8 Most Comfortable Towns In New England For Seniors
States like Florida and California are immensely popular among seniors, thanks to their vibrant cities, bustling beaches, and abundance of spirited retirement communities. However, what these sunny states often lack are the charms and comforts that come with living in cozier, close-knit regions like New England.
In addition to boasting beautiful four-season weather and stunning natural landscapes, New England’s strong sense of community is unmatched, parallel to the hospitality widely recognized in the American South. Coupled with low crime rates, affordable living costs, outstanding medical facilities, and some of the best outdoor recreation in the world, these 8 New England towns promise the perfect blend of comfort, security, and excitement for seniors looking to live out their golden days in bliss.
Laconia, New Hampshire
Named 1 of “The Best Places to Retire in New England” by Kiplinger in 2024, Laconia is a true New Hampshire gem. With a cost of living 3.4% lower than the New Hampshire average and medical facilities like the Concord Hospital right in town, seniors can relish affordability and peace of mind. But the town’s true standout feature is its setting. Located right between beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam, this “City on the Lake” is one of the region’s prettiest retirement towns.
Along with being easy on the eyes, Laconia’s lakes offer a fantastic mix of activity and relaxation. Seniors looking to stay active can enjoy waterfront strolls at Ahern State Park. With 3,500-feet of shoreline along Lake Winnisquam and a range of wooded hiking trails, this 128-acre is gorgeous in all seasons.
As for the seniors looking to enjoy more easygoing days outdoors, Laconia’s beaches and piers are in high supply. The town’s most popular shore is Weirs Beach, a clean and well-maintained stretch of sand with views of the Ossipee Mountains off in the distance. The nearby Winnipesaukee Pier is another great spot to unwind lakeside. Whether renting a pontoon boat, walking the pier, or grabbing a bite at seasonal New England chains like Lobster In The Rough, relaxation is guaranteed.
Camden, Maine
For natural beauty and a strong sense of community, Camden is a Maine town with all this and more. Located in Maine’s stunning MidCoast region on Penobscot Bay, this coastal town is teeming with breathtaking views, outdoor recreation, and a small town feel reminiscent of simpler times.
For adventurous seniors seeking a challenge, Camden’s Bald Mountain Preserve offers strenuous hikes with rewarding overlooks. Camden Hills State Park, on the other hand, boasts breathtaking mountain hikes for people of all abilities. Trails range from easy 0.3-mile paths like the Adams Lookout to more moderate paths like the 1-mile Maiden Cliff Trail-both of which double as cross country skiing trails in the winter. The best part is, this year-round park is free to all Maine residents over the age of 65.
While Camden has a slightly higher cost of living when compared to other Maine towns, its close-knit community makes it worthwhile for many. Thetravel.com and Niche both rated it the #1 place to retire in Maine in 2024, citing its safety and friendly atmosphere. With crime rates “consistently below State and national averages,” seniors can look forward to safety as well as warmth and friendliness from their neighbors.
Rumford, Maine
For seniors looking to save, Rumford is an excellent alternative in Maine. With a cost of living 11.6% lower than the Maine average and 14.3% lower than the US average, seniors on a budget can stress a little less and put more time toward leisure. With the Rumford Hospital right in town, traveling for health concerns is also one less thing to worry about in this charming New England community.
Similar to Camden, alpine recreation is one of Rumford’s best pleasures. Located in the Androscoggin River Valley at the foothills of the White Mountains, the town offers an extraordinary outdoor playground. Given its alpine setting, winter recreation is one of Rumford’s hallmarks, with popular ski resorts like the Black Mountain of Maine. While known for its Nordic skiing facilities, the resort also features a pristine cross-country ski center.
Outside of winter, Rumford’s natural surroundings are still just as enchanting. The Rumford Whitecap Mountain Preserve is a great hiking spot, with a nearly 6-mile trail network promising panoramic vistas. Alternatively, the Swift River Walking Trail is a paved, short-and-sweet wheelchair-accessible path that is great for seniors of all abilities. In spring and summer, the Androscoggin River is a delightful fishing spot, and you can also witness its nearly 180-foot plunge. Rumford Falls (previously Pennacook Falls) can be appreciated by strolling through J. Eugene Boivin Park or taking the bridge on Rumford’s Bridge Street.
Newport, Rhode Island
Over in Rhode Island, Newport consistently ranks as one of the best places for seniors in the state. Known for its rugged cliffs, Gilded Age mansions, and reputation for being the "sailing capital of the world,” this Aquidneck Island town knows a thing or 2 about retiring in style. In 2024, Fortune Magazine stated that “living in coastal Newport feels like a permanent vacation,” which is even truer for retirees looking to live out their golden years on the sea.
Similar to other coastal towns, the cost of living here is higher than the national average. But with crime rates nearly 22% lower than the national average, seniors can treasure Newport’s sense of security. The city of Providence is also within driving distance, meaning its world-class hospitals and medical facilities are just without arms reach.
As for fun in Newport, there is no lack of that. The town’s 3.5-mile Cliff Walk is a landmark star, and the views never get old. As the name implies, this clifftop hiking path features breathtaking Atlantic vistas, but it also offers a look at the town’s iconic Gilded Age architecture. Elsewhere in town, close-up ocean views are an even better way to feel the saltwater breeze at spots like Brenton Point State Park, the Castle Hill Lighthouse, and Easton's Beach.
