11 Best New Hampshire Towns For Retirees
The state of New Hampshire has consistently ranked among the top 10 places to live in the United States by US News. This is true for all age groups, especially retirees. New Hampshire does not tax retirement income, including pensions, Social Security, 401(k)s, and IRAs. Zillow.com notes that the state average home value is $509,000. The 11 towns for retirees selected here, however, all have median home values at or under the state average. Check out the best towns for retirees in New Hampshire to discover what else they have to offer.
Derry
Derry is the most populous town in Rockingham County, with 23,000 calling it home. It is also the fourth most populous town in New Hampshire, but its median home sale price of $434,000 is still below the state average. Derry's small-town charm, access to amenities, and proximity to Boston, Massachusetts (which is about a 90-minute drive away) all attract retirees to move to this community.
Derry's Stockbridge Theatre Arts & Humanities Center hosts professional music, dance, and theater performances right in town. Those who prefer to conduct their activities outdoors may enjoy hiking the Windham Rail Trail, an eight-mile paved trail running through Windham and Derry in southern New Hampshire. Downtown Derry is home to some first-class eateries such as Americus Restaurant and Foundation Kitchen and Bar. A top-notch medical center, Parkland Medical Center, is also conveniently found in Derry, perfect for retirees desiring nearby medical care.
Berlin
Nestled along the Androscoggin River, near the northern border with Maine as well as the border with Canada, Berlin, in Coos County, is home to fewer than 10,000 residents. Homes here are quite affordable, averaging way under the state median list price, at $193,000. Boston is just 160 miles from Berlin. These advantages all draw retirees to relocate to Berlin.
The Moffett House Museum and Genealogy Center on High Street contains all sorts of information on the history of the town and the region. Jericho Mountain State Park provides opportunities for miles of trail riding and hiking. Fagin's Pub on Main Street offers lunch and dinner specials daily. Berlin hosts its own medical center, Androscoggin Valley Hospital, if retirees are in need of medical care.
Peterborough
Located in Hillsborough County, Peterborough is a town of about 6,000 residents along the Contoocook River in New Hampshire. Home values here are about $474,000, under the state average. Retirees looking for a truly small, rural town existence would do well to check out the benefits of living in Peterborough, in New Hampshire's Monadnock region.
Downtown Peterborough is filled with boutiques such as Bowerbird & Friends Antiques on Depot Street and the Peterborough Basket Factory Outlet Store on Grove Street. The town has its share of eateries, too, with Coopershill on School Street and Waterhouse Restaurant on Depot Street being two of the residents' favorites. The Monadnock Community Hospital is found right in Peterborough, for times when retirees need medical care.
Laconia
Situated in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, the city of Laconia is in Belknap County and home to just under 17,000 people. The home sale price median is $386,000, under the state median. Laconia is on Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in the state, and includes Weirs Beach, the largest public beach on the lake. Laconia is the perfect, laid-back retirement retreat for those who want to live a quieter life on the lake.
In addition to the beach, Laconia is home to many recreational areas, including Opechee Park, the town's largest park. The town's downtown area features shops like Laconia Antique Center on Main Street and Half-Moon Gift Shop on Lakeside Avenue. Concord Hospital-Laconia is conveniently located in Laconia for easy access to medical services.
Rochester
Also known as the "Lilac City," Rochester is in southeastern New Hampshire and a gateway to the Lakes Region, the White Mountains, and the Seacoast. About 32,000 people live in this city, where home values are reasonable at $396,000. Rochester is the perfect small town with big-city amenities and cultural attractions for retirees.
The Rochester Museum of Fine Arts showcases a range of exhibits from local and regional artists. A visit to the Rochester Historical Society & Museum can tell you all you need to know about the history of the town. The Rochester Riverwalk provides for a leisurely stroll or a more aerobic fast walk along the Cocheco River. The Gonic Trails run alongside a Waste Management facility near Rochester Neck Road and offer access to the Isinglass River and nearby waterfalls. After all of this hiking, if you need medical attention, Frisbie Memorial Hospital is located right in Rochester.
Keene
The county seat and the only city in Cheshire County, Keene, is home to about 23,000 residents. Homes here average a comfortable $347,000. Keene's vibrant downtown area, friendly community, and access to outdoor recreation are all draws for retirees considering making a move.
Hikers might enjoy the challenge of climbing Mount Monadnock, with a breathtaking view awaiting them at the summit. Or hike the two-mile Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail just down the road in Alstead. Downtown Keene offers a plethora of cafes and restaurants, from Birdies Cafe to Otto's Food and Drink. Keene hosts its own medical center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene, and Cheshire Medical Center is closeby for easy access to care.
