8 Welcoming Towns to Retire in New England

Dive into the rich history of New England, a United States gem that brings together the stunning Atlantic coast with the White and Green Mountains of the Appalachians. Look forward to the picturesque fall foliage every year without having to travel, and prepare to fill your stomach with iconic maple syrup, fresh-caught seafood, wines, and ciders. Stroll the streets lined with Victorian-era buildings and join the vibrant art scene found throughout every small town. With six states to choose from, including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, you will surely find the retirement community that's right for you.

Rutland, Vermont

Welcome to Rutland, a town with an amazing downtown core, a magnificent art scene, and events to keep the years exciting.

Make your health a priority with the Rutland Regional Medical Center, as well as the Pyramid Holistic Wellness Center. Friends are easy to come by with the Godnick Adult Center, which offers line dancing, hiking groups, tai chi, yoga, and book clubs. Want even more reading opportunities? Head to the Free Library or one of the adorable bookstores. If you're someone who takes self-care seriously, you'll love hair salons, beauty lounges, nail salons, and beauty shops, including Sally Beauty. If shopping is your jam, spend your days browsing consignment stores, boutiques, antique shops, florists, and local favorites like Guiseppes Italian Market and Kaleidoscope Art Supply. Big-name shops to grab the essentials include Dollar Tree, TJ Maxx, Walmart, and Price Chopper.

Grab a coffee and spend your morning relaxing at Jupiter Rising Bakery, and afterward, sit down to some lunch at Brix Bistro or Cara Mias Pizzeria. Head to the Paramount Theater, an old Victorian opera house, to catch the latest live performance, or swing by the Summer Farmers Market or Friday Night Concert Series during the warmer months. other events to look forward to include WinterFest, a poetry festival, and a Halloween parade. If you want to make getting around a breeze, catch a ride on the Marble Valley Transit System, which has $0.25 fares and $7.50 monthly passes for seniors.

Sanford, Maine

Right by the Mousam River, this pretty little town is the perfect escape from big-city life. Take care of your health with the MainHealth hospital, as well as clinics for cardiology, primary and urgent care, and, of course, vets for your furry pals. Meet new friends at the Trafton Senior Center hosted by the YMCA, a membership-based community initiative where you can exercise, take part in arts and crafts workshops, sit down for coffee, and sign up for classes such as tai chi. Other places to socialize include the Sanford Maine Stage Co., a theater company for those who love to act. There's also the Sanford Performing Arts Center, the Sanford-Springvale Historical Society, and the Louise B. Goodall Library. Or head outdoors and play a round at the Sanford Country Club or Pine Hollow Little Par 3 Golf Course. More outdoor fun can be had at the Hammond Farm Disc Golf Course or McDougal Orchards, where you can find fresh apples, peaches, plums, pears, and pumpkins.

During the winter or on less-than-nice days, stay cozy indoors at Smittys Cinema, which features a restaurant right inside the theater. There's also Bowl-a-Rama and restaurants like Big G's Deli, Guerrero Maya, Third Alarm Diner, and Pilots Cove Cafe right on the tarmac at the airport. And when its time for groceries, shop at the Walmart, Lowes, Hannaford, and Shaws, which you can access either by car or by Sanford Transit.

Rochester, New Hampshire

Right on the border of Maine and New Hampshire, Rochester has endless opportunities for both indoor and outdoor recreation.

The town is also ripe with great amenities, such as the Frisbie Memorial Hospital and clinics for dental, memory care, mobility, eye care, and physical therapy for all your health needs. Grab the essentials at Home Depot, Lowes, Hannaford, CVS, and Walgreens. Restaurants include Burger King, Taco Bell, and Subway, as well as local favorites like China Palace Asian Diner, Earth Eagle Brewing, Eastside Tavern and Busters Billiards, and Cincos Cantina.

