in North Reading. It offers one- and two-bedroom condos and features on-site trails, a fitness center, and a clubhouse. The community is surrounded by woods, creating a peaceful backdrop, and is less than 20 miles from Boston. 


Conclusion

Whatever lifestyle you seek in retirement, the best Boston suburbs for retirees could be ideal for you. From easy access to stunning state parks and rivers to charming, serene areas with inviting communities, the top Boston suburbs offer an abundance of ways to enjoy your golden years.


Explore active adult communities in Boston, MA, today or browse more Del Webb blogs. 



Written By: Alexandra Shimalla, Freelance Journalist

Last Updated: 4/10/25