Explore 55+ Communities Near Windham NH

Windham, NH is a small town located in Rockingham County, just an hour's drive from Boston, MA. This charming town offers a quiet, rural lifestyle that makes it a perfect spot for those who want a less hectic lifestyle. Windham's is beautiful with stunning lakes, forests, and wildlife reserves that offer various recreational activities, such as hiking, fishing, and boating. The town is also rich in history and culture, with several museums, art galleries, and cultural centers to explore. Residents can indulge in local delicacies such as seafood, farm-to-table cuisine, and craft beer at the many restaurants, breweries, and wineries. The town has an active community and hosts several annual events, including music festivals, farmers' markets, and fairs. The town's low crime rate, excellent healthcare, and proximity to major cities make it a great place to buy a home in a 55+ community.

Additional resources for those visiting or considering a move to Windham:

Windham, NH is the official town website.
Visit NH provides a comprehensive guide to the state's attractions, activities, and events.
New Hampshire State Parks website offers information about the state's parks and recreation areas.
Rockingham County Tourism website provides information about the region's attractions, dining, and lodging options.

Affordability and Cost of Living

Windham is an affluent town with a relatively high cost of living. Housing costs in Windham are notably higher than the national average, with median home values at around $712,300 according to BestPlaces. However, the town offers a range of housing options, including single-family homes, condos, and townhouses, that can fit different budgets. The cost of groceries and utilities are noticeably higher than the national average. Transportation costs are about even with the rest of the U.S. but healthcare costs are significantly lower than the national average.

New Hampshire's property taxes are the fourth highest in the nation. Windham is in Rockingham County and on average residents pay 1.74 percent of a home's assessed fair market value in property tax. Seniors may get some help with property taxes through various town and city tax relief programs.

New Hampshire has no sales tax or income tax although there is a 5 percent tax on dividends that are over $2,400 per person. There is no estate or inheritance tax in New Hampshire.

Climate and Geography

Winter in Windham is cold with average low temperatures in the single digits and an average of 60 inches per snow per year.

The scenery in the Windham area is marked by its rolling hills, forests, and lakes. In the fall, the region's foliage is a popular attraction for visitors, with vibrant displays of red, orange, and yellow leaves. The county is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including Pawtuckaway State Park and Lake Massabesic.

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment

Visitors and residents alike can enjoy various recreational activities, cultural events, shopping, and entertainment options in and around Windham. Here are some of the best things to do in Windham, NH:

Golf and Racquet Sports

Windham Country Club
Granite Fields Golf Course
Windham Tennis Club
The Overlook Golf Course

Hiking, Biking and Boating

Windham Rail Trail
Cobbetts Pond Town Beach
Lake Massabesic Trail

Museums and Historical Sites

Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site
Aviation Museum of New Hampshire
Millyard Museum
New Hampshire Farm Museum

Performing Arts

Tupelo Music Hall
Palace Theatre
The Music Hall
Seacoast Repertory Theatre

Shopping

The Mall at Rockingham Park
The Loop Shopping Center

Parks and Gardens

Benson Park
Searles Castle Grounds
America's Stonehenge
Derry Rail Trail

Festivals and Fairs

Windham Farmers Market
Apple Harvest Day in nearby Londonderry
Deerfield Fair
Hampton Beach Seafood Festival

Health and Wellness

Windham offers access to major medical centers, local options for fitness and self-care, and mental wellness resources. 55+ adults will enjoy the variety of the options available to support a healthy and active lifestyle.

Residents are a short distance away from several major medical centers, such as Parkland Medical Center in nearby Derry and Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua. Both hospitals offer comprehensive medical services, including emergency care, diagnostic imaging, surgery, and rehabilitation.

Windham has several yoga and fitness studios that offer classes tailored to different fitness levels and interests. There are also several parks and trails that are ideal for walking, jogging, and biking, including the Windham Rail Trail and Benson Park. Windham's community center also offers fitness classes and wellness programs, such as meditation and stress management.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

If you're considering buying a 55+ home in this area and want to explore what Windham has to offer, here's a suggested two-day itinerary to help you get a sense of the town and surrounding areas.

Day One

Morning:

Have breakfast or coffee at MaryAnn's Diner
Visit the Windham Town Common, a historic district that features colonial-era homes and the town's war memorials
Take a stroll through Benson Park, a beautiful park with walking trails, picnic areas, and a pond

Afternoon:

Have lunch at The Windham Restaurant, which serves American-style cuisine
Visit America's Stonehenge, a unique archaeological site that dates back over 4,000 years
Enjoy tax free shopping at The Mall at Rockingham Park, a large indoor mall with over 140 stores

Evening:

Have dinner at the Common Man restaurant, they serve New England fare inside a classic red barn
Enjoy an evening of music and entertainment at the Tupelo Music Hall

Day Two

Morning:

Have breakfast or coffee at Honey Dew Donuts
Meet with a local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to learn more about retirement communities in the area

Afternoon:

Have lunch at 33 Hilltop, a cozy restaurant that serves artisan sandwiches, pizza and burgers
Visit Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site, the former home of poet Robert Frost
Take a walk or bike ride along the Windham Rail Trail

Evening:

Have dinner at 110 Grill, which serves contemporary American cuisine

Getting to Windham, NH

The easiest and most convenient way to reach Windham is by driving but it is also possible to arrive by air, bus, or train.

Driving: Windham is located off of I-93, which runs from Boston, MA, to the north country of New Hampshire. Visitors coming from the south can take Exit 3 off of I-93, while visitors coming from the north can take Exit 3A.

Air: The closest major airport to Windham is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), which is located about 18 miles northeast of the town. MHT is served by major airlines such as Delta, Southwest, and United, with connections to major hubs including Atlanta, Chicago, and Newark. From MHT, visitors can rent a car or take a taxi to Windham.

Bus/Train: Windham does not have a bus or train station, but visitors can take Amtrak's Downeaster train to nearby stations in Haverhill, MA, or Exeter, NH, and then rent a car or take a taxi to Windham. Alternatively, visitors can take the bus to nearby Salem, NH, which is serviced by Boston Express and Greyhound, and then rent a car or take a taxi to Windham.