Shrewsbury, MA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Shrewsbury is a suburban town located in central Massachusetts, just outside Worcester. Active adults seeking a city that offers convenient access to their favorite winter sports will want to explore everything that Shrewsbury has to offer. Just a 20-minute drive from Worcester and an hour from Boston, Shrewsbury offers the perfect balance between a peaceful nature town and lively city life.

Climate & Geography

The town has a humid continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Rapid weather fluctuations are common due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as a confluence of warm, humid air from the south and cool, dry air from the north. Residents can expect more rainfall and snowfall than the national average, and approximately 197 sunny days throughout each year.

Shrewsbury is located on hilly land in central Massachusetts. Lake Quinsigamond borders the city’s western side, and West Brook and Hop Brook flow through the city.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

Active adults venture to the Ski Ward Ski Area during the colder months to make the most of the area’s abundance of snowfall. From skiing to tubing, the ski area offers a place for locals to get outdoors and appreciate the scenic views of the area’s hilly terrain.

After a day filled with outdoor activities, locals head to one of the area’s bars or wineries to enjoy some well-earned relaxation time indoors. Another popular destination in Shrewsbury is the General Artemas Ward Museum. The well-known American Revolutionary War General’s home is open for tours seasonally. Various shops and restaurants in the Shrewsbury area ensure that locals are provided with everything they need close to home.

Worcester and Boston are both a short drive away for any retirees that are interested in more shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The overall cost of living in Shrewsbury is higher than the state and national averages. The main cause for this is the above average cost of homes and housing in Shrewsbury compared to other areas of the United States.

Social Security benefits and public pensions are not taxed in Massachusetts, however, all other forms of retirement income are subject to the 5.1 percent income tax rate. Property taxes in Massachusetts are above average, and this is expense is inflated by the high price of real estate. The sales tax in Shrewsbury is slightly lower than average, at 6.25 percent.

Health Care

Both the state of Massachusetts and the Boston area score high on Gallup’s Well-Being Index, with the Boston area ranking in the top 25 communities in the country.

Those looking for health care options near Shrewsbury will find that there are plenty of highly rated hospitals nearby. In Worcester, UMass Memorial Medical Center is high performing in five procedures and conditions, and Saint Vincent Hospital is high performing in two procedures and conditions. Massachusetts General Hospital, located in Boston, is rated the No. 1 hospital in the state according to U.S. News. The hospital is nationally ranked in 16 specialties and rated high performing in nine procedures and conditions.