Forget Boston, Retire To This Quaint New England City With Walkable Neighborhoods And Affordable, Healthy Living

Bustling Boston boasts myriad restaurants, hotels, and activities for visitors, but 61 miles away is a historic city teeming with charm that is often overlooked when exploring the state. New Bedford, Massachusetts, is tucked into the state's southern end, between Rhode Island and Cape Cod. A highly walkable city, many of New Bedford's eateries, museums, and even the ferry are within walking distance of each other. Home to about 100,000 people (compared to Boston's 673,000), the coastal lifestyle in this quaint city, with its cobblestone streets, affordability, and beachside location, makes it a retirement destination worth looking at.

In New Bedford, retirees can relax while searching for seashells or take walks in the historic district and waterfront. Plenty of paved pathways and picturesque views encourage exploration and a healthy lifestyle. Speaking to its retiree appeal, around 30% of New Bedford's population is over age 50, according to Census Reporter. AARP and the World Health Organization have even designated it an age-friendly city because of several factors that support its livability. These include lovely outdoor spaces, a good transportation system, and opportunities for social participation. Once considered the wealthiest city on the planet due to the whaling industry, New Bedford is now affordable for pensioners.

New Bedford has a long history that began when colonists from Plymouth first settled here in 1652. With its deep-water harbor, the southern Massachusetts city was a major global whaling port by 1820. Today, it's a culturally rich destination with plenty to keep retirees entertained. 

History is ripe for exploration in the walkable downtown area, with cobblestone streets, 1800s architecture, and the New Bedford Whaling Museum all close together. It's also a prime spot to wander along the waterfront and perhaps catch a ferry to the island of Martha's Vineyard for the day. Living in New Bedford's downtown also connects retirees to the Seaport Cultural District, where performing arts venues, restaurants, and galleries are found within walking distance of each other. Visually captivating exhibitions are on display at the New Bedford Art Museum and during the annual Seaport Art Walk event. Once home to prolific American artists Albert Bierstadt and William Bradford, this underrated destination on the New England coast is considered one of "America's Most Artistic Cities." 

This stretch of New England coast is known for fresh-off-the-boat seafood, so finding mouthwatering meals is just a stroll away in New Bedford's North End. With the second-highest Portuguese population in the U.S., highly rated restaurants such as Antonio's and Inner Bay Café and Grille cook up old-world dishes and cultural staples. Grand Guatemalan and Portuguese festivals are also held here annually. Additionally, this neighborhood has a Walk Score of 81, the highest of any in New Bedford, as you can easily do both dining and errands on foot. The West End neighborhood around Buttonwood Park is also considered a beautiful, walkable place to settle. Paths through the park lead through green spaces and to the Buttonwood Park Zoo. With trees shading you overhead, meandering through this area's historic Victorian, Colonial, and Queen Anne homes makes for a lovely afternoon. 

Like the nearby small town of Marion and other charming coastal towns in Massachusetts, New Bedford is an idyllic seaside escape that's a great spot to avoid the Cape Cod crowds. Average annual temperatures hover between 36 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 71 degrees in the summer. It's not tropical by any means, but the ocean's moderating influence on the weather and climate means more opportunities to get outside year-round. Plus, the abundant, free outdoor recreation helps keep things affordable for folks on a fixed income. 

To help residents stay active,  New Bedford has three public beaches along the city's Clark's Point peninsula: East Beach, West Beach, and the beach at Fort Taber Park. Several walking and hiking trails also run within the city limits. AllTrails reviewers tout the cleanliness and safety of the New Bedford Harborwalk, along with the tranquility and ocean vistas of the Fort Rodman Loop. A stroll along Union Street in downtown passes by a farmer's market, zoo, and seasonal festivals, culminating in a paved walking path out onto the New Bedford Waterfront. 

As an age-friendly city, the New Bedford Council On Aging offers retirees approaching (or in) their senior years programs, services, and assistance. The council offers travel programs, daytime gatherings, and help with medical and transportation needs. New Bedford also has several assisted living facilities averaging $6,396 monthly, at the time of writing. The average rent for a home in New Bedford is $1,717, while the median home price hovers around $442,000 (at the time of writing). By comparison, Boston's average rent is $3,300 while the median home price rests around $775,000. Social Security and state-funded pensions aren't taxed here, which can also save retirees a great deal of money. Ranked among the state's top medical providers by U.S. News & World Report, New Bedford's Southcoast Hospital Group can provide quality healthcare when needed. All told, New Bedford can be a comfortable place to spend life's later years.