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Why Retire in Massachusetts?

Forget Florida’s huge bugs and Arizona’s mummifying air and California’s expensive tastes: Massachusetts is not only a great place to live, it’s a great place to retire.

Massachusetts came in 7th in BankRate’s survey of top places in the United States to retire. And although we didn’t beat out our neighbors to the north—#1 New Hampshire and #3 Maine—we still have reason to be proud.

BankRate rated the states according to cost of living, healthcare quality, crime rate, culture and social, weather, senior prevalence, and senior well-being.

The top 10 are: 

Rank State Cost of living Weather Health care quality Crime Tax Culture Senior Well-being
1 New Hampshire 40 45 4 3 7 6 14 2
2 Colorado 33 20 7 26 16 9 46 3
3 Maine 38 44 1 2 35 19 2 11
4 Iowa 14 36 9 15 20 35 9 10
5 Minnesota 30 47 3 14 43 7 34 4
6 Virginia 31 16 16 5 23 14 42 29
7 Massachusetts 45 29 5 17 40 3 24 9
8 South Dakota 26 40 18 20 3 34 20 15
9 Wisconsin 24 42 2 16 46 29 22 6
10 Idaho 5 31 20 4 22 42 37 19

Why Retire in Massachusetts?

Here are 10 reasons to retire in Massachusetts:

You can reach everything in a couple of hours.

Live in a larger state, and it may take you 7 hours or more to travel to a ballgame featuring your favorite team (Go, Sox!), visit a museum, or take in an opera. We have it all in Boston, which is less than 3 hours away from any location in the state.

Boston has everything you want or need.

Boston may be the reason for our state’s high cost of living, but it’s also the reason BankRate listed it as 3rd in the nation for culture. It’s the only real metropolitan city in the northeast. No matter what you want to do, Boston has it.

Massachusetts has great health care.

BankRate rated Massachusetts 5th in the nation for quality of health care. Massachusetts had universal health care before any other state, and it’s still going strong. Before most other states, the state adopted payment systems designed to control costs while improving care. And it has some of the most comprehensive programs for older adults anywhere.

Enjoy the fall foliage.

The state has breathtaking expanses of fall foliage and numerous tours to take advantage of them.

Massachusetts has more history than you can shake a stick at.

From Faneuil Hall to Old Sturbridge Village to Salem, everywhere you go in Massachusetts is replete with history.

Natural attractions take your breath away.

Check out the beaches on Cape Cod during the summer, watch the whales at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, canoe down Chesterfield Gorge, watch tuckered-out folks descend Monument Mountain, or gambol down the Mohawk Trail. Massachusetts features a variety of natural wonders to enjoy.

Massachusetts residents are smart.

Massachusetts schools consistently rank among the highest in the world. Not to mention, Massachusetts hosts Harvard, MIT, Boston College, Amherst, Cambridge, and Wellesley. Why does that matter to someone who’s retiring? Wouldn’t you rather have neighbors and people running the state who are smart? When was the last time a Massachusetts politician made a statement that made you cringe?

Massachusetts has Wine and Cheese Trails.

The state has more than 29 apple, blueberry, cranberry, peach, and grape wineries, and one of the 5 trails probably visits each one.

Safety first in Massachusetts.

Weather-wise, Massachusetts is one of the safest states in the Union. There are no hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes or any other dangerous environmental hazard.

Recreational marijuana is legal.

You may think that’s not of interest to you, but marijuana alleviates chronic pain. There’s also evidence it improves other health conditions.

Massachusetts also mandates that Assisted Living communities meet stringent and comprehensive requirements for certification.

At The Arbors Assisted Living Residential Communities, we believe in creating a stimulating environment that respects resident privacy and encourages independent living. We promote a lifestyle of health and wellness with programs for mental and physical wellness.

 

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-How to Choose the Right Assisted Living Community: What You Need to Know Before You Begin Your SearchHave you decided that assisted living is the best option for your elderly parent, and now are feeling overwhelmed on how to begin your search for the right community?

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Costs and AffordabilityAre you considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one but are hesitant about the cost? Assisted living costs, services and amenities vary greatly among the last and most expensive communities, and costs are higher in some states than others.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Having “The Talk” With Your Parent: It’s Time for Assisted Living
Talking to your aging parent about moving to an assisted living community isn’t easy.

Often, many adult children avoid bringing it up because it can be a sensitive topic.

