Here is a list of ten of the best small towns in Massachusetts to retire, based on public safety, quality of life, access to healthcare, and available amenities:

1. Concord

  • Overview: Known for its rich history and scenic beauty, Concord is a picturesque town that offers a high quality of life, strong community feel, and proximity to Boston.
  • Amenities: Historic sites, Concord Museum, local shops, and restaurants.
  • Healthcare: Emerson Hospital, providing comprehensive medical services.
  • Parks: Minute Man National Historical Park, Walden Pond State Reservation.

2. Sudbury

  • Overview: A quiet, upscale town with excellent schools and low crime rates, Sudbury offers a suburban lifestyle with proximity to natural spaces.
  • Amenities: Historic sites, golf courses, fine dining, and shopping.
  • Healthcare: Close to Emerson Hospital and MetroWest Medical Center.
  • Parks: Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Nobscot Hill.

3. Harwich

  • Overview: Located on Cape Cod, Harwich offers coastal living with a mix of beaches, cranberry bogs, and conservation land. It is a vibrant retirement destination.
  • Amenities: Beaches, Cape Cod Rail Trail, local farmers' markets, and a thriving arts scene.
  • Healthcare: Fontaine Medical Center, Cape Cod Hospital in nearby Hyannis.
  • Parks: Brooks Park, Red River Beach, Thompson’s Field Conservation Area.

4. Newburyport

  • Overview: A charming coastal town with a vibrant downtown, Newburyport combines historic charm with a strong sense of community and access to the ocean.
  • Amenities: Waterfront dining, Plum Island, theaters, art galleries, and boutique shops.
  • Healthcare: Anna Jaques Hospital.
  • Parks: Maudslay State Park, Waterfront Park, Joppa Flats.

5. Duxbury

  • Overview: This historic seaside town offers a peaceful and affluent lifestyle with access to the Atlantic Ocean, making it a favorite for retirees.
  • Amenities: Duxbury Beach, local dining, and boutique shopping.
  • Healthcare: Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth.
  • Parks: Duxbury Beach Park, Myles Standish Monument State Reservation.

6. Weston

  • Overview: One of the wealthiest and safest towns in Massachusetts, Weston offers a quiet, rural feel with large open spaces, yet is close to Boston.
  • Amenities: High-end dining, Weston Golf Club, and local shops.
  • Healthcare: Newton-Wellesley Hospital nearby.
  • Parks: Weston Reservoir, Cat Rock Park, Jericho Town Forest.

7. Chatham

  • Overview: Situated on Cape Cod, Chatham is known for its charming downtown, beautiful beaches, and maritime history. It's a popular spot for retirees looking for a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
  • Amenities: Chatham Lighthouse, local galleries, shops, and fine dining.
  • Healthcare: Fontaine Medical Center, Cape Cod Hospital in nearby Hyannis.
  • Parks: Lighthouse Beach, Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, Pleasant Bay.

8. Marblehead

  • Overview: A historic coastal town with stunning ocean views and a quaint downtown area. Marblehead offers a relaxed pace of life while being close to Boston.
  • Amenities: Yacht clubs, local dining, and historic landmarks.
  • Healthcare: Salem Hospital, part of Mass General Brigham.
  • Parks: Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandler Hovey Park.

9. Southborough

  • Overview: Southborough offers a rural charm with excellent public safety and access to quality healthcare. It's an ideal town for retirees seeking a quieter pace of life.
  • Amenities: Local cafes, farms, and golf courses.
  • Healthcare: UMass Memorial-Marlborough Hospital.
  • Parks: Hopkinton State Park, Southborough Open Land Foundation.

10. Westford

  • Overview: A small town with strong community values, Westford offers a mix of rural and suburban living with excellent schools and healthcare access.
  • Amenities: Kimball Farm, local shops, and dining.
  • Healthcare: Emerson Hospital, Lowell General Hospital nearby.
  • Parks: Westford Town Common, East Boston Camps, Forge Pond.

These towns in Massachusetts combine safety, quality healthcare, and vibrant community amenities, making them excellent choices for retirement.