Best Cities for Retirees in New Hampshire
New Hampshire ranks #6 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 78.7. Hanover is its best city for retirees at 67.8.
- New Hampshire, all states
- #6 of 50
- Population
- 8,479
Why New Hampshire Works for Retirees
New Hampshire ranks #6 nationally for retirees, making it a top-ten destination for those entering their next chapter. The state's strong fiscal health (63/100) and light overall tax burden of 5.94% help retirement savings go further. Notably, New Hampshire levies no state income tax — a significant advantage for retirees drawing from pensions, 401(k)s, and Social Security.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. New Hampshire's health score of 74/100 reflects strong medical infrastructure — life expectancy here is 78.7 years, above the national average. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 5.94% of income. The absence of state income tax is a meaningful benefit for retirees living on fixed incomes. Property taxes run 1.89% (effective rate), which is above average and can meaningfully affect housing costs for homeowners on fixed incomes.
At $516,306, the typical home is worth more than the 50-state average — retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 94/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # City | Grade | Retirees score | Overall | Health | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Hanover | A+ | 67.8 | 80.8 | 86 | 91 | 34 | 8,479 |
| 2Portsmouth | A+ | 65.2 | 68.9 | 74 | 74 | 41 | 22,545 |
| 3Lebanon | A+ | 65.1 | 72.2 | 79 | 70 | 60 | 14,999 |
| 4Dover | A+ | 64.5 | 67.6 | 66 | 66 | 55 | 33,364 |
| 5Londonderry | A | 64.1 | 66.7 | 70 | 87 | 49 | 12,225 |
| 6Hampton | A | 63.4 | 63.5 | 67 | 75 | 50 | 10,101 |
| 7Nashua | A | 62.6 | 63.2 | 63 | 68 | 56 | 91,294 |
| 8Exeter | A | 62.4 | 65.9 | 69 | 67 | 57 | 9,964 |
| 9Rochester | B+ | 62.1 | 60.2 | 54 | 60 | 65 | 33,144 |
| 10Durham | A+ | 61.5 | 71.2 | 59 | 66 | 56 | 10,681 |
| 11Concord | A | 61.4 | 64.4 | 63 | 61 | 65 | 44,375 |
| 12Keene | A | 60.9 | 63.7 | 68 | 56 | 71 | 22,939 |
| 13Laconia | B+ | 60.9 | 60.0 | 61 | 49 | 68 | 17,085 |
| 14Franklin | B | 60.5 | 57.6 | 56 | 59 | 73 | 8,799 |
| 15Derry | B+ | 59.9 | 60.4 | 62 | 72 | 58 | 21,339 |
| 16Somersworth | B+ | 59.0 | 60.8 | 56 | 52 | 62 | 12,111 |
| 17Milford | B+ | 57.4 | 61.1 | 62 | 64 | 61 | 8,956 |
| 18Manchester | B | 57.2 | 57.3 | 56 | 55 | 60 | 115,643 |
| 19Claremont | B | 54.2 | 57.2 | 51 | 41 | 75 | 13,078 |
| 20Berlin | C+ | 50.3 | 53.3 | 43 | 32 | 82 | 9,383 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: New Hampshire for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Hampshire a good state for retirees?
New Hampshire ranks #6 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 78.7/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (94/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (43/100).
What is the best city for retirees in New Hampshire?
Hanover ranks #1 in New Hampshire for retirees with a score of 67.8/100, followed by Portsmouth and Lebanon.
What factors are most important for retirees in New Hampshire?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.