New Hampshire offers a mix of safety, natural beauty, and senior-friendly amenities that make it an appealing retirement destination. With low crime rates and accessible healthcare, towns like Portsmouth and Hanover provide peace of mind and community charm. While winters can be snowy, the state’s clean air, no state income tax, and small-town feel are major perks for retirees looking for a quiet yet connected lifestyle.
What Are the Safest Places to Retire in New Hampshire?
Portsmouth
- Violent Crime Rate: 1.8 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 12.4 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with cold winters and coastal storms
Portsmouth has a real New England feel, with beautiful historic architecture and a thriving downtown. The waterfront is a rare find, with parks, walking paths, and plenty of places to grab a lobster roll! It’s a walkable city, but parking can be tricky in the summer tourist season.
And be prepared for those nor’easters in the winter – they can bring some serious snow.
Portsmouth Regional Hospital is a 209-bed acute care hospital with a Level II Trauma Center. They offer comprehensive services, including:
- Heart Health: Advanced cardiology treatments, recognized for expertise in heart attack and heart failure care.
- Orthopedics: Specialized surgeons for joint replacements, spine surgery, and sports medicine, plus rehabilitation services.
- Cancer Care: The Seacoast Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer treatment and support services.
- Senior-Specific: Geriatric consultations, medication management, and fall prevention programs.
Weather in Portsmouth:
- Summer: Highs in the mid-80s°F
- Winter: Cold, with lows averaging in the 20s°F and occasional heavy snowfall
- Spring and Fall: Comfortable, but spring storms can bring coastal flooding
Hanover
- Violent Crime Rate: 1.0 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 5.9 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with snowy winters
Hanover is a quintessential college town, with a youthful energy and intellectual vibe. But it’s also very welcoming to retirees!
The college brings in world-class speakers, concerts, and theater productions. Plus, the surrounding Upper Valley is stunning, with hiking trails, ski resorts, and charming villages to explore. Just be prepared for those long, snowy winters.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) is a 460-bed Level I Trauma Center and the largest tertiary care hospital in New Hampshire. DHMC is renowned for:
- Geriatrics: Dedicated geriatrics department with primary care, memory clinics, and geriatric rehabilitation.
- Cardiology: Regional leader in cardiovascular care, offering advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive procedures.
- Cancer Care: Norris Cotton Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
- Neurology: Specializing in stroke care, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological conditions.
Weather in Hanover:
- Summer: Highs in the low 80s°F with low humidity
- Winter: Average lows in the teens with frequent snowfall, so plan for icy roads
- Spring and Fall: Mild and enjoyable, though spring thaw can cause muddy conditions
Concord
- Violent Crime Rate: 1.4 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 13.5 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with cold winters and occasional storms
Concord is a great place to be if you want the best of both worlds—a relaxed pace of life with access to city amenities. The downtown area is charming, with unique shops and restaurants. And the state capitol building is a must-see.
The city also has a strong sense of community, with lots of festivals and events throughout the year.
Concord Hospital is a 295-bed community hospital with a wide range of services, including:
- Heart Health: Comprehensive cardiac program with expertise in treating heart attacks and heart rhythm disorders.
- Cancer Care: The Payson Center for Cancer Care provides comprehensive cancer treatment and support.
- Orthopedics & Rehab: Dedicated orthopedic unit and rehabilitation center.
- Senior-Specific: Geriatric emergency department, inpatient unit, palliative care, and a Senior Health Center.
Weather in Concord:
- Summer: Highs in the mid-80s°F, great for exploring local parks.
- Winter: Cold, with lows in the 20s°F and significant snowfall.
- Spring and Fall: Comfortable, but spring rains can cause brief flooding in low-lying areas.
Nashua
- Violent Crime Rate: 1.6 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 10.7 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Low
Nashua is a great option if you want to be close to Boston but prefer a more affordable and less hectic lifestyle. It’s a diverse city with a strong economy and lots of job opportunities if you’re looking for part-time work in retirement. The downtown area has undergone a revitalization in recent years, with new restaurants and shops popping up.
