Keene 6. We have so much to offer culturally with the world-renowned Concord Community Music School, the Kimball Jenkins Estates arts programs, the independent Red River Theatres, the Capitol Center for the Performing Arts and the newly renovated Bank of New Hampshire Stage, says Breton. The state currently has one of the highest property tax rates in America. Also, if the horizon is clear, you can see five surrounding states, the Atlantic Ocean, and Canada. Unfortunately, some of these fields have seen a decline in the last few years. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The ranking is based on more than 70 metrics, including health . Discover even more about our state. We also covered the top reasons for retiring in the state, a property exemption guide, best places, and retirement communities, plus the pros and cons of retiring in New Hampshire. Among the best retirement locations in New Hampshire is Claremont, the only city in Sullivan County where wooded forests and green pastures surround you. Thus, it is not an entirely income tax-free . Meanwhile, Arkansas, Louisiana and New Mexico scored high enough to move out of the bottom five. However, there's nothing different once you drive off the coast. For starters, we only looked at cities with a population of at least 5,000, which left us with 24 cities to rank. Winters in New Hampshire are long and harsh (as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit in January). Please enter valid email address to continue. New York does do better in culture (seventh best) and crime (tied for 11th best with Massachusetts.). People generally prefer living in New Hampshire despite its lack of transport because the absence of sales tax allows them to spend that money on vehicles and gas. In Exeter the 55+ set is welcome to enjoy many of the educational and artistic offerings on the campus of Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the nations finest prep schools, and the short drives to Manchester and Portsmouth helped to land the town atop the list for best places to retire in New Hampshire by smartasset.com, and is among the 30 best in the nation. The state can be the right place for you if you can manage its highly considerable cons, including high property taxes, lack of public transport, and lack of diverse culture. January 25, 2021 / 10:14 AM / CBS Boston CONCORD, N.H. (CBS) -- New Englanders in search of the perfect retirement destination may not have to look far. He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move. Finally, we calculated the percentage of the population made up of seniors to see if other retirees favor the town. 10 Most Affordable Cities in New Hampshire, Your Guide to Closing Costs in New Hampshire, First-Time Homebuyer Programs in New Hampshire. 1 when it comes to quality of life and ninth for health care, two of three key metrics used in the ranking. Luckily, there's a wide array of places to choose from, so whatever your retirement priorities are, there's definitely something for you. Besides, much of the landscape is developed for recreational activities, including hiking, snowmobiling, and skiing. The state is so small that you can commute to Boston from just about anywhere in New Hampshire. New Hampshire fell behind Florida, Colorado, Delaware, Virginia, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Utah and Minnesota in this years rankings. Not too far behind is Springfield at No. First on the list is Florida, followed by Colorado, Delaware, Virginia and North Dakota. The state's aggregate retirement income ranks #23 at $16,158.08, which is important considering the state's average monthly assisted living costs are approximately $4,000. For that, New Hampshire just might be it. New Hampshire shares its coast with the Atlantic Ocean, which is a major attraction for people who want to reside in this state. New Hampshire has some of the best retirement communities in the US. New Hampshire, The Granite State, boasts of its natural beauty and scenic landscapes. RiverWoods Exeter, New Hampshire's premier Continuing Care Retirement Community providing Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, and Nursing Care. Residents of New Hampshire often head to Boston for a diverse cultural experience. New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States.It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Gulf of Maine to the east, and the Canadian province of Quebec to the north. One of their top choices for a vacation destination? The average cost of private tuition in New Hampshire is $19,386 per year, and thats quite expensive. Besides, the people here make a great community with some intense and jolly old traditions that all residents follow. Best Debt Consolidation Loans for Bad Credit, Personal Loans for 580 Credit Score or Lower, Personal Loans for 670 Credit Score or Lower. The state of New Hampshire is one of only 9 in the country. The median home value recently shot up to $261,700 from $252,800, but thats still affordable for many residents. So while retirement income is not taxed at the state level, retirees with . Manage Settings Portsmouth, the picturesque maritime city filled with an abundance of museums and historic sites, is also popular for its array of entertainment offerings and senior activities, and it is close to a major medical center. The water is serene but stays cold throughout the year. "Some people may choose to stay close to family, while others prefer to seek out warm weather or affordable living.". 