Outdoor activities include the Salmon Falls Disc Golf Course, as well as regular courses like The Oaks and the Rochester Country Club. Walk the trails at hotspots like Keay Brook Nature Preserve, Pickering Ponds, and the Cocheco River that runs through town. Baxter Lake offers a boat launch, and the town offers three outdoor pools and an outdoor rink in the winter. Indoor activities include volleyball, an indoor arena, and the seniors center, which hosts events like dancing, chess, cribbage, quilting, crafting, and Zumba. If you love art, stop at the Rochester Opera House or the Rochester Performance and Arts Center. There is also the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts. As for events, look forward to yearly meet-ups like Moonlight Madness, Sunset Movie Series, the Granite State Fair, and Festival of Trees. Plus, getting around is easy with COAST Transit and their half-off fares for seniors.

Wallingford, Connecticut

This cozy town is ready to welcome you with open arms. Blessed with healthcare options, recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community, Wallingford has it all.

Gaylord Hospital as well as the Masonic Geriatric Hospital take your health seriously, and the seniors center also has vaccine clinics, hearing and vision clinics, and fitness classes. The center also has a beautiful cafe with lake views, as well as activities like billiards, cards, dancing, pickleball, and shuffleboard.

In town, enjoy amenities such as the public library, or the Paul Mellon Arts Center. There's also the Toyota Oakdale Theater, a garden market, plenty of parks, and even a dog park. Dine out at local hotspots like Serafinos Ristorante Italiano, Arles and Boggs Vegan Eatery, and Neils Donuts, or opt for classics like Sonic and IHOP. For the night owls, check out Center Street Brewing Company and New England Cider Company, or spend an afternoon at Paradise Hills Vineyard and Winery and Gouveia Vineyard.

Stay active outdoors with the Wallingford Country Club or the Wheeler Family Traditions Golf Club. Stroll alongside the Quinnipiac River, or walk the trails at Wharton Brooks State Park. Another fun activity is the Blue Hills Farm Orchard or the Community Lake Park. And so many of these activities and places are accessible by CT Transit.

Lincoln, Rhode Island

Although moving to a new place can be daunting, making friends and connections is easier than ever with Lincoln's commitment to various social activities throughout town. At the public library, enjoy book clubs, crafts, movies, workshops, and more. The Lincoln Seniors Center offers lunch, quilting, photography, art classes, Zumba, meditation, and bingo as well as transportation services. Join fitness classes and take part in dancing and tennis, or find a group and conquer the Blackstone River Bikeway. There's also the Kirkbrae Country Club and Fairlawn Golf Course. If you'd rather experience the outdoors solo, take a walk around Lincoln Woods State Park or the Lime Rock Nature Preserve.

When boredom strikes, head to the movie theater or even the drive-in theater on a hot summer night. Speaking of summer, the Summer Concert Series features amazing acts as well as food trucks. Other food options in town include local hotspots like The Lodge Pub and Eatery and Lincoln Creamery, as well as national favorites like Panera Bread, Chilis, and Dunkin Donuts. Shop at Target, Marshalls, and Ulta, and if you need somewhere to go when you're worried about your health, choose from various dental clinics, pharmacies, and two hospitals. Our Lady of Fatima Hospital and Miriam Hospital are nearby in Providence and North Providence, respectively. Lincoln is also right next to Pawtucket and close to Providence, opening up even more options for dining, shopping, and healthcare. And with Rhode Island Public Transit, you can even leave the car at home.

Burlington, Vermont

On the beautiful Lake Champlain, Burlington brings together waterside living with a fantastic downtown core. Get out on the water and enjoy dinner cruises, sailing, and tours of the shorelines, or walk the marina and sit down to watch the sunset at Waterfront Park. Easily access downtown and stop in at Brio Coffeeworks or Church Street Marketplace.

If self-care and health are a top priority when deciding on a place to retire, Burlington has all the necessary facilities, including the University of Vermont Medical Center, which serves as the town's hospital. There are also plenty of salons, spas, massage parlors, barber shops, and yoga studios, plus dental clinics, optometrists, and pharmacies.

