Best Cities for Retirees in New Hampshire
Why New Hampshire Works for Retirees
New Hampshire ranks #1 nationally for retirees, making it one of the very best 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 β 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 100/100 reflects strong medical infrastructure β life expectancy here is 79.2 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 $483,000, median home prices are above the national average β retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 92/100. Community amenities like restaurants, cultural venues, and social organizations score well, suggesting an engaged and active retirement lifestyle is within reach.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # | City | Grade | Retirees Score | Overall | Health | Fiscal Health | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hanover | A+ | 71.0 | 73.1 | 86 | 81 | 47 | 8,520 |
| 2 | Londonderry | A+ | 66.3 | 65.6 | 70 | 84 | 49 | 12,307 |
| 3 | Lebanon | A+ | 65.6 | 68.9 | 79 | 65 | 59 | 14,759 |
| 4 | Portsmouth | A+ | 64.4 | 68.6 | 74 | 76 | 44 | 22,332 |
| 5 | Dover | A+ | 64.4 | 65.7 | 66 | 66 | 61 | 33,070 |
| 6 | Durham | A+ | 63.8 | 67.4 | 59 | 61 | 60 | 10,577 |
| 7 | Hampton | A+ | 63.8 | 64.3 | 67 | 75 | 50 | 9,960 |
| 8 | Exeter | A+ | 63.0 | 63.9 | 69 | 64 | 55 | 10,138 |
| 9 | Nashua | A | 62.5 | 63.1 | 63 | 70 | 57 | 90,997 |
| 10 | Milford | A | 62.3 | 62.2 | 62 | 64 | 62 | 8,857 |
| 11 | Derry | A | 62.0 | 61.0 | 62 | 70 | 55 | 21,668 |
| 12 | Concord | A+ | 61.1 | 64.0 | 63 | 61 | 64 | 44,219 |
| 13 | Franklin | B+ | 60.2 | 57.9 | 56 | 59 | 68 | 8,757 |
| 14 | Keene | A | 59.9 | 61.7 | 68 | 56 | 61 | 22,923 |
| 15 | Rochester | B+ | 59.2 | 59.1 | 54 | 59 | 65 | 32,866 |
| 16 | Somersworth | A | 56.6 | 60.2 | 56 | 54 | 58 | 12,060 |
| 17 | Laconia | B+ | 56.0 | 58.6 | 61 | 48 | 59 | 16,982 |
| 18 | Manchester | B+ | 55.9 | 56.6 | 56 | 55 | 61 | 115,473 |
| 19 | Claremont | B | 52.0 | 55.8 | 51 | 36 | 64 | 13,054 |
| 20 | Berlin | B | 49.7 | 53.8 | 43 | 28 | 68 | 9,473 |