Charming towns and large stretches of wilderness are what make New Hampshire a one-of-a-kind state. This New England state is a great place to find yourself in retirement. NewHomeSource has compiled the top places to retire in New Hampshire to help you discover the perfect place to start this new and exciting phase of your life.
Top 10 Cities to Retire in New Hampshire
1. Berlin
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19%
Median Home Value: $93,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 22
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 110
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
In Berlin, retirees can spend their downtime exploring the great outdoors. Nestled in the northern part of the state near the White Mountains, it offers easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and ATV riding at Jericho Mountain State Park. Camp, hike, fish, bike, and swim at the Moose Brook State Park or check out the view atop Mount Jasper.
Berlin, with a population of around 9,500, is a peaceful and scenic city ideal for retirees seeking a slower pace of life. Berlin also has cultural attractions such as St. Kieran's Community Center for the Arts and several local parks for relaxation and recreation.
Healthcare is accessible through Androscoggin Valley Hospital and Coös County Family Health Services. The Berlin Senior Center provides meals, social events, and wellness programs to keep older adults active and engaged.
Berlin’s natural beauty, affordable living, and strong community offerings make it a solid retirement choice in New Hampshire.
2. Claremont
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20%
Median Home Value: $157,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 54
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 238
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 7
Claremont offers a secluded feel without the feeling of missing out. It is the only city in Sullivan County and is surrounded by green pastures and wooded forests. Claremont is situated near the Vermont border within reach of larger cities like Concord and Lebanon.
You can enjoy the space at Moody Park or Arrowhead Recreation Area, or take in the sweet sounds of live music at the Claremont Opera House. Seek fun engagement at the Claremont Senior Center. Set frequent tee times at the Claremont Country Club, a scenic 9-hole course with well-manicured fairways and a welcoming clubhouse. Discover medical facilities equipped to help with quality healthcare including Valley Regional Hospital.
Claremont stands out as an appealing option for retirement.
3. Rochester
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18%
Median Home Value: $172,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 94
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 977
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 6
Living in Rochester is great for anyone who loves the outdoors. The Grandview Campground has three beaches and a lake where you can fish and swim, among other activities. If the indoors are more your style, you can spend your days exploring the various museums that dive into New Hampshire’s history.
Located in Strafford County, Rochester is situated near the Maine border. Live life on your terms close to Portsmouth and Dover. The city's Recreation Department offers a wide range of programming for adults aged 50 and older. The Rochester Senior Activity Center is a great place to stay engaged. Cultural experiences can be found at venues like the Rochester Opera House. Healthcare is important and Frisbie Memorial Hospital is an excellent option.
Find a fulfilling retirement lifestyle in Rochester.
4. Somersworth
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15%
Median Home Value: $265,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 15
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 353
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5
Somersworth is perfect for anyone looking to truly retire from the frantic day-to-day life of the big city. This little town along the border with Maine is only a short drive from major cities such as Dover and Portsmouth.
Over 12,000 residents live in this Strafford County gem. Stay busy with fitness classes, social events, and cultural experiences. The Jules Bisson Park and Malley Farm Recreational Area are two fun spots. Healthcare needs are met by Goodwin Community Health and the Somersworth VA Clinic. Take advantage of the offerings and gatherings at the Filion Terrace Senior Center.
With its combination of accessible healthcare, recreational opportunities, and community-focused amenities, Somersworth might be the right choice for your golden years.
5. Keene
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18%
Median Home Value: $221,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 42
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 490
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 6
Retirees looking to enjoy the great outdoors will love living in Keene. Found in the southwestern part of the state, Keene is within reach of Concord and Manchester. Cheshire Medical Center is at the ready to help with all your healthcare needs.
Stonewall Farm offers a lot of activities and learning experiences for the community while supporting local producers and demonstrating sustainable farming. There are also bike and walking trails, animals to visit and beautiful scenery to enjoy. The Keene Senior Center offers a range of programs, including fitness classes, arts and crafts, and social events. Get outside to explore a host of parks and recreational areas or take in the festivals including the Monadnock International Film Festival and the Keene Music Festival.
Find what speaks to you in Keene during this exciting chapter.
6. Laconia
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 22%
Median Home Value: $251,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 37
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 535
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 6
If you’re looking for relaxation, Laconia is the place to be. The beautiful beaches and lakes are open year-round for swimming, fishing, boating, or walking. In town, you could spend hours exploring the rare and unusual antiques at the Laconia Antique Center. The annual motorcycle rally, dating to the early 1900s and dubbed “The World’s Oldest Motorcycle Rally,” rides through town every June giving the community an extra buzz.
Laconia is situated between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam. The city's Parks & Recreation Department offers programs for all ages, including pickleball, trivia nights, and more. Weirs Community Park is known for its walking trails and amphitheater. For cultural experiences, the Laconia Multicultural Festival celebrates the city's diverse heritage with music, arts, crafts, and cuisine.
Fill your social calendar in this welcoming New Hampshire community.
7. Conway
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 30%
Median Home Value: $248,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 22
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 222
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
Conway with its more than 10,000 residents is on the southeastern edge of the White Mountain National Forest. Enjoy the ease to Concord and Portland, Maine from this locale. With amenities like the Gibson Center for Senior Services offering programs for seniors of all abilities and interest levels, stay as active as you desire. MaineHealth Memorial Hospital in North Conway offers comprehensive health care services.
