Overview
Scituate is a coastal town located in Eastern Massachusetts, in between Boston and Plymouth. With easy access to these larger cities as well as nearby beaches and plenty of outdoor recreation areas, Scituate is an ideal retirement location.
Climate and 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.
Located in Plymouth County, Scituate is considered a South Shore community because it is located in the southern end of the Boston Harbor in Massachusetts Bay. The surrounding terrain is mostly coastal plains comprising flat, wooded areas. The terrain directly along the coast includes a mix of sandy beaches, salt marshes, and exposed granite shoreline.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
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.
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 there are no hospitals in Scituate, there are three hospitals nearby that are rated high performing in various adult procedures and conditions according to U.S. News. They are: South Shore Hospital in South Weymouth, Signature Healthcare Hospital in Brockton, and Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Milton.