Why Chelmsford Is One of the Best Cities to Live in Massachusetts
Those looking for the best cities to live in Massachusetts for retirement should consider Chelmsford. The benefits of living here are that there's a peaceful suburban lifestyle with small-town charm, proximity to Boston's healthcare and amenities, abundant outdoor recreation and natural beauty, a strong sense of community, and top-quality senior living options. Summer Place is here to provide you with exemplary independent living services.
The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative says that the state's older population is growing. As of 2025, 23.8% of the state is 60 or older (17.1% are 65 or older). It's clear that this New England state is nice for living out your retirement, so you may be curious what the best cities to live in Massachusetts are.
One of them is Chelmsford, MA, and many seniors are making it their home. Here's why you should too.
Is MA a Good State for Retirement?
Yes, Massachusetts can be an outstanding state for retirement, especially if you value:
- Quality healthcare
- Cultural amenities
- Vibrant communities
According to Newsweek, Massachusetts ranks second for average life expectancy out of all the states, so this is proof of the high quality of life you can get with a New England lifestyle.
What Is the Best Place to Live in Massachusetts?
One of the top Massachusetts retirement towns is Chelmsford, MA. It's located in Eastern Massachusetts, in Middlesex County, and this is why it's wonderful for retirees.
Peaceful Suburban Lifestyle With Small-Town Charm
If you've always dreamed of small-town retirement, then you've got it with Chelmsford. It's quiet out here, and you can enjoy a slower pace of life without feeling isolated.
Chelmsford gives you easy access to amenities such as:
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Recreational spaces
In addition, it's a walkable city. You can get around the neighborhoods with no issue, and there are ample community events and activities that allow you to get social connections and a sense of belonging.
Proximity to Boston's Healthcare and Amenities
Spending your golden years in Boston may not be possible or desirable for some older adults, but Chelmsford makes retirement near Boston a reality. You'll get to enjoy living in a more small-town, relaxed environment while having great access to Boston.
Because it's just 25 miles away, you can make a short trip to the city whenever you wish. This means it's no problem to go to renowned hospitals like Massachusetts General and Lahey Hospital & Medical Center. You can have peace of mind knowing quality care is only a short drive away.
You can also make a trip to Boston to benefit from its:
- Cultural experiences
- Entertainment
- Dining options
And you can do all this without the hassle of big-city living!
Abundant Outdoor Recreation and Natural Beauty
Chelmsford is rich in natural beauty, so there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. For example, there are scenic walking and biking trails, such as the Bruce Rail Trail. There are also nearby conservation areas and lakes, where you can:
- Birdwatch
- Kayak
- Take leisurely strolls
For something closer to home, there are parks like Heart Pond and Varney Playground where you can have picnics with your family and community gatherings.
What's best about Chelmsford is that its four-season climate allows you to appreciate vibrant fall foliage, transition into peaceful winters, and then revel in the sunny summer days outdoors.
Strong Sense of Community
The older you get, the more important community is. This can fight loneliness and isolation, and when you have a strong support system, you'll thrive.
Luckily, Chelmsford has a strong sense of community, making it a welcoming area for retirees. There are local organizations and town initiatives that are specifically planned to accommodate older adults.
As a result, seniors can stay active, connected, and engaged in this city.
Top-Quality Senior Living Options
Are you seeking Chelmsford senior living? Then you'll find it with Summer Place.
We are an independent living community that serves older adults who are still active but want an easier lifestyle. We're also pet-friendly, so you don't have to leave your animal companions behind when transitioning to senior care.
Here in our community, you'll get your own private apartment where you can decorate it to your heart's desire. There are modern amenities, self-controlled heating and air conditioning, and most importantly, weekly housekeeping and a light linen service.
Amenities in our community include:
- Private dining room
- Spa services
- Game room
- Resident kitchen
- Community fireplace
- Health and fitness gym
- Lounge area
- Library
- Community grounds
- Garden
- Walking paths
- Professional salon and barbershop
- Community center
- Activity room
- Business center
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is It Expensive to Live in Chelmsford, MA?
Yes, it can be considered somewhat expensive to live in Chelmsford, MA, especially when you compare it to the national average. However, it's much more affordable than many nearby Boston suburbs, so if you want to stay close to Boston, Chelmsford is an excellent choice.
When you factor in the quality of life you can get in Chelmsford, it's worth every penny spent to retire here.
How Much Do You Need To Retire Comfortably in Massachusetts?
To retire comfortably in Massachusetts, you'll generally need a larger nest egg than the national average since the state has a higher cost of living.
In general, we'd recommend having $70,000 to $90,000 annually ($5,833.33 to $75,000 monthly) to cover everything. Obviously, cities like Boston or Cambridge will require a larger budget, while smaller towns can be more affordable.
If you're finding it difficult to afford retirement in Massachusetts, but are still intent on it, you can supplement Social Security with:
- Investments
- Pensions
- Part-time income
Come to One of the Best Cities to Live in Massachusetts
Chelmsford, MA, is one of the best cities to live in Massachusetts, especially for independent older adults. While the cost of living is a little higher than the national average, you get what you pay for, as there's an incredibly high quality of life here.
Get in touch with us today to find out more about senior living in Chelmsford, MA. Summer Place has newly renovated apartment homes where you can live a maintenance-free lifestyle, thanks to our weekly housekeeping service.