10 Best Independent Living Communities in Methuen, MA

Learn More About Independent Living in Methuen, MA

Methuen, north of Boston, serves as a suburban retreat that lies in close proximity to Boston’s downtown area and attractions, but hosts many services and resources to meet daily needs, such as shopping centers, restaurants, and healthcare facilities. Methuen also has its own unique attractions that celebrate the city’s sense of community, like the historical sites found in the Arlington Mills Historic District, and local festivals like the Methuen Festival of Trees.

Independent living communities — also known simply as retirement communities — in Methuen are geared towards seniors who are able to live on their own, without daily assistance, and prefer to live among people their age. This usually means residents are self-sufficient and do not require hands-on care. Think of Methuen retirement communities as age-restricted (typically 55+) complexes, which provide organized activities, meal services, and transportation.

Cost of Independent Living in Methuen, MA

The median monthly cost of independent living in 2019 was about $3,500 within the Methuen metropolitan area and $3,000 in the state of Massachusetts overall.

Learn More About Methuen, MA

Cost of Living

The total household expenses associated with living in Methuen are rated 17 points above the national average. Grocery and other essential costs are also rated above the average.

Index Scores

All index scores are based on a scale that has the national average set at 100. A score of 200 indicates that the cost is twice as expensive as the national average, while a score of 50 indicates that the cost is half as expensive.

Household Expenses	Health Care	Insurance	Entertainment	Groceries	Clothing
117	117	120	125	114	117

Income and Housing

Median Income Age 45-64	Median Income Age 65+	Median Household Income	Average Individual Income	Median Employee Salary	Average Property Tax	One-bedroom Apartment Gross Rent Estimate
$96,058 per year	$41,395 per year	$73,018 per year	$32,622 per year	$49,388 per year	$4,556 per year	$1,206 per month

Local Hospitals

The top hospitals that service Methuen include:

Holy Family Hospital – Methuen

• Facility type: corporate, short-term acute care
• Bed count: 340+
• Specialties: emergency department, ICU, joint replacement

Lawrence General Hospital

• Facility type: nonprofit, short-term acute care
• Bed count: 180+
• Specialties: emergency department, ICU, spine surgery

Lowell General Hospital

• Facility type: nonprofit, short-term acute care
• Bed count: 400+
• Specialties: emergency department, ICU, physical therapy

Weather and Climate

Methuen’s climate is classified as humid continental, experiencing four distinct seasons including long winters. The average humidity level is 64%, and humidity levels are often highest during September at about 70%.

Seasonal Temperatures

January Average	January Maximum	January Minimum
25°F	35°F	15°F

July Average	July Maximum	July Minimum
72°F	83°F	61°F

Air Quality

• Relative Air Quality Index: 62

This index is based on a scale that has the national average set at 100. A score of 200 indicates twice the presence of air pollutants than the national average, while a score of 50 indicates half the presence.

Precipitation

• Average annual precipitation: 44″

Demographics and Values

Population Statistics

Median Age	Percent of Population Over 65	Population	Population Density	Average Household Size
41	16%	49,568	2,228 per square mile	2.7

Race & Ethnicity

American Indian or Alaskan Native	Asian	Black	Hispanic or Latino	Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	White (not Hispanic or Latino)
0.3%	4.1%	4.3%	29.5%	<0.1%	3.9%	60.9%

These figures were taken from the most recent U.S. Census.

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity

These scores were taken from the 2020 Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index.

• Non-discrimination laws in Lowell: 30/30
• Overall inclusivity: 50/100

2016 Presidential Election Results for Essex County

Democratic	Republican	Other
58.5%	36.0%	5.5%

Arts, Culture, Entertainment, and Recreation

Some of the most popular museums and historic sites in Methuen include:

• Methuen Museum of History
• Arlington Mills Historic District

Outdoor attractions in Methuen:

• Greycourt State Park
• Edward S. Alekel Veterans Memorial Park
• Georgetown-Rowley State Forest

Methuen’s top entertainment destinations and shopping districts are:

• Methuen Memorial Music Hall
• Methuen Festival of Trees
• Methuen Fall Festival
• Methuen Shopping Center
• Merrimac Plaza

Transportation

Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority provides bus transportation throughout the Merrimack Valley area with routes through Methuen. Reduced fares are offered to persons with disabilities, Medicare card holders, and seniors 60 years of age and above. Taxis, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, are also available in Methuen.