Wendell Falls
Raleigh, North Carolina
Peterborough, New Hampshire
What It Is Like to Retire in Peterborough
If there is an archetypal small town in America, it is Peterborough, New Hampshire (population just over 3,000). After all it is been portrayed lovingly in one of the most popular high school plays of all time, Our Town, by Thornton Wilder. And more recently it is warmly portrayed as the place for a gangster from the TV show, The Sopranos, to hide idyllically when the rest of the mob is out to kill him. To see scenes of Peterborough, rent Season 6 (viewer caution advised – you have to like the Sopranos!).
This beautiful and pastoral town set along hills in the mountains of New Hampshire is an interesting retirement community for someone who enjoys a dose of culture, small town living, and the outdoors. The MacDowell Art Colony in Peterborough is where Thornton Wilder wrote Our Town. The oldest free library was founded here in 1933. Today Peterborough is a prosperous town that exudes a certain prosperity and small town values that will appeal to many active adults 55+. Average age is 43, almost 6 years older than New Hampshire as a whole. For more information about how to retire in New Hampshire or information on towns like Nashua and Brattleboro, VT
Where to Retire in Peterborough and Home Prices
The housing choices as a retirement community are somewhat limited in town, mostly in the form of private homes. Some retirees live here for the summer, and then migrate to a warmer climate. These resorts have an array of condos and homes. There is one very interesting new age type of retirement community here (see Active Communities link at left)
According to Zillow, the median home value in Peterborough was $268,188 in early 2020. Prices tend to be a bit more expensive when compared to other parts of rural New Hampshire or Vermont.
What Is Special about Peterborough
Petersborough has an interesting downtown. It is a livable small city as well as a famous fictional location. There are many arts festivals and the MacDowell Art Colony, it is the gateway to the mountains and many excellent ski resorts, and it is home Peterborough Players
What Is Not Special about Peterborough
Winters are long, cold, and dark, unless you love small towns and winter sports! After all it is a small town
Who Will Like Retirement in Peterborough
Peterborough attracts a community of retirees who want to live in a small city in the un-crowded and beautiful state of New Hampshire
Local Economy Is Driven by
The economy is driven by tourism. It is extremely prosperous compared to most small NH towns
Climate and Physical Environment
Peterborough is located in southern New Hampshire near Monadnock Mountain (elevation 2290 ft.). The nearby Miller State Park features excellent outdoor activities in a wooded and mountainous environment.
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Restaurants & Cultural Scene
"First Friday" is a group of free events described as a "festive community celebration" on the first Friday of each month. These programs have included contra dancing, Folk Music, and Peterborough downtown. The MacDowell Art Colony imbues a significant amount of culture into the community. There is also the annual Children's Art Day Festival, which provides a significant number of activities. The Peterborough Players mount 6 productions every summer, often featuring big name actors such as James Whitmore. The Peterborough Town Library is one of 3 libraries in town.
Crime
Crime is very low.
Medical facilities
Monadnock Community hospital
Transportation
Manchester Airport is about 37 miles
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