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Williamstown : Massachusetts

What it's Like to Retire in Williamstown

Set in the northwest corner of Massachusetts, Williamstown is a delightful college town (Williams College) nestled in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains. It is a sought after retirement community for these reasons and also because it is boasts an extremely rich cultural environment. The famed Clark Art Institute, the Williams College Museum of Art, and the Williamstown Theatre Festival are just some of the proud artistic accomplishments of the town. Williamstown is in Berkshire County.

The town itself has everything one would expect from a town which is host to one of the most elite colleges in the U.S., Williams. Beautiful homes are set on treed streets and students and people of all ages roam the downtown. Nearby Mt. Greylock towers over the landscape at almost 3,500 ft. Excellent skiing in Vermont is just a short drive away. Nearby Pittsfield Mass. was the home of Herman Melville.

Here are some helpful facts about retirement in Massachusetts, as well as on towns like nearby Northampton and lovely Chatham on the Cape.

Where to Retire in Williamstown and Home Prices

There are at least 3 adult communities or continuing care communities in the Williamstown area (see Active Communities link at right).

Housing choices range from the truly grand (overlooking Mt. Greylock or nearby lakes or ponds) to the mundane. Zillow Home Value Index reports the price to be $296,500 in late 2015.

What is special about Williamstown

Charming downtown with shopping and restaurants; Clark Art Institute and Williams College Museum of Art; Mt. Greylock and the beauty of the Berkshires; Williams College, one of the nation's most selective small colleges; great recreational opportunities

What is not special about Williamstown

The best properties are expensive, and it is crowded in season. Winters are cold here.

Who will like retirement in Williamstown

People who want to live in a small college town. Residents tend to share a love of the outdoors or art, or both. Use this link for a page that explains the various types of retirement communities

Local economy is driven by

Tourism, education, real estate, retail

Climate and Physical Environment

Williamstown is located exactly in the northwest corner of Massachusetts in the Berkshire Mountains. It borders on New York and Vermont so it has cold winters and magnificent summers, falls, and springs. Mount Greylock is the leading geographical feature.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Williamstown is a cultural powerhouse for such a small and remote town. The Clark Art Institute, Williams College Museum of Art, and the Williamstown Theatre Festival are just some of the proud artistic accomplishments of the town. Williams College has embarked on an ambitious building program for the arts. The '62 Center for Theatre and Dance was the first project to be successfully completed in the spring of 2005. The Library is wonderful, and so are the many student productions.

Crime

Crime in Williamstown is low.

Medical facilities

North Adams Regional Hospital is 7 Miles away; Southwestern Vermont Medical Center is 12 Miles in Bennington; Berkshire Medical Center is 19 miles away in Pittsfield

Transportation

Albany International Airport is 42 miles away

Valuable Links

Town of Williamstown

What people are saying about Williamstown
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Williamstown Active Communities

Facts about WILLIAMSTOWN

State: MA
Environment: College Town,Mountain,Small Town,Cultural Center,Outdoor Oriented,Biking Community,
City Population: Less than 10,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
Avg July Temperature: 60-80
Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $300,001-$500,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: 2000-4000
Total Crime Index: 81-90 (low)
Cost of Living Index: 121+ (very high)
Culture Index: 121+ (very high)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: jfb

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1. Overall Retirement Ratings Discuss

Currently 3.88>/5
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1. Rating: 3.9/5 ( 8 votes cast)

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Currently 3.67>/5
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2. Rating: 3.7/5 ( 3 votes cast)

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Currently 2.67>/5
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3. Rating: 2.7/5 ( 3 votes cast)

4. Culture:
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Currently 4.75>/5
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4. Rating: 4.8/5 ( 4 votes cast)

5.Recreation:
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5. Rating: 4.3/5 ( 3 votes cast)

6. Transportation:
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6. Rating: 2.0/5 ( 2 votes cast)

7. Security:
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7. Rating: 3.4/5 ( 5 votes cast)

8. Medical Facilities:
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Currently 3.50>/5
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8. Rating: 3.5/5 ( 4 votes cast)

9. Political Situation:
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9. Rating: 4.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)

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10. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)

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