Nashua, NH 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Nashua, NH is a wonderful location for active adults, offering a sweet spot between urban and rural living. The city's downtown area is home to an array of unique restaurants, boutique shops, and art galleries, making it a great place to explore and indulge in local culture. Nashua is surrounded by beautiful parks and nature reserves, including Mine Falls Park, which features over 325 acres of trails and wetlands. This mid-sized New Hampshire city hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, such as the annual Nashua Multicultural Festival and the Nashua International Sculpture Symposium. Nashua is conveniently located within an hour’s drive of Boston, MA, and Manchester, NH is about a half-hour away, providing easy access to all these cities have to offer. With its mix of town and country, community events, and proximity to major metropolitan areas, Nashua is an excellent choice for active adults.

For more information about visiting or moving to Nashua, NH, visit the city's official tourism website. The Nashua Regional Planning Commission also offers a variety of resources for those considering moving to the area, including information on housing, transportation, and quality of life. Additionally, the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce provides a comprehensive business directory and events calendar for the area.

Affordability and Cost of Living

The cost of living in Nashua is somewhat higher than the national average. However, residents of Nashua will generally spend less on healthcare and transportation than most people in the U.S., and the area is still more affordable than nearby seaside communities or any of the Boston suburbs over the border in Massachusetts.

There is no income tax in the state of New Hampshire, at least not on wages and salaries. Social Security remains untaxed at the state level, and pensions are safe, too. According to the Department of Revenue, there is a 5 percent tax on interest and dividends that exceed $2,400 for individuals and $4,800 for couples. However, that tax is being phased out. The rate will drop to 4 percent for 2023, 3 percent for 2024, 2 percent for 2025, and 1 percent for 2026. The tax will be repealed entirely on January 1, 2027. Nashua residents 65 years of age and older can also take a $1,200 personal exemption deduction on their taxes. 

There’s no sales tax in the Granite State, which is great for consumers, however it also means that property taxes in New Hampshire are some of the highest in the country. The average property tax rate in Nashua is 2.17 percent, which is higher than the state average of 1.86 percent. Taxes are levied at the county level, so in Hillsborough County, a home valued at $250,000 would come with an annual tax bill of $4,475. There is no estate tax, nor is there an inheritance tax.

Climate and Geography

Nashua typically enjoys four distinct seasons each year, with colder winters and warm summers. The average midwinter low in Nashua usually ranges from the low to high teens, and the average annual snowfall is 57 inches, according to Best Places. The midsummer highs are typically in the low 80s, though summer temperatures can dip down into the 70s as well, making Nashua an ideal climate for active adults who enjoy both snowy winters and temperate summers. This Granite State city receives about 47 inches of rain per year, which, like the annual average snowfall, is above the national average. With 201 sunny days per year, active adults who choose to call Nashua home will have ample opportunities to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.

Surrounded by forested areas, rivers, and lakes, Nashua attracts active adult homebuyers looking for an abundance of parks and greenspace both within the city itself and in the surrounding countryside. Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest is a few hours west, while New Hampshire’s White Mountains are a couple of hours north. Both are part of the larger Appalachian range, which runs from Alabama into southeastern parts of Canada. The Merrimack River forms Nashua’s eastern boundary, and The Nashua River runs directly through the downtown area.

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment

Nashua provides 55+ homebuyers with a wealth of restaurants, boutique shops, music venues, live theater, and outdoor recreation opportunities, ensuring that active adults have plenty of fun things to do throughout the year. From performing arts venues and hiking trails to museums, golf courses, and more, Nashua has a wealth of varied attractions and destinations.

