Retirement in New Hampshire sounds like a dream—fresh air, small towns, and no income tax. But the reality isn’t so simple. Some towns in the Granite State may look postcard-perfect, but they fall flat when it comes to what older adults actually need: safe and walkable neighborhoods, easy access to healthcare, decent public transit, and a sense of community.
Recent data from 2025 highlights a revealing pattern: whether it’s the near-total lack of transit options, suburban sprawl, or minimal community engagement opportunities, these 16 towns received the lowest Overall Retirement Scores (ORS) in our ranking. That doesn’t mean they’re bad places—but they may not check the right boxes for someone thinking seriously about where to settle into retirement.
Let’s look at where—and why—some New Hampshire towns miss the mark for retirees in 2025.
16. Rochester – Low Transit Access and Limited Cultural Draws
Rochester is located in southeastern New Hampshire, not far from the Maine border. It’s one of the more populous towns on this list, which brings both advantages and drawbacks. While it has a relatively vibrant downtown and proximity to the Seacoast, many retirees may find it lacks easy access to reliable public transportation and senior-friendly amenities. The area has a more industrial and working-class character, which can affect noise levels and overall walkability.
Some retirees may enjoy the bustle and car access, but for those seeking peace and convenience, Rochester comes up short.
Rochester – ORS 51.34
- Overall Retirement Score: 51.34
- Quietness: 62.12
- Walkability: 53.24
- Cultural amenities: 53.90
- Vibrancy: 49.65
- Car-Friendliness: 76.84
- Transit-Friendliness: 29.07
While Rochester offers decent car access and some cultural perks, the transit-friendliness score drags down its appeal for retirees without vehicles. It’s also a bit noisier than ideal and offers only average walkability.
15. Epping – Sparse Public Transit and Low Vibrancy
Tucked between Manchester and Portsmouth, Epping offers a small-town feel with big-box retail convenience—but not much else. For retirees, the biggest downside is the lack of public transportation and limited day-to-day engagement. Despite a peaceful atmosphere and strong cultural amenities, the town lacks walkable infrastructure and meaningful day-to-day activities for older adults.
Epping may be a fit for retirees who value solitude and are comfortable driving everywhere—but it lacks the social and logistical ease many seek in retirement.
Epping – ORS 51.17
- Overall Retirement Score: 51.17
- Quietness: 80.19
- Walkability: 41.98
- Cultural amenities: 71.87
- Vibrancy: 30.61
- Car-Friendliness: 76.05
- Transit-Friendliness: N/A
Strong scores in quietness and culture can’t make up for low vibrancy and poor walkability. Epping’s auto dependency is a hurdle for retirees who want more accessibility.
This rural combo of towns in Strafford County is extremely quiet and peaceful, making it appealing on the surface. But retirees looking for walkable neighborhoods or any sort of public transit will struggle here. The area is spread out, car-reliant, and has very limited infrastructure geared toward aging residents.
Middleton–New Durham is ideal for those who want isolation, own a car, and don’t rely on local services—but that’s a tough sell for many retirees.
Middleton – New Durham – ORS 50.66
- Overall Retirement Score: 50.66
- Quietness: 92.31
- Walkability: 19.43
- Cultural amenities: 67.95
- Vibrancy: 24.77
- Car-Friendliness: 90.02
- Transit-Friendliness: 0.32
The quiet environment and decent cultural options are offset by one of the worst walkability and transit scores in the state. It’s simply not designed for aging in place without a car.
13. Hillsborough – Quiet, But Cut Off for Non-Drivers
Located in central New Hampshire, Hillsborough offers small-town charm and peaceful surroundings. But its appeal ends there for many retirees. The town lacks public transportation, and its walkability is poor. Daily errands and social outings require a car, which can be limiting for aging residents. Despite having some cultural offerings, there’s little day-to-day engagement for seniors who want more than solitude.
It’s a good fit for self-sufficient retirees, but less so for those looking for accessible amenities and social stimulation.
Hillsborough – ORS 49.94
- Overall Retirement Score: 49.94
- Quietness: 94.02
- Walkability: 37.66
- Cultural amenities: 69.65
- Vibrancy: 20.19
- Car-Friendliness: 78.04
- Transit-Friendliness: 1.65
Strong on peace and privacy, Hillsborough scores poorly on vibrancy and accessibility, making it a difficult choice for seniors who don’t drive.
12. Ashland – Pretty, But Isolated and Sparse on Amenities
Ashland is nestled near the foothills of the White Mountains and boasts natural beauty—but its retirement appeal fades quickly. While tranquil, the town lacks public transit and senior-centric services. The local economy is modest, and there are few daily conveniences within walking distance. For retirees who want both nature and connection, Ashland can feel too remote.
It’s better suited for second homes or summer getaways than permanent retirement living.
