8 Towns Perfect For Retirement In New England

It is said that Maine has more trees than people, half of Rhode Island is made up of beaches, and Massachusetts’s drivers are some of the most creative. The facts are that Vermont’s rolling green hills are incredibly beautiful and that the six New England states are often ranked among the best in the nation for healthcare access, safety, and quality of life. And while New England states are not the best for tax-friendliness (it is a mixed bag), they boast some of the best amenities of any region in the United States. If you are considering retiring in New England, we reveal below eight towns that are perfect for retirement in New England.

Yarmouth, Maine

Maine is often ranked number one in the United States for public safety and a decision to retire in the state is bound to be among the best that anyone can make. Offering residents a sparse suburban feel, Yarmouth is a cozy, welcoming town full of good people and nice neighborhoods. While the town has almost everything an old-timer will need, including access to shopping venues such as Hannaford and Rosemont Market, Portland, Maine, is a short, 15-minute drive away. Portland is home to several highly-rated hospitals, including Maine Medical Center, a 2024 recipient of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Outpatient Joint Replacement Award. The beautiful Royal River meanders through Yarmouth and gives it an added layer of rustic charm. Also, Royal River Park features a nice paved path parallel to the river and can make for an early-morning routine. Plus, your pup will run to its heart’s content at the awesome Twin Brook Recreation Area. Yarmouth’s median age is 41, a sweet blend between the young and the old. In a similar vein, residents aged 60 and above comprise 22% of the population. That said, the median listing home price in Yarmouth is $749,000.

Lincoln, Rhode Island

While the Ocean State has its ups and downs, retiring in Lincoln comes with numerous benefits. For starters, an empty nester will be just 10 minutes away from Providence, the largest city in the state. You will enjoy living in attractive neighborhoods, have access to beautiful parks, including the adventure-filled Lincoln Woods State Park, and enjoy a good quality of life. The Blackstone River is a prominent feature of the town and will come in handy for those who enjoy boating adventures. At Lincoln Woods State Park, one can swim, kayak, picnic, or just sit down and enjoy the views. Providence hosts several good hospitals, including The Miriam Hospital, a 2022 recipient of the America's 100 Best Hospitals Award. Lincoln’s median age is a sweet and calm 43, and residents aged 60 and above constitute 28% of the population. You do not have to break the bank either: The median listing home price in Lincoln is just $379,000.

Auburn, Massachusetts

One of the best places to live in Massachusetts, Auburn exemplifies the essence of a small American town. Encircled by rolling hills and lush forests, the environment here is so beautiful that a retiree will look half her age. Avid anglers will be frequent visitors to the beautiful Lake Auburn’ while hiking enthusiasts will make friends with Dr. Arthur and Dr. Martha Pappas Recreation Complex. Food lovers are not left behind, either. A delicious array of cozy cafes and family-owned restaurants dot the town. There is the Outback Steakhouse as well, a boisterous, Australian-themed eatery that serves phenomenal chicken wings. Auburn is surrounded by numerous waterbodies, including Dark Brook, which is known locally as “Electric Pond.” It is a popular fishing, boating, and kayaking destination. To spice things up, a retiree here will be just 5 miles from Worcester, New England’s second-largest city. Worcester hosts excellent hospitals, including the Saint Vincent Hospital. With a median age of 43, an empty nester’s social circle will comprise both the young and folks in the same age bracket. Finally, one does not have to splurge on a home. In March 2024, the median listing home price in Auburn was just $410,000.

New London, Connecticut

If your idea of retirement includes mingling with a whole range of different people and appreciating their varied cultures, start scoping for a home in New London. For perspective, Whites, Hispanics, and Blacks comprise 49%, 29%, and 14% of New London’s population, respectively. While the town boasts a bubbly median age of 35, residents aged 60 and above comprise 21% of the population. The Garde Arts Center, smack in the middle of downtown New London, is one of Connecticut’s few remaining historic movie palaces. It was built in 1926. But New London is chockful of other attractions. Sites such as Ocean Beach Park ( It styles itself as New England's finest sugar sand Beach), the dog-friendly Harkness Memorial State Park, Fort Trumbull State Park and Museum, and Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, the site of the largest Revolutionary War battle in Connecticut — will all make a year look like a weekend. The sweetest part is that New London is unbelievably affordable, especially considering what it offers. The median listing home price in New London is just $252,500. Concerning healthcare access, New London hosts the award-winning Lawrence and Memorial Hospital.

