Hooksett, NH 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Just north of Manchester in Southern New Hampshire, Hooksett is a small town that offers quiet living and nearby forested state parks. With its local outdoor amenities and close proximity to major metro areas, residents enjoy living in a peaceful town just minutes from breweries, museums, and shopping.

Climate & Geography

Hooksett is located on hilly land southeast of the White Mountains. The Merrimack River runs through Hooksett, and Massabesic Lake, Bear Brook State Park, and Pawtuckaway State Park are all located to the east.

Hooksett has a warm-summer continental climate, and it experiences all four seasons with warm summers and cold winters. Like much of New England, Hooksett receives much more snowfall than average.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

The area’s scenery encourages retirees to spend time in the great outdoors. Bear Brook State Park, located just east of Hooksett, offers activities like swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, and mountain biking. Nearby Massabesic Lake is another popular option for kayaking, sailing, and fishing. Additionally, active adults can visit one of the local country clubs to golf during the summer months.

The Manchester area is home to plenty of wineries and breweries, allowing active adults to relax and sample local beverages at their leisure. Downtown Manchester is less than 20 minutes away from Hooksett and features art galleries, museums, and plenty of shopping. 

Boston is just over an hour away, perfect for retirees who want to enjoy the conveniences of the big city every now and then.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in Hooksett is slightly above the national average because of higher-priced housing. However, it is lower than the state average. Other factors like health care and transportation are below average.

New Hampshire residents enjoy having no state sales or income tax. Property taxes, however, are among the highest in the country. While the state does not tax income, it does tax dividends and interest.

Health Care

There are no hospitals in Hooksett, but Catholic Medical Center in Manchester is ranked the No. 3 hospital in the state by U.S. News. It is also rated high performing in heart failure, heart bypass surgery, and aortic valve surgery. 

Both New Hampshire and the Manchester area score well on Gallup’s Well-Being Index. New Hampshire ranks in the top 11 states to live in the country, while the Manchester area ranks in the top 27 communities.