Anyone looking for a life of outdoor adventure is sure to love Conway. Echo Lake State Park has two rock ledges with beautiful views and a one-mile trail for hiking. At the park, you can swim, fish, boat, and picnic. Or you can spend time and perhaps some money at the Settlers Green Outlet Village. Shopping, dining, and unique events make this outlet mall fun and friendly for everyone.
Conway checks off a lot of wants and needs boxes for retirement.
8. Derry
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14%
Median Home Value: $345,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 33
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 279
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 15
Derry is one of New Hampshire’s bigger communities, but that doesn’t take away from the town’s close community feel. Close to 35,000 residents enjoy the southeastern part of the state being near to Manchester and Boston. With amenities such as the Derry Parks & Recreation Department and the Marion Gerrish Community Center, it's easy to see the appeal for retirees.
Derry has several parks to bike or hike, and even a dog park if you want to spend quality time with your four-legged friend. Take a look into some of Derry’s interesting history by visiting the Robert Frost Farm Historic Site.
Derry is worthy of consideration for your golden years.
9. Manchester
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14%
Median Home Value: $304,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 678
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,678
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 15
The state's largest city, Manchester is the perfect place for a peaceful retirement. Enviable senior services and healthcare are some of the appeal. The arts venues including the Palace Theatre, the Millyard Museum, and the SEE Science Center are additional reasons to consider Manchester.
You can take a walk to the top of Rock Rimmon to picnic and watch the sunset, spend the day on Massabesic Lake, or spend the time at a variety of local restaurants and shops. With easy amenities, this New Hampshire city is sure to be a win.
10. Raymond
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17%
Median Home Value: $318,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 14
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 114
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 16
Raymond offers small-town charm in the southeastern part of the state. Retirees enjoy programs designed with them in mind through the Raymond Recreation Department. The ability to seek top-rated medical care at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, located in nearby Dover, with its various specialty clinical centers such as the Seacoast Cancer Center and the Center for Heart Health give retirees peace of mind.
There’s never a lack of things to do in and around Raymond. Retirees can spend their days on the water at nearby Pawtuckaway State Park with a swimming beach, hiking trails, boating, and fishing. Explore the scenic Riverside Park. The annual Town Fair is always a fun event for all ages.
Rounding out this list, Raymond offers a great retirement locale.
Common Questions About Retiring in New Hampshire
Is New Hampshire tax-friendly for retirees?
New Hampshire has no personal income tax, which means Social Security retirement benefits are tax-free at the state level. Income from pensions and retirement accounts also go untaxed in New Hampshire. On top of that, there is no sales tax, estate tax, or inheritance tax here.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in New Hampshire?
A resident of New Hampshire would need to make approximately $69,920 per year in order to afford a single-family residence.
| City | People Over 65 | Violent Crimes | Property Crimes | Access to Doctors | Median Home Price |
| Berlin | 18.7% | 22 | 110 | 2 | $92,100 |
| Claremont | 18.2% | 54 | 238 | 7 | $133,500 |
| Rochester | 18.0% | 94 | 977 | 6 | $172,300 |
| Somersworth | 13.2% | 15 | 353 | 5 | $184,700 |
| Keene | 18.2% | 42 | 490 | 6 | $190,500 |
| Laconia | 22.1% | 37 | 535 | 6 | $193,300 |
| Conway | 21.9% | 22 | 222 | 2 | $194,000 |
| Derry | 12.6% | 33 | 279 | 14 | $225,600 |
| Manchester | 13.2% | 678 | 2,678 | 11 | $227,600 |
| Raymond | 13.6% | 14 | 114 | 16 | $229,700 |
| Concord | 16.4% | 65 | 805 | 6 | $230,200 |
| Milford | 19.0% | 11 | 78 | 12 | $233,800 |
| Hudson | 19.1% | 19 | 210 | 16 | $237,000 |
| Lebanon | 20.1% | 17 | 300 | 6 | $245,400 |
| Hooksett | 15.4% | 12 | 162 | 8 | $254,100 |
| Goffstown | 16.4% | 18 | 114 | 9 | $258,800 |
| Dover | 16.0% | 25 | 348 | 5 | $264,700 |
| Nashua | 15.7% | 129 | 1,151 | 16 | $267,900 |
| Merrimack | 15.1% | 4 | 207 | 15 | $283,200 |
| Londonderry | 14.1% | 20 | 173 | 15 | $321,000 |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare, and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Other New Hampshire Resources
Best Tiny Home Builders in New Hampshire
The Healthiest States to Live In
Best State Parks in New Hampshire
How to Build a House in New Hampshire
10 Most Affordable Cities in New Hampshire
Your Guide to Closing Costs in New Hampshire
The 10 Best Places to Retire in New Hampshire
Jessi Gonzalez
Jessi Gonzalez writes on the topics of home-buying, home decor, and home-ownership for NewHomeSource. She has a degree from Coastal Bend College and is currently enrolled in the English degree program at Texas A&M Corpus Christi.