Top Six Ideal Destinations for Retirement in New England
New England Emerges as a Popular Retirement Destination
According to the 2024 United Van Lines' 48th Annual National Movers Study, several destinations in New England have proven to be attractive retirement spots for many Americans. The list includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
In New Hampshire, Laconia stands out as a top retirement city. With a population of 16,654 and 21.1% aged 65 and above, Laconia offers a cost of living that is 2.2% higher than the U.S. average, and an average income of around $23,444. The city boasts abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, such as lakes and proximity to Gunstock Mountain Resort for diverse activities year-round. Safety-wise, its violent crime rate (24.8) is slightly above the U.S. average (22.7), with some neighborhoods notably safer. Importantly, New Hampshire offers tax advantages for retirees, such as no state tax on Social Security benefits and exemptions on interest and dividend income from retirement plans.
Rhode Island, although specific cities are not detailed in the search results, is included among the top migration destinations for retirees. This suggests that the state maintains attractive conditions for retirees, likely balancing living costs, safety, and access to healthcare and recreational amenities.
Vermont's capital, Burlington, was previously noted as a popular retirement destination but shows a decline in move interest in 2025 compared to 2024. Despite this, Vermont as a whole remains highly favored among retirees.
Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts do not have a specific city highlighted directly in the data from the 2024 United Van Lines study, but the New England region overall scores well for retiree well-being. Many towns offer affordable housing options, safety, and access to healthcare and recreation.
The key factors contributing to these destinations' appeal include reasonable living costs, tax benefits, safety, healthcare access, and plentiful recreational opportunities that meet retirees' key needs. Costs of living are generally close to or slightly above the national average, while safety is comparable to national averages with variations locally. Incomes are moderate with mixed poverty levels, but affordable housing and tax advantages help mitigate financial concerns. Communities emphasize peaceful, harmonious environments with cultural and outdoor recreational opportunities enhancing quality of life. Proximity to hospitals, outdoor venues like lakes and ski resorts, and community services tailored for seniors add to these areas’ attractiveness.
While the area's typically high costs and harsh winters are common deterrents for retirees moving to New England, these destinations have managed to overcome potential turn-offs and draw an influx of newly retired residents. The article suggests considering various retirement destinations in New England, taking into account living costs, safety, median incomes and poverty rates, residents' sense of well-being, and the availability of recreational and healthcare facilities.
However, it's important to note that the article does not specify which data sources and methodology were used to pick the best places to retire, nor does it provide any new information about the specific factors that contributed to Vermont and Rhode Island being among the top 10 states people moved to for retirement in 2024. Additionally, the article does not mention any other states besides Vermont and Rhode Island that were among the top 10 states people moved to for retirement in 2024.
In conclusion, for retirees looking for a change of scenery, New England offers a variety of attractive retirement destinations that cater to a range of preferences and needs. Whether you're seeking a vibrant city like Laconia or a quieter, more rural setting, these destinations provide a combination of reasonable living costs, tax benefits, safety, healthcare access, and plentiful recreational opportunities that meet retirees’ key needs.
Retirees might find that home-and-garden pursuits are a pleasant part of their lifestyle in several New England destinations, given the abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities available, such as lakes, mountains, and parks.
As retirees consider their preferred lifestyle in their next home, they may discover that New England's home-and-garden prospects, combined with tax advantages, safety, and healthcare access, create an appealing retirement environment.
