Hanson 55+ Retirement Communities

Hanson is a small New England town between Boston and Cape Cod. This convenient location ensures that active adult homebuyers choosing the area can experience the peace of country living while still enjoying proximity to major metropolitan areas. Nestled among sparkling ponds, thriving forests, and rolling hills, Hanson offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking or biking on nearby trails, kayaking on ponds or in the Atlantic Ocean, and swimming at one the area’s many beaches. Locals enjoy convenient access to shops, restaurants, and the many entertainment options available in Greater Boston and on Cape Cod. With so much to do and see in the area, it’s no wonder that Hanson, Massachusetts appeals to 55+ homebuyers and renters alike.

For those interested in learning more about the area, there are a few online resources that are worth browsing. To find information on local businesses and more about Hanson specifically, visit the official town website. The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce website publishes information on events, businesses, and lots more going on in the Boston metropolitan area. The official tourism and chamber of commerce website for Cape Cod provides residents and visitors with information on the latest area events, things to do, and places to stay in the famous New England summertime destination.

Affordability and Cost of Living

State income taxes for Hanson residents land at around 5.0%, which is levied on most types of income, including salaries, wages, pensions, interest, dividends, and any withdrawals from a retirement account. Social security income is not taxed at the state level, and there’s also no inheritance tax to worry about. Residents with capital gains to declare can expect to be taxed at a rate between 5% and 12%. Estate taxes are exempt when the estate is worth less than $1 million.  

Property taxes in Hanson are high, and residents can expect a tax rate of 1.51% on residential, commercial, and personal property. There’s good news for seniors who meet certain income levels, however. The Senior Circuit Breaker tax credit is provided for real estate taxes paid on Massachusetts residential property that a Hanson resident 65 years of age or older occupies, and the credit is up to $1,200.

The sales tax rate in Hanson and throughout Massachusetts is 6.25%. This is the total of all state and local sales taxes. Exemptions are provided for food and groceries, however restaurant and takeout meals are taxed. Medicines are taxable in Massachusetts, but medical services are not.

The cost of living in Hanson is 29.2% higher than the average cost of living throughout the U.S. Housing costs are especially high, but healthcare costs are about 12% lower in Hanson than in other parts of the country.

Climate and Geography

Hanson typically experiences all four seasons, making the area a great choice for active adults who still enjoy fall and winter. The average midsummer high in Hanson is usually around 83 degrees, according to Best Places, while midwinter lows can dip into the high teens. The area receives about 50 inches of rainfall annually, and the average annual snowfall in Hanson is 43 inches. Both the rainfall and snowfall figures are above the national averages, although many area 55+ communities have homeowners’ associations that may cover snow removal. The area’s sunny day count is on par with the national average, guaranteeing that retirees interested in this area will have ample opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year.

This charming Plymouth County town is about a half-hour drive west of the Atlantic Ocean and is surrounded by ponds, thick forests, and a number of parks and wildlife management areas. The North River runs through the area, providing further opportunities for boating and fishing. Myles Standish State Forest is a local favorite for day trips, camping, and hiking. Overall, the area’s many greenspaces allow for a wide array of recreational activities regardless of the season. The forested hills and sparkling ponds are sure to attract active adults looking for a peaceful retirement setting with convenient access to Cape Cod and the Atlantic Ocean.

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment

Hanson and the surrounding areas provide active adults with a number of performing arts venues, parks, and more. Here are a few of the area attractions that are sure to appeal to the 55+ homebuyer or renter.

Golf and Racquet Sports:

• Pembroke Country Club
• Country Club of Halifax
• West Bridgewater Country Club
• Daquavius Bingleton Memorial Tennis Courts

Hiking, Biking, and Boating:

• Myles Standish State Forest
• Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area
• Oldham Pond
• Furnace Pond

Museums and Historical Sites:

• Fuller Craft Museum
• Pilgrim Hall Museum
• Queset House
• Paul Revere Heritage Site

Performing Arts:

• Scituate Center for the Performing Arts
• Duxbury Performing Arts Center
• Soundcheck Studios
• Catherine and Joseph Nisby Bandstand

Shopping:

• Hanson Shopping Center
• West Bridgewater Plaza
• Colony Place
• Westgate Mall

Parks and Gardens:

• Ames Nowell State Park
• Brewster Gardens
• Duxbury Beach Park
• Plymouth Long Beach

Festivals and Fairs:

• Pembroke Arts Festival
• Cape Cod ArtWeek
• Plymouth Art on the Green
• Plymouth Waterfront Festival

Health and Wellness

There are a few hospitals and medical centers near Hanson including South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, which offers a range of services such as orthopedics, cancer care, primary care, and much more. Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Braintree also offers a wide selection of specialties, clinical departments, as well as a comprehensive list of patient support services. These and other area hospitals ensure that active adult homebuyers or renters choosing to live in and around Hanson will have plenty of access to quality healthcare options.

The Hanson area also offers a number of fitness centers and other wellness facilities for those looking to stay physically active and mentally well. Gyms in this area of Massachusetts include Club Ex Fitness & Nutrition, Anytime Fitness, and Centre City Gym & Fitness Center. Nearby yoga studios are also available, as well as meditation centers and access to supplementary care like acupuncture. The area’s plentiful medical centers, urgent care facilities, and gyms allow retirees choosing to live in Hanson plenty of access to comprehensive healthcare.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

Day 1

Morning:

• Begin the day with breakfast at a favorite local diner, Nellie’s Restaurant, which serves up breakfast platters, breakfast sandwiches, french toast, pancakes, and more.
• Head over to Ames Nowell State Park for a leisurely stroll through the woods or a peaceful afternoon of fishing and relaxing. Cross-country skiing is available in the wintertime.

Afternoon:

• Head over to The Meadow Brook Restaurant for lunch, where locals enjoy seafood dishes, steak, burgers, and pizza.
• Drive over to one of the many beaches on Plymouth Bay and enjoy a walk by the sea.

Evening:

• Enjoy some local Italian food for dinner at Mother Anna’s Restaurant and Bar, known for its pasta specials, veal and chicken entrees, and appetizers like mussels marinara.
• After dinner, take a short drive over to Whitman, MA for dessert at Peaceful Meadows Ice Cream.

Day 2

Morning:

• Enjoy a heart breakfast at Connie’s Restaurant, which has an extensive breakfast menu featuring omelets, one- to three-egg breakfast platters, pancakes, and more.
• Play a round of golf at Pembroke Country Club, where a championship golf course awaits novices and experienced players alike.

Afternoon:

• Make your way over to Bryantville Pizza Kitchen for lunch, where gourmet pizzas are served daily.
• Meet with a local 55places real estate expert to learn more about the options for 55+ communities in Louisville.

Evening:

• Wrap up your stay with a dinner at Route 53 Tavern, which features a wide selection of New England pub fare, salads, pasta, and more.

Getting to Hanson, MA

There are many ways of traveling to Hanson from various locations. Hanson is accessible by car via Routes 58 and 14. Interstate 495 runs south of town, and Route 3 connects the area to Boston. The closest major airport is Boston Logan International, which connects travelers with most major destinations in the United States and beyond. For those who prefer to travel by train, Hanson is accessible from Boston via the Kingston Line and the Middleborough/Lakeville Line, both of which are operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority.