Upton 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Located about 30 miles southeast of Boston, Upton provides peaceful small town living while still being within easy reach of large city amenities. Upton is a beautiful area which includes several picturesque lakes and forests that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The town's quaint downtown area is filled with unique shops, restaurants, and cafes, providing residents with ample opportunities to explore and discover new things. With a population of just under 8,000 Upton is known for its close-knit friendly community. 

Affordability and Cost of Living 

Compared to some other areas on the east coast Upton is less expensive but its cost of living is still 35 percent higher than the national average. Much of the higher cost of living is due to housing costs which are almost double that of the national average. Healthcare is a little lower than average costs but groceries, utilities, and transportation costs are between 5 and 15 percent higher than the national average. Property taxes in Upton are high, the average property tax in Worcester County where Upton is located is 1.1 percent of fair market value. There are no county or city sales taxes but the state sales tax for Massachusetts is 6.25 percent.

Massachusetts has a state income tax of a flat 5 percent although taxable income over $1 million is subject to an additional 4 percent. Social Security and government pensions are exempt but all other forms of retirement income are subject to tax. Massachusetts does have estate tax but no inheritance taxes.

Climate and Geography 

The Upton area sees about 50 inches of rain per year, much of it falling during the months of May and June. Average winter temperatures range from 20 to 35 degrees. Summer in Upton is warm and humid with summer temperatures averaging between 60 and 80 degrees with 70 percent humidity. Average snowfall in Upton is 51 inches with the highest chance of snow during the month of February. 

Upton's scenery is characterized by its rolling hills, forests, and lakes. Upton State Forest is a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and birdwatchers, boasting over 2,600 acres of trails, streams, and lakes. Lake Wildwood, located in the northeast corner of the town, provides a great spot for fishing, swimming, and boating. The town also has a number of conservation areas, such as Warren Brook and Whitehall State Park, which offer stunning views of the area's natural landscape and wildlife.

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

Upton, MA offers a wide range of recreational activities, cultural events, shopping, and entertainment options for visitors and residents alike. From hiking and biking to museums and historical sites, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this charming town.

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Blissful Meadows Golf Club
• Hopedale Country Club
• Pickleball courts at Kiwanis Beach and Memorial Park
• Tennis courts at Kiwanis Beach

Hiking, Biking and Boating

• Upton State Forest
• Warren Brook Watershed Conservation Area
• West Hill Dam and Recreation Area
• Lake Wildwood

Museums and Historical Sites

• Nipmuc Indian Museum
• Grafton and Upton Railroad Depot
• Upton Historical Society

Performing Arts

• Encore Theater Company
• Hopkinton Center for the Arts
• Alternatives Whitin Mill

Parks and Gardens

• Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park
• Southwick's Zoo
• Tower Hill Botanic Garden
• Whitehall State Park

Festivals and Fairs

• Upton Annual Harvest Fair
• Grafton Celebrates the Holidays
• Upton Summerfest
• Westborough Spring Festival

Health and Wellness 

Upton is conveniently located near several major medical centers, including UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Milford Regional Medical Center, and Marlborough Hospital. These centers offer a range of specialized services and advanced treatments for various medical conditions. 

There are several local options for self-care, including spas, and fitness centers, where residents can take advantage of various wellness services, such as massages and personal training. The Westborough Tennis and Swim Club is located just a short drive from Upton and offers a range of fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates, and Zumba, as well as swimming and tennis facilities. The YMCA of Central Massachusetts, which has several locations in the area also offers various fitness classes, swimming, and wellness programs. 

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

If you are considering retiring to Upton, MA, it's a good idea to visit the area to get a sense of what it's like to live there. Here's a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of a two day trip:

Day One

Morning:

• Start your day with breakfast at the famous Dunkin, which serves delicious donuts, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee.
• After breakfast, head to the beautiful Upton State Forest for a morning hike or walk. With over 2,500 acres of forest, trails, and ponds, this is a great place to enjoy nature and get some exercise.

Afternoon:

• For lunch, head to Red Rock Grill & Bar for a tasty sandwich or wrap and a cold drink.
• In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to Southwick's Zoo, one of the top-rated zoos in New England, featuring over 115 animal species from around the world.

Evening:

• For dinner, enjoy the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of Galliford's Restaurant and Tavern, which serves delicious American cuisine and offers a variety of beers on tap.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start your day with breakfast at Breakfast at Stephanies, a popular local spot for pancakes, omelets, and coffee.
• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to learn more about the area's retirement communities and available properties.

Afternoon:

• After your meeting, take a short drive to the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, a stunning garden and conservatory featuring a variety of plants, flowers, and art exhibits.
• For lunch, stop by the charming Depot Street Tavern for a tasty sandwich or wrap and a refreshing drink.

Evening:

• End your day with dinner at the beautiful and romantic Rustic Kitchen, which serves delicious Italian cuisine and has a great wine list.

Getting to Upton, MA

Upton is conveniently located near several major highways, making it easily accessible by car. Visitors driving from Boston can take the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) west to I-495 south, which will bring them to Upton. From the north, visitors can take I-495 south to exit 21, and from the south, they can take I-495 north to exit 21A.

For those traveling by air, the closest major airport is Boston Logan International Airport, located approximately 45 miles east of Upton. Many major airlines fly into Boston Logan, including American, Delta, United, JetBlue, and Southwest. From the airport, visitors can rent a car or take a taxi or rideshare service to Upton.

Additionally, visitors can take the commuter rail from Boston to nearby towns, such as Grafton or Worcester, and then take a taxi or rideshare service to Upton. The closest Amtrak station is in Worcester, which is approximately 20 miles south of Upton. For visitors arriving by bus, several regional and national bus companies, including Greyhound and Peter Pan, provide service to Worcester.