Ashland – ORS 49.33
- Overall Retirement Score: 49.33
- Quietness: 61.55
- Walkability: 39.73
- Cultural amenities: 33.79
- Vibrancy: 28.33
- Car-Friendliness: 72.53
- Transit-Friendliness: N/A
With limited amenities and low vibrancy, Ashland is scenic but lacking in infrastructure for older residents looking to settle down year-round.
11. Derry – Middle of the Road, But Missing the Mark
Derry sits in southern New Hampshire, close to both Manchester and the Massachusetts border. It has some cultural perks and moderate walkability, but its environment isn’t especially senior-friendly. The town feels busy without being vibrant and lacks robust public transit. While not bad on paper, Derry doesn’t excel in any category, which makes it a lukewarm option for retirement.
Retirees might do better in nearby towns that offer more intentional senior support or a clearer community identity.
Derry – ORS 48.39
- Overall Retirement Score: 48.39
- Quietness: 56.61
- Walkability: 49.34
- Cultural amenities: 65.93
- Vibrancy: 43.29
- Car-Friendliness: 73.98
- Transit-Friendliness: 15.73
Derry offers a little of everything but doesn’t stand out. For retirees, that can mean a less satisfying or accessible retirement experience.
10. Chichester – High Culture Score Can’t Save It
Chichester is a small town near Concord known for its rural vibe and quiet roads. While it scores surprisingly high for cultural amenities, it’s heavily car-dependent and offers little for retirees seeking walkable neighborhoods or a sense of community. Public transit is nearly nonexistent, and the town offers few services or daily activities geared toward older residents.
It’s a better fit for retirees who are highly independent and enjoy a slower, secluded lifestyle.
Chichester – ORS 48.33
- Overall Retirement Score: 48.33
- Quietness: 91.17
- Walkability: 30.18
- Cultural amenities: 84.56
- Vibrancy: 17.59
- Car-Friendliness: 73.58
- Transit-Friendliness: 30.67
Despite a strong culture score, Chichester’s overall retirement value is undermined by low vibrancy and walkability—especially problematic for those aging in place.
9. New Ipswich – Scenic but Underserved
New Ipswich, tucked near the Massachusetts border, offers quiet living and scenic woods. But it ranks among the lowest for walkability and everyday activity. The area is heavily reliant on cars, and with few public services or community spaces, it’s a tough place for retirees to stay engaged or age with ease.
It’s lovely in theory—but impractical for many.
New Ipswich – ORS 45.75
- Overall Retirement Score: 45.75
- Quietness: 62.40
- Walkability: 26.74
- Cultural amenities: 66.65
- Vibrancy: 9.60
- Car-Friendliness: 69.79
- Transit-Friendliness: N/A
While peaceful, New Ipswich’s near-zero vibrancy and poor access to essentials make it hard to recommend for retirees without strong local support systems.
8. Sandown – Lacks the Basics for Retirement
Sandown offers a suburban-rural mix with pockets of beauty and relative quiet. Still, limited public transportation and few local amenities make it difficult to get around without a car. While it scores fairly well in cultural offerings, that alone doesn’t make up for the town’s inaccessibility and minimal community infrastructure for seniors.
It may work for active retirees with reliable transportation—but not for those looking for ease and engagement.
Sandown – ORS 43.66
- Overall Retirement Score: 43.66
- Quietness: 71.53
- Walkability: 44.23
- Cultural amenities: 79.47
- Vibrancy: 17.14
- Car-Friendliness: 79.98
- Transit-Friendliness: N/A
Sandown’s strengths in culture are eclipsed by poor transit and lackluster vibrancy—critical downsides for retirees.
7. Hinsdale – Extremely Quiet, But That’s About It
This southwestern town near the Vermont border offers one thing in abundance: peace and quiet. Beyond that, retirees won’t find much. Walkability is limited, and local amenities are sparse. Public transportation is nonexistent. It’s a place for extreme solitude—but not for those seeking ease, activity, or support.
For those who like being off the grid, it’s fine. For most retirees, though, it’s just too isolating.
Hinsdale – ORS 42.25
- Overall Retirement Score: 42.25
- Quietness: 94.68
- Walkability: 41.46
- Cultural amenities: 44.87
- Vibrancy: 22.80
- Car-Friendliness: 84.53
- Transit-Friendliness: N/A
One of the quietest towns on the list, Hinsdale’s serenity comes at the cost of access and activity—both key for aging well.
6. Pembroke – Middling on Every Front
Pembroke is located just southeast of Concord. While not actively bad in any category, it also doesn’t stand out. Transit is nonexistent, and walkability is limited. The town offers some cultural amenities, but it lacks the density and infrastructure that make daily life convenient for retirees.
