Shrewsbury, MA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Shrewsbury is a suburban town located in central Massachusetts, just outside Worcester. Active adults seeking a city offering convenient access to their favorite winter sports will want to explore Shrewsbury. Moreover the city is just a 20-minute drive from Worcester and an hour from Boston.  55+ communities in Shrewsbury offer the perfect balance between a small city and large city life.

Shrewsbury 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. In addition a confluence of warm, humid air from the south and cool, dry air from the north can cause fluctuations. Residents can expect more rainfall and snowfall than the national average, and approximately 197 sunny days throughout each year.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment in the Shrewsbury Area

Residents enjoy 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 to get outdoors and appreciate the scenic views.

After a day outdoors, locals head to one of the area’s bars or wineries to enjoy indoor relaxation. Shrewsbury's General Artemas Ward Museum is popular as well. The well-known American Revolutionary War General’s home is open for tours seasonally. Additionally various shops and restaurants in the Shrewsbury area ensure that locals are provided with everything they need close to home.

Moreover, Worcester and Boston are both a short drive away for more shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Shrewsbury Cost of Living & Taxes

The overall cost of living in Shrewsbury is higher than the state and national averages. This is undoubtedly due to the above average cost of homes and housing in Shrewsbury.

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

Health Care in the Shrewsbury Area

Both the state of Massachusetts and the Boston area score high on Gallup’s Well-Being Index. 55+ communities in Shrewsbury are part of the Boston metro area which ranks 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.