Merrimack, NH 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

To learn about Merrimack, NH, check out the official website for the town of Merrimack, which publishes information on town services, events, and more.

Affordability and Cost of Living

Active adults who want to retire in New Hampshire should consider the overall cost of living in the area. Residents of Merrimack may spend more than other Americans on housing, but New Hampshire offers homeowners generous breaks when it comes to taxes and other expenses. The local property tax rate in Merrimack is 1.93 percent, which means the median home payment in the county is one of the highest in the country. Housing costs about 36 percent more in Merrimack than national averages. The high housing costs contributes to the overall cost of living in the city, which averages 14 percent above national averages. Fortunately, residents tend to pay less on everyday expenses like healthcare and transportation.

The good news is that New Hampshire is relatively lenient when it comes to other taxes. The state levies no sales tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, nor income tax, which includes no taxation on retirement funds like pensions and social security. The state does currently have a 5 percent tax on dividends and interests above a certain dollar amount, but that tax is set to be eliminated in 2027. Overall, homeowners in Merrimack pay more than average for housing, but tax breaks help balance the overall affordability of the city, especially for retirees on a set income.

Climate and Geography

Merrimack has a humid continental climate, which means it experiences warm summers and cold winters. The average midsummer high is in the low 80s, with occasional heat waves pushing temperatures into the 90s. In the winter months, the average low temperature is in the mid-teens, with occasional cold snaps dropping temperatures below zero. The average annual rainfall in Merrimack is around 46 inches. Merrimack experiences an average of 199 sunny days per year, which is slightly below the national average of 205.

Merrimack is in the southern part of the state, near the border with Massachusetts. The town is situated along the Merrimack River, which provides a beautiful natural setting for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. The surrounding terrain is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and open fields, offering a range of landscapes to explore. The town is also close to several state parks and conservation areas, including Pawtuckaway State Park, which boasts a 783-acre lake and over 5,000 acres of hiking trails and wildlife habitats. The town's location, just a short drive away from the White Mountains and the Lakes Region, makes it an ideal base for exploring the natural wonders of New Hampshire.

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment

Merrimack offers recreational activities, cultural events, and entertainment options that will appeal to 55+ homebuyers. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities, museums, or live performances, you'll find plenty to keep you busy in and around this charming town.

Golf and Racquet Sports:

• Souhegan Woods Golf Club
• Nashua Country Club
• Amherst Country Club
• Jasper Valley Swim & Tennis

Hiking, Biking, and Boating:

• Wasserman Park
• Litchfield State Forest
• Mine Falls Park
• Merrimack River

Museums and Historical Sites:

• Merrimack Historical Society
• Abbot-Spalding House Museum
• Aviation Museum of New Hampshire
• Amherst Village Historic District

Performing Arts:

• Keefe Center for the Arts
• Derryfield Repertory Theatre
• Tupelo Music Hall
• Nashua Center for the Arts

Shopping:

• Bedford Mall
• Merrimack Premium Outlets
• Nashua Mall Plaza
• The Commons Shopping Center

Parks and Gardens:

• Twin Bridge Park
• Horse Hill Nature Preserve
• Wildcat Falls Conservation Area
• Reflection Garden & Labyrinth

Festivals and Fairs:

• Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair
• Nashua Winter Holiday Stroll
• New Hampshire Renaissance Faire

Health and Wellness

Merrimack, NH offers access to a variety of healthcare options, providing 55+ homebuyers with peace of mind. Nashua, which is just a few miles south of Merrimack, is home to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, a 188-bed hospital that provides a range of medical services, including emergency care, cardiac care, and cancer care. This medical center has received numerous accolades for its quality of care, including recognition as a "Top Hospital" by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Merrimack is only 13 miles south of Elliot Hospital in Manchester, a full-service hospital that offers a range of specialty services, including heart and vascular care, neurology, and orthopedics.

In addition to these hospitals, there are several options in and around Merrimack for keeping fit and mentally well. There are numerous gyms and fitness centers in the area, such as the Merrimack YMCA and Planet Fitness. There are also yoga and meditation studios like Joyful Yoga NH and Downdog Flow Yoga and Pilates. Several wellness centers in the area also offer holistic services like acupuncture and massage therapy. Overall, Merrimack offers a range of healthcare options for residents, whether they need specialized medical care or simply want to stay healthy and active.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

Day One

Morning:

• Start the day with breakfast at Charlie’s Homestyle Diner, where locals enjoy skillets, three-egg omelets, benedicts, and pancakes.
• After breakfast, visit Wasserman Park, a beautiful outdoor space that offers walking trails and a beach area on Naticook Lake.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at The Common Man, a family-friendly restaurant that offers classic New England dishes, including lobster corn chowder, Nantucket pie, and meatloaf.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the local shops and boutiques at the Merrimack Premium Outlets, which offers more than 100 stores.

Evening:

• End the day with dinner at Buckley's Great Steaks, a local steakhouse that offers a range of meat and seafood dishes.
• Catch a movie at the nearby Apple Cinemas Merrimack, which offers a range of new releases and classic films.

Day Two

Morning:

• Grab breakfast at The D.W. Diner, a local favorite that offers classic diner fare, including omelets and pancakes.
• Start the day with a hike at Horse Hill Nature Preserve, a beautiful outdoor space that offers scenic trails and stunning views.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at Day of the Dead Mexican Taqueria, where locals enjoy classic Mexican dishes such as tacos, flautas, and enchiladas.
• Meet with a local 55places real estate expert to learn more about the 55+ communities in the area and to get a tour of some of the properties.

Evening:

• End the day with dinner at Portofino, a local Italian restaurant known for its fresh pasta dishes, seafood specials, and much more.

Getting to Merrimack, NH

Merrimack is conveniently located near several major highways, including Interstates 93, 95, and 90. Each of these connects with Route 3, which runs north and south through Merrimack. For those arriving by air, the closest major airport to Merrimack is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), which is located approximately 5 miles north of town. This airport is served by several major airlines, including American, Delta, Southwest, and United, with direct flights to hubs such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Additionally, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is located about an hour's drive southeast of Merrimack and is served by even more airlines and international destinations.