7 Best Small Towns To Retire In New Hampshire In 2024
New Hampshire, the 5th smallest US state, is located in New England, nestled between Maine and Vermont. It’s a state known for having incredible mountain ranges, breathtaking foliage during the fall, and ample opportunities for winter sports, thanks to the 48 mountain peaks sprawled throughout its 9,304 square miles of land. That’s why when it comes to finding a retirement-friendly state, New Hampshire boasts several small towns that are perfect for relocating. If you’re getting ready to retire and need an area that embodies the charm of New England, these seven towns are sure to impress.
Londonderry
Situated in Rockingham County between Derry and Manchester is Londonderry, a town with just under 25,000 residents. Londonderry’s reputation for being a friendly and welcoming town helped it earn a reputation for being one of the best areas to live in the state, known for its sprawling apple orchards. The town of Londonderry is also the home of the Manchester-Boston Airport, which makes traveling to this town and hosting family and friends easy. The town boasts a suburban feel and has a senior population of roughly 14%, meaning it’s a community with a blend of all ages. Some of the most popular attractions in Londonderry include the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire and Londonderry Country Club, two locations perfect for older adults.
Those who want to take in all the town has to offer while getting some fresh air can stop in at Mack’s Apples to visit the orchard or hike along the trails at Kendall Pond Conservation Area. The trails at the conservation area consist of two miles of flat land that follow along some of the 60 acres of forest. With the airport being located in town, there are numerous lodging options for travelers, including the Best Western Plus Executive Court Inn & Conference Center, offering a pool and gym. The closest hospital to Londonderry is Parkland Medical Center, a facility with 86 beds in nearby Derry, as well as Connect55+ Londonderry, a 55+ community focused on bringing older adults together in an independent living environment.
Bethlehem
Another excellent town for retirees in New Hampshire is Bethlehem. Bethlehem sits within Grafton County, tucked in a village in the White Mountains, which is perfect for those who want to enjoy their retirement surrounded by nature. This town’s residents, totaling roughly 2,500, focus on keeping an old town feel in Bethlehem by hosting festivals, concerts with local musicians, art shows, and antique markets regularly throughout the year. It’s an ideal location for anyone who enjoys getting outside and soaking up every season, as the town encompasses Strawberry Hill State Forest, Cushman State Forest, and a portion of the White Mountain National Forest. Bethlehem is also a destination with lower-than-average housing prices in the state, making it a great destination for seniors on a budget.
There’s no shortage of fun and informative things to do in Bethlehem that are sure to entertain both retirees and their families. For instance, there’s the Bethlehem Heritage Society Museum, a former restaurant turned into a time capsule with New Hampshire artifacts that provides a look into what life was like in Bethlehem throughout time. The Colonial Theatre is another historical location dating back to 1915, making it one of the oldest continuously running theaters in the country. Today, the 300-seat theater puts on numerous live shows and events that keep the town’s artistic community thriving. The Presidential Mountain Resort is one of the top lodging accommodations in the area, located on the historical Baker Book Cabins site.
Hollis
Retirees looking for a rural town with a convenient location near the Massachusetts border should consider planting roots in Hollis. With a population of around 8,000 people, Hollis has a classic New England small-town feel, only enhanced by the numerous farms and orchards that host festivals every autumn. Hollis is under a short 30-minute drive away from cities like Nashua and Manchester and an hour's drive from Boston, allowing for easy travel and sightseeing on day trips. There are highly-rated hospitals in nearby Nashua, like St. Joseph Hospital, offering a 24-hour emergency department and 206 beds for acute care.
No matter the season, Hollis organizes events that help unite the community and create a sense of belonging for residents and visitors. The most anticipated annual events include Hollis Old Home Days, a tradition held yearly since 1996, the Hollis Strawberry Festival held in June, and the Hollis Apple Festival every October. Another option in Hollis that provides an opportunity to get out into nature is the Beaver Brook Reserve, an area with over 35 miles of hiking trails to explore. There are also several lodging and accommodations for older adults in Hollis, such as The Village at Hollis Depot and Silver Lakes Estates, two communities for those 55 and up.
Amherst
Nestled in Hillsborough County, Amherst is a historic village town that’s under 30 minutes from Manchester and Nashua. Amherst dates back to 1728, but today, it boasts incredible architecture from this time period in the homes and professional buildings. Driving through the downtown section provides an opportunity to see the town hall that once operated as the Third County Courthouse and a historic cemetery with grave markers dating back to 1735. There are several monuments and landmarks in Amherst for visitors to stop in and learn more about the town’s roots, including the Amherst Soldiers Monument, which pays respects to the local lives lost during the Civil War.
