Framingham, MA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Framingham is an ideal destination for retirees looking for a peaceful and charming suburban community. With a population of just over 70,000, Framingham offers a small town feel with access to the many cultural and recreational amenities of Greater Boston. Framingham is home to beautiful parks and natural spaces, including Callahan State Park and Lake Cochituate, where residents can enjoy hiking, boating, and fishing. Framingham is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with galleries and studios featuring the work of local artists. Foodies will delight in the town's dining options, including farm-to-table restaurants, eateries featuring international cuisine, and charming cafes. Additionally, Framingham boasts a strong sense of community, with numerous events and festivals throughout the year that bring residents together. Retirees in Framingham can enjoy a relaxed and fulfilling lifestyle in a beautiful and welcoming community.

For more information about visiting or moving to Framingham, MA, check out the town's official website. The MetroWest Visitors Bureau also provides helpful resources for visitors.

Affordability and Cost of Living

Active adults looking to settle down in the Framingham area should consider the local taxes and living expenses in order to make an informed decision. The overall cost of living in Framingham averages nearly 32 percent higher than the national average, so residents tend to pay more for everyday expenses, including groceries, utilities, and transportation costs. However, housing often accounts for the most significant expense, as residents pay about 83 percent more for housing than the national average. The cost of living in Middlesex County is high, and this carries over to the property taxes, which have a rate of 1.04 percent of a home’s assessed fair market value. 

The Massachusetts flat income tax rate of 5 percent covers most types of retirement income, including pensions, annuities, and other benefits. However, Social Security income is exempt from income taxes, which benefits retirees who call The Bay State home. The state has no inheritance tax, but there is an estate tax if the estate is worth more than $1 million. Another consideration is the Massachusett flat 6.25 percent sales tax. No local taxes can be added onto that rate, and both groceries and medications are exempt from the sales tax.

Climate and Geography

Framingham has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with average highs in the low 80s and occasional heat waves that can push temperatures into the 90s. Winters are cold and snowy, with average lows in the mid-teens to low 20s. The town receives an average of 47 inches of snowfall each year, with occasional winter storms that can dump several inches of snow at once. The average annual rainfall is around 49 inches, with the rainiest months being May and June. Framingham enjoys an average of 200 sunny days per year, which is slightly lower than the US average of 205.

The geography of Framingham is characterized by rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling reservoirs. The town is situated in the MetroWest region of Massachusetts, which is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Framingham is located near several state parks and conservation areas, including Callahan State Park, Ashland State Park, and Cochituate State Park, which offer hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities. The Sudbury River also flows through Framingham, providing residents with scenic views and opportunities for kayaking and canoeing.

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment

Framingham offers a wide range of recreational activities, cultural events, and entertainment options for residents and visitors alike. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Framingham.

Golf and Racquet Sports:

• Framingham Country Club
• Sassamon Trace Golf Club
• Sudbury River Tennis Club
• Longfellow Sports Club

Hiking, Biking, and Boating:

• Callahan State Park
• Cochituate State Park
• Ashland State Park
• Sudbury Reservoir Trail

Museums and Historical Sites:

• Danforth Art Museum at Framingham State University
• Edgell Memorial Library
• Marlborough Historical Society
• Garden in the Woods

Performing Arts:

• Amazing Things Arts Center
• Performing Arts Center of MetroWest
• The Center for Arts in Natick

Shopping:

• Framingham Plaza
• Hamilton Plaza West
• Framingham Farmers Market
• Cloverleaf Mall

Parks and Gardens:

• Cushing Memorial Park
• Nobscot Park
• Butterworth Park
• John J. Lane Park

Festivals and Fairs:

• Framingham House Tour
• Taste of MetroWest
• Concerts on the Green

Health and Wellness

Framingham is home to several reputable hospitals and medical centers that cater to the healthcare needs of the local community. MetroWest Medical Center is a leading healthcare provider in the area, comprising two full-service hospitals: Framingham Union Hospital and Leonard Morse Hospital. Both hospitals offer a wide range of services, including emergency care, cancer care, orthopedics, and rehabilitation services. Additionally, both hospitals are affiliated with major medical centers in Boston, providing easy access to world-class medical care for residents of Framingham and the surrounding communities.

For those interested in keeping physically fit and mentally well, Framingham has plenty of options. The MetroWest YMCA, located in the heart of Framingham, offers a range of programs and activities for seniors, including fitness classes, water aerobics, and social events. Additionally, Framingham boasts several walking trails and parks, including Callahan State Park and the Sudbury Reservoir Trail, which provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and exercise.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

Day 1

Morning:

• Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Lloyd’s Diner, known for its variety of omelets, pancakes, and more.
• Take a morning hike at Callahan State Park, which is a short drive outside of town.

Afternoon:

• Head over to Burtons Grill & Bar for lunch, where locals enjoy sandwiches, salads, steaks, and seafood dishes.
• Visit the Danforth Art Museum and School for a glimpse of the local art scene.

Evening:

• For dinner, try out Mi Cabaña, a local Spanish restaurant known for its wide variety of entrees featuring steak, seafood, and more.
• Catch a movie at Natick Sunbrella IMAX 3D, which is a short drive east from Framingham proper.

Day 2

Morning:

• Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Franklin Street Cafe, which serves breakfast all day and features omelets, french toast, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches.
• Visit Garden in the Woods, a botanical garden featuring many species of plants and surrounded by 45 acres of valleys, brooks, ponds, and wetlands.

Afternoon:

• Grab a quick bite at Marão Burgers, a Brazilian burger spot offering a wide selection of specialty burgers with a Brazilian twist.
• Meet with a local 55places real estate expert to learn about the best 55+ communities in the area.

Evening:

• End the trip with a delicious dinner at Pho Dakao, a popular Vietnamese restaurant in town known for its noodle soups, vermicelli dishes, and rice plates.

Getting to Framingham, MA

Framingham is located approximately 20 miles west of Boston. Several major highways lead to the area, including I-90, also known as the Massachusetts Turnpike, and I-495. Visitors arriving by air can fly into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), which is about 25 miles east of Framingham. Airlines such as Delta, American, United, and JetBlue have primary hubs at Logan, making it easily accessible from most major cities in the US and internationally. There are several options for ground transportation from the airport to Framingham, including rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transportation.