Overview
Webster is a quaint town located in Eastern Massachusetts. The town is home to a sizable lake that provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Lively entertainment options like a concert venue and beer garden make Webster a popular retirement destination. Worcester and Boston are a short drive away from Webster, for active adults that enjoy the city life from time to time.
Climate & Geography
The town has a warm-summer continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Residents can expect more rainfall and snowfall than the national average, and approximately 197 sunny days throughout each year.
Webster is situated on hilly land in Eastern Massachusetts. The town borders Connecticut on its southern edge, and French River Reservoir borders Webster’s western edge. Within the town is Webster Lake, which is officially named Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg, generally regarded as the longest place name in the U.S.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Webster locals can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities by visiting Webster Lake. The expansive lake allows visitors to enjoy activities like boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Nearby Douglas State Forest is a local favorite spot for biking, hiking, or cross-country skiing during the winter months.
Retirees seeking a laid back spot to enjoy a drink can visit Kretschmann Brewery and Beer Garden. The brewery hosts live music and events regularly, and offers a “pub cinema” where locals can purchase tickets to see movies on the big screen. Indian Ranch is a concert venue that is located on Webster Lake. Retirees can enjoy live music and dine at Samuel Slater Restaurant, located next door.
Webster is home to several dining options, and local Auburn Mall is just a short drive away.
Those interested in more entertainment, dining, and shopping options can take a day trip to Worcester or Boston.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The overall cost of living in Webster is just slightly above the national average, and lower than Massachusetts’ state average, primarily due to the high cost of homes and housing. Transportation and health care costs in Webster are below the national average.
Social Security and public pensions are not taxed in Massachusetts, however, all other forms of retirement income are subject to taxes with no special exemptions or deductions. Although property taxes are higher than average, the sales tax in Webster is on the lower end of average, at 6.25 percent.
Health Care
The state of Massachusetts ranks above average on Gallup’s Well-Being Index.
While there are no hospitals within Webster, the surrounding area has a few hospitals to choose from. Harrington HealthCare System, in Southbridge, is rated high performing in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). UMass Memorial Medical Center, located in Worcester, is ranked the No. 6 hospital in the state by U.S. News, and is rated high performing in five procedures and conditions. Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester is high performing in COPD and heart failure.