Walpole 55+ Retirement Communities

Walpole is located in eastern Massachusetts, just 20 miles southwest of Boston. With its charming small-town atmosphere, low crime rates, and natural beauty Walpole is popular with 55+ active adults who are seeking a tranquil and active retirement in a welcoming community. 

Affordability and Cost of Living

Walpole's cost of living is 44.3 percent higher than the national average but comparable to other areas in the region. The cost of housing in Walpole is higher than the national average, with the median home price around $608,400. Grocery, utility and transportation costs are between 10 and 30 percent higher than the national average. On the other hand, healthcare costs in the area are 10 percent lower than average. Property taxes in Walpole, like the rest of the state, are very high. A homeowner in Walpole can expect to pay 1.02 percent of the assessed fair market value of their home in property taxes.

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 taxed. Massachusetts does have estate tax but no inheritance taxes. Sales tax is a flat 6.25 percent throughout the state.

Climate and Geography

The Walpole area sees about 47 inches of rain per year, much of it falling during the month of May. Average winter low temperatures range from 15 to 20 degrees. Average snowfall is 50 inches with the highest chance of snow during the month of February. Summer in Walpole is warm and somewhat humid with summer high temperatures averaging between 75 and 80 degrees with 60 to 70 percent humidity.  Walpole is known for its fall foliage, which attracts many visitors during the autumn. 

The Walpole area is known for its picturesque landscapes and natural beauty. The town is surrounded by lush green forests and is situated along the Neponset River. Within a 20-mile radius of Walpole, there are several mountains such as the Blue Hills and Wrentham Mountain. The town is also located just 10 miles from the coast allowing residents to enjoy scenic beaches and waterfront activities. Overall, Walpole offers the perfect combination of easy access to both the mountains and the ocean. 

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment

Walpole offers a variety of recreational activities, cultural events, shopping, and entertainment options for residents and visitors alike. 

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Walpole Country Club
• Norwood Country Club

Hiking, Biking, and Boating

• Adams Farm
• Francis William Bird Park
• Wrentham State Forest
• Neponset River Greenway

Museums and Historical Sites

• Francis William Bird House
• Walpole Historical Society
• Old Post Road Historic District
• Plimpton House

Performing Arts

• Footlight Club
• Orpheum Theater
• Norwood Theater
• Dedham Community Theater

Shopping

• Patriot Place
• Walpole Mall
• Legacy Place

Parks and Gardens

• Patriot Place Garden
• Bird Park Gardens
• Borderland State Park

Festivals and Fairs

• Walpole Farmers Market
• Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary Oktoberfest
• Walpole Community Food Truck Festival
• Walpole Town Day

Health and Wellness

Walpole, MA has a variety of health and wellness options available for 55+ active adults and retirees. The town is located within easy driving distance of several major medical centers, including Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Norwood Hospital in Norwood, and Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro. All three hospitals offer a range of medical services and specialties, including cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics.

For those looking to focus on self-care and keeping fit, Walpole offers several options. There are a variety of fitness centers and gyms in the area, as well as several yoga and Pilates studios. Many of the yoga studios offer classes and sessions in meditation and mindfulness. Additionally, Walpole has several parks and trails for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and biking, including Francis William Bird Park and Adams Farm. Residents seeking to improve their nutritional health can find farm fresh produce from June to October at the Walpole Farmers Market. 

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

If you are considering retiring to the Walpole area, it's a great idea to plan a visit to get a feel for what it's like. This two-day itinerary will give you a taste of what the area has to offer, including great food, outdoor activities, and opportunities to connect with local residents.

Day One

Morning:

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Farmer's Daughter, a popular breakfast spot with a farm-to-table approach. Try their fluffy pancakes or eggs Benedict, made with locally sourced ingredients.
• After breakfast, take a stroll through Francis William Bird Park, a beautiful green space with walking trails, ponds, and gardens. This is a great spot to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise.

Afternoon:

• For lunch, head to Rico's Pizzeria, a family-owned Italian restaurant with homemade calzones and wood-fired pizza.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the Walpole area. Visit the Walpole Mall for some shopping or take a drive to nearby Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, for a stadium tour.

Evening:

• For dinner, check out The Raven's Nest, a local pub with a great selection of beers and pub fare. This is a great spot to relax and unwind after a busy day.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start your day with a cup of coffee and a pastry at Coffee Sensations, a cozy cafe in downtown Walpole. This is a great spot to meet locals and get a sense of the community.
• Meet with your local real estate agent who specializes in 55+ communities in the area. They can answer any questions you have about the local housing market and show you some properties that might be a good fit for your retirement lifestyle.

Afternoon:

• For lunch, head to Stoneforge Grill, a popular restaurant with a diverse menu of American favorites. 
• Spend the afternoon exploring nearby Borderland State Park for a hike or picnic.

Evening:

• For your last night in the area, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Tavolino, a cozy Italian restaurant with homemade pasta and great seafood dishes.

Getting to Walpole

Walpole, MA can be accessed by several modes of transportation. Here are some directions for visitors to the area:

By Car:

Walpole can be reached by several major highways including I-95, I-495, and Route 1. If you are coming from Boston, take I-93 South to I-95 South, then take exit 9 and follow the signs to Walpole.

By Train:

The closest Amtrak stations are in Boston and Providence. From Boston or Providence, visitors could take a commuter rail or bus to get to Walpole.Walpole is also accessible by train via the MBTA commuter rail. The Walpole station is on the Franklin line and provides service to Boston and surrounding towns. The train ride from Boston to Walpole takes approximately 45 minutes.

By Air:

For visitors arriving by air, the nearest major airport is Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), located approximately 25 miles northeast of Walpole. Several airlines, including Delta, United, and American Airlines operate out of Logan Airport, and the airport is a hub for JetBlue. Ground transportation options from the airport to Walpole include car rentals, taxis, and ride-sharing services.