10 Best Places to Retire in New Hampshire

Which are the best places to retire in New Hampshire?

This is the fifth smallest state in the United States by land area and the 9^th least populated. That shouldn’t discourage you, however, since it’s sometimes a good thing to live in a smaller community rather than in extremely populated areas where you can’t even breathe right.

New Hampshire has 1.3 million residents and a territory spanning over 9,351 square miles, out of which water represents some 4 percent. The state borders Canada to the north and northwest, as well as Maine and the Atlantic Ocean in the east, Massachusetts in the south and Vermont in the west. Speaking of neighborhood, don’t miss to check best places to retire in Massachusetts, as well.

There’s plenty of nature to enjoy in this state, whether we’re talking about rivers and lakes or the White Mountains that can be found in the north central area. On the downside, however, New Hampshire has been dubbed the area with the “worst weather in the world.” Whether that’s 100 percent true or not is up to debate, but the fact remains that it’s really windy, rather cold and not too friendly as far as climate goes.

Across the state, the average home price is $205,900, which isn’t too terrible. The average cost of living in New Hampshire is 116.6, with 100 being the national average. The crime rate is 32, so things are pretty good from this point of view. There are also 283 physicians per 100,000 residents in this state.

For our list today we took into consideration the data for the categories above regarding each county in New Hampshire, as well as the average commute time, since no one wants to spend too much in the car going to and from wherever they’re traveling to. For each of the categories, we handed out points depending on their position, and we awarded extra points to those counties that have more physicians than the state’s average since healthcare can be a crucial issue for pensioners. Information comes from Sperling’s Best Places which centralizes data from several governmental sources.

Without any more chitchat here are the 10 best places to retire in New Hampshire.

10. Rockingham

Score: 17

Median home price: $248,600

Cost of living index: 130.8

Average commute time: 28.87

Crime rate: 27

Doctors per 100K: 202

Home to over 295,000 people, Rockingham is located in the southeast corner of the state. The county spreads over 795 square miles, out of which 13 percent is water, meaning you’ll have plenty of chances to enjoy some time out in the nature on the water, whether that means swimming, fishing or just having a picnic on the shore.

Houses go for a little over $248,000 in average, so your pockets need to go a little deeper than in other areas of the state. The cost of living index is 130.8, meaning you’ll have to pay a little extra every month, but it all depends on where you’re currently living. The crime rate is rather low in this county, while the number of physicians ready to take care of your medical needs is 202.

9. Strafford

Score: 17

Median home price: $212,600

Cost of living index: 122.3

Average commute time: 25.48

Crime rate: 36

Doctors per 100K: 195

Just north of Rockingham, on 384 square miles of territory, sits Strafford County, the smallest in New Hampshire. Over 123,000 people live here, resulting in a population density of 334 people per square mile.

The median home price here is $212,600, but you’re surely going to be able to find properties that go for well below this score if you look hard enough. The cost of living index is 122.3 here, well over the national average. The crime rate is 36, which means life is pretty safe here, although, of course, you should make sure to keep safe. There are also 195 physicians per 100,000 residents, below the state’s average.

8. Carroll

Score: 21

Median home price: $188,300

Cost of living index: 113.4

Average commute time: 24.99

Crime rate: 37

Doctors per 100K: 186

Home to over 47,000 people, Carroll County, spreads over 992 square miles, making for a rather low population density of 51 people per square mile. If you’re hoping to be able to enjoy some time out in nature, then you should know that over 6 percent of the territory is water and the county is also home, in part, to the White Mountain National Forest where you can go on hikes to enjoy some wonderful views.

The median home price in Carroll County is $188,300, which is quite an ok price, especially since it means there’s plenty of room to go lower than this. The cost of living index is an acceptable 113.4. If you’re concerned about health issues, you should know there are 186 physicians per 100,000 residents here, which is quite ok, but well below the state’s average.