31, with high marks for health care. If you retire in New Hampshire, owning a property is not something you need to stress over. Wisconsin. Diversity isnt ripe in New Hampshire. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks. The Abraham Lincoln Walking Tour, Exeter, Fort Constitution, Portsmouth, Turkey Pond, Concord are a few of the places that add great historical value to the state. Both New Hampshire and Maine are great states for retiring. There is little to no public transport in most areas of the state. This low percentage can go both ways since it can translate to more availability for you in choosing a retirement home. Exeter. Learn more. In five of the six categories, New Hampshire scored in the top 10. 1. Couple takes in lake in Washington, the fifth-worst place to retire, according to Bankrate.com. Couple take in the Ohio canal in Potomac, Maryland -- worst state in the U.S. for retirees. Advice Lifestyle Lifestyle 10 Best Cities to Retire in New Hampshire in 2023 Situated snugly between Vermont and Maine, close to the U.S./Canada border, the Granite State is home to about 1.3 million people. You can enjoy living by the sea if you have enough financial resources. Even if you're just reading a book by the side of the Merrimack River, you can't help but appreciate the nature in New Hampshire. 10 White Oak Drive, Florida is the fifth-best state for retirees, according to Bankrate.com. Until then, its hard to depend on adequate public transportation in New Hampshire, and driving is the best choice. During the summer, many people from Boston and New York City choose to take time away from the city and enjoy time out in the mountains. New Hampshires northern part offers small-town life, but the southern part sees commercialized development. Granted, New Hampshire is known for being well educated, but its hard to swing spending that much on private tuition. There are few urban amenities in New Hampshire. You pay a 5% tax on interest and dividends from investments in New Hampshire. in the United States. Ronnie Kaufman | The Image Bank | Getty Images. Corn field in Burlington, Iowa, the second-best state for retirees. Here's why Taxes On Investment Income In New Hampshire. Its a small state (9,349 square miles) with easy access to the beautiful outdoors. 5. New Hampshire is one of five states that does not have sales tax. Public transportation is a downside of living in New Hampshire, but the state is working towards expanding it. If you are not a fan of snow and extreme cold, living in New Hampshire might not be the best idea. This inflow of tourists usually peaks in the summers, increasing the traffic greatly. Four states (Oregon, New Hampshire, Montana and Delaware) have no state or local sales taxes. The state is 30th for affordability, according to WalletHub. The little diversity you might find will be at the coast, and they are mainly tourist attractions. Know Before You Go. Learn more about the guidelines and documents requiredhere. Within the last few years, the ease of access on Main Street, which is a quintessential New England main street, has been improved. "There are many factors to consider when deciding where to retire," said Bankrate.com data analyst Adrian Garcia, in a statement. Only a short drive from New Hampshires major cities, Somersworth lets you escape the hustle and bustle of city life. If you want to live in the middle of the action, Concord is the place to be, while if you always imagined retiring beside the sea, Portsmouth or Hampton are your best bets. Any employment is good, but if you work in Boston you will be subject to income tax. Community score: 59.3. For example, Utah, Idaho and New Hampshire the second, third and fourth best places to retire in 2018 have dropped out of the top five. There is a lot to explore, from a range of mountains, lakes, and forests to the Atlantic coast. The study examined 11 public and private criteria significant in retirement, sorted into five broader categories (weightings in parentheses): affordability (40%), wellness (25%), weather (15%), culture (15%) and crime (5%). Some Of The Coolest Things To Do In New Hampshire The Pros And Cons Of Living In New Hampshire New Hampshire Fun Facts & Strange Laws There are only 4 crimes per square mile in New Hampshire, and there are 31 crimes per square mile in America. If you work in Boston as a New Hampshire resident, be prepared to pay income tax that you may not be used to. A Division of NBCUniversal. Manchester residents tend to have higher living expenses than the average American, which is in line with state trends. Boston ranks 43rd for offering a small-town feel "with all the perks of city life," according to the magazine. