Of all of the 50 states to move to, Florida is usually the first that comes to mind, mainly because of tradition. Retirees from the New England area have been moving to Florida since it first became popular in the 1920’s as a place to escape the winter cold. It wasn’t until much later that the absence of state tax became another primary factor in retiring there. Today, this financial concern is skirted with many more ways a state can increase tax revenues. You may actually pay more than expected. Moving to that arbitrary humid place may come back to haunt you.

With that being said, let’s countdown the top 5 reasons to retire in Massachusetts:

Lobster, crab legs, and the freshest fish around are great reasons to retire in MA. Sure, other states have the ocean available to them, but some of the best catch comes from this area. And let’s not forget all of the traditional restaurants with experienced chefs and cooks that know how to prepare it just right. There’s nothing like when your seafood is caught in the afternoon, and finds it’s way to your dinner plate that same day. The health benefits of having fresh seafood available to you can also help you live a longer life. According to the American Heart Association, “Fish is a good source of protein and doesn’t have the high saturated fat that meat products do.”. The abundance of great-tasting seafood containing heart-healthy Omega-3 Fatty Acids for a longer life are a great reason to retire here.

Massachusetts is one of the oldest states in the nation, formed from the original colonization of English puritans at Plymouth. Much of the United State’s heritage stems from this state such as the pilgrims immigrating to this area on the Mayflower, the start of the American Revolutionary War, and the introduction of the Thanksgiving holiday tradition. The state was one of the first industrialized in the country leading the way in manufacturing. When industry declined, the state’s leading education system with universities such as Harvard, Boston College, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) helped transform the state into a leader of information technology and biotechnology. That type of innovation led to the “Big Dig”, one of the largest federally funded highway projects in the U.S.. Many retirees can trace their heritage to the history of Massachusetts and may find that giving up that local attachment isn’t as easy as they thought.

After living your life in the northern United States, are you sure you’re ready to trade oak trees for palm trees? Natural landscapes are so much better than prefabricated ones. Massachusetts is home to many mountain regions including the Appalachian Mountains, also named the Berkshires. Hiking & biking trails with spectacular foliage displays in the fall, downhill skiing in the winter, wildlife sanctuaries, state parks, and a beautiful moderate climate in the Spring and Summer. Maybe physical activity isn’t your thing any more; driving tours are much more interesting with scenic outlooks, and much easier to explore when they makeup your backyard

Sure, a golf course open year-round, and sunny weather everyday can be quite nice… to a point. After a while, you start to rely on a calendar to tell you what holiday is coming up instead of watching the oak leaves changing colors. In northern states, a blizzard can temporarily cripple the daily routine, but is Christmas really the same without a fresh blanket of snow on a quiet moonlit night? Stringing lights on palm trees and applying SPF-50 sunblock while decorating the house just doesn’t seem right. When you have a change of seasons you also have clothing style… you’ll have more opportunity to experiment with fashion.

Moving to a state for a warmer climate or to gain a tax break are quite common, but will you be happy? Retirement is about living well and enjoying life, and pulling yourself out of that dynamic isn’t necessarily the best idea. Moving means having less contact with the people you love. You’ll have to call the grandchildren, rather than visit them. Your sons and daughters will be too far away for those times you need each other. If you’re part of the techno-savvy crowd, you’ll be spending a lot more time video chatting on Skype, following Facebook, and talking on your I-Phone and you’ll start to realize you miss them. Before you know it, you’re booking expensive plane tickets and having layovers in airports. Old friendships won’t be the same, remember that states populated for climate reasons are also some of the most transient states. Even if you find good neighbors, chances are, they won’t be your neighbors for long. Living in Massachusetts offers easier access to your family and friends, which can lead to a much happier and stable lifestyle.

Sometimes downsizing is planned, and sometimes it is just realized by the sudden onset of events in one’s life.

Common factors that come up in the later stages of adulthood would be:

Medical Reasons
Financial planning
Lifestyle Choice

The study of gerontology has had many advances over the years but one thread remains the same, growing older is inevitable. Every person will age differently, and with their own afflictions… arthritis, asthma, heart conditions, vision loss, osteoporosis, and the list goes on. Sometimes there may be medical factors that were not natural such as our war veterans who suffered injury, or simply less mobile adults who have had accidental injuries.

In any case, property maintenance such as mowing the lawn, painting the house, and pressure washing the driveway are chores that are not possible, no longer affordable, and are good reasons to downsize to a managed adult community.

Planning ahead saves time and money. It doesn’t take long before a couple realizes they are officially “empty-nesters” and they’re carrying the costs of a large family home for only two people. Utilities, maintenance, and insurance on a large home can drain a retirement account much quicker than you think. Warren Buffet once quoted “In a chronically leaking boat, energy devoted to changing vessels is more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks.” Not only would downsizing reduce these costs in general, but by moving into a newer, energy efficient home, you would save even more money. Maybe you’re a widow or widower receiving survivor benefits, this money should go towards making your future comfortable and happy with an alternative to traditional home ownership. It’s time for providing a larger capital base by reducing expenses and adding to your general retirement account.

Your lifestyle has changed. You raised your family and the kids have lives of their own, you don’t need a large home anymore. Maybe the neighborhood has changed and it’s not the suburbia you once knew. If your significant other has passed, you can be feel alone in that empty home of memories. Sanctuary Lane Estates can provide the tranquility of suburban life, with neighbors of a similar mindset, and everything you could want from wooded views to fine dining. Make new memories and new friends and keep living an active life.

