You Don’t Have to Go South for a Great Retirement
Hometown Weekly recently featured New Pond Village in a story about how retirees can stay active and connected in New England, proving you don’t have to go south for retirement.
Every Friday night, without fail, New Pond Village residents Charlie and Steffi Peck enjoy a date night at their favorite Medfield restaurants. After nearly 62 years of marriage, the couple firmly believes life can be richer in retirement.
A Life Built in Medfield
The Pecks built a full life in Medfield over 48 years, raising three children and becoming deeply involved in the community. Charlie served on the zoning board and finance committee and sang in the choir at the United Church of Christ. Steffi still volunteers at the Medfield Food Cupboard and previously helped dyslexic children at the elementary school. Today, two of their three children remain nearby. Their first grandchild and his wife purchased the family’s home to raise the next generation.
Two years ago, Steffi recalls, “Charlie convinced me it was time to move on.” But it was important for them to be near family, friends and the life they had created. “We’re still healthy, and we truly loved our time in Medfield. It was a very special town for us to grow up in.”
Discovering Community at New Pond Village
After touring several communities, they were drawn to New Pond Village, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Walpole, where they knew some residents and had been invited for dinner multiple times. “Visiting and meeting people sealed it,” Steffi said. They have now called New Pond Village home for two years.
Charlie added, “We used to go to Florida, but over time, we lost interest. Many of our friends who spent time there stopped going as well. Being here, we feel so well taken care of.”
Staying Rooted in New England
That sentiment is echoed by fellow New Pond Village resident Celeste Hurley.
“When we moved in, I was delighted,” Celeste said. “The people were so nice, and there were so many people from Dover [Mass.] who I already knew. More have moved in since. It is just so friendly here.” In fact, Celeste and Steffi painted and played tennis together for many years and were surprised to end up as next-door neighbors.
Hurley grew up in Maine and says she “never wanted to leave New England.” After years of caring for her son Kevin following his traumatic brain injury, and later losing her husband, she discovered New Pond Village during a casual lunch visit.
She was reluctant to leave her home and gardens, but the community made thoughtful accommodations—inviting Kevin to move into his own apartment and encouraging her passion for gardening. She brought along her perennials and now maintains eight raised garden beds on campus.
“I have been surprised at myself for how easy it was to adapt,” she said. “The people make the difference.”
The Benefits of Retiring in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers retirees an exceptional quality of life, with top-tier healthcare, strong public safety and rich cultural opportunities, along with meaningful tax advantages. According to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, the state does not tax Social Security benefits and exempts many public-sector pensions, helping reduce the overall tax burden for older residents.
The Pecks have found these benefits amplified at New Pond Village, especially health care.
“If you are going to get sick, get sick near Boston,” Charlie noted. “New Pond Village admits to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham, which is a first-class facility.” The Commonwealth Fund 2025 Scorecard ranks Massachusetts as having the best overall health system in the nation.
Culture, Connection and Everyday Joy
New Pond Village does an exceptional job keeping residents connected to Massachusetts’ cultural riches. The community runs a shuttle service to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, art museums and other special offerings. Back on campus, there are endless activities: exercise classes led by YMCA instructors (yoga, strength and tone), pizza bingo, ukulele and choral groups and more.
“There is never a dull moment,” Steffi said.
Winters are maintenance-free as well. “We do not worry about shoveling or the snow at New Pond,” Steffi explained. “They get the snow off our cars, move the cars around. There is nothing they do not offer us here.”
A Community That Feels Like Home
What stands out most is the community itself.
“The outstanding thing about this place is the people,” Charlie said. “It is not just the people who run it, it is the people who are here.”
Celeste agrees. “It is a very comfortable place with lots of good people. We enjoy each other.” Just as the Pecks faithfully observe weekly date night, Celeste connects with her Dover friends for lunch and an afternoon of bridge once a month.
Retiring in Massachusetts, and specifically at New Pond Village, proves you do not need to head south for a fulfilling, active and connected retirement. You can stay rooted in the life you have built.
Photo Caption: Celeste Hurley tends to her beloved geraniums in New Pond Village’s greenhouse, keeping her passion for gardening alive while enjoying life in Massachusetts.