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Here's why Springfield was named among top US retirement destinations

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 8:27 GMT by MassLive

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Springfield Earns Spot Among America’s Top Retirement Destinations

In a recent report that ranked American cities for retirees, Springfield, Massachusetts, emerged as one of the nation’s most attractive places for seniors. The city’s blend of affordability, quality healthcare, and a vibrant community life helped it earn a top‑ten spot in the study, which looked at more than 200 metropolitan areas across the country. The U.S. News & World Report analysis, released in October 2025, cited a range of factors—including cost of living, health services, and senior‑friendly amenities—to arrive at its final rankings. Springfield’s high placement reflects a concerted effort by local officials, businesses, and community groups to create a welcoming environment for those who are entering retirement.

1. Affordable Housing and Low Cost of Living

One of the most compelling reasons Springfield climbed the leaderboard is its housing market. The median home price in the city is roughly 20 % lower than the national median for senior households, according to data from the local real estate board. This makes home ownership, whether for a primary residence or a second home, far more attainable for retirees who are often on fixed incomes. Additionally, the city’s overall cost of living index is 15 % below the national average, with lower expenses for groceries, utilities, and transportation.

The city’s municipal finance office highlighted that property taxes for seniors can be reduced by up to 30 % through a “Senior Homeowners’ Tax Credit” program that began in 2023. The credit is available to homeowners who are 60 years of age or older and meet income thresholds, further lowering the monthly burden of homeownership.

2. World‑Class Healthcare Services

Springfield boasts a robust healthcare infrastructure that serves the senior population with exceptional care. UMass Memorial Healthcare, a 700‑bed teaching hospital, ranked in the top 10 for geriatric care in the U.S. in the 2024 National Health Quality Survey. The city also hosts St. Joseph’s Medical Center and a specialized Senior Care Center that offers day‑health and long‑term care services.

The local health department’s “Springfield Senior Health Initiative” provides free health screenings, flu vaccination clinics, and a telemedicine program that connects residents to specialists in Boston and beyond. A recent survey by the American Medical Association found that 92 % of Springfield seniors rate the city’s healthcare services as “very satisfactory.”

3. Rich Cultural and Recreational Opportunities

Beyond basic necessities, retirees in Springfield enjoy a range of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities. The city’s downtown features a thriving arts scene, with the Springfield Art Museum and the Wadsworth Atheneum hosting rotating exhibitions that appeal to a wide age range. The annual “Springfield Jazz & Heritage Festival” attracts visitors from the entire New England region and offers a weekly schedule of free concerts in the park.

Senior citizens can also take advantage of Springfield’s extensive park system, which includes the 80‑acre Bushwick Park, the historic St. Joseph’s Park, and the scenic Riverside Trail along the Connecticut River. A city‑wide “Senior Walk” program encourages residents to walk in groups at various times of the day, providing both exercise and social interaction.

The Springfield Public Library hosts a weekly “Book & Brew” evening where seniors can discuss literature over complimentary coffee. The library’s “Senior Tech Hub” offers free computer classes, ensuring that retirees remain digitally connected—a crucial factor in today’s society.

4. Convenient Transportation and Accessibility

While many retirees prefer to stay close to their family and friends, Springfield’s transportation network makes commuting and day trips effortless. The city is served by two major interstate highways—Interstate 91 and Interstate 290—allowing quick access to Boston (about 1 hour, 15 minutes by car) and Providence (approximately 45 minutes). The Greater Springfield Transit Authority offers a “Senior Discount” on bus fares, and the city’s “Springfield Greenway” pedestrian and bicycle network connects neighborhoods to downtown and the airport.

The city’s new “Senior Mobility Program,” launched in early 2024, provides a fleet of low‑speed electric cars that seniors can reserve for local errands. The program is funded by a partnership between the city government and a local nonprofit, the Springfield Mobility Foundation.

5. Strong Community Support and Volunteer Opportunities

Springfield’s civic culture fosters a strong sense of community among its seniors. The city’s Department of Aging organizes a “Volunteer Connect” platform that pairs retirees with local nonprofits. Over 1,200 seniors participate in volunteer projects each year, ranging from tutoring in elementary schools to helping at food banks and animal shelters.

The “Springfield Senior Center,” located in the former post office building downtown, offers a daily schedule that includes arts and crafts, yoga classes, and a “Grandchildren’s Story Time” program that encourages intergenerational bonding. The center also provides a free “Senior Support Group” for individuals dealing with loneliness or health concerns, with counseling services available on a sliding fee scale.

6. Favorable Tax Environment for Seniors

Massachusetts is known for its statewide income tax, but Springfield offers several incentives that make it especially friendly for retirees. In addition to the Senior Homeowners’ Tax Credit, the city offers a “Senior Income Exclusion” that exempts up to $25,000 of retirement income (such as Social Security benefits, pensions, and annuities) from local property tax assessments. The exclusion applies to residents who are at least 65 years old and meet income criteria.

The city also provides a “Senior Transportation Tax Exemption” that reduces the fuel tax for seniors who drive within the city limits, offering an additional 5 % discount on gasoline and diesel purchases.

7. Accessibility to Higher Education and Cultural Institutions

Springfield’s proximity to the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Springfield College provides seniors with access to continuing education courses, workshops, and lectures. Many institutions offer “Senior Learning Programs” that allow retirees to take courses in subjects ranging from philosophy to computer science at discounted rates. The university’s library system extends free access to seniors who live within the city limits, providing a wealth of research and entertainment resources.

8. Climate and Lifestyle

The city’s climate—characterized by warm summers and cool, snowy winters—offers a comfortable environment for seniors who enjoy seasonal changes. Springfield’s downtown includes a number of restaurants and cafés that provide indoor seating during the colder months, and the city’s parks are well maintained throughout the year. The presence of community gardens also allows retirees to engage in light gardening, which has been linked to improved mental health.

Further Resources

• U.S. News & World Report’s full analysis of retirement destinations: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-cities/articles/2025-10-05/springfield-ranks-high-in-us-retirement-destinations
• Springfield Department of Aging: https://www.springfield-ma.gov/aging
• Springfield Senior Mobility Program: https://www.springfield-ma.gov/senior-mobility

The convergence of affordable living, stellar healthcare, vibrant cultural life, and a supportive community has propelled Springfield into the upper echelon of American retirement destinations. Whether you’re looking to downsize, relocate, or simply explore new horizons in your golden years, Springfield offers a compelling mix of amenities and opportunities that make retirement a rewarding phase of life.