Most famous for its natural beauty, New Hampshire is one of the best places to retire in the United States if you love the great outdoors. New Hampshire has everything from the beautiful forests of the White Mountains and long golden sand beaches to quaint towns packed with history.
With favorable taxes and endless amenities to match, it’s no surprise Granite State is popular with retirees. Today, we’ll show you the best places to retire in New Hampshire so that you know what the state has to offer you.
We’ll outline what makes each place desirable and explain why you should make the move! Let’s begin!
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Best Places to Retire in New Hampshire
1. Gilford
Gilford is one of the best places in New Hampshire to retire if you want to spend your golden years enjoying the great outdoors.
In summer, spend most of your days hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing at Lake Winnipesaukee and Belknap Mountain Range. In winter, snowboard, ski, and snowshoe at Gunstock Mountain Resort.
Aside from a vast range of outdoor activities, Gilford also offers a tight-knit community, with local events and groups regularly coming together to do things. The cost of living in Gilford is higher than the national average, but the living standards are exceptional, and taxes are low.
2. Exeter
Approximately an hour north of Boston, Exeter is a picturesque town famed for its rich history and stunning scenery. History buffs will love the American Independence Museum, while active retirees will enjoy walking in Gilman Park.
Aside from living a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by things to see and do, one of the biggest draws for retirees to Exeter is the amenities on offer. Invaluable amenities for retirees include world-class medical centers, senior centers, recreation centers, and several retirement communities offering independent, assisted, and full-time care living.
Better yet, the tax burden in the town falls below the national average, so you’ll have more money to spend on the things you love.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
3. New Castle
If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, consider retiring to New Castle in Rockingham County. This charming seaside town is much quieter and more peaceful than other destinations in the state.
Your days will be filled with strolling along the coast, enjoying nature, and exploring historic landmarks such as Fort Constitution and New Castle Historical Society. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the area’s many recreational opportunities and parks.
Great Island Common is a popular place to walk! Despite its size, New Castle has several senior living communities and essential amenities like medical care.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
4. Rochester
Found on the border between New Hampshire and Maine, Rochester is one of the best places to retire in New Hampshire if you enjoy the perks of city life but want a more relaxed retirement. Near Rochester, you can enjoy the great outdoors at places like Grandview Campground but still have easy access to cafes, restaurants, and bars in the city.
Rochester’s most popular attractions include the Cocheco River, the Opera House, and the Rochester Crossing Shopping Center. The city also has plenty of recreational centers!
Rochester offers retirees various retirement options, low taxes, and access to medical centers. What’s not to like?
5. Portsmouth
Next is Portsmouth, a vibrant city with a rich history, a charming downtown area, and a wide range of popular New Hampshire attractions. Portsmouth is a top choice if you seek a little bit of everything.
Every day in this lively city is different. One minute, you’ll learn more about the town at Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden or listen to music at the Music Hall. Next, you’ll explore the shops downtown or enjoy a meal with friends in one of the many restaurants.
The cost of living is higher, but you’ll have access to countless amenities, several world-class retirement communities, and abundant activities.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
6. Rye
Rye could be perfect for a quiet retirement with easy access to the big city. It is known for its picturesque beaches, lush parks, and tight-knit communities.
You’ll likely spend most of your time at Wallis Sands State Beach and Odiorne Point State Park, where you can cycle, hike, swim, and boat. Rye is small, but you’ll only find yourself an hour away from Boston, so you can enjoy the perks of living in a small town with access to big-city amenities.
Regarding retirement, Rye has affordable independent and assisted living for seniors, multiple recreation centers, and several medical centers.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
7. Bedford
Bedford is one of the best places in New Hampshire to retire for outdoor recreation, shopping, and quality care. Retirees have easy access to one of the best hospitals in New Hampshire (St. Joseph’s Hospital), four large shopping malls, Benedictine Park, which has plenty of scenic hiking trails, and the Bedford Historical Society, which is much-loved by history buffs.
What’s not to like?
Perhaps the only downside to retiring to Bedford is the cost of living. The cost of living in Bedford is 12% higher than the national average. Therefore, food, housing, and transportation costs are all more expensive.
8. Londonderry
Situated south of Manchester, Londonderry is a good retirement option if you value travel. The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is based in the town, so travel-keen retirees can easily travel around the United States in their spare time.
When you’re not traveling, make the most of Londonderry’s lush scenery, coffee shops, and local attractions. Make sure you spend plenty of time at the Kelsen Brewing Company if you love your beer! Other top attractions include Londonderry Flea Market, Mack’s Apples, and Londonderry Country Club.
For retirees, Londonderry has multiple recreation centers, medical centers, and senior-friendly neighborhoods/retirement communities that offer housing options that meet various needs and budgets.
9. Bethlehem
The penultimate retirement destination on our list is Bethlehem in Grafton County. Another top choice for nature lovers, this town is surrounded by the White Mountains National Forest, which offers a vast range of outdoor activities.
Aside from hiking in the national forest, retirees can kayak and fish along the Ammonoosuc River, picnic in Bretzfelder Memorial Park, and enjoy local performances at the Colonial Theatre.
As far as the standard of living is concerned, Bethlehem is perfect! The cost of living falls below the national and state average, housing is more affordable, several medical centers offer world-class care, and retirees can choose from several retirement communities that provide independent and assisted living.
10. Laconia
Finally, we have Laconia, a picturesque lakeside town sandwiched between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam. It’s the perfect place to retire if you want to live by the water.
Aside from a stunning natural setting, Laconia also offers a plethora of activities and attractions. These include hiking, boating, fishing, and birdwatching. Notable attractions in the town include the Endicott Rock State Historic Site, Laconia Antique Center, and Ahern State Park.
For seniors, Laconia is home to various retirement communities offering independent, assisted, and memory care living. There are also 1.31 medical centers per 1,000 residents and 1.24 recreation centers per 1,000 residents, so the town has everything you need.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
Final Thoughts About The Best Places to Retire in New Hampshire
That concludes our list of the best places to retire in New Hampshire. As you can see, the Granite State is home to various towns and cities that offer everything retirees need to live a good lifestyle.
Now that you have this list of potential retirement destinations, you need to narrow the options and find the town or city that best suits your needs and requirements. New Hampshire might be the perfect retirement destination for you!
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Jack Bolton is a content writer and blogger from the UK. He has a strong passion for travel and has an endless bucket list that he’s making his way through!
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