Boston can be a favorable city for older adults to live in, but the suitability can vary depending on individual preferences and circumstances. Here are some factors to consider:
Website
Age Friendly BostonContacts
Emily Shea, Commissioner on Elder
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 20108
617-635-4366
reviews (656)
"Socioeconomically speaking Boston is not affordable for the elderly. It's a transitory city that's tailored for college students or those in their twenties. There are many benefits to living in Boston, lots of things to learn, lots of things to do, IF you can afford to." KraKra HB
"I give a 3.5 rating because Boston offers lots of free educational courses for the elderly. It's not so good for the elderly where MBTA transportation is concerned—getting around, access, and the physical appearance of some stations. Culturally and racially speaking, in Boston people of color interact differently, more friendly, more respectably, with their elders." Nicole HB
"I gave a 3 rating because of the [MBTA] transportation difficulties or unreliability at times. I work in healthcare and I give a higher rating for healthcare." A. G. HB
"I give a 4 rating because I'm a student and I came to Boston to earn my undergraduate degree. I don't think older people will feel other than welcomed in Boston. If I was over 50 I wouldn't feel that Boston is not friendly." Dahlia HB
"I have family members experiencing transportation difficulties to and from the hospital. Healthcare is lacking for non-basic treatment or serious illness like sickle cell, AIDS, cancers. Healthcare needs to change or vastly improve in Boston." Nikki HB
"The employment is not easy once we reach a certain age because we have such a large population of young students. A lot of the younger groups are money hungry and their schedules allow them to compete on a level that over 50 year olds can't compete on. Employers don't want to hire over 50 year olds. Younger workers are cheaper and a better investment. I have quite a few friends and family members who are capable and willing to work, but getting a job for them is hard. That's the main factor—employment—which affects everything else. I rate everything else in Boston for over 50 years a 5." Zunilda Roman HB
"Bostonians are awful! I've traveled the world and I'm speaking from experience. They really are! They can learn a thing or two from other cities about being friendly in general, much less being age friendly, which isn't really the case for this city, especially in the areas of [MBTA] transportation " GG HB
"Boston has great educational opportunities for everyone, regardless of age. That's about it for people over 50 who haven't already established themselves economically." KL HB
"I don't think the citizens of Boston are friendly. Over 50 year olds get written off and treated unfairly, with some exceptions. For example, in transportation services like The Ride. Otherwise, they are overlooked, for example, in employment because of their age, meaning they experience age discrimination." HB
"I rate Boston a 4.5 for age friendliness because it is one of the best cities for anyone to live if you're economically secure. I think that especially applies to seniors, despite the winter weather. There are many programs geared toward helping seniors in this city—educational, housing, transportation, etc." Jennifer HB