New Hampshire is not just a charming New England state, it is also one of the best places in the country to retire. It has great healthcare options, a low crime rate, and is tax-friendly. Additionally, the physical beauty and quaint charm of New Hampshire make it even more appealing. This article explores 12 of the best secret places to retire in New Hampshire, based on healthcare quality, recreation opportunities, tax-friendliness, and percent of the population that is age 65 or older.
The Granite State is consistently rated one of the best states for retirement. Three of the biggest factors that make New Hampshire great for retirees are tax-friendliness, health, and safety. First, New Hampshire lacks social security tax, state income tax, and sales tax. This creates a huge financial benefit for people living in the state. Second, New Hampshire’s population has a high degree of health and well-being. According to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, New Hampshire ranked number one on the Commonwealth Fund’s ranking of states with the best access to healthcare. Lastly, burglary and property crime rates are extremely low in New Hampshire, two signs that it is a safe place.
Now, let’s explore the 12 best secret places to retire in New Hampshire!
1. Exeter
With 16,178 people and 22.6% of the population being over age 65, Exeter is the perfect town to retire in.
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Exeter is in Rockingham County, which is in the southeastern corner of New Hampshire and borders Massachusetts, Maine, and the Atlantic Ocean. This charming town is not only one of the best places to retire in New Hampshire but also in the entire United States. Exeter was founded in 1638, and the town is home to several history museums. It has a high number of medical care centers as well as recreation and civic centers. Additionally, it is easy to access Boston, MA, from Exeter by train.
2. Laconia
With 17,086 people and 21.1% of the population being over age 65, Laconia is an ideal town for retirees.
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Laconia is in Belknap County, which is in the middle of New Hampshire. The town lies between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam, both of which are incredibly beautiful. Like all of New Hampshire, Laconia is tax-friendly and offers a low cost of living for seniors.
3. Hampton
With 16,484 people and 24.6% of the population being over age 65, Hampton is perfect for retirement.
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Hampton is on the Atlantic Coast in Rockingham County. It is the perfect quaint seaside town, with plenty of family-owned restaurants and a year-round calendar of activities.
4. Auburn
With only 6,119 people, Auburn is perfect for people seeking tranquility and a slower-paced life.
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Auburn is in Rockingham County. A small town full of parks and trails, Auburn is perfect for those who enjoy spending time outdoors.
5. Keene
With 22,774 people and 18.1% of the population being over age 65, Keene is great for retirees.
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Keene is in Cheshire County, which is in southwestern New Hampshire. It offers lots of outdoor recreation activities as well as museums.
6. Epping
With 19.9% of the population being over age 65, Epping is a peaceful place to settle and full of beauty.
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Epping is in Rockingham County. This small town is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities. It also offers plenty of dining and shopping options, despite its smaller size.
7. Hanover
With 9,078 people and 12.7% of the population being over age 65, Hanover offers small-town charm.
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Hanover is in Grafton County, which is in western New Hampshire. It is a scenic town on the Connecticut River, perfect for those who want a slow-paced life in a tight-knit community. However, Hanover does have a higher cost of living than the other towns on this list.
8. Brentwood
One of the smallest towns on this list, Brentwood offers solitude.
Brentwood is in Rockingham County, between Exeter and Epping. It offers proximity to the Atlantic Ocean without the busyness of some of the larger towns near the coast.
9. Concord
With 44,503 people and 17.3% of the population being over age 65, Concord is the largest city on this list.
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Concord itself is not a secret, but you may still be surprised to learn how great it is for retirees. This lovely capital city offers an abundance of activities while still maintaining a lower cost of living than the national average.
10. Portsmouth
Retire in the comfortable and beautiful town of Portsmouth.
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Portsmouth is on the Piscataqua River in Rockingham County. This historic port town offers tons of museums. Additionally, Portsmouth has many parks and is highly walkable.
11. Bethlehem
With 2,484 people, Bethlehem is the smallest town on this list.
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Bethlehem is in Grafton County. It is in the scenic White Mountains and offers unparalleled natural beauty. Despite its size, Bethlehem offers plenty of activities, including numerous art galleries and a theater. The town is also home to a golf course.
12. Gilford
With 21.3% of the population being over age 65, Gilford offers a quiet community.
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Gilford is in Belknap County. It is a charming small town on the banks of Lake Winnipesaukee that offers plenty of natural beauty. It also features the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, an outdoor concert venue.
Summary of the 12 Best Secret Places to Retire in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s natural beauty, high-quality healthcare, and tax-friendliness make it an appealing option for retirees. Here is a summary of the best-kept secret places to retire in New Hampshire:
| Rank | Town | County | Population (2022) | Percent of the Population Age 65+ (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exeter | Rockingham | 16,178 | 22.6% |
| 2 | Laconia | Belknap | 17,086 | 21.1% |
| 3 | Hampton | Rockingham | 16,484 | 24.6% |
| 4 | Auburn | Rockingham | 6,119 | 12.6% |
| 5 | Keene | Cheshire | 22,774 | 18.1% |
| 6 | Epping | Rockingham | 7,443 | 19.9% |
| 7 | Hanover | Grafton | 9,078 (2020) | 12.7% |
| 8 | Brentwood | Rockingham | 4,490 (2020) | 13.4% |
| 9 | Concord | Merrimack | 44,503 | 17.3% |
| 10 | Portsmouth | Rockingham | 22,713 | 20.3% |
| 11 | Bethelehem | Grafton | 2,484 | 23% |
| 12 | Gilford | Belknap | 7,860 | 21.3% |
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