White Mountains Getaway Transforms Into Ideal Retreat for Outdoorsy Retirees

Conway, New Hampshire, a scenic, outdoorsy town at the gateway of the White Mountains, was named one of Investopedia’s top 100 places to retire in the US. With a population of just over 10,000, it’s a perfect place for those seeking fresh air, four-season beauty, and an active lifestyle.

Cost of Living and Housing

Retirees in Conway will find a mix of single-family homes and condos available. Because of the town’s small population, neighborhoods are low-density, which will appeal to retirees seeking privacy and space.

Housing costs in Conway are generally lower than you’ll find in many of New Hampshire’s popular resort towns. The average cost to purchase a home in Conway was $437,420 in January 2026, compared to $503,104 in Carroll and $698,828 in Moultonborough. Renters will also pay less, with a January 2026 average of $1,500 per month in Conway vs. $2,500 in Carroll and $2,000 in Moultonborough.

Overall living expenses in Conway are generally higher than the national average, primarily due to food and housing costs. However, many everyday essentials are more moderately priced. Retirees in Conway will pay 15.5% less than the national average for energy, 20.6% less for transportation, and 16.1% less for healthcare.

Some of these higher costs may be offset by New Hampshire’s lack of state income tax. This can be a major draw to many retirees on a fixed budget, in spite of the local housing and food costs. If you’re planning to buy your retirement residence in Conway, keep in mind that property tax rates are 1.41% in New Hampshire and 1.154% in Conway.

Outdoor and Active Lifestyle

Residents in Conway will have immediate access to hiking and walking trails, scenic drives, and mountain views. The town is right at the edge of White Mountain National Forest, several other natural and conservation areas, and the local Conway Lake. Retirees who want to stay active can enjoy year-round outdoor recreation, including skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, and leaf peeping.

In Conway itself, there are many beautiful natural areas and parks, such as the Pequawket Pond Preserve and Davis Park. Residents can enjoy walking, biking, and canoeing, and even see several of the town’s historic covered bridges. The outdoor lifestyle of Conway will appeal to retirees who prioritize fitness, nature, and daily movement.

Community and Small-Town Feel

With such a small population, Conway maintains a small-town feel. Retirees will find a friendly, outdoors-oriented community with a mix of locals, retirees, and seasonal residents.

Local shops, cafes, and restaurants create a welcoming, lived-in atmosphere. Annual events like the Fourth of July Parade bring the community together, and activities like the adult pickleball league can help retirees get to know others in the community.

Walkability and Everyday Living

Many parts of Conway are laid out like a compact village, with walkable access to shopping and dining. The small population means residents will experience minimal congestion and easy driving, unlike in larger tourist destinations, though retirees will need to be prepared for winter driving: Conway gets about 6.6 feet of snowfall annually.

Conway doesn’t have local public transportation, but it’s located in Carroll County, which is served by Tri-County Transit, which provides door-to-door transit services for residents age 60 or older or with a disability. Concord Coach Lines runs bus service from Conway to Boston South Station, Boston Logan International Airport, and several other New Hampshire towns.

Healthcare Access

Though there is no hospital located in Conway, there are several medical offices and a Veterans Affairs clinic. Retirees in Conway can access local medical facilities in the Mount Washington Valley, and the closest hospital is less than 10 miles away in North Conway. Larger hospitals and specialists are also accessible in nearby regional cities.

The Bottom Line

Conway, New Hampshire, is a spot for retirees who want to stay energized, independent, and connected to the outdoors without the high price tag of New Hampshire’s popular resort areas. The small-town feel will appeal to those who are seeking a tight-knit community and relaxed quality of life, and many retirees will also appreciate the lack of state income tax.