New Hampshire's 8 Best Retirement Towns Ranked
New Hampshire offers retirees the best of New England without the hustle and bustle of the cities and much of the coastal areas. You will find charming towns, breathtakingly scenic nature, four seasons, and history and culture to spare. New Hampshire also boasts a low crime rate, excellent medical care, and favorable state tax laws regarding retirement income. One downside is the cost of living is generally high compared to the national average, so make sure to factor this into your planning. If you are considering New Hampshire as the ideal location for your golden years, read below for some fresh inspiration.
Exeter
Exeter is a picturesque coastal town of 16,098 known for its tight-knit community. Founded in 1638, it served as New Hampshire’s Revolutionary War capital. The American Independence Museum, right downtown, is a haven for history buffs and also runs special programs aimed at actively engaging and supporting seniors. It also holds one of the original versions of the Declaration of Independence, which, interestingly enough, was found in a wall of the museum during a 1983 renovation. The Exeter Public Library is another fantastic resource to help retirees integrate into the community. It offers activities such as book discussion groups, a summer music series, and a quilters’ club.
It is easy to get out and enjoy the fresh air as the Swasey Parkway cuts through the center of town. It is a gorgeous half mile long park and paved trail along the Squamscott River, great for walking and biking. It also is the site of the robust Exeter Farmers Market, open every Thursday, May 1 through October 31.
The town's excellent medical care is centered around Exeter Hospital, a 100-bed facility with a full range of services. Several retirement living communities are available, including RiverWoods Exeter, which offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, and nursing care.
Peterborough
With a population of 6,456, Peterborough is a charming town in southern New Hampshire, offering retirees a tranquil natural setting mixed with an active cultural scene. Home to Miller State Park, residents can either hike or drive to the 2,290-foot summit of Pack Monadnock, where, on a clear day, you can see all the way to the skyscrapers of Boston. In autumn, take a stroll on the Marion Davis Trail, a moderate 2.6-mile out-and-back, and feast your eyes on the changing colors of the foliage. Just to the north, you will find Wapack National Wildlife Refuge. A birders paradise, the refuge is a popular hawk migration location and the nesting habitat for a variety of songbirds like the tree sparrow and magnolia warbler. For a dose of culture, be entertained by the Peterborough Players. This professional live theater company, founded in 1933, puts on five main-stage performances over the summer months.
Residents have access to excellent medical care at Monadnock Community Hospital, a 25-bed facility with specialties such as cancer and heart disease departments. Multiple retirement communities and assisted living options are available in the area, such as RiverMead, which offers a full range of choices from unique homes to 24/7 nursing care.
Concord
Concord is the capital of New Hampshire, but with a population of only 44,629, it maintains a small-town feel. Adding in the relatively reasonable cost of living and housing prices, this may be just the place for your life’s third act. Concord has a thriving senior community and a host of resources to keep you active and engaged. One such organization is Good Life Programs & Activities, a non-profit that facilitates classes, events, and trips. The downtown area was recently renovated to make it safer and more accessible, with seniors specifically in mind. Downtown, you will also find the historic New Hampshire Statehouse, built-in 1819; it is the oldest continuously used legislative chamber in the country. Nearby, you will find the New Hampshire Historical Society. It was founded in 1823 and has been headquartered since 1911 in an impressive building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here, you will find a multitude of exhibitions dedicated to the history, art, and culture of New Hampshire. The society even offers volunteer opportunities, where you can meet others and share your passion and knowledge. Concord possesses an extensive network of outdoor spaces where you can stretch your legs and take in the beautiful surroundings. The Les Clark Nature Trail is a favorite, as the 1.5-mile loop is flat and scenic as it runs along the Merrimack River.
Concord has a large network of quality medical services anchored by Concord Hospital, a 295-bed comprehensive facility. There is also a plethora of retirement communities. Havenwood Heritage Heights offers independent living, assisted living, nursing care, short-term rehabilitation, memory care, and a health services center.
Keene
If you are looking for easy access to the outdoors, Keene may be the ideal place for you. The Horatio Colony Nature Preserve and the Greater Goose Pond Forest are both within the city limits. The preserve offers five miles of hiking trails within 645-acres of protected upland forests and wetlands. While Greater Goose Pond Forest provides trails, fishing, swimming, and other lakeside activities. If you like to add a challenge while you are enjoying nature, the Bretwood Golf Course is an eight minute drive from town. It has 36 holes set along the lush Ashuelot River, reasonable rates, and a fleet of carts, so gather a foursome and hit the links.
