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Yes, New Hampshire can be a good place to retire. Bankrate ranked the Granite State first in its 2025 list of the top states to live in for retirees. It’s not hard to see why. Many retirees consider New Hampshire for its tax-friendly rules and scenic towns.
Nevertheless, it’s not perfect. On the plus side, you’ll find mountain air, lakes, and safe communities. On the downside, the high cost of living, intense snowy winters, and limited public transportation in small towns may offset the appeal.
Deciding if New Hampshire fits you means weighing its strong benefits against these real drawbacks. This helps you land in the right town for your retirement years.
What You’ll Learn
The benefits you can expect if you retire in New Hampshire
The challenges of being a retiree in the Granite State
The top locations that are beneficial for retirees
Summary
Pros of Retiring in New Hampshire
Tax Advantages
Settling in the Granite State means you won’t pay state income tax on your Social Security, pension, 401(k), or IRA withdrawals. There is also no such thing as a New Hampshire sales tax. Estate taxes and inheritance taxes are likewise zero.
This means:
You’ll keep more of your retirement income: This helps you budget other costs, such as healthcare.
You’ll have a more flexible way to withdraw retirement savings: This is because you can plan your withdrawals based on your needs rather than state tax triggers.
Safety and Health
The state’s violent-crime rate is well below the national average, making its neighborhoods safer and calmer. Healthcare is strong too: New Hampshire ranks among the top states for older adults, thanks to solid clinical care and senior-focused services.
Some hospitals that stand out for senior care include:
St. Joseph Hospital: Located in Nashua, the hospital features the Senior Behavioral Health Unit, a short-term inpatient treatment program for older adults experiencing severe emotional symptoms.
Dartmouth–Hitchcock Medical Center: Located in Lebanon, the hospital features the Aging Resource Center, which provides helpful information on topics like advance directive assistance and fall prevention.
Environment
Settling into retirement in New Hampshire, you’ll enjoy a scenic four-season setting that changes year-round. In the fall, the trees blaze red and gold, and in winter, the mountains glisten with snow. The state’s rich history echoes in colonial towns and covered bridges, offering charm and cultural depth.
Some New Hampshire attractions include:
Strawbery Banke Museum: Located in Portsmouth, this living-history museum preserves a waterfront neighborhood more than 350 years old.
White Mountain National Forest: Spanning over 750,000 acres in New Hampshire, this forest features towering peaks, hardwood forests, clear mountain lakes, and around 1,200 miles of trails.
Cons of Retiring in New Hampshire
Cost of Living
The cost of living in New Hampshire is more than 10 percent higher than the rest of the country. There are many factors that contribute to this. Housing, rent, electricity, and healthcare are more expensive compared to the national average. One factor that is lower in the Granite State, though, is groceries.
The table below shows how retiring in New Hampshire costs compared to the national average:
Managing the Granite State’s higher costs may involve:
Choosing a smaller town or less expensive county for housing: Moving to an affordable community can reduce monthly costs.
Joining local senior-discount programs for utilities: One example is the state’s Electric Assistance Program.
Transportation
Because public transportation options in the Granite State are limited, you may find yourself depending on your car more than you expected. According to state sources, many towns in New Hampshire lack frequent fixed-route bus service. This means errands and appointments often require driving.
Handling this can mean:
Using the NH CarePath service: It connects you with local transportation resources, including ride-shares, non-emergency vans, and volunteer drivers.
Building a local driving network: Connect with trusted neighbors or friends who live nearby and agree to alternate rides.
Winter Weather
New Hampshire’s winters bring cold temperatures and heavy snow. This makes driving, running errands, or even getting outdoors more challenging.
Some tips to prepare for the weather:
Ready your home and heating: Get your heating system serviced, check for drafts around windows and doors, and install weather-stripping.
Gear up for safe mobility: Wear layered, moisture-wicking clothing, insulated boots with good traction, and keep walkways clear of ice and snow.