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The weather is diverse and the state experiences all four seasons. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. New Hampshire has thefourth-highest property tax ratein the United States. Pros Is New Hampshire a good place for seniors to retire? The crime rate is low. Larger cities have bus systems, but public transportation in smaller towns isnt widely available. Social Security income is not taxed. There are abundant affordable and excellent public schools in most towns of this state. This adds to the diversity that the state has to offer. 1. By Paul Arnold May 31, 2022. The property crime rate has also reduced from 13.94 in 2019 to 10.90 in 2021 per 1000 properties. Where To Go If It Rains (or It's Too Darn Hot! However, you will have to cope with the extreme winters, lack of public transport, and high property taxes. Another famous attraction is the Jenny Thompson Outdoor Pool, whose namesake is a hometown Olympian athlete. Iowa scored well in affordability (eighth), wellness (12th) and crime (15th). Worst state for affordability: Vermont scoring 37.8 out of 100. In New Hampshire, quality of life and health care prevail, WalletHub analyst and communications director Jill Gonzalez told The Center Square via email. We are a publishing team of licensed Nursing Home Administrators, Nurses, Assisted Living Directors, Health Professionals, Gardeners, and individuals with vast experience with senior living and activities. The reputation is true. The largest city in northern New England may not have the climate that retirees typically seek out, but the outdoors are still a big draw. Besides, they reap the benefits of better facilities in Boston while living in New Hampshire. And if you don't feel up for the often wild and steep trails in White Mountain National Forest, there's always the option to drive up Mountain Washington (and get the bumper sticker for proof). Best state for health and well-being: New Hampshire scoring 83 out of 100. Cast your fishing rod (view on Amazon) on its beautiful lakes or explore its dense forests. Many in the Lakes Region feel the same. The cons are that property taxes are higher, and there is a lack of solid public transportation so if you dont drive, this may be an issue. Exeter, New Hampshire 03833 Your shopping options are limited, and there is very little nightlife. There are some changes since last year. Welcome to the Granite State, we're glad you're here! Photo by Michael Moran. This is another reason why people live here while they work in Boston. These cities have an inbound bus system, but you will need your own vehicle to travel inter-city. "Although winter may seem to last forever, the region's other seasons bring with them their own winning attributes, from summer days at Hampton Beach (less than an hour from downtown) to stunning fall foliage in nearby White Mountain National Forest," U.S. News writes. A ranking of the best states to retire in 2021 puts New Hampshire high on the list. With the absence of two major tax sources, the state government makes their revenue from the high property taxes. Traffic can get a little rough around here, but once you get used to it, youll be totally fine. One of the issues that New Hampshire has is its reputation for being incredibly non-diverse. There are pros and cons to living in New Hampshire, the pros being lack of sales tax and state income tax.. Landscape New Hampshire is a scenic beauty. Lets explore some of the key benefits of living in New Hampshire. New Hampshire is a good place to live, especially after retirement. However, New Hampshire does not have a general sales . New Hampshire ranked third when it comes to health and wellbeing, which includes a host of different factors such as: Concerns regarding your safety are important when deciding where to retire, and New Hampshire was the best rated state for crime and poverty. Do you love trails? 