The community of 23,047 has a dedicated hospital, Cheshire Medical Center, to address any needs, including a cancer center and geriatrics department. Multiple retirement living options are available, such as Covenant Living of Keene and Langdon Place of Keene.
Hanover
Hanover, home to Dartmouth College, may be just the place to spend your golden years if you are seeking intellectual stimulation and a vibrant, inclusive community. Set along the Connecticut River, the town of 12,209 residents boasts a scenic and walkable downtown, with many nice shops and excellent restaurants. A section of the Appalachian Trail even runs right down Main Street, a sure sign that access to outdoor activities is readily available. Being an Ivy League college town, many opportunities for cultural enrichment and lifelong learning are at hand. The Hopkins Center for the Performing Arts at Dartmouth presents more than 500 events annually, including concerts, films, lectures, workshops, and more. If you are an art lover, the Hood Museum of Art houses one of the most comprehensive collections in the country.
Medical care is a standout here as it is home to top-rated Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Affiliated with Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine, it is the state’s only Level 1 trauma center. Many Senior living options are available, such as Wheelock Terrace, which offers assisted living and memory care.
Wolfeboro
In the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, you will find the charming town of Wolfeboro, population 6,415. It is set along the eastern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in the state. It is 21 miles long, up to 9 miles wide, and covers 72 square miles, and it holds immense opportunities for freshwater activities. So, if fishing and boating are in your wheelhouse, look no further. The town itself has much to see and do. The Wright Museum of World War II, a non-profit educational institution, honors the legacy of WWII Americans. With displays, lecture series, and events such as antique car shows, it will keep you coming back. There are also volunteer opportunities available, where you can network with others in the community. The quaint downtown is a fun place to spend time perusing shops and galleries. Or, grab some friends and a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, such as Marker21, where you can dine al fresco, watching the boats maneuver around the Wolfeboro town docks.
Senior housing options include Taylor Sugar Hill, located just outside of town on 118 wooded acres. Huggins Hospital, a 25-bed Critical Access facility is also located in town and offers a full range of specialties.
Portsmouth
Historically notable as a harbor and ship-building center, Portsmouth brings to mind quintessential New England charm nestled along the shores of the Piscataqua River. With a population of 22,332, the town combines plentiful services with a small-town vibe. The cobblestone streets of the downtown area are extremely pedestrian-friendly, so it is easy to get out and enjoy the diverse shops and eating scene. Or walk along the waterfront at one of the town’s many parks, such as Prescott Park, which has 10 acres of gardens and sculptures through which you can stroll. If you are itching for the beach, Wallis Sands State Park and the Atlantic Ocean are less than a 10-minute drive away. For a splash of culture, the Strawbery Banke Museum brings the history of the town to life with costumed roleplayers, historical house tours, and traditional crafts demonstrations. You can also become more involved by joining one of their classes, such as the Garden Basket Workshop for adults.
The 234-bed acute care center Portsmouth Regional Hospital provides the community with outstanding medical care. The town also contains the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital’s Pease Campus, a state-of-the-art outpatient facility offering primary and specialty care. There are several retirement communities in Portsmouth, including Wentworth Senior Living, providing assisted living, holistic senior care, memory care, and short term stay.
Littleton
Littleton, population 6,005, is nestled in northern New Hampshire on the edge of the White Mountains. It could be the perfect spot for retirees seeking to commune with nature and who are not afraid to perhaps shovel some snow in the winter. The nearby White Mountains National Forest has miles of hiking trails, camping, and many other opportunities for outdoor recreation. Just four miles north of town is Moore Reservoir, a favorite of local fishermen, where you will find northern pike, bass, trout, and more. The almost 3,500-acre lake has 30 miles of shoreline and multiple public ramps to launch recreational watercraft. Downtown Littleton is classic New England, with shops, restaurants, and a focus on celebrating the arts. Check out some local artwork at the League of N.H. Craftsmen Gallery, or learn how to create your own with classes at the Littleton Studio School, a community arts center.
Littleton Regional Healthcare, a 25-bed critical access hospital, meets the community's medical needs. While retirement housing such as Riverglen House provide independent and assisted living for the area's seniors.
New Hampshire is called the granite state, which is fitting as it provides a solid foundation for those who choose it for retirement. This foundation is built with excellent health care, safety, community, history, culture, and the classic charm of New England. Build up from that with easy access to nature, whether it be the mountains, rivers, coast, or forests. And top it off with organizations that take the needs of seniors to heart. If New Hampshire matches your sensibilities, it is sure to be a home where you will flourish and grow in your retirement years.
