A Scenic Town Known As The New Hampshire's 'Revolutionary War Capital' Is One Of The Best Places To Retire

Exeter has built a reputation as one of New Hampshire's most sought-after town for retirees, offering small-town hospitality along with contemporary lifestyle amenities. As the state's Revolutionary War capital, Exeter couples up historic charm with a thriving contemporary lifestyle that ranks it high for the retiree in search of more than a quiet spot to enjoy their golden years.

Founded in 1638, Exeter is nestled along the New Hampshire seacoast. Its leafy streets and charming cafes are complemented by the Squamscott River that flows through its downtown area. But there's more to Exeter than the postcard-worthy scenery. Its small, walkable center, fostered by continued town efforts to expand pedestrian and bike paths, allows for a carefree meandering to the stores, or even a chat with a neighbor along the way. 

For retirees, Exeter also offers easily accessible amenities (unlike nearby Rhode Island's often congested urban areas) that range from cultural attractions to open spaces without losing a small-town, tight-knit sense of belonging. Whether you have a desire to participate in a book club, uncover local history, or simply enjoy the fellowship of good neighbors, Exeter has a retirement lifestyle grounded in both heritage and community spirit.

Exeter offers many high-quality retirement communities as well as active community living for seniors. For those retirees who worry about the affordability of assisted living, RiverWoods Exeter — a continuing care retirement community with independent living, assisted living, and memory care on three campuses — offers facilities that include health clubs, forest trails, art studios, and indoor pools. Another community hub is the Exeter Senior Center, offering weekday activities such as bingo, craft classes, exercise classes, and bridge games. Plus, the center offers transportation services and meal delivery for its elderly citizens.

Exeter's recreational and cultural facilities add to its attractiveness in retirement. With the American Independence Museum, one can discover the country's founding past through displays such as the Dunlap Broadside. Plus, the museum hosts the annual American Independence Festival. Meanwhile, Swasey Parkway offers scenic paths for peaceful walks along the Squamscott River. Exeter's weekly farmers market, from May to October, provides fresh produce and is a favorite gathering area for the community. Events like the Alewife Festival are hosted annually to commemorate the area's local river herring migration. Exeter's walkable downtown area and community-oriented public events contribute to year-round activity for residents.

Exeter's location also offers convenience for leisure. Hampton Beach is just 15 minutes away, featuring summer concerts and views of the ocean. Plus, historic sites in Portsmouth, as well as shopping options in Kittery, can be fun day trips. 

According to March 2025 data from the Economic Research Institute, the cost of living in Exeter is 18% higher than the national average. One reason for this is housing, with the average rent of a one-bedroom apartment coming in at $1,558 per month — just below the national average of $1,625, according to Apartments.com. According to property data from Ownwell, Exeter's median effective property tax rate is 2.48%, with a median annual tax bill of around $7,640 on a median-valued Exeter home at $305,900. However, Exeter offers property tax relief in the form of elderly exemptions. Eligible homeowners aged 65 years and above can qualify to have between $152,251 and $236,251 subtracted from the assessed value of their property, depending on their age and income levels. For perspective, neighboring Somersworth, NH only offers up to $150,000 off an assessed property value as part of their elderly exemption. 

Other costs can similarly add to living expenses. Medical costs, in particular, can come into consideration — particularly for retirees with fixed incomes. Based on 2023 statistics from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), healthcare was 13% higher in Exeter than the national average. However, Retirees are uniquely favored in New Hampshire in that the state does not tax Social Security income or enforce annual state income tax. With the double benefit of no income tax and no sales tax, retirees can retain more of their checks than their counterparts in other states.