Camden, Maine

A quaint downtown area, one of the coolest libraries in the state, and the blue waters of the world’s second-largest ocean — are features that will pique the interest of any retiree. You have the Mt. Battie Trailhead as well, which offers spectacular views — even if a bit more exerting. There is the eye-catching Curtis Island Lighthouse as well. An empty nester will also fall in love with the beautiful village green, the attractive Megunticook Falls, which is unique for being right in the middle of town, and the Camden Amphitheater, a nice venue to ride bikes on a glorious Saturday afternoon. Rockport, which is a heartbeat away, hosts the highly-rated Pen Bay Medical Center. But here is the best part. Camden’s median age is 50, and residents aged 60 and above comprise 43% of the population. That said, this town is a bit affluent. Homes fetch a median listing price of 742,500.

Keene, New Hampshire

With the Asuelet River meandering through the town, the Keene State College offering seniors a broad range of interesting courses, and the Thai Garden transporting the taste buds all the way to Bangkok, Keene is not as appreciated as it should be. An empty nester will enjoy captivating shows at the majestic Redfern Arts Center and, once in a while — will want to explore the walking paths inside Robin Hood Park. For urgent medical situations, Cheshire Medical Center is right in town. While Keene’s median age is 36, residents aged 60 and above comprise 24% of the population. Then again, you do not need to deplete your savings. In March 2024, Keene's median listing home price was just $375,000.

Phippsburg, Maine

While relatively less known, Phippsburg’s retirement appeal is top-notch. As a teaser, Phippsburg’s median age is 54. Therefore, in terms of social support, it provides an unmatched experience. In a similar vein, residents aged 60 and above comprise 41% of the population. Granted, Phippsburg is tiny and boasts a population of just about 2,000. However, a retiree here will access almost all requisite necessities. Mid Coast Hospital, for instance, a 93-bed facility with a 24-hour emergency department, is just 10 miles away in Brunswick. A retiree has the Kennebec River at her doorstep — as well as Center Pond, a nice venue to paddleboard or kayak. On the flip side, avid hikers will want to make good use of the Cooley Center Pond Preserve Trailhead. Phippsburg also ticks the box, especially for those looking for budget-friendly venues. According to Zillow, the average Phippsburg home value is $487,568. That said, Phippsburg is particularly ideal for retirees who relish quiet, secluded settings. And it is not in the middle of nowhere. Portland, Maine, is just a 40-minute drive.

Northampton, Massachusetts

Northampton is on the edge of the Berkshires, a stunning region of Massachusettes known for superior outdoor attractions. Retiring here, therefore, comes with being close to several pristine lakes for swimming, lush vineyards for wine tasting, and a rich menu of other natural attractions. Mount Holyoke Range State Park, for instance, besides overwhelming the senses, boasts 30 miles of hiking trails. Then there is the Connecticut River, the longest river in New England. Elwell State Park, which is bounded by the river on every side, is a nice spot to fish, bike, or chat with a friend. Northampton is in the Five Colleges Community and provides convenient access to UMass Amherst, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College, Smith College, and Amherst College. While home to a sizable student population, Northampton’s median age is a mellow 42. Residents aged 60 and above comprise 28% of its population. Finally, the median listing home price in Northampton is $550,000.

The Takehome

If an empty nester wants to wake up to the sound of crashing waves, be close to sparkling lakes or rugged peaks, live in incredibly safe neighborhoods, and be a heartbeat away from excellent hospitals, the New England Region is simply unbeatable. For those who want to nest in New England, a good piece of advice is to identify a place beforehand so you can spend a vacation there before moving. If lost for choice, you will want to place your bet on Yarmouth, Maine; Lincoln, Rhode Island; Auburn, Massachusetts; or New London, Connecticut.