Milford, NH 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Milford is a charming and vibrant town nestled in the heart of New England. With a population of just over 16,000, Milford offers a peaceful and friendly atmosphere that is perfect for retirement. The Milford Oval, the local name for the town “square,” is lined with historic buildings, boutique shops, and restaurants serving delicious locally sourced cuisine. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the town's abundance of parks and recreational areas, including the nearby Granite Town Rail Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Milford's central location also provides easy access to Boston, Vermont’s Green Mountains, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire, making it an ideal base for exploring all that New England has to offer.

If you're considering retiring in Milford there are several local resources that can provide valuable information about the town and its amenities. The Milford Recreation Department website is a great resource for information about local parks and recreational programs, while the Milford Historical Society website offers a fascinating glimpse into the town's rich history. Finally, the official Milford town website provides information about local businesses and services, as well as resources for visitors and new residents.

Affordability and Cost of Living

Retirees conducting research on the affordability of Milford will find that there are both advantages and disadvantages to settling down in New Hampshire. One of the benefits of the Granite State are the lenient tax policies that include no income tax, no sales tax, no estate tax, and no inheritance tax. This is good news for retirees because retirement funds such as Social Security and pensions avoid taxes, which keeps more money in the pockets of active adults. Residents currently pay a 5 percent tax on interests and dividends above a certain amount, but that tax will be eliminated in 2027. 

Although retirees on any budget can find places to live in the area, the cost of housing is where things can get a little pricey for homeowners in Milford. Although residents pay less for expenses like transportation and healthcare, the overall cost of living is still approximately 11 percent higher than national averages. Housing contributes significantly to these increased living expenses given that housing expenses tend to cost 27 percent more than national averages. The property tax rate in Hillsborough County is 1.79 percent of a home's assessed fair market value, making the median property tax payment rank 36th highest out of all the counties in the United States. Housing is likely to be homeowners’ greatest expense in Milford, but the state’s tax breaks help to reduce this burden.

Climate and Geography

Milford experiences a humid continental climate characterized by warm summers and cold winters. The town typically enjoys an average of 199 sunny days per year, making it an ideal location for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. The summer months bring average high temperatures in the low 80s, while winter temperatures can dip down into the teens. The town sees an average of 47 inches of rainfall each year, with the wettest months being May and June. The average annual snowfall for the area is 57 inches.

The geography of Milford is marked by rolling hills, forests, and farmland, making it an ideal location for those who enjoy spending time in nature. The Souhegan River runs through town, providing plenty of opportunities for fishing and kayaking. The nearby Granite Town Rail Trail is a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, and cross-country skiers, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Milford is a short drive away from New Hampshire’s White Mountains, which offer some of the best hiking and skiing opportunities in the region. Milford's location in southern New Hampshire also provides easy access to the state's beautiful coastline, as well as to nearby cities such as Boston and Manchester.

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment

Milford is a vibrant town with plenty of recreational activities, and entertainment options keep residents and visitors entertained year-round.

Golf and Racquet Sports:

• Souhegan Woods Golf Club
• Amherst Country Club
• Passaconaway Country Club
• Hampshire Hills Athletic Club

Hiking, Biking, and Boating:

• Granite Town Rail Trail
• Curtiss Dogwood State Park
• Silver Lake State Park
• Osgood Pond

Museums and Historical Sites:

• Milford Historical Society Museum
• Carey House Museum
• Hills House
• Aviation Museum of New Hampshire

Performing Arts:

• Amato Center for the Performing Arts
• Andy’s Summer Playhouse
• Keefe Center for the Arts
• Peacock Players

Shopping:

• Milford Commons
• Lorden Plaza
• Hudson Mall Shopping Center
• Village Shoppes of Bedford

Parks and Gardens:

• Keyes Memorial Park
• Kaley Park
• Russell-Abott State Forest
• Ponemah Bog Wildlife Refuge

Festivals and Fairs:

• Milford Pumpkin Festival
• Nashua Multicultural Festival
• Great American Ribfest
• New Hampshire Bacon & Beer Festival

Health and Wellness

Active adult homebuyers considering Milford, NH, can rest assured that they have access to top-notch medical care in the area. Just 12 miles away is the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, a 188-bed acute care facility in Nashua that provides a wide range of medical services, including cancer care, cardiovascular care, neurology, orthopedics, and more. Urgent care centers in the area, including ConvenientMD Urgent Care in Merrimack and Nashua, provide walk-in medical care for minor illnesses and injuries.

For those interested in self-care and maintaining their physical and mental well-being, Milford and the surrounding area offer plenty of options. The Hampshire Hills Athletic Club in Milford provides fitness classes, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and more. There are several yoga and fitness studios in the area, including Ducks in a Row Yoga and Heat and Soul Hot Yoga. There are also parks and trails in the area that offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and relaxation, including the Granite Town Rail Trail and the Bicentennial Trail. 

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

Day One

Morning:

• Start the day with a delicious breakfast at The Riverhouse Cafe, known for its pancakes, french toast, three-egg omelets, and hearty breakfast sandwiches.
• Visit the Milford Farmers Market, open every Saturday morning from June to October. Browse locally grown produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at Amigos Mexican Cantina, where locals enjoy enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and combination plates.
• Spend the afternoon  at the Beaver Brook Association, which offers gardens and over 35 miles of trails through picturesque forests.

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner at Greenleaf, a local farm-to-table restaurant known for its seasonal selection of seafood dishes, salads, and cheese boards.
• Attend a performance at the Amato Center for the Performing Arts. The center hosts a variety of shows throughout the year, including theater productions, concerts, and dance performances.

Day Two

Morning:

• Have breakfast at Frankie’s Diner, which serves omelets, scrambles, benedicts, and more.
• Visit the Milford Oval, a historic town center with unique shops and attractions.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Papa Joe’s Humble Kitchen, a local favorite for burgers, poutine, fried pickles, and fried fish.
• Meet with a local 55places real estate expert to discuss active adult communities in the area.

Evening:

• Have dinner at the Pasta Loft Restaurant & Brewing Company, a casual Italian-American eatery with a lively atmosphere and great food.

Getting to Milford, NH

Milford is conveniently located near major highways and airports, making it easy for visitors to reach the area. If you are driving, Milford is easily accessible from Route 101, Route 101A, and Route 13.

For those flying into the area, the closest major airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), which is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Milford. This airport is served by several major airlines, including Delta, United, American, and Southwest. It offers non-stop flights to many major cities throughout the United States, including Chicago, Dallas, Denver, New York, and Orlando. Another option for visitors is Boston Logan International Airport, which is located approximately 60 miles southeast of Milford. Boston Logan is also served by many major airlines and offers non-stop flights to many major cities throughout the world.