It may work for older adults with cars and local ties—but less so for those seeking independence in aging.
Pembroke – ORS 42.21
- Overall Retirement Score: 42.21
- Quietness: 70.68
- Walkability: 44.77
- Cultural amenities: 71.61
- Vibrancy: 25.24
- Car-Friendliness: 74.48
- Transit-Friendliness: N/A
Pembroke is a textbook example of a town that’s okay on paper, but not particularly supportive for those aging without built-in support or mobility.
5. Allenstown – Lacking in Services and Day-to-Day Convenience
Allenstown shares borders with Pembroke and offers a similar mix of pros and cons—but with even fewer services. While it’s peaceful and offers decent car access, the town falls short on vibrancy, transit, and walkability. Cultural resources are limited, and there’s little public infrastructure tailored to retirees.
For many, Allenstown just doesn’t make daily life easy or engaging in retirement.
Allenstown – ORS 41.81
- Overall Retirement Score: 41.81
- Quietness: 85.83
- Walkability: 40.71
- Cultural amenities: 52.05
- Vibrancy: 25.87
- Car-Friendliness: 81.22
- Transit-Friendliness: N/A
Allenstown is quiet and car-friendly, but low on services and culture—elements that matter more as people age.
4. Somersworth – Busy But Not Retiree-Friendly
Somersworth is one of the more urbanized towns on this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s great for retirement. It suffers from middling quietness and poor transit. Though it offers some vibrancy and walkability, the pace of life and infrastructure are more tuned to working families than older adults.
It’s a commuter town more than a retirement destination.
Somersworth – ORS 40.33
- Overall Retirement Score: 40.33
- Quietness: 61.44
- Walkability: 53.05
- Cultural amenities: 54.15
- Vibrancy: 58.70
- Car-Friendliness: 76.03
- Transit-Friendliness: 28.08
Somersworth doesn’t provide the ease, peace, or support system many retirees seek—and that’s reflected in its low ORS.
3. Campton – Rural, Remote, and Lacking Transit
Campton is nestled in the White Mountains and offers postcard-worthy scenery. But its rural isolation, lack of public transportation, and very limited walkability make it a hard place to grow older comfortably. It’s a great vacation spot, but not built for long-term, day-to-day retirement living.
For retirees without strong local ties, it’s a difficult place to thrive.
Campton – ORS 37.44
- Overall Retirement Score: 37.44
- Quietness: 83.52
- Walkability: 27.63
- Cultural amenities: 76.92
- Vibrancy: 21.40
- Car-Friendliness: 86.96
- Transit-Friendliness: N/A
Despite strong cultural assets, Campton is far too isolated and car-dependent for many retirees.
2. Manchester – Urban Convenience, But Too Loud and Hard to Age In
Manchester is New Hampshire’s largest city, offering lots of amenities—but at a cost. It’s the noisiest town on this list and ranks low for retirement overall. The walkability and vibrancy are strong, but that urban bustle isn’t always ideal for seniors. Add in mediocre transit and limited peace, and it becomes clear why retirees are looking elsewhere.
It may work for those who want an urban lifestyle—but it’s not ideal for restful retirement.
Manchester – ORS 34.81
- Overall Retirement Score: 34.81
- Quietness: 34.21
- Walkability: 81.42
- Cultural amenities: 56.99
- Vibrancy: 71.83
- Car-Friendliness: 72.59
- Transit-Friendliness: 43.86
Manchester has energy, but that energy comes at the cost of peace, quiet, and comfort—key factors for aging in place.
1. Milton – Quiet, but Extremely Isolated and Car-Dependent
Milton tops the list as the worst town for retirement in New Hampshire. While it’s very quiet and car-friendly, those are about the only positives. Walkability is poor, transit is nearly nonexistent, and cultural offerings are limited. The town lacks essential services and infrastructure for retirees who don’t want to—or can’t—drive daily.
For most seniors, Milton simply doesn’t offer what’s needed to age well and stay connected.
Milton – ORS 34.46
- Overall Retirement Score: 34.46
- Quietness: 94.18
- Walkability: 37.58
- Cultural amenities: 66.18
- Vibrancy: 16.35
- Car-Friendliness: 81.07
- Transit-Friendliness: 2.68
While serene, Milton is among the least accessible and least supportive towns for older adults in the Granite State.
References & Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau – American Community Survey (ACS) 2023
- AARP – 2024 Livability Index
- New Hampshire Department of Transportation – Public Transportation Overview
- New Hampshire Office of Strategic Initiatives – State and County Population Projections
- Zillow – New Hampshire Housing Market Report Q1 2025
- Redfin – Housing Trends and Migration Data – New Hampshire
- Walk Score – City and Neighborhood Walkability Rankings
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Smart Location Database
- Federal Transit Administration – National Transit Database
