6 Towns Perfect for Retirement in New Hampshire

Retirement in New Hampshire is a mixed bag. Known as the "Granite State," it provides excellent access to healthcare, a range of mood-lifting outdoor adventure opportunities (retirees will enjoy spending the summer months in rustic cabins in the woods), and boasts the third-lowest violent crime rate in the nation. On the downside, New Hampshire is not the most tax-friendly state, having the second-highest per capita property tax in the nation. However, it redeems itself by not imposing a state sales tax and exempting personal income from taxation. The following six towns are ideal for retirement in New Hampshire.

Portsmouth

Home to about 22,000 residents, Portsmouth was once one of the busiest ports and shipbuilding cities in the United States. Its history is rich and storied, having been settled in 1623, making it among the oldest cities in the country. Today, empty nesters will enjoy exploring the town’s rich heritage through attractions such as the Strawberry Banke Museum, which traces Portsmouth’s early settlement history, and the USS Albacore Museum, which houses the prototype for today's modern submarine fleet. Retirees here will also enjoy sampling the town’s culinary landscape, which includes classic New England seafood and a delectable range of international flavors. For exemplary service and heavenly food, Surf Portsmouth offers beautiful views of the Piscataqua River and is often a top choice for a delicious brunch. Those concerned about healthcare access will find comfort in the proximity of the award-winning Portsmouth Regional Hospital. The town’s median age is 42, a balance between youth and older age, with residents aged 60 and above comprising 28% of the population. The median listing home price in Portsmouth was $812,000 in March 2024.

Exeter

Known for its quiet neighborhoods, classy restaurants, and intimate feel, Exeter is among the best towns to retire in New Hampshire. Exeter Hospital, a recipient of the 2022 Outstanding Patient Experience Award, has been serving residents since 1897. Retirees can spend a delightful afternoon touring the seemingly small American Independence Museum, perusing a rare collection of historic artifacts that illuminate the Revolutionary War. Outdoor options include Gilman Park, located on the outskirts of the Exeter River; Swasey Parkway, a picturesque roadway that runs along the Squamscott River; and the Gale Park War Memorial, which features a beautiful sculpture created by the same artist who chiseled the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. The town’s median age is 45, with residents aged 60 and above comprising 27% of the population. The median listing home price in Exeter was $550,000 in March 2024.

Littleton

Littleton is a charming small town with a wonderful sense of community, nestled on the banks of the Ammonoosuc River about 100 miles from Manchester. The river, whose name translates to “small narrow fishing place,” offers a variety of outdoor adventures, including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. Additionally, the White Mountain National Forest, just a stone’s throw away, is the premier destination in the area for viewing fall foliage, marveling at sparkling cascades, and exploring numerous scenic trails. Residents are also a short distance from Franconia Notch State Park, one of the most beautiful parks in New England. For urgent medical needs, the highly-rated Littleton Regional Healthcare is conveniently located within the town. The town’s median age is a youthful 34, and residents aged 60 and above comprise 26% of the population. The median listing home price in Littleton was $349,900 in March 2024, making it relatively affordable.

Amherst

Amherst offers an excellent retirement setting due to its close proximity to Manchester, New Hampshire’s largest city, which is just a 20-minute drive away. The convenience of nearby amenities, including the cities of Milford and Nashua and even Boston, which is an hour's drive away, is unmatched. Occasionally, retirees can enjoy sampling the delicious Red Alchemy at the award-winning LaBelle Winery, surrounded by lush vineyards and expansive views, wandering through the Joe English Reservation, or floating on the spring-fed 226-acre Baboosic Lake. Amherst's median age is a serene 45, and residents aged 60 and above account for 29% of the population. While homes in Amherst have a median listing price of $694,000, they typically sell for a more affordable median price of $617,500.

Newmarket

Newmarket is perched on the Lamprey River, a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking, and boasts a vibrant Main Street, providing 25-minute access to the beach and two hours to Mount Washington. The town features safe, peaceful neighborhoods. The restaurant scene is fantastic, with options like The Big Bean, considered the best breakfast spot in town. When it comes to healthcare access, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover, Portsmouth Regional Hospital in Portsmouth, and Exeter Hospital in Exeter—all recipients of multiple prestigious medical awards—are all within a 20-minute drive. The median listing home price in Newmarket was $565,000 in March 2024, slightly below the state’s median listing price of $570,950. Moreover, Newmarket is minutes away from the University of New Hampshire’s main campus, where residents aged 65 and above can take up to two credit-bearing courses per academic year tuition-free. The town’s median age is 34, with residents aged 60 and above comprising 21% of the population.

Gorham

Gorham is nestled in the scenic Androscoggin Valley adjacent to the Presidential Range, one of the most iconic mountain ranges in the United States. This setting highlights the town’s vast outdoor potential. Jericho Mountain State Park, a favorite spot for snowmobile enthusiasts, is located just outside Gorham. Additionally, the Androscoggin River, flowing along the town's edge, offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Other nearby outdoor attractions include Glen Ellis Falls, which cascades 64 feet into an emerald-green pool, Mt. Moriah, where woodland trails lead to panoramic summits, and several scenic trails. Androscoggin Valley Hospital, a mere 10-minute drive away in Berlin, has been providing excellent medical services since 1956. A key benefit of retiring here is the demographic composition; approximately every second resident is a fellow retiree. The town’s median age is 51, and residents aged 60 and above comprise a significant 40% of the population. Gorham is also relatively affordable, with a median listing home price of just $322,450, according to the latest data from Realtor.

The Takeaway

Retirement can feel like a liberating escape from a confining routine, including inflexible schedules, demanding bosses, and stressful work environments. At last, one can spend a leisurely afternoon listening to bird songs, floating down a river, or simply enjoying the freedom of not watching the clock. New Hampshire offers an ideal setting for retirement for several reasons, including its exemption of personal income from taxation. For the most ideal places to retire in New Hampshire, empty nesters should consider towns such as Portsmouth, Exeter, Littleton, Amherst, Newmarket, and Gorham.