Sanctuary Lane Estates is an Energy Star certified partner. That means Sanctuary Lane homes are among the most energy efficient homes on the planet.
The government has laid out some pretty aggressive standards for builders to earn the rating. To earn the mark, the homes most be 15% to 20% more energy efficient than current state of the art international requirements dictate. Additional steps should make Energy Star homes 25% to 30% more efficient than traditionally built homes.

The effort begins with the design and construction of the home. Wider than typical studs are used to provide deeper pockets for sidewall insulation, and deeper insulation is added to the attic.

Then the home is tightly sealed with a vapor barrier to make sure the house isn’t leaking away valuable energy. Sealant is used to make sure there are no gaps in the construction that will allow air to escape. The same attention to details is applied to all heating and air conditioning. The duct work is taped and sealed to prevent leaks.

Special Energy Start windows are used selected, providing energy efficiency and beauty. Heating and cooling equipment must also meet strict Energy Star requirements. Energy Star furnaces are incredibly efficient and require as much as 50% less fuel than ordinary furnaces. The means they save money and are better for the environment.

Finally, the home must be equipped with Energy Star rated appliances. Energy Star washing machines use 37 percent less energy and 50% less water than traditional models. On average, Energy Star dishwashers save 13,000 gallons of water over their lives and hundreds of dollars in electricity.
While there’s a lot of work required to make a home Energy Star Compliant, the home buyer’s task is pretty simple.

Just look for the Energy Star Partner label on any property you are looking to know you are getting the most energy efficient home.

Known by many as the starting point of the Boston Marathon, Hopkinton, MA is the final stop each night for the 4,400 families who call the town home.

The Community of Hopkinton

Hopkinton, MA, with a population a bit over 14,000, is a family-friendly community with children living in nearly half of the town’s 4,400 households. Hopkinton is also Mecca for young families, with nearly one third of the population under the age of 18.

Hopkinton Education

The school-aged population is served by the Hopkinton Public School system, which administers The Center School, the Elmwood School, the Hopkins School, Hopkinton Middle School and Hopkinton High School. The mission statement of the Hopkinton School District focuses on the importance of education and values achievement, collaboration, innovation and integrity.

Location, Location, Location

As one of Massachusetts’ older communities, visitors can still see more than 20 buildings constructed in the 18th Century and more than 200 historically significant buildings in the town’s two historic districts. The Hopkinton Historic Commission has issued more than 200 plaques to buildings dating before 1900.

Hopkinton, MA is located astride I-495, about 30 miles west of Boston. The town boasts a strong network of highways, providing easy travel to anywhere in the MetroWest region of Boston. While there is no direct rail connection in Hopkinton, there is easy access to commuter rail. The Southborough MBTA station provides easy access to Hopkinton residents travelling to Boston and from Boston.

Where the Jobs Are

For those who choose to work closer to home, Hopkinton houses some top, high-technology companies including EMC, Massachusetts’ largest technological employer. Aderis Pharmaceuticals and a number of other bio-tech firms are also based in Hopkinton.

Hopkinton Entertainment

And there is plenty to do! There are two state parks; Hopkinton State Park on Route 85 and Cordaville Road, and Whitehall State Park at the intersection of Route 85 and Wood Street. Hopkinton also has a history of drawing visitors. Back in the 18th Century, it was believed that the waters flowing from the marshland, south of Pond Street to Lake Whitehall, contained healing qualities. Visitors would come by stagecoach to stay in the Hopkinton Hotel and enjoy the mineral baths. Some remnants of the baths are still visible today!

Wear a Sweater… or a Tank Top

One simple, easy step all homeowners can take is to install a programmable thermostat and then actually program it. During the winter months, set the heat at 68 degrees during waking hours and lower it when you sleep. In the hotter summers, keep the air conditioning set at 78 degrees for the hours a home needs cooling off.

Light Up Less Often

Switch light bulbs in a home from incandescent to compact fluorescent bulbs (also known as “CFL’s). These bulbs also put out significantly less heat than incandescent bulbs, further increasing a home’s overall energy efficiency.

Watch the Water!

Consider installing low flow toilets and a flow reducer in all shower heads. Flow reducers have come along significantly in recent years to both reduce flow but maintain desired water pressure. When you jump in the shower-you can enjoy a refreshing blast of comforting water without the guilt!

Insulate… Don’t Procrastinate!

All families considering buying or selling a home or those looking to save some hard-earned dollars should check insulation levels in attics, walls and the floor. In most climates that experience all four seasons, the recommended R-Value of insulation (the measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it) is a minimum of R38 for attics and walls, and a value of R25 to R30 for floors. Homeowners should also consider insulating water pipes and water heaters. A simple insulating jacket for a water heater costs just $10 to $20 and can add up to significant savings over time.

Energy Efficient Appliances

Replace older appliances when possible as new models are more energy efficient. If you are looking to buy a home- consider asking the current owner to update the appliances. All appliances in a home should carry the ENERGY STAR® label. Also consider switching to a front-loading washing machine, which can cut hot water use by 60 to 70 percent. Washing with cold water and cold water detergent will get clothing just as clean and help to save on your utility bills.