Find out what retirees love about this Massachusetts city for its urban energy and affordable living

Springfield, Massachusetts, located in the western part of the state, is one of the largest cities in Massachusetts and New England.If you’re looking for a big-city vibe without the big-city paychecks in retirement, look no further.

Springfield ranks sixth on the Top 50 Places to Retire. With the help of travel + entertainment. To find the 50 best places to retire in the United States, Investopedia analyzed factors such as cost of living, entertainment options, and access to travel and health care.

So, if you’re thinking about where you want to spend your next semester, here’s what you need to know about Springfield, Massachusetts before you make the move.

How much will it cost you to live here?

First, the good news: Massachusetts won’t tax your Social Security benefits. Income from public pensions is also tax-free, although non-public pensions will not receive this exemption.

The state also offers what’s known as the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit, which is $2,730 in tax year 2024. This tax credit is a refundable personal income tax credit available to seniors age 65 or older who own or rent property in the state. You can claim it when you return to your state.

Now, the not-so-good news: Massachusetts has one of the highest income tax rates in the country, according to the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan think tank.However, if you are not a millionaire, you don’t have to worry about paying the higher price.

In Massachusetts, the flat tax rate is 5%, and only those with income over $1,053,750 are liable to pay the additional 4% tax.

You also won’t have to spend an exorbitant amount of money on a mortgage to buy a home in Springfield. The median home value in Hampden County is $276,300, and average monthly housing costs are $1,309.

The state sales tax you’ll pay when you get to local stores is just 6.25%, making it one of the states with the least expensive sales tax.

What can you do in your free time?

Springfield is nestled among the mountains and hills near the Connecticut River Valley, but the possibilities for enjoying your newfound free time don’t begin and end with the outdoors here.

Hampden County, home of Springfield, offers 160 arts and entertainment facilities. The Springfield Public Forum regularly hosts nationally known speakers, such as Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

And if you’re interested in checking out the art scene, visit Quandrangle. Located in downtown Springfield, this area is home to several art museums and cultural institutions, such as the Dr. Seuss Museum, Science Museum, and Art Museum.

The city is also home to the MassMutual Center, an arena and conference center where you can play a game of ice hockey or head to the expo.

For those more inclined to spend time outdoors, the City of Springfield Parks and Recreation Department maintains Franconia and Veterans Certified golf courses. Urban parks make up more than 10% of Springfield’s land area.

Transportation options

For retirees who want a walkable city, Springfield can be a great option, especially in the downtown area. The Institute of Economic Research gives Springfield a “Walk Score” of 88, meaning it is “very easy to walk.”However, you may still need a car to get around.

Since Springfield is the largest city in Hampden County with a population of over 155,000, you may occasionally experience some traffic and parking issues.

When it comes to air travel, the airport is not too far away. Bradley International is the closest major airport, located about 20 miles away and is the main airport serving western Massachusetts.

Plus, you’ll have easy access by train and bus into Springfield. Union Station is a major Amtrak station providing rail service, and Peter Pan Bus Lines operate off this hub as well, reaching areas throughout the Northeast.

Health care services

In your retirement years, it can be very important to have easy access to hospitals and doctors. Hampden County has 22 hospitals and 683 other health care institutions. Hospitals include the award-winning Baystate Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center, both located in Springfield.

Massachusetts also offers benefits that may be beneficial to retirees. Medical devices and prescription drugs are exempt from state sales tax. The state also provides home health care services for those 60 and older and others with certain disabilities. It’s not free, but the cost depends on your income.

Bottom line

You don’t have to give up the big city when you retire. Springfield, Massachusetts offers a great mix of affordability as well as entertainment options to keep yourself busy in retirement – ​​whether you want to head to a hockey game or take a leisurely stroll through a museum.

But keep in mind that many of the costs listed are average or median numbers, so you may be able to make a living in Springfield even on a smaller budget.