Other Notable Considerations
Top Locations
Some of the best places to retire in New Hampshire include cities and towns like Portsmouth, Hanover, Concord, Manchester, and Wolfeboro. Each offers strong healthcare access, welcoming neighborhoods, and appealing amenities for your next life chapter.
Portsmouth
Brick-lined streets in the downtown area lead to a working harbor with sailing vessels and waterfront views. The heritage buildings date back to colonial times, and the arts and dining scenes bring a modern energy that complements the maritime atmosphere.
Population: ~22,232
Median home price: $766,794
Notable attractions: Strawbery Banke Museum, Prescott Park
Hanover
This town features elegant historic campus buildings of Dartmouth College standing beside quaint shops and cafès. To one side lies the flowing Connecticut River with inviting riverfront paths. On the other side, scenic trails and forested hills lead to the outdoors.
Population: ~8,520
Median home price: $946,169
Notable attractions: Hood Museum of Art, Hopkins Center for the Arts
Concord
New Hampshire’s capital city features wide sidewalks lined with late-19th-century brick buildings, beneath the gold-domed capitol. Cafés and boutique shops spill into the street, while historic government architecture anchors the charm and cultural pulse of the town.
Population: ~44,832
Median home price: $439,809
Notable attractions: New Hampshire Historical Society, McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
Manchester
The largest among the New Hampshire cities, Manchester provides places for you to wander past brick-and-stone buildings from the city’s mill-town era, especially along the river and in the sterling lofts of the Millyard.
Population: ~115,415
Median home price: $428,153
Notable attractions: Currier Museum of Art, SEE Science Center
Wolfeboro
A lakeside village where vintage storefronts line Main Street and colorful flags wave by the docks. The waterfront on Lake Winnipesaukee hosts small sailboats and leisure craft quietly tied at the piers.
Population: ~2,420
Median home price: $603,361
Notable attractions: Wright Museum of World War II, Cate Park
Final Thoughts: Retiring in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is one of the best states for retirement, and for good reason. The Granite State offers a mix of comfort, beauty, and community. From mountain towns to coastal villages, each place brings its own charm. You can enjoy four distinct seasons, reliable healthcare, and tax-friendly living that helps stretch your savings.
Whether you want quiet lakeside days or active small-town life, New Hampshire fits many retirement goals.
Move Your Car to the Granite State with AmeriFreight
Let AmeriFreight Auto Transport handle your vehicle shipment before you settle into New Hampshire’s mix of mountain towns and coastal charm. Our agents work with licensed carriers nationwide to help make your move simple and dependable.
With more than 20 years of experience, AmeriFreight has the knowledge necessary to help get your vehicle where it needs to be, so you can enjoy your first drive through the Granite State.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the practical challenges and costs of dealing with the intense, snowy winters for seniors retiring in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire?
Living in the White Mountains of New Hampshire for retirees means higher heating costs, frequent snow removal, and slippery winter roads. You’ll spend more time managing home upkeep and travel safety through long, icy months.
Are there sufficient and reliable public transportation options in smaller New Hampshire retirement towns like Peterborough or Wolfeboro for non-drivers?
In smaller New Hampshire towns like Peterborough and Wolfeboro, transport options exist but are limited. You may rely on volunteer-driver services and request-based van rides.
Which towns in New Hampshire have the lowest crime rates, making them the safest choices for a retiree who prioritizes neighborhood safety?
Towns like Rye, Hollis, and Auburn consistently report very low violent and property crime rates, making them among the safest choices for retirees who value neighborhood security.
Will my out-of-state private pension or 401(k) withdrawals be taxed at the state level if I retire in New Hampshire?
No, your out-of-state private pension and 401(k) withdrawals will not be taxed by the state if you retire in New Hampshire.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content, laws, regulations, and local conditions are subject to change without notice.
Readers should not act upon this information without seeking appropriate professional counsel, especially in financial and legal matters.
