Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Willamstown, Massachusetts
Home to Preppy Williams College, Pretty Williamstown Boasts a Red Brick Downtown and Plentiful Cultural Activities
Classic New England beauty is the signature of postcard-perfect Williamstown, Massachusetts. A college town essentially in the middle of nowhere, it is the most northwestern metro area in the state, next to New York and Vermont and surrounded by the scenic Berkshire Hills.
Preppy Williams College has more than 2,000 students and is the heart of Williamstown. Residents include professionals, professors and artists who enjoy the picturesque surroundings and intellectual stimulation. Those who are new to town might find that their neighbors are slow to warm up to them, but the college's many community lectures, plays, film screenings and more help the bonding process. The annual Tony Award-winning Williamstown Theatre Festival brings theater lovers in from around the region, and the Clark Art Institute, a jazz festival and the Williams College Museum of Art add to the rich cultural fabric.
Downtown has red brick buildings, coffee shops, offices, campus buildings, shops, bookstores and very good restaurants. There is an organic market, an outlet mall and on Sundays during the summer, Spring Street transforms into a pedestrian fair with activities, shopping and food.
About 8,000 residents live here, with 40% of them age 45 or older. Forty-two percent of locals hold a four-year college degree. The population has remained steady during the last decade.
The cost of living is 10% above the national average, and the median home price is $500,000. Real estate prices have increased 2% from last year.
Summers are pleasant with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, while winters can be quite cold, with temperatures in the teens and 20s. The area averages about 45 inches of rain and 60 inches of snow annually.
North Adams Regional Hospital, five miles away, provides medical care. The city provides public transit, maintains a public library, and enjoys a crime rate below the national average. Politics lean very much to the left.
Situated in New England, Massachusetts is known for its blend of Colonial charm, academic excellence, and natural beauty. From the cobblestone streets of Boston and the prestigious universities of Cambridge to the sandy shores of Cape Cod and the scenic Berkshire Mountains, the state offers a wide variety of lifestyles and landscapes.
Massachusetts has played a central role in American history, with landmarks tied to the Revolution and a tradition of progressive thought that continues today. Its economy is strong, driven by education, healthcare, and technology, while its towns and cities are filled with museums, theaters, and cultural events.
Though the cost of living is higher than the national average, many retirees and families are drawn to the state's excellent healthcare systems, vibrant arts scene, and access to both urban conveniences and peaceful coastal or rural settings.
Massachusetts is considered only somewhat tax-friendly for retirees.
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