Overview
Weymouth is a city in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. Best known for being the second-oldest city in the state, and having a rich local culture. Retirees that are seeking a quaint coastal town with all four seasons will surely appreciate Weymouth.
Climate & Geography
This region of Eastern Massachusetts has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Residents can expect much more rainfall and snowfall than the national averages, and approximately 201 days of sunshine throughout each year.
The surrounding area is filled with parks and natural areas that have been reclaimed from former industrial sites. Quincy Bay borders to the northwest. The Weymouth Back River and the Weymouth Fore River, estuaries of the Massachusetts Bay watershed, make up the northern border of the city. Whitman's Pond and Weymouth Great Pond are situated within the city limits.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Active adults who enjoy the outdoors can take a stroll and bike ride through Webb Memorial State Park and Osprey Overlook Park. In total there are 43 parks, recreation areas, and historical sites and landmarks. The city has a number of spas and brewing companies scattered throughout, as well of plenty local shops and restaurants.
The larger city of Boston is approximately 15 miles north of Weymouth, perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway to enjoy a wider variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The overall cost of living is quite high, roughly 30% above the national average, and is slightly higher than the state average for Massachusetts. This is primarily due to the extremely high cost of homes and housing, as well as the high transportation costs. Groceries and utilities are slightly above average, while health care costs are well below average.
Despite the high cost of living, Massachusetts is considered a moderately tax-friendly state for retirees. Social Security benefits and public pensions are exempt from income tax, but all other forms of retirement income are fully taxed with no special exemptions. Property taxes are fairly average, but this can still be a significant financial burden due to the high cost of homes. There is a Circuit Breaker Credit to help provide some property tax relief for residents who qualify based on age and income. Sales tax is fairly low in the state and does not apply to clothing or prescription medication.
Health Care
The Boston area scores high on Gallup’s Well-Being Index, ranking in the top 25 communities to live in the country. Massachusetts scores in the top 17 states to live in the United States.
There are three highly ranked medical centers and hospitals located within 10 miles of Weymouth. They are South Shore Hospital-South Weymouth, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Milton, and Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital. All three are rated high performing in various adult procedures and conditions according to U.S. News.