Scituate, MA 55+ active adult communities & homes for sale

Situated along the Eastern Massachusetts coastline, Scituate rests between Boston and Plymouth, offering effortless access to these bustling cities, along with nearby beaches and abundant outdoor recreation areas. As a result, 55+ communities in Scituate attract retirees seeking an active and appealing retirement destination.

Scituate Climate & Geography

The climate in Scituate is humid continental, which means the town experiences all four seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Residents can expect approximately 52 inches of rain, and 43 inches of snow per year, which are both well above the national average.

Situated in Plymouth County, Scituate is a South Shore community at the southern end of Boston Harbor in Massachusetts Bay. The landscape predominantly features coastal plains, characterized by flat, wooded expanses. Along the coastline, you'll find a diverse mix of sandy beaches, salt marshes, and rugged granite shoreline.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment in the Scituate Area

Some of the top attractions in Scituate include Scituate Lighthouse, Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Maritime and Mossing Museum, Peggoty, Cole Parkway, Stockbridge Grist Mill, Widow’s Walk Golf Course, and many more. The downtown area has plenty of popular cafes, pubs, and restaurants and easy access to the scenic waterfront.

Active adults who enjoy outdoor recreation will particularly enjoy Scituate. The town is known for its marinas, popular for boating and yachting. There are several state parks and protected natural areas nearby, such as Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, Massasoit National Wildlife Refuge, and Wompatuck State Park, where residents can enjoy activities such as camping and hiking. And of course there are numerous beaches along the Atlantic Coastline for swimming and sunbathing: Minot, Sand, Peggotty, Humarock, and Sand Hills.

The town is also conveniently located about 30 miles away from Boston for even more access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Scituate Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in Scituate is higher than the state and national average with the very high cost of homes and housing being the primary factor for this. Grocery, utilities, and transportation costs are all also above the average, while health care is the only index that falls below average.

Income tax in Massachusetts has a flat rate of five percent. Social Security benefits and public pensions are the only forms of retirement income that are exempt from taxation in the state. All retirement savings accounts and private employer pensions are fully taxed at the flat rate, with no special deductions or exemptions available. Property taxes are average, but due to the high cost of homes this can be a significant expense. Some residents who are 65+ may qualify for a Circuit Breaker Credit which refunds a maximum of $1,170 in property taxes, based on income and assessed home value. Sales tax in the state is lower than the national average, and does not apply to groceries, clothing, and prescription medication.

Health Care

Massachusetts ranks in the top 10 states for the Gallup Well Being Index, and the Boston metro area ranks within the top 25 communities in the U.S.

Although residents of 55+ communities in Scituate do not have a hospital in town, there are three hospitals nearby. South Shore Hospital in South Weymouth, Signature Healthcare Hospital in Brockton, and Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Milton.