If you’re thinking about places to retire without having to leave New England, Travel + Leisure named the seven best places in New England to set down roots for the your golden years.
And two of the communities that made the list are in New Hampshire, and one is close to the Seacoast.
“If you look forward to the changing seasons, seek out colorful fall foliage each year, and order a lobster roll at any opportunity, you might consider spending your retirement years in New England,” Travel + Leisure said.
A senior economist the travel and lifestyle publication spoke to said that some metropolitan areas in New England have relatively low home prices with a cost of living that won’t put a chokehold on your savings.
Here’s why Travel + Leisure named Nashua, New Hampshire and Exeter, New Hampshire, as some of the best places to retire in New England.
Nashua, NH — One of the best places to retire in New England?
Travel + Leisure named Nashua as one of the best places to retire in New England because the city has been reported to have great healthcare establishments and an energized arts and culture scene.
Travel + Leisure noted that the average home value in Nashua is $403,900, according to Niche; however, Investopedia said Nashua’s average home value is $421,719.
With an estimated population of 92,435, Nashua’s seniors ages 65 and up make up 16.9% of the community, according to Vintage 2025 data collected July 1 of that year.
“New Hampshire does not tax income or capital gains, and there’s no estate tax, inheritance tax, or state sales tax, a major benefit for retirees,” Travel + Leisure said. “However, property taxes are relatively high, but the state offers some exemptions for 65+ residents who have lived in the state for at least three years.”
While Nashua may have be the second-largest city in the state, it’s not on the Seacoast.
Exeter, NH — One of the best places to retire in New England?
Exeter has made best places to retire list from both SmartAsset and Niche, making it little surprise that it was also one of Travel + Leisure’s picks.
“Exeter was also named one of the best places to retire in New Hampshire by Niche, receiving a grade of A,” the publication said. “The median home price is around $456,600, healthcare is widely available, and the town offers excellent services to senior residents.”
Nashua and Exeter’s cost of living is 17% higher than the national average, Travel + Leisure said.
With an estimated population of 10,109, Exeter’s seniors ages 65 and up make up 21.9% of the community, according to April 1, 2020 data.
“Exeter enjoys the four seasons with flowers in the spring, beach weather and local festivals and farmers markets in the summer, beautiful fall foliage and a beer and chili festival in the fall, and of course the classic New England winter,” the Exeter government website said.
What other New England locations made the list?
The full list of seven cities Travel + Leisure recommended for retiring includes:
- Lewiston, Maine
- Nashua, New Hampshire
- Springfield, Massachusetts
- Wallingford, Connecticut
- Springfield, Vermont
- Exeter, New Hampshire
- Providence, Rhode Island
Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald. Reporting by Rin Velasco.
