Epping, NH 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Located in the southeastern region of New Hampshire, Epping is a charming town known for its small-town feel and beautiful natural scenery. The town is home to several picturesque parks and trails, including the Lamprey River and Mary Folsom Blair Park. These spots are perfect for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. The town also has a vibrant community with plenty of cultural and recreational events throughout the year, including an annual Old Home Day festival and a farmers market. For those looking to enjoy the outdoors, Epping has plenty of opportunities for golfing, fishing, and boating. With its friendly atmosphere, natural beauty, and year-round activities, Epping is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to live in a 55+ active adult community in New Hampshire.

Affordability and Cost of Living 

Epping, NH, is a small town located in Rockingham County with a population of around 7,000 people. In terms of affordability and cost of living, Epping can be considered moderately affordable compared to other cities and towns in New Hampshire. According to BestPlaces, the cost of living index in Epping is 113.7, which is higher than the national average of 100. However, this is primarily due to the higher cost of housing and utilities in the area.

New Hampshire has a reputation for being a tax-friendly state, and Epping is no exception. The state does not have a sales tax or income tax. However, property taxes in Epping are high at 1.74 percent of a home's fair market value. Property taxes are managed by the Epping Tax Assessor's Office. New Hampshire does not have an estate or inheritance tax.

Climate and Geography 

Epping is in a humid continental climate, which means it has warm summers and cold winters with moderate precipitation throughout the year. The average high temperature in the summer months (June to August) ranges from the mid-70s to low 80s with 75 percent humidity. Average low temperature in the winter months (December to February) ranges from the mid-teens to low 20s with an average annual snowfall of 64 inches. The average annual rainfall amount is around 45 inches, which is similar to the national average.

Epping is in southeastern New Hampshire and is characterized by its rolling hills and lush forests. The town is located near the Lamprey River, a popular spot for fishing and kayaking. Within a 20-mile radius of Epping, there are several mountains, including Pawtuckaway Mountain, Mount Major, and Mount Monadnock, which offer hiking and stunning scenic views. Epping is surrounded by several state parks, including Bear Brook State Park, which has over 10,000 acres of forest and recreational activities like camping, hiking, and mountain biking. Epping is also located within an hour's drive of the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular afternoon destination for beachgoers. Overall, the area's natural beauty and proximity to outdoor recreational activities make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. 

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

There are plenty of outdoor recreation areas, as well as cultural and entertainment options in and around Epping, here are some popular options:

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Apple Hill Golf Club
• Exeter Country Club
• Sagamore Hampton Golf Club

Hiking, Biking and Boating

• Lamprey River Trail
• Bear Brook State Park
• Pawtuckaway State Park
• Lake Massabesic Trail

Museums and Historical Sites

• American Independence Museum
• New Hampshire Farm Museum
• Exeter Historical Society
• Millyard Museum

Performing Arts

• Leddy Center for the Performing Arts
• The Players' Ring
• The Music Hall
• Palace Theatre

Shopping

• Epping Crossing
• Brickyard Square
• Tanger Outlets
• Fox Run Mall

Parks and Gardens

• Fuller Gardens
• Prescott Park
• Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge
• Wagon Hill Farm

Festivals and Fairs

• Stratham Fair
• Epping Old Home Days
• Hampton Beach Seafood Festival
• Deerfield Fair

Health and Wellness 

Epping, NH, has several options for health and wellness support for 55+ active adults. The town is located within a 20-mile radius of several major medical centers, including Exeter Hospital, Portsmouth Regional Hospital, and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. These hospitals provide a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialty care.

For individuals looking for local options for self-care and keeping fit, Epping offers several options including local fitness centers and yoga studios. There are also several farmers markets within or near Epping, including the Epping Farmers Market and the Exeter Farmers Market, both of which offer a variety of fresh, locally grown produce and other goods.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

Epping, NH, is a wonderful place to consider for retirement, and visiting the town to explore its many offerings is a great way to get a feel for the area. Below is a two-day itinerary that highlights some of the best attractions in Epping and the surrounding area.

Day One

Morning:

• Start your day off with a delicious breakfast at the Country View Restaurant, a favorite that offers classic breakfast dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
• After breakfast, head to the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, located just 10 miles from Epping. This stunning refuge features more than 1,000 acres of protected salt marsh and tidal creeks, as well as hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Afternoon:

• For lunch, stop by the 900 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria in Epping for some delicious wood-fired pizza made with fresh, local ingredients.
• Head to the New Hampshire Farm Museum, located just a few miles from Epping. This fascinating museum explores New Hampshire's agricultural history and features exhibits, demonstrations, and educational programs.

Evening:

• Spend your evening exploring the many dining options in Portsmouth, NH, located just a short drive from Epping. Portsmouth has a thriving dining scene with many excellent restaurants to choose from.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Ryan's Place, a local  restaurant known for its wide variety of breakfast dishes.
• After breakfast, meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to learn more about retirement communities in the area.

Afternoon:

• After your meeting, head to the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord, NH, located just 20 miles from Epping. This interactive science museum is dedicated to space exploration and features exhibits, planetarium shows, and educational programs.
• For lunch, stop by the Works Bakery Cafe in Concord for some delicious sandwiches and baked goods made with locally sourced ingredients.

Evening:

• Spend your final evening in Epping exploring the town's dining scene. The Holy Grail Restaurant and Pub is a popular choice, with its extensive beer selection and hearty pub fare.

Getting to Epping, NH

Epping, NH is located in southeastern New Hampshire, approximately 15 miles east of Manchester and 50 miles north of Boston.

If driving, visitors can access the area via several major highways, including:

• I-95: runs along the eastern coast of the United States and passes through Portsmouth, NH, which is approximately 15 miles east of Epping.
• Route 101: runs through southern New Hampshire and connects with I-95 and I-93. Visitors can take exit 7 off Route 101 to access Epping.
• I-93: runs north-south through New Hampshire and connects with Route 101.

For visitors arriving by air, the closest major airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), located approximately 25 miles west of Epping. Airlines that serve MHT include Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines, with primary hubs in Atlanta, Detroit, Philadelphia, and Chicago.

In addition to MHT, visitors can also fly into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), located approximately 50 miles south of Epping. Airlines that serve BOS include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, and United Airlines, with primary hubs in New York, Atlanta, Detroit, and Chicago.

Visitors can also access the area by train via the Amtrak Downeaster, which runs between Boston and Portland, ME and stops in Exeter, NH, approximately 8 miles south of Epping. 

The closest bus station is also located in Exeter, with service provided by Greyhound Lines and Concord Coach Lines.