Trying to figure out where to retire in Massachusetts? Forbes Magazine has two suggestions.
Forbes has just released a state-by-state list of the best places to retire in the United States, with a runner-up and a first-place winner for best place to retire in the state.
To make their selections, Forbes looked at factors like home prices, health care, the cultural scene and how likely people are to experience a natural disaster.
Here's the top pick and runner up.
Northampton rated best MA city to retire to by Forbes
If you're looking to retire, head to Western Mass.
Northampton's median home price is $285,000. It also has no state income tax on Social Security earnings and has a high rank on the Milken Institute's list of best cities for successful aging, according to Forbes.
With a population of 28,000, Northampton has good air quality and a high number of doctors per capita, the website said. It is also somewhat walkable and very much bikeable.
However, Northampton also has a crime rate above the national average. It also has a state estate and inheritance tax.
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Pittsfield named second best MA city to retire to by Forbes
The runner-up for best place to retire in Massachusetts is another Western Mass city, Pittsfield.
Pittsfield has a good ratio of primary care physicians, a large culture scene in the summer and a very low FEMA natural hazard, according to Forbes.
Forbes also said Pittsfield's median home price is $283,000, which is 28% below the national median, and the city is pretty walkable and bikeable with good air quality and a population of 43,000.
However, Forbes says Pittsfield does have its demerits. It has a severe crime rate that is above the national average and a millionaire's surtax of 4% that includes capital gains from the sale of a house.
Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.
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