As AARP celebrates the 10th anniversary of its national Livability Index™, several New Hampshire communities are earning high marks for strong quality of life, walkability, community engagement, and long-term livability. The Index—considered the most comprehensive neighborhood rating tool in the United States—evaluates every ZIP code across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, helping residents, local leaders, and newcomers identify the places best suited for aging, accessibility, and overall well-being.
New Hampshire’s Top-Scoring Livable Communities
This year, the Granite State communities recognized for excellence include:Portsmouth, Hanover, Exeter, Keene, Concord, Lebanon, Newmarket, Pembroke, Dover, Plaistow, and Manchester.
These towns and cities stand out for their investments in vibrant downtowns, expanded green spaces, safer streets, and improved walkability—key components of communities that support residents of all ages. For retirees and newcomers considering relocation to New Hampshire, these high-performing communities offer a balance of charm, services, and long-term livability.
Why Livability Matters in New Hampshire
As more residents choose to age in place and more families move to the state, the Livability Index helps identify which communities provide the amenities, services, and infrastructure that enhance daily life.
However, AARP stresses that continued improvements are still needed. Affordable housing and better accessibility for people with mobility challenges remain priority areas across the state to ensure that residents of all ages and abilities can live safely and comfortably.
“The AARP Livability Index provides people throughout New Hampshire with the information they need to create vibrant and welcoming environments for people of all ages,” said AARP New Hampshire State Director Christina FitzPatrick. “We look forward to working with local leaders to innovate and adapt to help people thrive.”
How the AARP Livability Index Works
AARP evaluates communities using seven key categories that shape livability:
- Housing – Affordability, availability, and diverse options
- Neighborhood – Proximity to daily needs and services
- Transportation – Safe, reliable, and multi-modal options
- Environment – Clean air, water, and reduced pollution
- Health – Access to care and healthy living resources
- Engagement – Opportunities for social connection
- Opportunity – Economic and educational opportunities
Drawing on more than 50 national data sources and 61 performance indicators, the tool provides a snapshot of how well a community supports residents across generations. Users can search by city, town, ZIP code, or neighborhood to compare scores and explore improvement opportunities.
AARP NH’s Ongoing Commitment to Livable Communities
AARP New Hampshire has been steadily investing in local projects and initiatives aimed at strengthening livability statewide. Over the past three years, the organization has awarded $215,000 in Community Challenge Grants to launch or expand 20 local projects that improve public spaces, transportation access, housing options, and social connectivity.
Additional statewide efforts include:
- Nineteen communities joining the AARP Age-Friendly Network
- Support for legislation expanding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), providing flexible housing options for caregivers, aging parents, and multigenerational households
- Collaborative work with local leaders to enhance mobility, reduce isolation, and promote community engagement
These initiatives are helping New Hampshire position itself as a leader in age-friendly planning, especially as more retirees and remote workers move into the state.
Explore Your Community’s Score
Residents, planners, and newcomers can explore AARP’s interactive tool to see how their city or neighborhood ranks—and identify local opportunities for improving livability.
Visit the AARP Livability Index™ and try the community finder quiz at:https://www.aarp.org/livabilityindex