7. Hillsborough

Score: 24

Median home price: $206,100

Cost of living index: 116.3

Average commute time: 26.7

Crime rate: 34

Doctors per 100K: 233

With over 400,000 residents, Hillsborough is the most populated county in the entire state. The 892 square miles territory borders Massachusetts. Hillsborough County is home to the Wapack National Wildlife Refuge, so you could enjoy some time out in nature there if you so desire.

Houses go for $206,000 on average, but you’re surely going to be able to find something to suit your budget even if it’s lower than this. The cost of living index is 116.3, so it shouldn’t be too expensive compared to what you’re used to. There are 233 physicians per 100,000 people, so your medical needs should be taken care of.

6. Belknap

Score: 26

Median home price: $174,300

Cost of living index: 110.3

Average commute time: 26.18

Crime rate: 37

Doctors per 100K: 208

Belknap County is home to over 60,000 people. The territory of 469 square miles is located in the Lakes Region, near the center of the state. Some 15 percent of the entire territory is water, most of which is represented by Lake Winnipesaukee.

The median home price is $174,300 in this county, with the cost of living index sitting a comfortable 110.3. The number of physicians per 100,000 residents is 208.

5. Grafton

Score: 32

Median home price: $210,200

Cost of living index: 116.5

Average commute time: 22.11

Crime rate: 37

Doctors per 100K: 1090

The county with the most physicians per 100,000 people is Grafton with 1090, easily explained by the six hospitals in the area. There are nearly 90,000 people living in Grafton County, a territory that spreads over 1,750 square miles.

If you’re hoping to spend some time out in nature, then you should know the county is, in part, home to the White Mountain National Forest. There are also several bodies of water to enjoy, such as Squam Lake.

The median home price here is $210,200 and the cost of living index is 116.5, over the national average, but in line with the state average.

4. Cheshire

Score: 35

Median home price: $158,800

Cost of living index: 107.9

Average commute time: 21.4

Crime rate: 34

Doctors per 100K: 187

In the southwest area of New Hampshire sits Cheshire County, a territory of 729 square miles. The over 77,000 people living here enjoy some great views of Mount Monadnock, which is the highest point in the county, sitting at 3,165 feet.

The median home price in Cheshire County is $158,800, the third lowest in the state. The average commute time is also a mere 21.4 minutes, while the crime rate was calculated at 34, with 1 being the safest.

3. Coos

Score: 36

Median home price: $131,700

Cost of living index: 102.5

Average commute time: 22.42

Crime rate: 40

Doctors per 100K: 224

The northernmost county of the state is Coos, home to over 33,000 people, the least of any county in New Hampshire. The territory covers 1,830 square miles, out of which some 2 percent is water. Most of it, however, is mountains, forests, wilderness and state parks, which is great for those who like spending a lot of time out in nature.

The average price for homes here is $131,700, the lowest in New Hampshire. The cost of living index is also the lowest in the state – 102.5, quite close to the national average.

2. Merrimack

Doctors per 100K: 312

In the south-central area of New Hampshire you’ll find Merrimack County, with a population of over 146,000 people. The total territory of the county is of 956 square miles making for a low population density.

The median home price is $188,500, which is great. The cost of living index is also a quite acceptable 113.2. The concentration of doctors is also quite ok, with 312 physicians per 100,000 residents working here.

1. Sullivan

Score: 39

Median home price: $147,100

Cost of living index: 104.9

Average commute time: 24.88

Crime rate: 34

Doctors per 100K: 213

Last, but definitely not least, is Sullivan County, with a population of nearly 44,000 people, the second least populous in the entire state. The county spreads over 552 square miles, out of which under 3 percent is water.

The median home price in Sullivan County is just over $147,000, while the cost of living index is 104.9, the second lowest in the state. The crime rate in his New Hampshire county is 34, which means you’re quite safe. There are 213 physicians per 100,000 residents here.

All in all, Sullivan County lands the top spot on our list of 10 best places to retire in New Hampshire.