Fred

Considering retirement - would like to be within 90 miles from the Boston area - on water if possible (lake or ocean) suggestions from folks who love where they live - and suggestions of newspapers so wife and I can learn about the area...we relocated to the USA from Germany and getting ready to "think" about retirement.

kkj

I'd suggest anywhere in Cape Cod. You'll be close to Boston and you'll have the Atlantic Ocean. Most of the towns I've seen are charming and a lot of people pick the area to retire to.

Anonyimouse

I would suggest anywhere in New Hampshire, because there is no state income tax or sales tax, and therefore, your money will stretch that much further during your retirement years. Just remember that waterfront property can be grossly expensive. My parents have a summer home on waterfront property in ME, and they actually pay a luxury tax on it, and that is above the normal property tax and state income tax. This home is not their primary residence, but the taxes are exhorbitant.

amy

there is a magazine named something like Retirement or Retirement Living. a big newstand or bookstore should have it. it lists places and communities that are desirable for retirees. all of us working folk are envious. enjoy!!!

cape

Cape Cod is a popular retirement spot -- lots of golf and the winters are milder (for New England, that is). However, you'll still be paying big taxes.

One note about New Hampshire, Maine, and places north of Boston: You better like winter weather, or be able to go south for the winter.

Nancy

Cape Cod is positively dismal in the wintertime. In the nice weather, the traffic and crowds are horrendous. Your best bet is New Hampshire. There are lots of lovely waterfront homes all over the place. Many towns under and hour from downtown Boston. You don't have to be on the ocean or a big lake (where the homes are big bucks with taxes to match) to have lovely water views.

xxx3

Before you decide that NH might be cheaper, you should check out the property taxes. The state's income has to come from somewhere, and since most retirees get most of their income from non-taxable sources (income tax, that is), they get disproportionately socked with property taxes.

Also, check with your accountant about the tax implications is any of your income is Massachusetts-based, like a pension from a company based in MA.

Personally, I would look at the shore of Rhode Island.

xxxxxxxxx

Try the Mystic Ct area. Also like Johnstown RI

I know retirees in CapeCod & they love the winters

Congrats!

I live in New Hampshire, and unfortunately don't think it's the best place for retirees. Since there is no income tax, there are few services. And the property tax is very high. You need a nice socialistic state like Mass! The coast of Maine is gorgeous, but extremely expensive. I'd only retire there if I could spend three months each winter in the south! The area around Kennebunk and K-port is really lovely; many of the year-rounders are retirees. Personally, I hope to retire to southern Rhode Island.
By the way, some survey just came out that Providence was the best city for retirees! Didn't see the whole article, just heard the headlines on the news.

Gene

If you are considering Cape Cod, here are newspaper and magazine sites to look at, as you requested: capecodtimes.com and capecodlife.com.

gail

First I thought of Cape Cod - but I am not sure about crowds in summer and emptiness of winter. What about Rhode Island - a very under-rated state. Providence was a dive when I lived there 25 years ago, but has undergone an amazing revival. Live south of Providence - you can go into city for any cultural things or even to Boston as a longer day trip. Beautiful scenery, beaches. I expect it would be costly - but most places near water are.

I would definitely not do New Hampshire. Sure, there are beautiful places. But unless you are in very southern part (which feels more like Mass. anyway) culture is absent, restaurants are odd. The tax thing is an issue - we hve found our friends and relatives who live there really embrace the motto of "Live Free or Die" on all levels. A lot of griping about cost of living and parallel griping about lack of services. Elderly relatives who live in central NH have not been able to find essential services, by State or for fee, necessary to maintain health and safety as they age.

cape

I beg to differ with the "dismal" comment about Cape Cod in winter. Some people refer to it as "quiet" or "sedate."

Of course, there's less activity there in the winter -- it's a summertime resort. But most retirees aren't looking for high-energy activity.

db

Plymouth, MA. It's an absolutely gorgeous area that's growing but still maintains the small-town atmosphere.

Hmm...

Thanks for your post, Gail. If I were "thinking" about retirement, the first place I'd rely on is travel forum for opinions. I can't imagine why all your friends and relatives who "gripe" about life in NH don't just pack up and go elsewhere. Those of us who love living in NH surely appreciate your discouraging folks from coming here when retired. Who needs a bunch of griping geezers?

gail

To Hmm - griping is their hobby.

me

Lived in MA all my life and vacation on the Cape and mostly in NH. I would suggest Newfound Lake in Bristol, NH. Although a smaller lake, it is MUCH cheaper than Winnepauske (about 25 minutes from Newfound Lake). You are close to the mountains from all directions if you ski and hike. Within an hour to Manchester and Concord for a "city feel" and very good medical care. There is also a great airport in Manchester that serves the majority of commerical airlines. Would go into Boston for international flights though. Why do you need to be within 90 miles from Boston though? Check out the Manchester Union Leader for more information. It's a large NH newspaper.