Bethlehem
Situated in New Hampshire's beautiful White Mountains, the town of Bethlehem in Grafton County is home to about 2,400 residents. Its motto is "Just Be," and Bethlehem's outdoor attractions, sense of community, peacefulness, and affordable homes averaging at $364,000 all beckon retirees to move there.
Bretzfelder Memorial Park on Prospect Street offers hiking trails and a giant white pine tree over 200 years old to sit under and gaze upon. The Profile Recreational Rail Trail is a 1.5-mile-long trail in Bethlehem open year-round for hiking as well as ATVing (when the ground is snow-covered). Bethlehem Summerfest is held each year in August and consists of fun, cheer, and community spirit. If you'd prefer to spend some time indoors, catch a flick at The Colonial Theatre on Main Street, one of the oldest continuously operating movie theaters in the US. The nearest hospital to Bethlehem is Littleton Regional Healthcare, just 10 miles down the road.
Lincoln
Also in the White Mountains, the town of Lincoln, founded in the 1800s, houses about 1,600 folks. Home values here are a bit higher at $520,000, slightly over the state average. Retirees seeking solitude in the mountains would do well to consider moving to Lincoln, where, despite the quietude, there is still much to do.
Wine aficionados should check out Seven Birches Winery on South Mountain Drive. Part of the Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain, this winery features European-style wines and New England Rhythm Ciders. Another major Lincoln attraction is Granite State Railway, offering scenic train rides through the White Mountains. Locals and visitors alike enjoy shopping at Purple Tomato Farmers Market on Lincoln's Main Street. Hungry residents and visitors frequent Black Mtn Burger Company on Main Street. Littleton Regional Healthcare is just over two miles away in nearby Littleton should retirees in Lincoln need medical care.
Lebanon
The only city in Grafton County, Lebanon is in the western part of the state, south of Hanover, near the Connecticut River. Home to about 14,000 people, homes here are a relatively affordable $462,000. It is just 60 miles from Concord, the state capital; and 120 miles from Boston, Massachusetts. Retirees who are looking to be near larger city amenities may wish to check out life in Lebanon.
Patch Orchards in Lebanon is a popular place to pick up produce and attend family-friendly activities and events. History buffs should visit Dana House, the oldest existing house in Lebanon, built in 1765. Independently owned shops in Lebanon include Adorn Boutique and Steve's Pet Shoppe. The Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is in Lebanon to provide convenient medical care for residents, including retirees.
Claremont
The only city in Sullivan County, Claremont is home to 13,000 residents in the upper Connecticut River valley in western New Hampshire near the border with Vermont. Affordability is a key draw for retirees considering Claremont, as homes here average just $280,000. Recently, Claremont was recognized by SmartAsset as a US city where you could retire on just $2,000 per month.
Claremont holds many events and festivals that help to build a sense of community. The Claremont Savings Bank Community Center is home to a 25-yard indoor pool, elevated track, sports courts, fitness facilities, and more. The CSBCC Hiking Series sponsors multiple hiking tours up Green Mountain throughout the summer. Other town events include the Food Truck Festival held in October at Claremont Middle School, and the Moody Park Spooky Ride, also in October. Valley Regional Hospital is located right in Claremont for any potential medical needs.
Ossipee
A town in Carroll County, Ossipee is part of the Pine River State Forest. About 4,300 people live in Ossipee, and home values in this rural town are relatively affordable, averaging $422,000. One of the town's highlights is Lake Ossipee, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and lakeside activities. The Ossipee Mountains also border the town to the west.
The Ossipee Lake Trail is a 22-mile trail for hikers or bikers crossing several towns and a covered bridge. The Ossipee Historical Society Museum can tell you more about the town's rich history dating back to the 1780s. Each July 4th, Ossipee celebrates Ossipee Old Home Week, a homecoming for residents and former residents alike. If medical care is needed while in Ossipee, Huggins Hospital is just nine miles down the road in Wolfeboro.
Retire to the Granite State
These 11 towns in New Hampshire are each filled with different attractions and amenities that retirees may enjoy. One common thread among all of these towns is that their homes average at, or under, the state median home value. Choose a rural town like Lincoln if you are looking to get away from it all. Or select a more populated town, such as Derry, if culture and nearby amenities appeal to you. Any of these New Hampshire towns may offer you the promise of a serene, peaceful retirement.
