Some really interesting news just hit the airwaves regarding New Hampshire. A report just published by Bankrate indicated that the best place to retire is not found in the retirement havens of Florida, the Carolinas, or Arizona, with their oceanfront and golfing communities.
Instead, New Hampshire took the top spot as the #1 best state to retire in 2025.
Why New Hampshire’s Ranking Might Surprise You
I’m sure this result will be shocking to many retirees who only consider warm weather, sandy beaches, and year-round golf courses. This annual study was very extensive. Bankrate compared all 50 states across 15 data points spanning 8 categories that would be most important to them if they moved in their retirement.
New England States Lead the Way
What’s also interesting to note is that Maine was picked as the #2 state, Vermont #4, Rhode Island #6, Connecticut #13, and Massachusetts #16. New England was well represented in this year’s report.
How New Hampshire Scored Across Key Categories
For the 8 categories, New Hampshire placed #1 in neighborhood safety, #5 in healthcare, #6 in local taxes, #7 in people of similar age, #8 in miscellaneous/other categories, #14 in affordability, #15 in arts, entertainment, and recreation establishments, and #40 in weather.
Top 10 Best States to Retire in 2025 (According to Bankrate)
New Hampshire
Maine
Wyoming
Vermont
Idaho
Rhode Island
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Utah
Virginia
The 5 Worst States to Retire In
Louisiana
Texas
Oklahoma
Arkansas
Nebraska
Are Retirement Preferences Changing?
Our parents’ generation gravitated toward white sandy beaches and mild sunny winter climates, and possibly we are seeing a shift. I’ve always thought New Hampshire was known for its skiing, beautiful short summers & radiant fall seasons. It looks like today’s semi-retired and retired are looking for more than sunny, hot climates. They’re focusing on neighborhood safety, healthcare, affordability, state & local taxes, similar ages, quality of life, air pollution, arts, year-round recreation, entertainment, proximity to children & grandchildren, and other factors.
Florida didn’t land very high on the list; they came in at #41. The state ranked well on taxes and a lot of other retirees with the same interests. However, the state ranked low on healthcare, homeowners’ insurance costs, and natural disasters.
Why Retirees Are Falling in Love With New Hampshire
My gut reaction why New Hampshire showed up so favorably all around is because the Granite State is a four-season state.
Think about it, if couples who are used to experiencing all four seasons move to Florida, the Carolinas, Georgia, Arizona, etc., where the weather is the same every single day, no thanks. It’s mundane, even if the weather is sunny and 75-80 degrees every day, and what about Christmas and Thanksgiving? It’s just not the same.
In New Hampshire, all of us enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities year-round. From skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, pond hockey, snowmobiling, ice fishing, x-country skiing, hiking & enjoying the light fluffy snow and making snowmen with the grandkids to the endless summer and fall recreation that the lakes, mountains, and Atlantic Ocean provide…life is good!
In New Hampshire, 20% of residents are 65 and older, so seniors can build a network of retirement-age friends with similar interests. In New Hampshire, we have no state income tax, estate tax, sales tax, or interest and dividends tax (that just got voted in this year!). New Hampshire does not tax social security benefits, pension income, or withdrawals from retirement accounts like 401(k)’s and IRAs. Also, in New Hampshire, senior citizens get free skiing at Cannon Mountain, a Golden Pass is for free skiing for Belknap County residents over 70 years old at Gunstock Ski Area, discounts to state parks, beaches, and recreational events.
Based on this current report, it appears that retirees and semi-retirees are looking beyond the typical categories of year-round sun, hot weather, and long sandy beaches; instead, they’re looking at risk factors like hurricanes, tornadoes, tropical storms, floods, and forest fires. They want to be closer to their kids and grandkids, they want to be away from crime, and they seek safe neighborhoods, good doctors, hospitals, and top-rate medical access. They want lots of year-round recreation opportunities with easy access, and they want excellent air quality.
According to U.S. News & World Report:
New Hampshire ranks #2 in the U.S. for air quality
New Hampshire ranks #3 for water quality
Congratulations, New Hampshire!
Congratulations to New Hampshire for being named the #1 best state to retire in Bankrate’s 2025 rankings, where the financial services website evaluated all 50 states!
This article was written by Frank Roche. Frank is president of Roche Realty Group located in Meredith, NH, and can be reached at (603) 279-7046. Please feel free to visit www.rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.
Ready to Retire in New Hampshire?
If this report has you thinking about making a move, our team at Roche Realty Group can help you find the perfect retirement-friendly home in the Lakes Region or surrounding areas. Whether you’re dreaming of lakeside living, a mountain chalet, or a quiet, low-tax neighborhood — we’ve got you covered.
