80 Communities in New Hampshire
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Covered in sweeping mountains and forested land, New Hampshire is an ideal location to retire for those who enjoy getting outdoors. The tax-friendly state offers residents scenic views and a year-round climate that is perfect for all types of outdoor recreation.
Climate & Geography
From the northwestern corner to the central part of the state, the majority of New Hampshire’s landscape is brimming with steep, mountainous land. The state’s southeastern edge flattens out into sandy beaches where it borders the Atlantic Ocean. The Connecticut River runs along the state’s western edge, and New Hampshire borders Canada in the north.
Like other northeastern states, New Hampshire receives well above the national average for snowfall. The state has a year-round climate with warm summers and cold winters. Winters are typically snowier and colder the farther north you go into the state.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Largely covered by mountains, New Hampshire offers nature lovers plenty to do outdoors. White Mountain National Forest is a popular destination among residents for the summer and winter activities. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, hiking, boating, and biking during the warmer months, and cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow tubing during the colder months. The Kancamagus Highway is famously known for its scenic views of the color changing trees during the autumn months. Residents in the southeastern part of the state are lucky enough to enjoy spending time at coastal beaches during the summer months. The variety of options for outdoor recreation and scenic landscape are some of the biggest reasons that residents love New Hampshire.
Besides outdoor recreation, the state offers a number of indoor activities, such as wineries, shops, and museums. Some of the state’s most popular museums include the Wright Museum of WWII, the Currier Museum of Art, and the USS Albacore Museum.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The overall cost of living in New Hampshire is above the national average. The higher cost of housing plays the biggest part in increasing the overall cost of living, although grocery and utility costs are also above average. Transportation and health costs, however, are below the national average.
New Hampshire is considered to be one of the most tax-friendly states. The state does not tax Social Security or income tax, and there is no sales tax. The state does have a 5 percent tax on dividends and interest that is above $2,400 per person, and property taxes are among the highest in the country.
Health Care
New Hampshire scores in the top 11 states on Gallup’s Well-Being Index.
The state of New Hampshire has a number of top rated hospitals. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is rated the No. 1 hospital in the state by U.S. News, and is high performing in five specialties and eight procedures/conditions. The No. 2 hospital is Concord Hospital, located in Concord, which is high performing in five procedures/conditions. Tied for the No. 3 spot are Catholic Medical Center, located in Manchester, and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, located in Dover. Both hospitals are rated as high performing in three procedures/conditions.