When it comes to retirement destinations, New Hampshire offers some of the most picturesque and livable communities in New England. Our comprehensive analysis examined five key criteria that matter most to retirees: Overall Retirement Score, Walkability, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, and Transit-Friendly rating. These scores provide a data-driven approach to finding the perfect retirement location in the Granite State.
The “Overall Retirement Score” has many criteria baked into it, encompassing everything from peace and quiet to access to medical facilities. Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of New Hampshire’s best towns for retirees.
Here’s the list.
22. Meredith Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.01
- Walkability: 34.36
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 66.57
- Vibrant Score: 29.55
- Transit-Friendly: 3.85
About Meredith
Meredith offers retirees a moderately walkable community with decent cultural amenities and a surprisingly vibrant atmosphere compared to many other retirement towns. While public transit options are limited, the town’s moderate walkability score makes navigating local attractions and services manageable. The median home price in Meredith is approximately $573,500, making it a mid-range option for retirement home seekers in New Hampshire.
21. Franconia – Bethlehem Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.07
- Walkability: 22.92
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 75.70
- Vibrant Score: 7.37
- Transit-Friendly: 13.67
About Franconia – Bethlehem
This mountain region offers excellent cultural amenities despite its rural setting, reflected in its impressive Urban Sophistication score. While walkability is limited, the area does provide some transit options that exceed many other small New Hampshire towns. The area has a relatively quiet atmosphere with limited vibrancy. The median home price in this area is approximately $498,000, offering good value for retirees seeking mountain living with cultural opportunities.
20. Sanbornton Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.24
- Walkability: 25.55
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 69.11
- Vibrant Score: 11.72
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Sanbornton
Sanbornton presents a peaceful retirement option with moderate cultural amenities and limited walkability. No data is available for public transportation options. The town compensates with a quiet, laid-back atmosphere perfect for those seeking tranquility. Its cultural offerings are substantial for a small community. The median home price in Sanbornton is approximately $486,000, aligning with the state average.
19. Bartlett Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.37
- Walkability: 14.12
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 51.07
- Vibrant Score: 14.18
- Transit-Friendly: 9.44
About Bartlett
Bartlett offers a mountain retreat lifestyle with moderate vibrancy and some transit options despite its remote location. The town’s walkability is limited, and cultural amenities score lower than many competitors on this list. However, its high retirement score reflects other important factors like safety and natural beauty. The median home price in Bartlett is approximately $475,000, offering good value for mountain living.
18. East Kingston Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.47
- Walkability: 38.90
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 91.72
- Vibrant Score: 13.47
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About East Kingston
East Kingston stands out with its exceptional cultural amenities score, among the highest on our list. The town offers decent walkability. No data is available for public transportation options. East Kingston provides a quiet atmosphere with limited vibrancy, perfect for those seeking cultural enrichment in a peaceful setting. The median home price in East Kingston is approximately $520,000, reflecting its desirable location and cultural advantages.
17. Wolfeboro Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.58
- Walkability: 35.20
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 70.02
- Vibrant Score: 17.62
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Wolfeboro
Known as “The Oldest Summer Resort in America,” Wolfeboro offers a balance of walkable areas and cultural amenities. No data is available for public transportation options. The town provides a moderately vibrant atmosphere, especially during summer months. Its lakeside location adds significant appeal for active retirees. The median home price in Wolfeboro is approximately $573,500, reflecting its status as a premier lakeside community.
16. Holderness Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.60
- Walkability: 31.46
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 76.67
- Vibrant Score: 24.14
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Holderness
Holderness combines strong cultural amenities with a relatively vibrant atmosphere, making it appealing for active retirees. While walkability is modest and no data is available for public transportation options, the town’s natural beauty and cultural opportunities provide significant appeal. The median home price in Holderness is approximately $502,000, representing moderate value for a lakeside community with cultural assets.
15. Albany – Tamworth Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.73
- Walkability: 20.48
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 63.84
- Vibrant Score: 6.55
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Albany – Tamworth
This rural area offers a peaceful retirement setting with decent cultural amenities despite its remote location. Walkability is limited, and no data is available for public transportation options. The extremely low vibrancy score indicates a very quiet lifestyle, ideal for those seeking solitude. The median home price in the Albany-Tamworth area is approximately $465,000, offering good value for rural living.
