Peterborough : New hampshire

What Peterborough is like for active adults

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.

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. Prices tend to be more expensive when compared to other parts of rural New Hampshire or Vermont. These resorts have an infinite array of condos and homes.

According to Zillow.com the average asking price of a home in Peterborough was $269,900 in early 2009. Information from City-Data would suggest the average price was in the low $200's.

For more information about how to retire in New Hampshire or information on towns like Nashua and Brattleboro, VT

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What is special about this retirement community

• Interesting downtown • A livable small city • Famous fictional location • Many arts festivals and the MacDowell Art Colony • First Fridays • Gateway to the mountains and many excellent ski resorts • Peterborough Players

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What is not special about this retirement community

Winters are long, cold, and dark – unless you love small towns and winter sports! After all it is a small town

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Peterborough attracts a community of retirees who want to live in a small city in the un-crowded and beautiful state of New Hampshire

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Local economy is driven by

The economy is driven by tourism. It is extremely prosperous compared to most small NH towns

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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.

For more profiles on over 190 cities and towns go to reviews of the best retirement communities , states M-W

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Cultural environment

"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.

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Medical facilities

Monadnock Community hospital

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Transportation

Manchester Airport is about 37 miles

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Facts about PETERBOROUGH

State: NH
Environment: Rural,Mountains,Small Town,
City Population: Less than 10,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 0 -20
Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $200,001-$300,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: NA
Total Crime Index: <80 (Very low)
Cost of Living Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
Culture Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
State Sales Tax: No
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: John

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