Retirees interested in history and learning more about the area can spend some time at Monson Center, which some believe is one of the most impactful archeological sites in the New England area. This incredibly preserved section of land is where a colonial settlement existed from 1737 to 1770, and today, it has remnants of stone walls, foundations, and one colonial home that functions as an educational center several times per year. Thanks to the town’s close proximity to larger cities, as well as the state of Massachusetts, there’s no shortage of reliable hospitals for Amherst residents, including Elliot Hospital in Manchester. Parkhurst Place also offers accommodations for seniors who are over 62 years of age, offering a community garden and onsite laundry for residents.
Newport
Newport, New Hampshire, is the perfect relocation area for retirees looking to bask in the peace and quiet of Sullivan County. Newport is located in the Western section of the state and lies along the beautiful scenery of the Upper Connecticut River Valley. The town’s nickname, ‘The Sunshine Town,’ is a great description of the atmosphere in Newport, which is home to roughly 6,500 residents. History buffs may be surprised to learn that historic writer Sarah Josepha Buell, best known for the nursery rhyme Mary Had a Little Lamb, hails from Newport, and there’s even a roadside marker dedicated to her in the town's Guild section.
There are numerous accommodations for seniors in Newport, with Summecrest Senior Living Community and McCoy Home Assisted Living being the highly-rated options in town. These neighborhoods offer independent and assisted living options that are perfect for retirees relocating to Newport. Valley Regional Hospital is just 18 minutes away in nearby Claremont, and it has a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Additional landmarks in Newport worth visiting are the Corbin Wooden Truss Covered Bridge and the Newport Opera House.
Hopkinton
Just west of the capital city, Concord, lies Hopkinton, a traditional New England town filled with charm and history. Hopkinton has just under 6,000 residents and also includes the business district of Contoocook Village. The town has an eclectic feel and strives to keep its small-town community essence by preserving pieces of history and embracing its agricultural roots. Hopkinton is sometimes referred to as being ‘stuck in time,’ which might be perfect for retirement-aged adults looking to settle somewhere with a slower pace of life. This is apparent when visiting the Contoocook Railroad Covered Bridge, a historic landmark and the country's oldest surviving covered railroad bridge!
Hopkinton has countless other attractions for residents and tourists, ranging from spending an informative day learning at the Contoocook Railroad Museum or Hopkinton Historical Society to taking in the beautiful sights at Elm Brook Park and Hopkinton-Everett Lake. This town is also located close to two major hospitals, Concord Hospital and Valley Regional Hospital, making it a great home base for seniors worried about medical care. Additionally, Pleasant View Retirement in nearby Concord has accommodations for senior-aged adults, ranging from independent living to assisted living apartments. Overall, Hopkinton is a town that feels welcoming to new residents and will feel familiar thanks to its dedication to remaining an authentic historic gem.
Durham
Finally, the largest area on our list of retirement-friendly New Hampshire towns is Durham. This town, known for being home to the University of New Hampshire, sits in Strafford County and has a population of around 15,000. There are plenty of things to do and sights to see in Durham, as it’s located on the mouth of the Oyster River and is known for having incredible fall foliage and winter sports. Durham is under a 30-minute drive to the coast and roughly 1 hour from Boston, providing numerous opportunities for simple day trips that don’t require extra lodging. The town’s downtown section is a must-see attraction in the town, as it’s lined with quaint shops, cafes, and galleries, including The Freedom Cafe, a nonprofit organization with an important mission.
Retirees should have no problems securing quality medical care in Durham, as this town is located close to the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, a facility with numerous awards, including winning ‘Best Hospital’ for six consecutive years at the Best of the Seacoast awards. There are also several primary care options with high ratings, such as the Durham Health Center and Appledore Family Medicine, serving all ages. For a lodging and restaurant option all in one location, the Three Chimneys Inn is a historic destination built in 1649 with a tavern and 23 guest suites. For long-term living options, Brookdale Spruce Wood, Harmony Homes at Hickory Pond, and RiverWoods Durham are all assisted living facilities in the town, each providing a safe and monitored community where seniors can thrive.
These 7 New Hampshire towns offer everything needed to enjoy your golden years, including low crime rates, affordable housing, and plenty of entertainment attractions. From the historical architecture in Amherst to the highly rated hospitals surrounding Newport, there are plenty of areas perfect for retirees to enjoy their days. The Granite State has unique qualities, like stunning autumn foliage and being a tax-free state, that make these destinations ideal for older adults of any age.