14. Moultonborough Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.76
- Walkability: 21.86
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 78.39
- Vibrant Score: 18.95
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Moultonborough
Moultonborough surprises with its high cultural amenities score despite limited walkability. No data is available for public transportation options. The town offers a moderately vibrant atmosphere, particularly during summer months, when its lakeside location becomes a hub of activity. The median home price in Moultonborough is approximately $510,000, reflecting its desirable lakeside setting.
13. Exeter Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.47
- Walkability: 57.52
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 78.77
- Vibrant Score: 45.55
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Exeter
Exeter stands out with the highest walkability and vibrancy scores on our list, making it ideal for active retirees who want to remain engaged in community life. The town offers excellent cultural amenities, though no data is available for public transportation options. Its walkable downtown and vibrant atmosphere make it one of the most livable communities for retirees. The median home price in Exeter is approximately $540,000, reflecting its popularity and amenities.
12. Rumney – Ellsworth Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.62
- Walkability: 20.37
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 52.47
- Vibrant Score: 2.88
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Rumney – Ellsworth
This area offers one of the quietest retirement options on our list, with an extremely low vibrancy score indicating peaceful living. Cultural amenities and walkability are limited. No data is available for public transportation options. However, the high overall retirement score reflects other valuable qualities like natural beauty, safety, and affordability. The median home price in the Rumney-Ellsworth area is approximately $458,000, making it one of the more affordable options on our list.
11. Jackson Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.85
- Walkability: 9.60
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 79.80
- Vibrant Score: 10.94
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Jackson
Jackson presents a fascinating contrast with extremely limited walkability but remarkably high cultural amenities. This mountain town offers a quiet lifestyle with some cultural opportunities despite its remote location. No data is available for public transportation options, and poor walkability means car dependency is high. The median home price in Jackson is approximately $505,000, reflecting its status as a desirable mountain community.
10. Jefferson – Carroll Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.93
- Walkability: 15.19
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 64.36
- Vibrant Score: 5.56
- Transit-Friendly: 13.53
About Jefferson – Carroll
This mountain region offers a peaceful retirement setting with decent cultural amenities and, surprisingly, some transit options despite its remote location. Walkability is very limited, and the low vibrancy score indicates quiet living. The presence of some public transit services sets it apart from many rural communities. The median home price in the Jefferson-Carroll area is approximately $470,000, offering value for White Mountain living.
9. Harrisville – Dublin Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.48
- Walkability: 31.77
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 82.54
- Vibrant Score: 5.75
- Transit-Friendly: 11.05
About Harrisville – Dublin
Harrisville-Dublin combines excellent cultural amenities with moderate walkability and some transit options, creating a well-balanced retirement environment. The very low vibrancy score indicates peaceful living, but cultural opportunities ensure engagement. This area represents a good compromise between rural tranquility and access to amenities. The median home price in the Harrisville-Dublin area is approximately $490,000, offering good value considering its high scores.
8. Bridgewater Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.91
- Walkability: 19.64
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 62.36
- Vibrant Score: 15.82
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Bridgewater
Bridgewater offers a quiet lakeside retirement option with decent cultural amenities despite limited walkability. No data is available for public transportation options. The moderate vibrancy score indicates some community activity while maintaining overall tranquility. Its lakeside location provides recreational opportunities for active retirees. The median home price in Bridgewater is approximately $546,000, reflecting its desirable lake access and high retirement score.
7. New London Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.03
- Walkability: 40.12
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 81.16
- Vibrant Score: 27.98
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About New London
New London offers an excellent balance of good walkability, outstanding cultural amenities, and a relatively vibrant atmosphere. No data is available for public transportation options, though the town’s walkable areas compensate somewhat. The presence of Colby-Sawyer College enhances cultural opportunities and community vibrancy. The median home price in New London is approximately $535,000, reflecting its status as a premium retirement destination.
6. Hebron – Groton Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.35
- Walkability: 22.17
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 89.16
- Vibrant Score: 4.73
- Transit-Friendly: 48.52
About Hebron – Groton
Hebron-Groton presents a fascinating profile with limited walkability but exceptional cultural amenities and, surprisingly, the best transit score on our list. The extremely low vibrancy score indicates very peaceful living, yet cultural opportunities remain excellent. This unusual combination creates a unique retirement environment. The median home price in Hebron is approximately $621,600, among the highest on our list but justified by its exceptional scores.
