While New Hampshire boasts beautiful landscapes, not every town is a paradise for those looking to retire.
I’ve talked to locals and I’ve read countless reviews to find out which towns are the worst for retirees.
Consider this a cautionary guide to retirement planning in the Granite State.
Table of Contents
1. Manchester, New Hampshire
Manchester is the largest city in New Hampshire, known for its vibrant arts scene and bustling business district. Despite its amenities, it might not be ideal for retirees seeking peace. The city has a high crime rate, which can be concerning for those looking for a safe retirement spot.
The cost of living in Manchester is higher than in many other parts of the state. This could strain a retiree’s budget, especially for those relying on fixed incomes.
[Why It’s Challenging for Retirees]: The combination of a high crime rate and a cost of living can make retirement in Manchester less appealing.
2. Laconia, New Hampshire
Laconia is famous for its annual Motorcycle Week, one of the largest such events in the country. While this event brings excitement and economic benefits, it can also bring noise and congestion. These factors might not be ideal for retirees looking for a quiet place to relax.
The crime rate in Laconia is quite high compared to other towns, which could be a significant drawback for retirees. Additionally, the medical facilities may not be as extensive as needed for aging residents.
[Why It’s Challenging for Retirees]: High crime rates and annual disruptions from events make Laconia a less suitable place for peaceful retirement.
3. Newport, New Hampshire
Newport is a small town with a close-knit community. However, it has limited amenities and activities suitable for retirees. The town has fewer healthcare facilities, which is a crucial aspect to consider for retirees.
While the cost of living is lower, the limited public transportation and essential services can be a drawback for those without personal transport or those who are less mobile.
[Why It’s Challenging for Retirees]: The lack of healthcare facilities and essential services makes it tough for retirees to get the care and convenience they need.
4. Keene, New Hampshire
Keene is a charming town with a historical atmosphere. It hosts the annual Pumpkin Festival, which draws large crowds. However, this may not appeal to everyone, especially retirees looking for calm and steady environments.
The town has a relatively high cost of living and crime rate, which are concerning factors for those considering where to spend their retirement years.
[Why It’s Challenging for Retirees]: The higher cost of living and crime rate, alongside seasonal congestion from events, are major deterrents for retirees.
5. Concord, New Hampshire
As the capital city of New Hampshire, Concord has its perks, including access to government and healthcare services. However, the city also experiences a higher crime rate than some more rural areas, which can be a concern for safety-conscious retirees.
The city’s winter can be harsh, presenting challenges for those who may struggle with mobility in the snow and ice.
[Why It’s Challenging for Retirees]: Harsh winters and a higher crime rate make Concord less ideal for retirees seeking comfort and security.
6. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is known for its rich history and beautiful coastal views, but it also comes with a high cost of living. This can be a barrier for retirees who are managing their expenses on a fixed income.
The tourist attraction can also lead to crowded streets and busy local facilities, which might not be what some retirees are looking for.
[Why It’s Challenging for Retirees]: The high cost of living and tourist crowds can detract from the peaceful, affordable retirement lifestyle many desire.
7. Nashua, New Hampshire
Nashua is a major retail hub, which means it can be quite busy, especially during shopping seasons. This hustle and bustle are not always conducive to the quieter, slower pace many retirees might prefer.
Though it offers many amenities, the city’s crime rate is also higher than in many other smaller towns, which could be off-putting for retirees.
[Why It’s Challenging for Retirees]: The busy atmosphere and higher crime rates make Nashua less appealing for those seeking a tranquil retirement.
8. Franklin, New Hampshire
Franklin is one of the smaller towns in New Hampshire but faces economic challenges, including a lower median income level and fewer employment opportunities. These factors can impact retirees who still wish to work part-time or require services that are funded by a robust local economy.
The town also has a higher crime rate than might be expected for its size, a concern for residents seeking safety in their retirement years.
[Why It’s Challenging for Retirees]: Economic challenges and a higher crime rate can affect the quality of life for retirees in Franklin.
9. Somersworth, New Hampshire
Somersworth has a vibrant cultural scene but is also marked by a high crime rate. This aspect might deter retirees who prioritize safety above all else in their living choices.
The town’s infrastructure, particularly in terms of healthcare and transportation, may not fully support the needs of an aging population.
[Why It’s Challenging for Retirees]: The high crime rate and insufficient infrastructure for retirees make Somersworth a challenging place for retirement.
10. Derry, New Hampshire
Derry offers a mix of urban and rural elements, but the crime rate here is higher than in many comparable towns, which could be a critical factor for retirees looking for a secure environment.
