Methuen 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

The city of Methuen, located in Eastern Massachusetts along the border of New Hampshire, is an attractive retirement location for active adults who want to live in a smaller city while still having access to entertainment and recreation. The city’s history can be found throughout some of the architecture and is maintained through community involvement. Retirees who appreciate a diverse climate and rich history will not be disappointed with their decision to make Methuen their home. 

Climate & Geography

Methuen lies within a humid continental climate zone, characterized by four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters that often dip into freezing temperatures. The city experiences more rainfall and twice as much snowfall as the national average, and there are about 200 sunny days in the city each year.

The terrain surrounding Methuen is made up mostly of gently rolling hills, punctuated by kettle ponds carved out from ancient glacial activity. Many of these small bodies of water can be found throughout Methuen, in addition to multiple brooks. The Merrimack River makes up most of the southern and eastern borders of the city, while the New Hampshire-Massachusetts state line makes up the northern border.  

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

Methuen’s Senior Center offers active adults a variety of day trips, overnight trips, and extended stay opportunities. These trips range from performances, ball games, cruises, special attractions, weekends away, and more. Retirees who wish to learn a new skill or hobby like ceramics, needle art, oil painting, or Japanese Bunka can take classes at the senior center.

Methuen Museum of History features displays, artifacts, and exhibits that chronicles Methuen’s history for residents to explore. Residents of the city can visit Methuen Memorial Music Hall to enjoy the concerts, events, and recitals hosted throughout the year.

Less than an hour from Boston, Methuen residents can take a day trip to explore the city.   

Cost of Living & Taxes

 The cost of living in Methuen is higher than the national average, but lower than the state average. The high cost of housing is the primary factor, but two other indexes, health care and transportation are lower than both the state and national average. 

Massachusetts does not tax Social Security benefits and most government employee pension income. All other income is taxed at a 5.15 percent flat rate, and there is a 6.25 percent combined sales tax in Methuen.

Health Care

There are two hospitals located within 10 miles of Methuen that are rated high performing by U.S. News: Lawrence General Hospital and Lowell General Hospital.