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Philips Exeter Academy is one such school, and its so selective, that only 15 percent of applicants actually get in. On average, New Hampshire will have 70 inches of snow per year, far more than the national average of 28 inches. Retirees have many factors to consider when deciding the best place for retirement. Having a car is more of a need in New Hampshire. Wages are taxed at normal rates, and your marginal state tax rate is 5.90%. There have been some changes since last year. Monthly ownership costs can total up to $1,948, but that varies based on mortgage rates and utilities. The living cost is high, and diversity is low. Or if you'd like to be near the bigger cities like Manchester and Nashua, but still have apple orchards aplenty, then Londonderry is calling. Seniors at Sarasota Beach. Exeter, Rockingham County #1 Best State Sales Tax For Retirees #37 Best State Real Estate Prices For Retirees #44 Best State Cost Of Living For Retirees #8 Best State Retirement Population For Retirees #2 Best State Crime Rate For Retirees #23 Best State As Rated By Other Websites For Retirees #41 Best Overall State For Retirees Best States To Retire To #1 Florida #2 New Hampshires crime rate is relatively low, placing it among the safest states in the US and a favorite retirement destination for seniors. New Hampshire is a scenic beauty. However, its wise to weigh the pros and cons. Set in beautiful seascapes, the city has easy access to mountains, prides on an excellent school system, and has a low crime rate. Eight states don't impose an income tax on earned income as of 2021: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Your public and private pension incomes are tax-free, including your withdrawals from retirement accounts. Seniors strolling in Chicago. Only 14% of the states residents are seniors. Were centrally located and have a close proximity to the lakes, mountains, seacoast and forests, says Stefanie Breton, the public information officer for the states fastest-growing city. Average income for population 65+: $64,657. Property is more common and occurs at a rate of 1 in 80, but its still below the national average. You can also make purchases in New Hampshire without worrying about sales tax because there is none. Screens on windows and doors will do the trick during the warmer months. In this season, New Hampshire experiences an increase in bugs and mosquitoes, and the lack of ventilation in homes doesn't help either. The tool can be accessed here. The only upside to the poor public transportation in New Hampshire is that its expanding right now. This makes this state one of the best in the nation for people who want to have a high wage. Financial stability, safety, along with health & wellbeing are all factors one must consider when deciding where to retire. U.S. News and World Report released its annual Best States rankings Tuesday, and New Hampshire was the top local state at number 4. The states population of people 65 and older who are in good or better health is the highest in the nation, and the prevalence of poor mental health among the group is the fifth-lowest in the nation. The educational system here is built around questioning, self-reflecting, and improving rather than following the trend. What about gorgeous mountain scenes, lush forests, and plenty of parks for biking, hiking, jogging, and more? You can easily find a nice property within $50,000, and the annual mortgage is also $4,200. When you click through real estate links on our site, we earn an affiliate commission. Older adults who reported poor mental health said their mental health was not good 14 or more days in the past 30 days. In fact, some of the schools that are found within the states borders could definitely be considered to be elite. You can spend a peaceful life in New Hampshire, knowing it is one of the safest states in the US. And if charming towns and large stretches of wilderness will make that happen, you should call New Hampshire your new home. Despite having a rich cultural background, New Hampshire lacks diversity in its activities and experiences. Alaska has no state sales tax, but does have some local sales taxes. With that in mind, here are the best places to retire in New Hampshire. People in New Hampshire enjoy a below-average rate of poverty, including the older population. The obvious choice for many people who want to enjoy a lower tax rate, then, is to stick to renting. New Hampshire has several small towns and a small population, approximately 1.4 million, according to the 2020 United States Census Bureau. Nashua, New Hampshire has been routinely ranked as the greatest place to live in America. That makes it a small state, but one with a dizzying array of benefits for new residents of all ages. This is based on measures including: low cost of living, low crime, things to do (measured by population density), nice weather and distance to the closest international air. This state has abelow-average crime ratewhen compared to other states. Bankrate.com offers an interactive online tool that helps users determine the best and worst states for retirement, based on personal preferences. WalletHub on Monday released its report on 2022's "Best. Living anywhere comes with pros and cons, and that includes New Hampshire. Theyre happy with the decision and love the lifestyle.. 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There is a lack of ethnic culture, and the more you explore the state, the more you will feel a repeated pattern despite the change in towns and cities.