The town hosts several events throughout the year, which can disrupt the quiet lifestyle preferred by some retirees.
[Why It’s Challenging for Retirees]: Higher crime rates and frequent public events may not align with the preferences of those seeking a peaceful retirement.
11. Hampton, New Hampshire
Hampton is known for its popular beachfront, which attracts numerous visitors each year. While this makes the town lively, it can also lead to overcrowding during peak seasons, which may not be ideal for retirees looking for quiet days.
Additionally, the cost of living in Hampton is relatively high, potentially straining retirees’ budgets who are on fixed incomes.
[Why It’s Challenging for Retirees]: The seasonal overcrowding and high cost of living can detract from the serene retirement experience many desire.
12. Newmarket, New Hampshire
Newmarket is a small town with limited resources. It lacks extensive healthcare facilities, which are critical for retirees. The town also struggles with public transportation options, making it difficult for those who no longer drive.
The small size might appeal to some, but the lack of amenities can be a significant disadvantage for others.
[Why It’s Challenging for Retirees]: Inadequate healthcare and public transportation make Newmarket less appealing for retirees seeking convenience and care.
13. Lebanon, New Hampshire
Lebanon is home to several medical facilities, which is a plus. However, the town is also known for its higher-than-average cost of living, which can be a hurdle for retirees trying to manage their finances effectively.
The town experiences cold, long winters, which can be challenging for seniors, especially those with mobility issues.
[Why It’s Challenging for Retirees]: The high cost of living and harsh winters make Lebanon a tough place for retirees looking for comfort and economic ease.
14. Hudson, New Hampshire
Hudson, while quaint, has limited activities and amenities tailored to retirees. The town has a relatively high crime rate for its size, which could be unsettling for those seeking a peaceful retirement.
Its proximity to larger cities might offer some benefits, but the local limitations are notable.
[Why It’s Challenging for Retirees]: Limited local amenities and a higher crime rate make Hudson less ideal for peaceful retirement living.
15. Londonderry, New Hampshire
Londonderry offers a suburban environment with access to natural landscapes, which might be appealing. However, the town has limited healthcare facilities and public services tailored to the needs of retirees.
The infrastructure might not fully support the lifestyle desired by those in their later years.
[Why It’s Challenging for Retirees]: The lack of essential services and healthcare options makes Londonderry challenging for retirees needing regular care.
16. Durham, New Hampshire
Durham is primarily known as a college town, home to the University of New Hampshire. This gives the town a vibrant, youthful energy that might not suit retirees looking for a quieter lifestyle.
The frequent events and student activities can lead to noise and disruptions.
[Why It’s Challenging for Retirees]: The college town atmosphere and associated disruptions can be off-putting for retirees seeking peace and quiet.
17. Exeter, New Hampshire
Exeter is rich in history and culture but also has a higher cost of living compared to other towns in New Hampshire. This financial aspect can be challenging for retirees managing on a fixed income.
The town’s educational and cultural events, while enriching, often cater more to families and younger residents.
[Why It’s Challenging for Retirees]: The higher cost of living and focus on younger demographics make Exeter less optimal for retirees.
18. Dover, New Hampshire
Dover is a growing town with many amenities, but this growth can lead to higher living costs and development that may not always consider the needs of retirees, such as quiet neighborhoods and easy access to healthcare.
While it has several healthcare facilities, the busy atmosphere can be overwhelming.
[Why It’s Challenging for Retirees]: Rapid growth and a busy atmosphere make Dover less suitable for retirees looking for a calm environment.
19. Hooksett, New Hampshire
Hooksett is situated between Manchester and Concord, offering convenient access to these cities’ amenities. However, it lacks its own dedicated resources for retirees, such as specialized healthcare and leisure activities geared towards older adults.
The town also has a significant amount of traffic, especially during commuting hours, which can detract from the peacefulness retirees might seek.
[Why It’s Challenging for Retirees]: The lack of dedicated retiree resources and high traffic levels make Hooksett a less desirable place for retirement.
20. Milford, New Hampshire
Milford offers a small-town feel but struggles with infrastructure that supports the elderly, including healthcare and public transportation. This can make daily life challenging for those who are less mobile or require frequent medical care.
The local economy is also not as robust as larger towns, which could affect the availability of services and activities for retirees.
[Why It’s Challenging for Retirees]: Insufficient infrastructure and a weaker local economy make Milford a challenging place for retirees to thrive.