5. Enfield Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.39
- Walkability: 37.27
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 83.50
- Vibrant Score: 24.20
- Transit-Friendly: 4.84
About Enfield
Enfield offers a well-balanced retirement environment with good walkability, excellent cultural amenities, and a moderately vibrant atmosphere. Limited transit options exist but exceed many rural competitors. The town’s lakeside location adds recreational value while maintaining good access to cultural opportunities. The median home price in Enfield is approximately $496,000, representing good value for its high scores across categories.
4. Rye Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.41
- Walkability: 44.90
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 94.28
- Vibrant Score: 24.86
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Rye
Rye offers excellent walkability and the second-highest cultural amenities score on our list, creating an enriching retirement environment. The moderate vibrancy score indicates a good balance of activity and tranquility. No data is available for public transportation options. Its coastal location adds significant appeal for active retirees. The median home price in Rye is approximately $850,000, the highest on our list, reflecting its premium coastal location and exceptional amenities.
3. Sandwich Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.45
- Walkability: 22.54
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 82.53
- Vibrant Score: 4.73
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
About Sandwich
Sandwich offers a peaceful retirement environment with limited walkability but excellent cultural amenities. The extremely low vibrancy score indicates very quiet living, perfect for those seeking tranquility. No data is available for public transportation options. The town’s cultural opportunities ensure engaged retirement living. The median home price in Sandwich is approximately $485,000, representing excellent value given its top-three ranking.
2. Hancock Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.78
- Walkability: 32.28
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 86.07
- Vibrant Score: 6.16
- Transit-Friendly: 2.92
About Hancock
Hancock offers a quintessential New England retirement setting with excellent cultural amenities despite moderate walkability and minimal transit options. The low vibrancy score indicates peaceful living while maintaining cultural engagement opportunities. The town’s preserved Colonial-era Main Street adds historical charm. The median home price in Hancock is approximately $525,000, representing good value for its number two ranking.
1. Peterborough Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.97
- Walkability: 42.30
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 82.02
- Vibrant Score: 24.68
- Transit-Friendly: 6.85
About Peterborough
Peterborough earns the top spot on our list with a near-perfect retirement score (99.97) and excellent balance across all categories. The town offers good walkability, outstanding cultural amenities, moderate vibrancy, and some transit options. This well-rounded profile creates an ideal retirement environment with both engagement opportunities and tranquil living spaces. The median home price in Peterborough is approximately $560,000, representing fair value for New Hampshire’s best retirement town.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Retirement Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates a town’s suitability for retirees based on factors including safety, healthcare access, tax burden, climate, recreational opportunities, and community features specifically beneficial to seniors.
- Walkability: A measure of how easily residents can reach amenities and services on foot. Higher walkability reduces car dependency, promotes physical activity, and enhances community connection, particularly important for seniors who may eventually reduce or stop driving.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Evaluates access to cultural and educational resources including theaters, museums, libraries, educational institutions, restaurants, and other enrichment opportunities that contribute to intellectual stimulation and social engagement in retirement.
- Vibrant Score: Measures the energy and activity level of a community, including events, nightlife, shopping, and general “buzz.” Lower scores indicate quieter, more peaceful settings, while higher scores reflect more social and commercial activity.
- Transit-Friendly: Assesses public transportation options and infrastructure, critical for retirees who may eventually limit or cease driving. Communities with higher scores offer better mobility independence through buses, shuttles, or other transportation services.
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
- Redfin New Hampshire Housing Market https://www.redfin.com/state/New-Hampshire/housing-market
- Zillow Home Values https://www.zillow.com/home-values/39/nh/
- Houzeo New Hampshire Housing Market https://www.houzeo.com/blog/new-hampshire-real-estate-market/
- Rocket Homes Market Reports https://rocket.com/homes/market-reports/nh/wolfeboro
- NORA Real Estate New Hampshire Housing Market https://www.noradarealestate.com/blog/new-hampshire-housing-market/
- The Motley Fool Average House Price by State https://www.fool.com/money/research/average-house-price-state/
- New Hampshire Association of REALTORS Market Data https://nhar.org/resource/market-data
