Southern NH & Northern MA · Condos, Townhomes & 55+ Communities
Data: PrimeMLS (Southern NH) & MLSPIN (Northern MA) · Age-restricted condos & townhomes (55+ and 62+ communities only) · May 2021–April 2026 vs. prior year · Updated by Linda Jennings · Not intended as appraisal or investment advice.
Whether you're right-sizing within New Hampshire or considering a move across the border into Massachusetts, understanding both markets side by side helps you make the smartest decision for your next chapter.
| Metric | Southern NH (Prior Year) | Southern NH (Current) | Northern MA (Prior Year) | Northern MA (Current) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median 55+/62+ Sale Price | — | — | — | — |
| Age-Restricted Units Sold | — | — | — | — |
| Median Days on Market | — | — | — | — |
| Active Inventory | — | — | — | — |
| Months of Supply | — | — | — | — |
These figures cover condos and townhomes in age-restricted (55+ or 62+) communities across both regions. This is the most in-demand segment for right-sizers — inventory moves quickly.
The financial side of downsizing is often more favorable than people expect. Here are the key things to understand before you make a move.
If you've lived in your home for 2 of the last 5 years, you can exclude up to $250,000 in gains from taxes ($500,000 for married couples filing jointly). For most Southern NH sellers, this covers the entire profit from their home sale.
Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.
The average Southern NH homeowner has built significant equity over the past decade. Right-sizing can free up $200K–$400K+ in cash — money that can fund retirement, reduce debt, or simply eliminate housing stress.
Ask Linda for a no-obligation home value estimate.
A condo with a $400/month HOA often costs less than maintaining a single-family home when you factor in landscaping, plowing, exterior maintenance, and unexpected repairs. Run the real numbers before deciding.
Linda can walk you through a side-by-side cost comparison.
A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) lets homeowners 62+ convert home equity into cash while continuing to live in their home. This can be a useful bridge strategy — but comes with important terms. Work with a HUD-approved housing counselor.
Not right for everyone — consult a financial advisor.
New Hampshire has no income tax and no sales tax. Massachusetts has a 5% income tax. For retirees on fixed income, this difference can add up to thousands of dollars a year — a meaningful factor when choosing which side of the border to land on.
Consult a financial advisor for retirement tax planning.
In this market, you may need to sell before you buy — or buy before you sell. Bridge loans, home sale contingencies, and temporary housing strategies all have tradeoffs. Getting the sequence right is one of the most valuable things Linda helps clients navigate.
Ask Linda about right-sizing transaction sequencing.
After working with dozens of downsizing clients across Southern NH and Northern MA, these are the features that matter most — and the ones people wish they'd prioritized.
Moving to a new community is about more than the home. These resources serve the 55+ population across the region.
Southern NH Medical Center — Nashua, NH (15–25 min from most southern NH towns)
Lawrence General Hospital — Lawrence, MA (serves Northern MA)
Holy Family Hospital — Methuen & Haverhill, MA
Mass General Brigham — Andover — specialty outpatient center
Salem, NH Senior Center — 3 Geremonty Dr, Salem
Windham Senior Center — 3 North Lowell Rd, Windham
Londonderry Senior Services — Town Hall complex
Methuen Senior Center — 77 Library St, Methuen
Andover Senior Center — 30 Whittier Court, Andover
Haverhill COA — Council on Aging, 10 Welcome St
Senior Move Managers (NASMM) — certified professionals who help plan, sort, pack, and set up a new home. Search nasmm.org for local members.
Estate sale companies — help liquidate household contents before a move. Ask Linda for a local referral.
1-800-GOT-JUNK / College Hunks — donation pickups and haul-away services.
An elder law attorney can help with estate planning, Medicaid planning, trust structures, and protecting assets during a housing transition. Important for anyone with significant home equity.
NH Bar Association Referral: nhbar.org
MA Bar Association Referral: massbar.org
Ask Linda for trusted local referrals.
CART (Community Action Transportation) — serves Rockingham County, NH. Senior ride program.
MVRTA (Merrimack Valley RTA) — bus service in Northern MA including Methuen, Haverhill, and Andover. Senior discount fares available.
COAST — Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation, NH.
NH BEAS (Bureau of Elderly & Adult Services) — NH.gov/dhhs/beas
MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs — mass.gov/elder-affairs
SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance) — free Medicare counseling in both states.
NH Property Tax Relief — low-income elderly property tax exemptions available in most towns.
I've helped dozens of clients right-size across Southern NH and Northern MA, and the move itself is rarely the hardest part. The hardest part is knowing where to start — and having someone in your corner who's done it before. I know the communities, I know the inventory, and I have trusted referral partners for every step of the process. That's the difference between a stressful transition and a smooth one.
Whether you're 5 years out or ready to move this spring, a conversation costs nothing — and usually answers questions you didn't know you had.