8 Four-Season Value Towns In New Hampshire For Retirees
New Hampshire is known for providing residents with four distinct seasons. Residents and retirees enjoy a moderate climate with milder summers than most regions in the US. The fall provides an unusual display of fall foliage color. Spring tends to be a mix of rain and sunshine, making it the perfect time to get back on the outdoor trails, bird-watch, or see wildflowers beginning to bloom. Winters can be long at times, with an average snowfall of around 70 inches or more. However, there is always plenty to do in the snow, including skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, or simply taking a winter hike. The following towns are ideal choices for retirees seeking housing at a rate close to or below the state median sale price of $500,000, as of October 2025 (according to Zillow).
Dover
Dover, popular among retirees for the services available locally, has a median home sale price of approximately $500,000, right around the state median. Foodies, artists, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs love the variety and growth of Dover. Retirees and seniors can build a sense of community at the Community Senior Center through social activities, classes, and recreational sports and games. Retirees in Dover enjoy being in the prime seacoast region of New Hampshire, with a short drive to the White Mountains.
Residents can kayak at the nearby Cocheco River, walk, or bike along several scenic trails that connect several parks and green spaces throughout the town. Healthcare is available locally at the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital or DMC Primary Care. Retirees seeking alternative retirement communities can explore independent living options at Langdon Place of Dover or the Holiday Maple Suites for additional housing choices.
Laconia
Laconia is an excellent choice for outdoor recreation in all seasons, with a median home sales price of $480,000. The town is located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire within Belknap County. Residents enjoy Lake Winnipesaukee and Weirs Beach, which is the largest public beach on the lake. Laconia is the perfect retirement town for those seeking a more laid-back, quiet, lake-town lifestyle. For retirees interested in exploring the outdoors, Laconia is conveniently located near Opechee Park, offering walking and biking paths to enjoy the fresh air and take in the seasonal scenery.
Retirees find community, services, and recreation options at the Laconia Senior Center in the center of town. The center, in partnership with the town, offers festivals throughout the year, such as the Laconia Multicultural and Folk Festival, typically held around Labor Day Weekend. For Laconia residents, the seasonal festivals offer a fun street fair atmosphere right in town. Healthcare services are available locally at Concord Hospital - Laconia, the Laconia Clinic, and the HealthFirst Family Care Center. Retirees looking to rent or buy housing within a retirement community can check out the Wingate Village Apartments and the Meredith Bay Colony Club.
Peterborough
Peterborough is a fantastic spot to retire in New Hampshire, with a median home listing price of approximately $550,000. The town sits along the Contoocook River within the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire. Peterborough is a small town situated on the banks of a river and surrounded by a thriving rural area. Downtown businesses cater to both locals and tourists year-round. Explore unique and personable small stores, such as the Peterborough Basket Factory or the Waterhouse Restaurant.
Retirees in Peterborough enjoy a seasonal Farmer’s Market, the modern Peterborough Town Library, and several trails within the city limits. Take the Common Pathway for a leisurely walk or bike ride. Other options for getting out in nature include the Wheeler Trail and the Cranberry Meadow Pond Trail. Seniors seeking to express their artistic side will find Peterborough an excellent choice for retirement. Explore artistic options at the Peterborough Art Academy.
Healthcare is provided locally by the Monadnock Community Hospital or Hearthside Family Health. Retirees find senior services and community activities at the Peterborough Community Center within the Peterborough Recreation Center. Retirees looking for additional housing options will find an independent living community at Scott-Farrar at Peterborough, or for more advanced care needs, check into RiverMead for assisted living.
Lebanon
Lebanon is located in the western part of the state, just south of Hanover. Lebanon sits within 60 miles of Concord or 120 miles from Boston, Massachusetts. Retirees seeking a relaxing community of small towns within reach of larger city amenities favor Lebanon, with a median home list price of $540,000.
Lebanon is surrounded by the Mascoma and Connecticut River. Retirees seeking walking or biking trails with stunning scenery and bird-watching opportunities will enjoy the Alana Cole Conservation Area. The Alana Cole Conservation Area, situated in town, features a riverfront trail and open, natural lands teeming with seasonal wildflowers and diverse wildlife. Residents can also explore the Baker’s Crossing Conservation Area in town, with a Floodplain Forest and the historical Packard Hill Covered Bridge.
Retirees can build and find community at the local Upper Valley Senior Center right in town. Explore classes, social events, and exercise options and services available to seniors. Healthcare is available locally at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center or the Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital. Retirees will also find independent living communities at Quail Hollow. For more advanced care needs, check out The Woodlands at Harvest Hill.
