East Kingston, NH 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

East Kingston is a quaint rural town situated just 15 miles from Portsmouth on the coast. The town offers a peaceful and affordable retirement destination with a low crime rate, access to great healthcare and great entertainment options.

Compared to many other retirement destinations in the Northeast, East Kingston offers a relatively affordable cost of living. 

Housing costs reflect trends seen elsewhere regionally; although not quite as expensive as other coastal areas the median home price in East Kingston is around $564,200. Groceries are more expensive than national average due largely to the lack of large chain stores nearby but residents enjoy easy access to quality local produce and meat products. Utilities and transportation are a bit higher than national averages but healthcare costs are lower.

New Hampshire's tax policies are attractive for retirees looking to minimize their overall tax burden. New Hampshire is one of the few states in the U.S. that does not have income or sales tax. Additionally New Hampshire does not have an estate or inheritance tax making it an ideal place to pass down wealth without worrying about additional taxes. 

Climate and Geography

East Kingston experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. During summer months temperatures range from mid 70 to high 80 degrees. During the winter temperatures often fall below freezing and annual average snowfall is 61 inches.

The East Kingston area is predominantly rural with rolling hills, fields, and forests. The landscape is characterized by small farms, apple orchards, and country roads that wind through the countryside.

Recreation, Shopping and Entertainment

Despite East Kingston's small size the area offers a variety of recreational activities and events for residents and visitors alike.

Golf enthusiasts will enjoy playing at Apple Hill Golf Club, which features an 18-hole course with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The club also has a driving range and practice green for those looking to improve their game.

For tennis or pickleball players, there are several courts available at Memorial Park on Depot Road. This park also has walking trails that wind through wooded areas and around a pond.

Outdoor lovers can explore Powwow Pond by hiking along its shores or renting kayaks from Eastman's Docks Marina & Seacoast Tours. Massabesic Audubon Center has over 130 acres of fields, forests, ponds and streams crisscrossed by trails suitable for all ages.

History buffs may want to check out some local landmarks:

• The Exeter Historical Society Museum houses artifacts dating back centuries ago when this region was first settled. 
• Phillips Exeter Academy, is one of the oldest prep schools in the country and has beautiful architecture throughout the campus grounds. 
• The American Independence Museum showcases Revolutionary War era memorabilia and artifacts.

East Kingston shopping options include quaint boutiques lining Main Street selling everything from antiques and collectibles to handcrafted pottery, glassware and more. 

Sports fans can check out local college teams like the University of New Hampshire Wildcats or watch minor league baseball games at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester. The stadium is home to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, a Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Overall, East Kingston offers something for everyone with its diverse range of activities and events. Whether you're looking to explore nature, learn about history or simply enjoy some good food and shopping - this charming town has it all.

Health and Wellness

East Kingston has plenty to offer retirees seeking a healthy lifestyle. Nearby hospitals include Portsmouth Regional Hospital and Exeter Hospital which is affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital.

For active adults who like strenuous exercise East Kingston has a variety of fitness facilities and outdoor hiking and jogging trails are abundant. Adults who prefer relaxation East Kingston has a variety of yoga studios that offer classes for people of all ages and fitness levels. For even more relaxation there are several massage and spa services in the area. Retirees who want to incorporate healthy eating habits into their wellness goals have several local farmers markets that offer fresh produce and locally made goods to choose from. 

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting East Kingston Area 55+ Communities

Day One - Morning: 

• Wake up with coffee from 7North Coffee, a popular spot for coffee and pastries. 

Day One - Afternoon: 

• Visit Coppal House Farm located just outside East Kingston, it is one of NH’s oldest working farms and offers a variety of activities and festivals. 

Day One - Evening:

• Enjoy dinner at The Kitchen, a farm-to-table restaurant in Portsmouth that sources ingredients from local farmers to create seasonal dishes and creative twists on classic items.

Day 2 - Morning/afternoon:

• Meet up with a 55Places real estate agent who can take you to visit local 55+ communities where you can get a feel for the community and learn what they offer.
• Enjoy lunch at The Farm at Eastman's Corner.

Day 2 - Evening:

• We recommend The Old Salt Restaurant for dinner, it is located in nearby Hampton and serves seafood, steaks, and pub fare in a cozy, historic setting.

Getting to East Kingston

By car: If you have access to a car, you can reach East Kingston via Route 107 or Route 108. East Kingston is located just a few miles south of Route 101, which is a major east-west highway in southern New Hampshire.

By plane: The nearest major airport to East Kingston is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), which is located about 30 miles west of East Kingston. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi or shuttle service to East Kingston.

By bus: There are several bus companies that provide service to the area, including Greyhound and Concord Coach Lines. The nearest bus station is located in nearby Exeter, which is about 5 miles north of East Kingston.

By train: The nearest train station is located in Exeter, which is served by Amtrak's Downeaster train service, which runs between Boston and Portland, Maine.