7 Most Comfortable New England Towns For Seniors For 2025
Retirement plans look different for everyone, but most can agree that comfort is the ultimate priority. Accordingly, New England is one of the best places in the United States to make your retirement years the best they can be. Low crime rates and world-class healthcare are hallmarks of the region, with affordability not far behind when you know where to look. Coupled with unfathomable natural beauty and a culture of warmth and welcome, these are 7 of the most comfortable New England towns for seniors to call home in 2025.
Laconia, New Hampshire
Centered in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, Laconia is a town as tranquil as the waters surrounding it. Tucked between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam, this “City on the Lakes” boasts four seasons of beauty and bliss. Better yet, life in Laconia doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. In September 2025, Laconia’s homes sold at a median of $441K, well below the state median of $503K.
Paired with New Hampshire's lack of retirement taxes, life in Laconia leaves more room for savings and leisure. Whether lounging on Weirs Beach, hiking a shore at Ahern State Park, or booking a Mount Washington Cruise, fun on the water is Laconia’s specialty. Conversely, locals love using winter as a time to recharge and enjoy the town’s indoor attractions, like the Laconia Antique Center.
Conway, New Hampshire
For seniors seeking comfort in community and nature, Conway is a close-knit White Mountain town where 35% of residents are 65 and older. Skirting the southeastern end of White Mountain National Forest, retirees are drawn to Conway’s natural beauty and landmarks. The New Hampshire town is a gateway to countless natural wonders, including Diana's Baths, a series of rock ledge waterfalls along Lucy Brook.
Echo Lake State Park is another legendary attraction near Conway, with day-use fees waived for those 65 and older. The park is anchored by its namesake lake, a picturesque body of water backed by a cliff called White Horse Ledge. Whether swimming, paddling, or hiking the 1-mile loop around the lake, this New England park is its own little slice of paradise.
Bangor, Maine
Bordering the Penobscot River in central Maine, Bangor is another serene town for budget-conscious retirees. Unlike many of Maine’s in-demand coastal towns, housing in Bangor remains affordable thanks to its inland setting. In September 2025, homes here sold at a median of $311K, while the state’s homes surpassed a median of $400K.
Savings extend to Bangor’s best attractions. Most of the town’s parks and hiking areas are free to use, such as the Orono Bog Boardwalk, Cascade Park, and Bangor Waterfront Trail. Certain cultural attractions also offer free entry, including the renowned Zillman Art Museum. All in all, Bangor may be a town of simple charms, but with savings this great, the peace of mind it offers is irreplaceable.
Augusta, Maine
Augusta is a budget-friendly river town that seniors love for its proximity to Portland. It may be Maine’s capital city, but the quaint Kennebec River community still has a small-town feel. Like Bangor, Augusta is a town of simple pleasures, from picnics at Waterfront Park to free entry at the Viles Arboretum, a scenic botanical garden. However, Portland’s big-city attractions and amenities are also 1 hour away by car, including the Portland Museum of Art and Northern Light Mercy Hospital.
So why not retire to Portland? For starters, in October 2025, homes in the city listed at a massive median of $628K. By comparison, Augusta’s homes saw a median list price of $283K. Additionally, life in Maine’s capital offers the best of both worlds. Portland’s sites and attractions may be exciting, but life in the city can feel congested and overwhelming. In Augusta, city fun is a drive away, with the bliss of a small-town atmosphere welcoming you home.
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Situated in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts, Pittsfield is an affordable town with enchanting natural surroundings. From the Bousquet Mountain Ski Area to beautiful Lake Onota, Pittsfield is a four-season outdoor playground. Even so, life here remains remarkably affordable. While Massachusetts homes sold at a median of $623K in September 2025, Pittsfield’s sold at just $304K.
Like Augusta, Pittsfield offers a small-town feel, coupled with 1-hour access to a major city. Springfield is merely 55 miles from the Berkshire town, granting access to its top cultural and commercial attractions. The 1-hour drive makes it easy to get away for a few hours, from a day at the Springfield Museums to a night at the MGM Springfield casino.
Putnam, Connecticut
Hugging the scenic Quinebaug River, Putnam is a quintessential New England town perfect for seniors seeking the comforts of a slow pace. Although Connecticut’s high cost of living often deters seniors from retiring here, Putnam is a happy exception. While Connecticut homes listed at a median of $459K in October 2025, Putnam's listed at just $346K. Paired with the town’s quaint and quiet atmosphere, life in Putnam is peaceful but never dull.
Affectionately known as the “Antiques Capital of the East,” treasure hunting is a favored Putnam pastime. The Antiques Marketplace is a Main Street gem, just a short walk from the riverfront. From there, Rotary Park is a serene waterfront space to stroll the Putnam River Trail with views of Cargill Falls, a landmark waterfall. For outdoor fun beyond the river, Putnam is also home to the Connecticut National Golf Club.
Rutland, Vermont
For retirees prioritizing the comfort of quality healthcare, Vermont towns like Rutland stand apart from the crowd. In a 2025 Newsweek article, a study found that Vermont ranks high in senior care, in part due to policymakers working toward "an age-friendly state." In 2024, Rutland exemplified this when its Regional Medical Center won the “Patient Safety Excellence Award,” indicating that the hospital ranks in the top 5% to 10% in the nation.
With Rutland’s breathtaking Green Mountain surroundings, physical activity is an outdoor affair. From forest hikes at Pine Hill Park to boardwalk strolls at the West Rutland Marsh, Rutland locals make sure to always have hiking shoes on hand. Green Mountain scenes can also be enjoyed while teeing off at the local Rutland Country Club, a great place to meet locals and mingle with other seniors.
Why Retire In New England?
After a lifetime of working hard and saving up, a comfortable place to call home is essential for your retirement. Safety, security, affordability, and natural beauty are just some of the charms of these high-quality New England towns, setting the region apart from its neighbors. Whether moving to New Hampshire for its lack of retirement taxes or settling in Vermont for its award-winning healthcare, comfort and happiness go hand in hand, stretching through every corner of this historic and hospitable region.
