Revel In The Meadow 2024, a NH Music Festival featuring Pink Talking Fish and brought to you by New Hampshire features 18 miles of shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean, known as the Seacoast. The towns that encompass the Seacoast includes, Seabrook, Hampton, North Hampton, Rye, Portsmouth. It is steeped in rich history dating back to the colonial era in the 1700s when it was known for its shipbuilding industry. As brick was developed, the area had thriving brick mills, and well into the 20th Century, the area led the nation in cotton goods manufacturing. It still has active ports with imports and exports coming and going by boat.
This quaint New England area is known for its cobblestone streets, diverse shopping, restaurants, and parks. Events like free concerts and outdoor festivals entertain those of all ages. With historical towns along the ocean front and flanked by mountains, Seacoast is a picturesque beauty that make many want to retire in New Hampshire.
With about 20% of the population age 45 to 64 and an additional 14% ovesr age 65, there are many retirement communities for those who are enjoying their best years or planning for the future. The area is home to active community centers offering exercise classes, luncheons, special events, and trips to local areas and attractions. There are many businesses providing needed services, diverse dining options, arts and culture, and strong communities all in a beautiful setting.
Why Retire on the New Hampshire Seacoast
Beyond natural beauty of the region, people choose senior living in New Hampshire for many other reasons:
- An advantageous tax structure. While the cost of housing and utilities are expensive and above the national average, residents find the tax savings desirable. In fact, New Hampshire has no state sales tax.
- Travel is easy. Visiting friends and family in other areas is convenient as Pease International is in the area and Boston Logan International Airport is about an hour drive away. New Hampshire has more active railroads in the United States than any other state and Amtrak operates multiple routes in the area with connections in nearby Boston and Portland, Maine.
- Excellent healthcare. Nearby Wentworth-Douglass Hospital specializes in acute care. It has specialty areas in trauma, surgery, cancer care, orthopedics, cardiovascular medicine, stroke, sleep disorders, and pain management. Also located nearby is Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, a renowned research and healthcare facility.
- Summer and fall temperatures. The months of June through November are beautiful in the Seacoast region. Summer temperatures rarely rise above the low 80s and fall days reach the low 60s. Winter and spring temperatures can be a bit brisk with daily highs in the 30s and 50s, respectively, but the payoff comes when those summer temps arrive.
Things to do in the Seacoast
The water access makes the area popular for those who enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The extensive park system and trails offer acres of outdoor enjoyment and there also are many golf courses in the area.
If outdoor activities are not for you, the area is known for its strong arts and culture environment. There are dance studios, libraries, community and professional theater, and museums. Fine art and craft galleries are very popular as are music venues featuring a variety of genres.
Of special interest are the following:
- Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, a woodlands area protected by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, is a beautiful area for bird watching, photography, and hiking. In the winter months, locals enjoy cross country skiing and showshoeing.
- The Woodman Institute Museum, also referred to as a “museum’s museum.” It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features art, furniture, culture, natural science, and history exhibits in a four-building complex.
- The University of New Hampshire is located in the area, and often features guest lectures, athletic events, concerts, and special events.
- Flag Hill Vineyard and Winery produces many varieties of red and white wines as well as General John Stark Vodka and Bartlett Apple Brandy. It offers year-round taste testing, tours, and special events.
- Portsmouth Market Street features unique and one-of-a-kind art, clothing, home decorations, jewelry, flowers, toys, and more.
- One Washington Center is home to many art galleries and local crafts created by local artisans.
- The Cochecho Arts Festival is a free, outdoor, concert series that runs all summer with family-friendly entertainment and luncheon and evening concerts.
- Apple Harvest Day is held each year on the first Saturday in October and features 250 exhibitors, activities, food and entertainment.
Retirement Communities in New Hampshire
The retirement communities in New Hampshire are quaint, some possessing a rural feel while others are beach towns. While the cost of housing and utilities may be more expensive in New Hampshire, the tax advantages often outweigh those expenses.
River Woods is located in Exeter, NH, River Woods offers three neighborhoods in one community tucked amidst the evergreens. The community includes restaurants, trails and walking paths, and the state’s largest arboretum. The facilities include a pool with swim lanes for lap swimming, gym, woodshop, and a farm with goats. There are raised garden beds and daily art classes. The residents of the community organize events, publish a community newspaper and TV channel, and manage the libraries, stores, and art galleries. There are numerous volunteer and interest groups to appeal to all and serve many worthy causes.
Senior living in New Hampshire is enjoyed by many who love the great outdoors and the cultural arts in a picturesque setting. Whether you are looking for a coastal area, wooded location, or quaint town with cobblestone streets, retirement communities in New Hampshire have something for everyone. The area offers a full array of services and resources and many activities for active senior living. While the winters can be a bit chilly, nothing beats the beauty and fall colors of New Hampshire.