The Crest at Linton Hall
Bristow, Virginia
Hanover, New Hampshire
What It Is Like to Retire in Hanover
Hanover, New Hampshire, is located in the scenic Upper Connecticut River Valley, with the river forming the border between Vermont and New Hampshire, in what is called the Upper Valley. It was chartered by Governor Benning Wentworth in 1761, and in 1765, its first European inhabitants arrived. The Town has a population of 11,870 (per 2020 census), and is the home of prestigious Dartmouth College, which has an enrollment of over 6,000 students and attributes to Hanover’s average age of just 22 years. The school was founded in 1769, is a member of the Ivy League, and consistently ranks among one of the country's top 10 academic institutions. Dartmouth is also a very important part of the community with its arts, library, academics, and its own ski slope. In 2011, CNN and Money Magazine rated Hanover as the 6th best place to live in America. The Appalachian Trail goes right down Main Street in Hanover. Dartmouth’s Outing Club maintains about 75 miles of the Trail. Picture of Dartmouth Campus courtesy of Wikipedia and Kane5187 (public domain).
Where to Retire in Hanover and Home Prices
Zillow reports the median home value to be $766,328 in mid-2021. There are retirement communities in Hanover, (see link at left).
What Is Special about Hanover
Hanover is a small town with a great Ivy League school as the heart of the community. Dartmouth offers courses and lectures for seniors; Hanover is considered a Trail Town as it welcomes Appalachian Trail hikers. The Connecticut River, along with the White and Green Mountains host recreational activities for every season; the town has an active Senior Center which sponsors activities and social events on a weekly basis; Hanover has a low crime rate and is a walkable community.
What Is Not Special about Hanover
The winters in Hanover are snowy and cold; the cost of living is very high; it is in a remote location with the nearest large airport a couple of hours away (Boston). The median age of the population is very young, which some retirees may not like.
Who Will Like Retirement in Hanover
Retirees who truly want a college town would enjoy living in Hanover. The small, walkable community has low crime and many activities and outdoor recreation for every season. Through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Dartmouth, seniors have opportunities to participate in lectures, classes, and travel programs.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Dartmouth and Education drive the economy.
Climate and Physical Environment
Hanover experiences cold, snowy winters with an average snowfall of about 62 inches and an average January temperature of 22 degrees. The average July temperature is 70 degrees.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
With the presence of Dartmouth in Hanover, there are several opportunities for residents to enjoy the arts, college sports, and different dining choices. The Hood Museum of Art at Dartmouth College is a teaching museum and is one of the oldest and largest college museums in the country, with collections dating back to 1772; Dartmouth’s Baker-Berry library is open to the community and host many permanent and rotating exhibits; The Hopkins Center for the Arts, also on the campus, presents an array of music and plays throughout the year; The Montshire Museum of Science is a hands-on museum located in nearby Norwich, Vermont, with more than 140 exhibits relating to the natural and physical sciences, ecology, and technology. The building is located on a 110-acre site near the Connecticut River, and it’s outdoor environment is a large part of the visitor experience.
Crime
Hanover has a low crime rate, about half the national average.
Medical facilities
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center is in Lebanon, about 3 miles away.
Transportation
Lebanon Municipal Airport is about 11 miles away and is serviced by Cape Air; The closest large airport is Boston International Airport which is about 130 miles away; Amtrak services White River Junction in Vermont, approximately 5 miles from Hanover.
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