Stowe, Vermont
If security and peace of mind are at the top of your list, Stowe is one of Vermont’s safest towns. Based on 2024 FBI crime data, Safewise ranked Stowe as the third-safest community in the state, moving up six spots from the previous year. With stats like this, it is easy to see why out of Stowe’s 4,097 adults, approximately 36% are seniors.
In addition to its safe and close-knit community, Stowe is equally beloved for its scenic scenes and year-round recreation. Since the town is overlooked by Mount Mansfield, alpine views follow you everywhere you go. But this stunning landscape is so much more than a pretty picture. As Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield is a playground in all seasons. Whether skiing its slopes in the winter at the Stowe Mountain Resort or hiking its trails in the summer, there is no better way to stay in shape and enjoy the fresh alpine air.
Waterfall hikes are another signature in Stowe, with cascades like Bingham Falls and Sterling Gorge Falls. But Moss Glen Falls is Stowe’s true claim to fame for being Vermont’s tallest waterfall. The hike to the falls is super short and easy, taking around 20 minutes for most. But you will likely want to lengthen your stay once you reach this 85-foot marvel.
Montpelier, Vermont
Even though Montpelier is the capital of Vermont, its population of just under 8,000 gives it a cozy small-town feel. Adding to this all-American atmosphere, Montpelier’s community is as close-knit as they come. The town hosts tons of events throughout the year to bring locals together, including their Art Walk, Montpelier Mayfest, and Taste of Montpelier Food and Arts Festival, to name a few.
Based on 2022 data released by the FBI in 2023, Montpelier’s crime rate is also nearly 7% lower than the national average. Despite this, Montpelier remains one of Vermont’s more affordable communities. As of 2024, Bestplaces projects a 5.8% lower cost of living than the US average and 6.5% lower cost of living than Vermont’s.
With security and savings, this leaves more room to embrace Montpelier’s pleasures. Evenings are great for seeing shows at the town’s Lost Nation Theater. In the summertime, you can follow this up with cocktails along the Winooski River, courtesy of the Caledonia Spirits distillery. Warm days are also perfect for exploring the town’s surrounding hillsides. Hubbard Park is by far Montpelier’s best outdoor space, spread across over 200 scenic acres. It features several picnic shelters, a picturesque pond, and over 7 miles of hiking and skiing trails for a range of abilities.
Adams, Massachusetts
About 15 minutes from the Vermont state border, Adams is a valley town with some of the best scenes in the country. Located at the base of the Berkshire Mountains, locals can appreciate mountain backdrops and world-class recreation in all seasons. With Massachusetts' highest peak to the west and the Hoosac Range to the east, the town is sandwiched between greatness.
With alpine views and crime rates 30% lower than the national average, many are willing to pay Adams’ slightly higher cost of living. But there are still plenty of other ways to save in this New England town. With housing expenses 2% lower than the national average and utility prices 6% lower, savings can definitely add up. With much of the town’s best hiking areas being free or affordable, the value continues to stack.
Many retirees also see living in Adams as a major investment, thanks to recent projects like the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center. After decades of planning, 2 years of building, and an $8.3 million budget, the center opened in October of 2024. With goals to inflate Adams’ economy as a home base to the great outdoors, the multi-purpose center plans to include a cafe, outdoor outfitter, and environmental education programs. It also serves as a gateway to the Greylock Glen Mountain Trails and other paths in town, like the paved Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. Adams alone offers over 50 miles of nature paths, “from casual to challenging and from strolling to skiing,” so recreation and beauty are around every corner.
New Milford, Connecticut
For seniors in search of a welcoming and easygoing New England town, rural New Milford is a blissful place to call home. Offering a cost of living 5.3% lower than the Connecticut average and an “authentic blend of small-town charm and country living,” this Connecticut community loves connecting over life’s simple pleasures. Whether catching a show at the Merryall Center for the Arts or browsing for treasures at Elephant's Trunk Flea Market, every day feels like a laid-back Sunday.
The bliss extends to New Milford’s green spaces, with plenty of parks to picnic, hike, and get fresh air. Harrybrooke Park is best for quiet walks and waterfall views along the Still River. Sega Meadows Park offers a similar quiet atmosphere, with uncrowded woods, vast meadows, a large pond, and views of the mighty Housatonic River. But New Milford’s best outdoor space would have to be Lovers Leap State Park. The 160-acre nature haven offers dramatic river gorge vistas, the scenic Lovers Leap Bridge, and hiking paths past historic ruins.
Why Is New England Superior For Seniors?
In our post-pandemic world with technology at its center, loneliness can be a major issue for people of all ages, with seniors being no exception. In a 2020 study performed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, they found that almost one-fourth of people 65 and older struggle with social isolation.
Countless studies have linked social isolation and loneliness to health risks and a decreased quality of life. For this reason and more, New England’s strong sense of community shines as one of its best qualities for seniors.
These 8 New England towns are among some of the safest and close-knit in the country, fostering community engagement through their gorgeous public parks, festivals, and neighborly atmospheres. Paired with top-notch medical facilities, affordability, and year-round recreation to stay active, New England serves as one of the most comfortable places for seniors to call home during their golden years.