Southern New Hampshire Medical Center is a 248-bed acute care hospital offering services such as:
- Cardiology: Comprehensive cardiology program with diagnostic testing and interventional procedures.
- Cancer Care: The Solinsky Center for Cancer Care provides comprehensive cancer treatment.
- Orthopedics & Rehab: Full range of orthopedic services and rehabilitation programs.
- Senior-Specific: Senior Wellness Center with health screenings, fitness classes, and geriatric care management.
Weather in Nashua:
- Summer: Highs in the upper 80s°F with comfortable humidity
- Winter: Average lows in the 20s°F with moderate snowfall
- Spring and Fall: Pleasant and mild
Keene
- Violent Crime Rate: 1.8 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 22 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate
Keene offers a peaceful, small-town vibe with access to outdoor recreation. Retirees love the city’s safe neighborhoods, local farmers’ markets, and the Monadnock Region’s hiking trails.
Cheshire Medical Center is a 169-bed community hospital offering services like:
- Primary Care: Strong primary care program with a focus on preventative care.
- Cardiology: Diagnostic testing, cardiac rehabilitation, and treatment for heart conditions.
- Orthopedics & Rehab: Orthopedic services, including joint replacements and fracture care, and rehabilitation programs.
- Senior-Specific: Chronic disease management, diabetes education, nutrition counseling, and a geriatric fracture program.
Weather in Keene:
- Summer: Highs in the low 80s°F with occasional thunderstorms.
- Winter: Cold, with lows in the teens and regular snowfall.
- Spring and Fall: Cool and refreshing, though spring can bring muddy trails.
What Are the Best Healthcare Facilities in New Hampshire for Seniors?
- Portsmouth: Portsmouth Regional Hospital offers cardiac care, cancer treatments, orthopedic services, and robust outpatient rehabilitation programs.
- Hanover: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center provides top-tier care, specializing in geriatrics, oncology, and cardiology.
- Concord: Concord Hospital excels in heart health, cancer care, and senior-focused rehab services.
- Nashua: Southern New Hampshire Medical Center delivers high-quality cardiology, cancer treatment, and wellness programs for seniors.
- Keene: Cheshire Medical Center focuses on community wellness, providing seniors with primary care, cardiology, and physical therapy.
Is New Hampshire Senior-Friendly and Accessible?
In short, yes! New Hampshire often ranks highly as a retirement destination, and for good reason. It offers a compelling mix of safety, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community, all of which are particularly appealing to older adults. However, like any place, it has its own unique set of pros and cons, especially when it comes to accessibility. Let’s take a closer look to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Pros
- Low Crime Rates: New Hampshire consistently ranks as one of the safest states in the nation.
- Healthcare Access: World-class hospitals like Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover and Concord Hospital provide advanced care and specialized geriatric services.
- No State Income Tax: There’s no state income tax or sales tax, which means more money stays in your pocket.
- Outdoor Activities: There’s no shortage of opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and simply soaking in the natural beauty.
- Small-Town Charm: Many communities cater to seniors with local events and activities.
Cons
- Cold Winters: New England winters can be beautiful, but they also bring snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
- Limited Public Transit: Rural areas may lack transportation options for non-drivers. If you don’t drive, you might need to rely on ride-sharing services, senior transportation programs, or the kindness of neighbors.
- Cost of Living: Higher than the national average, especially in popular towns like Portsmouth and Hanover.
New Hampshire combines safety and scenic beauty with senior-friendly communities. Just be prepared for winter weather and plan for transportation if you settle in a rural area.
What City Has the Lowest Crime Rate?
Hanover has the lowest crime rates in New Hampshire, with only 1.0 violent crimes and 5.9 property crimes per 1,000 people. Its tight-knit community, excellent healthcare at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and walkable downtown make it one of the safest places to retire.
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