7 Cost-Effective Towns In New Hampshire For Retirees

Neighboring Maine and Vermont, the Granite State draws in many for its vast and colorful forests, reflective lakes, and, of course, premier granite structures and nature's sculptures that have entranced future New Hampshirites long before statehood—and what better way to enjoy all New Hampshire has to offer than to find a wallet-friendly town to settle down? For the retiree, but not merely them, here are 7 of the best cost-effective towns in the Granite State.

Sugar Hill

A small town of less than a thousand people, Sugar Hill, is unsurprisingly surrounded by large hills that, in the spring, sprout flowers of various shades of purple and pink lupins—couple this with the nearby farms and ranches, and the whole community and area become a very quiet and picturesque place to live.

But what makes Sugar Hill a great pick is beyond the quiet atmosphere and rolling hills, and even beyond the estimated total housing units of 500; it is instead the median listing home price of $519,900. While this seems remarkably high, bear in mind that New Hampshire's home prices have also risen to new highs this past year—and especially in a state where millions of dollars are required to purchase a sizably large house with a few acres of land, the listing prices of Sugar Hill look strangely reasonable in comparison.

And while a home in Sugar Hill may be slightly inexpensive compared to the house prices of its peers, the town has its own identity and famous spots that draw in foodies and connoisseurs alike. The best example of this has to be Polly's Pancake Parlor (where they make their pancakes, butter, and various other breads from scratch using strictly local sources). Another must-have is Harman's Cheese & County Store, yet another local wonder that specializes in homemade cheesecraft.

Meredith

A town that partially sits on the crystal clear waters of Lake Winnipesaukee, Meredith exemplifies that perfect place to settle down where tides crash against the shore, and all around, there are tiny shops and narrow streets—there is always a note of interest in Meredith.

The median age of the town's inhabitants is 50, which is, on average, 7 years older than the rest of the state. While the median listing price may be a bit higher ($645,000), Meredith has many more properties, and some options are much cheaper than Sugar Hill's baseline.

Regardless, the real allure to Meredith are places like the Mill Falls Marketplace, a place not so overwhelming with the actual shopping experience and instead focusing more on a nighttime allure with plenty of lights and pretty spots right by the water. For those conscious eaters, the Moulton Farm provides everything from organic produce to fresh seafood and has become known in the area by merit alone. A specialty for all locals and visitors alike, Meredith welcomes all but especially rewards those who stay.

Hampton

For those looking for a beachside rest, Hampton sits right on the great Atlantic Ocean, filled to the brim with tourist spots, eateries, and luxury views. It's not doubt that many know Hampton based on Hampton Beach and Hampton State Park alone—where the white sands meet a great blue that extends past the horizon. The beach aside, niche places like the Casino Ballroom are always booked and ready for the next live event, singer, or speaker to roll into town and entertain all beachgoers and curious locals. After all, it should be no surprise that in a town of 16,000, there is plenty to do and much to see.

Besides its entertainment, Hampton isn't a shabby place to live either, given that one can endure bouts of tourism and the summer crowds. According to the census, more than a quarter of the town is over the age of 65, and for the retiree, that builds a sense of community and aligned interests. The median listing home price is less than $600,000 as well, coming in at $574,900. Though more tourist-centered, Hampton is a town with an exciting atmosphere that is tempered by the warm waters of the Atlantic.

Franconia

An autumn-time specialty, Franconia is in a basket valley with a multitude of lakes, streams, hideaways, and plenty of autumn oranges, red leaves, and yellow trees. If there ever was an NH town that looked like a postcard, it would be Franconia.

In a small town of just 1000, the median age is 57 years, along with a staggeringly low median gross rent of $935 a month compared to the county's $1366. Franconia has more than just impressive stats; the landscape is the main appeal of the area. The Franconia Notch, a painting-worthy mountain pass, looks as if it's right out of a fairytale, and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway capitalizes on the landscape by giving a view to die for, a peaceful scenery that can only be topped by repeated viewings, and living in Franconia, a place in the colorful mountains.

Littleton

In the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Littleton is reminiscent of a town that thrived in the 1950s—that somehow never lost what made it special. The feel and atmosphere of its red bricks and old buildings only add to its old-fashioned kind of feel; luckily, its prices are mostly stuck in the past as well, ensuring that the median gross rent sits at a cozy $821 (compared to its more costly state counterpart). According to realtor.com, the median listing home price is $332,475 as well, making it very accessible and easy on the wallet—but how about livable?

Littleton is also never short on things to do, as the nearby mountains provide much in the way of recreational activities such as hiking and fishing, and for the more specific spots, the highest peak in the Northeast is at the nearby Mount Washington State Park. Meanwhile, there are plenty of smaller attractions and shops in town, one of which is a morbid curiosity known as the Wallace Horse Cemetary, which marks the burial site of Wallace, a beloved horse from the 19th century.

Conway

Representing the state's dense woodlands and snow-covered winters, Conway is a lovely town at the heart of woodlands, with pristine mountains looming in the distance. With about 10,000 residents and a more mature residency at 48 as the median age, the town also enjoys a slightly lower median gross rent than average, coming in at $1092.

For the outdoorsman, Diana's Baths never get old, as they are a series of pools and cascades that have become renowned for their picturesque cascades and historic sawmill remains. The same can also be said about Echo Lake State Park, a place of pavillions and lakes, perfect for passing the time in nature, far away from the minuscule things of day-to-day life.

Though Conway's stats and prices are fair and inexpensive, its greatest asset must be what it has to offer in terms of nature. Indeed, Conway excels as a place of living for what was already there—and less so that of manmade creations and institutions.

Exeter

With a bold population of 16,000 residents, Exeter is a town on the rise. Though its median gross rent is slightly above that of its peers, sitting at $1470, its median listing home price doesn't cross into the $600,000s and sits at a less wince-inducing price of $539,950 (with many cheaper options available).

Still, like every town, Exeter is worth more than any statistics or numbers on paper, and the future resident once again has no short list of hobbies and places to explore in this semi-large town. For instance, people of history may find the American Independence Museum significant, with special emphasis on tour guides who focus on thoroughness with vibrant enthusiasm.

For those well-learned appreciators of nature, Swasey Park and the tall pine trees of Phillips Exeter Trail welcome long breaks away from the breezy downtown and crashing waves of the nearby Squamscott River.

One thing must be said: Exeter is less of an energetic tourist destination and more of a small town, still quiet and cozy, but is gaining in traction and popularity.

Affordable Gems in New Hampshire for Retirees

New Hampshire is no doubt a state worth spending a pretty penny on, and while it's also true that at times it's more luxurious and less affordable for the average Joe, one does not need vast amounts of money to enjoy what the state has to offer—and this holds true for even the retiree looking for a fine place to live out the rest of their life in. It's in those interests that these towns are perfect for what they are: showcases of New Hampshire's beauty, all while offering opportunities to live where it matters, for a good price always worth what comes out of it. That is the virtue of these small towns, where both quality and inexpensiveness meet.