This guide will provide you with helpful tips and insight on how to have a productive conversation with your parent and siblings regarding your parent’s future.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-The Challenges of Aging: How to Handle Your Aging Parent’s Difficult BehaviorsDifficult behaviors in elderly adults are very common. They may be an expression of frustration your loved one feels or a symptom of early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

This guide will provide you with skills and knowledge on how to handle difficult behaviors your aging parent may be experiencing.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Becoming a Family Caregiver: What You Need to Know Before Deciding to Take Care of a Loved One
Becoming a family caregiver can be a rewarding experience. It also has its challenges.

There are many questions to answer before making the decision to take care of a loved one.

This guide will provide answers to questions you may have on this topic.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Helping Your Parent Manage DepressionIs your parent or loved one depressed, or just in a bad mood?

What does medication and illness have to do with depression?

How can you help? In this guide, you will be provided with answers to the difficult questions you may have about depression.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Is It Depression? A Guide to Identifying and Addressing Depression in Aging AdultsHas your aging parent recently lost interest in activities they used to enjoy? Have you noticed a change in their mood and behavior?

This guide will provide you with resources and tools on how to identify depression, what are the common causes of depression, and how to promote mental health in your aging loved one.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Does your loved one need more support than what they are getting? Would they benefit from some assistance with daily activities?

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Why We Chose the Arbors Assisted Living and Memory Care: A Collection of Stories from Residents Living at The ArborsWhere do you start searching for assisted living or memory care communities?

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-7 Warning Signs It’s Time to Make the Move to Assisted Living
Has your dad stopped getting together for lunches or outings with friends or visits with neighbors? Have you stopped enjoying time with your parents because you’re a caregiver?

Choosing an assisted living community is a big decision. Learn how to find the right one for you and your loved one.


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Guide-Getting Your Affairs in Order
No one ever plans to be sick or disabled, and disasters, man-made or natural, can happen at any time, anywhere.

Yet older adults are among the most vulnerable during a crisis. That’s why it’s critical that seniors, and those who care for them, prepare for emergencies.


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Guide-Guide to Making the Move to Assisted Living
Moving to assisted living is a life-changing event.

This guide provides tips and ideas on downsizing, what to pack and how to make the transition smooth for your senior parent.


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Guide-Solutions to Common Caregiving ChallengesIn this eBook, you’ll learn how to talk with family and friends about caregiving challenges, how to deal with a parent who is resistant to help, how to get more caregiving help from your siblings, and how to keep your job while caregiving.


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How Moving My Loved One to The Arbors Eliminated My Caregiving ChallengesHave you had to cut back your hours at work to care for your mom? Are you worried about administering medications or injections?

Have you stopped getting together with friends, either because you don’t have the time or you’re too exhausted? Are you becoming the invisible second patient?


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Guide-When is the Right Time for Memory Care?In this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the early symptoms of dementia; the seven stages of dementia and the symptoms that typically accompany each one; and the signs it’s time to start exploring your memory care options.


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Guide-What to Look for in a Memory Care CommunityIn this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between assisted living and memory care, how healthcare professionals are trained in dementia care, common features of a memory care community, and questions you should ask when exploring your memory care options.


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Guide-Brothers and Sisters
Navigating adult sibling relationships can be a challenge, but coming together for the sake of your parent is important.

In this guide, you’ll learn about common sibling conflicts that arise when caring for parents, strategies for getting siblings on board, and where to turn to for help.


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Guide-The StandoffAssisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

As you help them transition to a new stage of life, it helps to be prepared with answers to their questions and concerns.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-11 Most Common Caregiving Challenges
A Guide to the Most Common Family Caregiver Challenges Associated with Caring for an Aging Parent.

You’ll learn about the true costs of being a family caregiver, common family conflicts that can occur when caring for parents, and some of the unexpected challenges of caregiving.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Checklist_ Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Community
This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

The list details what important questions to ask during your visit so you are able to make an enlightened choice and find the best assisted living community for your needs.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-What is Assisted Living Really LikeIf you’re unsure what Assisted Living looks like in real life, whether there is a difference with nursing homes or a desire to see how community life unfolds, then this guide is exactly what you need.

A guide to discover the Care Team and a Typical Day in Assisted Living.

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Instant Access to Free Cost Comparison guide

You’re probably wondering how much the different senior living options compare to your current situation.
If you do, then this guide is exactly what you need.


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