Franklin
Franklin offers retirees a median home list price of $395,000 and plenty of activities in all four seasons. Keep more money for retirement while still embracing the New England lifestyle. Franklin is situated at the confluence of the Winnipesaukee and Pemigewasset rivers. Residents enjoy natural scenery every day without leaving town. Find fellow retirees and seniors for information on senior services, recreation, and other events at either the Bessie Rowell Community Center or the Community Action Senior Center.
Within the city limits, retirees can enjoy hiking or biking on several trails, including the Franklin Falls Recreational Trails, Arch Hill, Odell Park Loop, and the Shaw Pond Trail. Retirees who enjoy water activities can kayak or canoe the Merrimack River Paddle Route.
Retirees can also stroll through downtown shops and locally owned restaurants like May Garden, Al’s Village Pizza, and Zeke’s Sweets. Healthcare is also available within town from Concord Hospital-Franklin, Health First Family Care Center, or Westside Healthcare. Retirees looking for a variety of housing options can explore the Franklin Mountain View Estates or, for more advanced care needs, Peabody Place or Mountain Ridge Center.
Bethlehem
Bethlehem, New Hampshire, offers retirees a budget-friendly housing market with median home values of approximately $350,000. The city is situated within the White Mountains and embodies a “Just Be” motto for all its residents. As such, Bethlehem attracts residents with a strong sense of community and peacefulness. There are walking, hiking, biking, and ATVing trails open year-round right in town, including the trails at the Bretzfelder Memorial Park and the Profile Recreational Rail Trail.
Residents can also relax and catch a movie at The Colonial Theatre. The Colonial Theater is one of the oldest, continuously operating movie theaters in the US. Catch a game of golf at the Maplewood Golf Club and Inn or enjoy local food at the Cold Mountain Cafe or Rosa Flamingos. Enjoy shopping tax-free at Bent Fork Farm, Doogan’s Gift Shop, or WREN’s Local Works Marketplace.
Retirees in Bethlehem should be aware that there are currently no local healthcare options available in town. However, a short 10-minute drive to Littleton gives residents access to Littleton Regional Healthcare. There is also no senior center in town, but retirees can visit the Littleton Area Senior Center. Seniors will find a welcoming community with a daily lunch, transportation services, a food bank, and access to other resources, events, and classes. Retirees looking for alternative housing options will find one independent living community within Bethlehem at the Hillview Apartments.
Claremont
Another highly affordable retirement option in New Hampshire is Claremont, with a median home list price of only $325,000 as of October 2025. Claremont is a riverside community where the Sugar River winds through town and the Connecticut River forms the natural border with Vermont. The city boasts authentic New England architecture and charm, rooted in a strong and welcoming community.
History buffs should explore the Claremont Opera House, which still hosts a range of performers, including community theater and concerts. Retirees looking to get outdoors can explore Moody Park with miles of walking and mountain biking trails. Or, simply forest bathe amongst the stately pines. Healthcare is available in town at Valley Regional Hospital or Associates in Medicine. Seniors can find community, social events, and services information at the Claremont Senior Center. Find a new talent, or join an exercise class. The center offers games, meals, jigsaw puzzles, and a library. Enjoy lunch for a small fee. Retirees looking for housing options will find an independent living community at the Earl M. Bourdon Center, or for more advanced care, look into Silver Maples.
Berlin
Berlin is an affordable town for retirees in New Hampshire, with a median home list price of around $200,000. Spend retirement exploring the great outdoors in north New Hampshire. Berlin is located near the White Mountains and offers access to various outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, biking, and ATV riding. Another local option is to camp, swim, or boat at Jericho Mountain State Park, or hike Moose Brook State Park for the best views of the White Mountains.
Berlin also has the St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts, numerous local parks with walking and biking paths. Take advantage of the seasonal Berlin Farmer’s Market and catch a local hockey game or ice skate indoors at the Notre Dame Arena. Seniors can find a sense of community at the Senior Center of Coos County in Berlin. The center provides meals to seniors during weekdays for pickup or delivery. Take part in a variety of programs, play games, or take an exercise class.
Healthcare is available locally at the Androscoggin Valley Hospital or the Coos County Family Health Urgent Care Center. Seniors looking for housing options can visit the Northern Lights Housing Authority for information on senior housing options in Berlin.
The New Hampshire climate consists predominantly of mild, sunny summers, scenic and temperate fall and spring weather. Winters include cold and frequently heavy snow. Retirees looking for water activities will be at home in New Hampshire with its ponds, lakes, and rivers. New Hampshire is also tax-friendly, with no state income or sales tax. The best part is that there are multiple affordable towns to explore for those who want to live among nature in all four seasons.
