Convenient airport access, nearby healthcare, scenic apple orchards and a multigenerational community make Londonderry an attractive destination for retirees considering a move to New Hampshire.
For retirees planning their retirement, finding the right community often means balancing affordability, healthcare access, recreational opportunities and proximity to family.
In southern New Hampshire, the town of Londonderry is gaining attention as a retirement destination that offers something increasingly important to today's retirees: the opportunity to enjoy a quieter New England lifestyle without sacrificing access to modern conveniences.
Londonderry earned the No. 4 position in SmartAsset's ranking of the best places to retire in New Hampshire, highlighting its healthcare access, transportation connections and community demographics.
Located in Rockingham County, just south of Manchester, Londonderry offers retirees a combination of suburban neighborhoods, historic New England character and access to some of the state's major employment, shopping and healthcare centers.
For retirees relocating from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York or other states, Londonderry presents an appealing alternative to both larger cities and more isolated retirement communities.
What Makes Londonderry One of New Hampshire's Top-Ranked Retirement Towns?
SmartAsset evaluated New Hampshire communities using factors such as retirement-related taxes, access to medical facilities, recreation centers, retirement facilities and the percentage of residents age 65 and older.
Londonderry stood out for its combination of healthcare accessibility and a relatively small senior population.
Easy Airport Access Makes Visiting Family and Traveling More Convenient
One of Londonderry's biggest advantages for retirees is its proximity to Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
The airport occupies land in both Manchester and Londonderry, giving local residents convenient access to commercial air travel without necessarily making the longer trip to Boston Logan International Airport.
For retirees whose children, grandchildren or extended family live in other states, proximity to an airport can make a significant difference in quality of life.
It also provides flexibility for retirees who enjoy traveling, spending part of the winter in warmer destinations or maintaining a second residence elsewhere.
Londonderry's access to Interstate 93 also connects residents to Manchester, Nashua, Massachusetts and other New England destinations.
Healthcare Access Is an Important Retirement Advantage
Healthcare is often one of the most important considerations when selecting a retirement destination. SmartAsset's ranking identified 3.82 medical centers per 1,000 residents for Londonderry, placing the town third among the communities evaluated on that metric.
The broader Manchester area offers additional healthcare resources, including hospitals, physician practices, specialty services and outpatient facilities.
For retirees, access to medical care becomes increasingly important as healthcare needs change over time.
However, the number of medical facilities alone does not establish whether a particular physician is accepting new patients or whether services are covered by an individual's insurance.
Prospective residents should verify access to primary care, specialists, emergency services and Medicare networks before relocating.
Housing Options for Retirees Moving to Londonderry
For prospective retirees, choosing the right home may be just as important as choosing the right town. Londonderry offers a variety of housing styles, including traditional single-family homes, condominiums and age-restricted communities.
Retirees looking to downsize from larger homes may be interested in condominium developments or properties designed for easier maintenance.
Others may prefer a detached home with outdoor space for gardening, entertaining family or enjoying the surrounding landscape. However, Londonderry's location in southern New Hampshire also places it within a competitive regional housing market.
Buyers relocating from other states should evaluate home prices, condominium association fees, property taxes and long-term maintenance expenses before making a purchase.
A lower-maintenance property may reduce certain responsibilities, but monthly association fees and community restrictions should be carefully reviewed.
Understanding New Hampshire's Retirement Tax Advantages
One of New Hampshire's major attractions for retirees is its tax structure.
The state has no broad-based personal income tax and no general statewide sales tax.
As of January 1, 2025, New Hampshire also eliminated its tax on interest and dividends income. That means Social Security benefits, pension income and distributions from retirement accounts are not subject to New Hampshire personal income tax.
For retirees moving from states that tax retirement income, this difference may provide meaningful financial benefits.
However, New Hampshire relies heavily on property taxes to fund local services, making the cost of homeownership an important consideration.
SmartAsset's 11.30% tax burden figure is a historical estimate used in its retirement ranking. It should not be confused with Londonderry's current property tax rate or an individual household's effective tax burden.
Retirees should calculate the property taxes associated with any home they are considering and determine whether they qualify for available exemptions or relief programs.
Planning Your Retirement Move to Londonderry, New Hampshire
For out-of-state buyers considering retirement in the Granite State, Londonderry deserves a closer look. Its recognition in SmartAsset's retirement ranking highlights several qualities that remain relevant to retirement planning: access to healthcare, convenient travel connections and an established residential community.
Before making a move, prospective retirees should explore different neighborhoods, compare housing costs, investigate healthcare availability and consider how their lifestyle may change over the next decade.
The bottom line: Londonderry offers a retirement lifestyle that combines southern New Hampshire convenience with the charm of apple orchards, open spaces and traditional New England living.
For retirees who want to remain active, connected and close to family while enjoying the benefits of living in New Hampshire, Londonderry presents a compelling option.
Explore more retirement destinations, housing market news and relocation resources in the Retire in New Hampshire section of Let's Move to New Hampshire News.