When a shopping spree is in order, head to big-name stores like Barnes and Noble, Lululemon, Hannaford, Walgreens, TJ Maxx, and Shaws, or shop local at the various shops selling soaps, books, records, antiques, artisan goods, and plants. There is also the farmers market. If you consider yourself a foodie, never run out of options, with places such as Buffalo Wild Wings and Five Guys, as well as family-owned restaurants like Bluebird Barbeque, Kestrel Coffee Roasters, Farmhouse Tap and Grill, and El Cortijo Taqueria at your fingertips. There are also late-night joints like Citizen Cider, Burlington Beer Company, and Zero Gravity Brewing.

Want to meet the community? There are three senior centers to choose from, including South Burlington Seniors Center, Heineberg Community Seniors Center, and CORE Adult Center. The town also has the Fletcher Free Library, a bowling alley, the Fleming Museum of Art, Flynn Theater, Burlington Country Club, and the Vermont Comedy Club. And with Green Mountain Transit, getting to and from these great places is easy.

Ellsworth, Maine

Never be bored in Ellsworth with the mind-blowing amount of events hosted every year, as well plenty of ways to get to know your community.

Stay healthy with the Northern Lights Maine Coast Hospital, which specializes in cancer treatment, cardiovascular health, orthopedics, and women's health. There are also clinics throughout town for massage therapy, audiology, eye care, physical therapy, and mental health. You can also find health clinics and fitness options at the Friends in Action Seniors Center, which also offers rides, food and medicine delivery, workshops, and morning coffee. Speaking of workshops, head to the library for even more opportunities. Other fun recreational activities include the bowling alley and Ellsworth Tennis Center. If you want to experience the great outdoors, Graham Lake, Branch Lake, Green Lay, and Union River Bay are great spots for fishing, or you can snap some pictures at the Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary and the Birdsacre Wildlife Sanctuary.

As for events, keep your calendar full with the March Dine Around, Maine Maple Sunday, Waterfront Concert Series, Farmers Market, Art of Ellsworth Festival, Autumn Gold Festival, Christmas Parade, and Winter Marketplace. Although these events may be scattered around town, get to them without issue with the Downeast Transportation company, which runs the Hancock Transit System and even has routes heading to popular nearby spots like Bar Harbor.

Manchester, Connecticut

In Manchester, get caught up in history as you explore the various museums, buildings, and events. Or spend your time getting to know your community.

When it comes to important amenities, such as health care options, find peace of mind with the Manchester Memorial Hospital. Social amenities include the library, which hosts author talks, clubs, and workshops, as well as the senior center, with biking groups, billiards, bingo, ceramics, gardening, painting, and options for home care, mental health, cancer, and Alzheimer's assistance. Catch a performance at the Little Theater of Manchester, or try your hand at something new at the Firestone Art Studio and Cafe. If you love to shop, head to the farmers market, or keep your eyes on the monthly calendar for book sales. There's also a ShopRite, Trader Joe's, Walmart, and Home Depot for all your other needs. Want to experience the delicious menu items available throughout town? Try out Mulberry Street Pizza or Cosmic Omelet. Urban Lodge Brewing Co. is a great place to meet with friends after a long day, or you can turn to iconic favorites such as Starbucks and Dairy Queen.

If you want to stay active and spend some time outdoors, spend the afternoon at Center Memorial Park, or Center Springs Park. There is also an outdoor pool, Union Pond, and the Manchester Country Club. History buffs can study the past at the Cheney Homestead, Fire Museum, Old Manchester Museum, and Woodbridge Farmstead.

And don't worry if you don't have a car, as getting around town is a breeze with CT Transit and its reduced senior fares, as well as the town's dial-a-ride program.

Enjoy an Active, Fulfilling Retirement in New England

New England is the place to be if you're a lover of art and the great outdoors. Retirement should be one of the best times of your life, a time full of adventure and memories. Never spend a day bored when you live in New England, as your days will be full of community events, outdoor recreation, shopping, and dining at some of the best restaurants the country has to offer. All that's left is to pick one of six states to choose from and find the town that's calling your name.