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Nashua Country Club
• Overlook Golf Club
• Tennis Courts at Greeley Park
• Pickleball Courts at Fields Grove

Hiking, Biking, and Boating

• Mine Falls Park
• Greeley Park
• Flints Pond
• Matthew Thornton Boat Launch on the Merrimack River

Museums and Historical Sites

• Holocaust Memorial - Nashua
• Abbot-Spalding House Museum
• Nashua Historic District
• Hunt Memorial Library

Performing Arts

• Nashua Center for the Arts
• Keefe Center for the Arts
• Court Street Theater
• Casey Magee’s Irish Pub & Music Hall

Shopping

• Pheasant Lane Mall
• Bella Boutique
• Nashua Mall Plaza
• Hudson Mall Shopping Center

Parks and Gardens

• Mine Falls Park
• Lincoln Park
• Reflection Garden & Labyrinth
• Grow Nashua Spring Street Community Gardens

Festivals and Fairs

• Nashua Multicultural Festival
• Nashua International Sculpture Symposium
• Gate City Brewfest
• Great American Ribfest

Health and Wellness

Nashua, NH has a variety of excellent healthcare options. The city is home to St. Joseph Hospital, a full-service medical center that has been providing quality care to the community for over 100 years. The hospital offers a range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and much more. Southern New Hampshire Medical Center is another nearby option for quality healthcare. This state-of-the-art facility features advanced technology and a team of expert physicians, offering a wide range of services, including cancer care, heart and vascular care, and neurology.

In addition to these major medical centers, Nashua also has several options for self-care and wellness. The city features a variety of fitness centers and gyms, including the YMCA of Greater Nashua, which offers fitness classes, swimming pools, and a variety of wellness programs for seniors. There are also several yoga studios in the area, such as Sweet Heat Yoga & Pilates and Vibe Yoga. With its excellent hospitals, medical centers, and gyms, Nashua is a great place for active adults looking to prioritize their health and wellbeing.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

Day One

Morning:

• Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at Riverwalk Cafe & Music Bar, known for their delicious breakfast sandwiches and pastries.
• After breakfast, head to Mine Falls Park, a 325-acre park that features hiking and biking trails, wetlands, and lush forested areas.

Afternoon:

• After a morning in the great outdoors, take the Nashua Art Tour, a fourteen-stop tour of art along Main Street that is available in both English and Spanish.
• Enjoy lunch at Roland’s Restaurant, a diner-style restaurant serving up sandwiches, salads, burgers, and subs.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the city's downtown area, which is home to an array of unique shops, pubs, and boutiques.

Evening:

• For dinner, head to MT's Local Kitchen & Wine Bar, a comfort food restaurant with a menu that features locally-sourced ingredients and an extensive wine list. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays, but are otherwise open for dinner service.
• Finish the night with a show at the Palace Theatre, a historic venue that hosts a variety of performances, including theater, comedy, and live music.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start the day with breakfast at Joanne’s Kitchen, a local diner known for its daily breakfast specials.
• After breakfast, visit the Nashua Farmers Market, held every Sunday May through October. This local market features fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products.

Afternoon:

• Meet with a local 55places real estate expert to discuss the area's 55+ communities and housing options.
• Enjoy lunch at Empanellie’s, which serves jibaritos, empanadas, and pressed sandwiches.

Evening:

• Have dinner at The Peddler's Daughter, a cozy Irish pub with a menu that features traditional pub fare and an extensive beer and whiskey selection.
• For dessert, visit Hayward's Ice Cream, a local favorite that offers a variety of homemade ice cream flavors.

Getting to Nashua, NH

Active adults traveling to Nashua, NH have several transportation options. For those arriving by air, the closest major airport is the Boston Logan International Airport, which is located approximately 50 miles away from Nashua. Airlines such as American, Delta, Southwest, and United operate flights to Boston Logan from major hubs such as Chicago, Atlanta, New York, and Philadelphia. 

Visitors can also reach Nashua by car via several major highways, including the Everett Turnpike, which runs north out of Boston. Additionally, visitors can arrive by train via the Nashua Rail Station, which is serviced by Amtrak's Downeaster line, or by bus via the Nashua Transit System. For those traveling locally, the Nashua Transit System also offers light rail service. Finally, visitors can arrive by boat or ferry via the Merrimack River, which runs through Nashua.