Seniors Settle Into Windham

Another one of America’s Best Small Towns, Windham, New Hampshire, because of its unique landscapes and beautiful scenery has been referred to as “The Jewel of Southern New Hampshire.”  Senior travelers will find Windham, with a population of 15,000, in Rockingham County.

Windham is an affluent suburban town with a great variety of local attractions such as municipal parks, golf courses, tennis courts, bowling facilities, youth recreation programs, fishing, hunting, boating, snowmobile transits, bike trails, and waterfront access.

The town was named after Sir Charles Wyndham, 2nd Earl of Egremont, a member of Parliament from 1734 to 1750. Settled in 1719 by Scottish immigrants seeking religious freedom, the town of Windham was originally home to the Pawtucket Indians. Located south of Manchester and east of Nashua, Windham is quite close to the border of Massachusetts.

For senior golfers, Windham Country Club is a beautiful 18-hole public golf course, rated among the Top Ten Public Courses in New Hampshire. Boston is a mere forty minutes to the south, the seacoast lies less than an hour east and recreation at New Hampshire’s largest lake, Winnipesaukee, less than an hour to the north.

Quaint Atmosphere Draws Senior Visitors

Windham attracts professionals who want to live near Boston while enjoying New Hampshire’s tax structure (no sales or income taxes) and quaint atmosphere. Windham’s small town charm has attracted many new residents of late, increasing the town’s population by more than four hundred percent over the past forty years.

Cobbett’s Pond is a 302 acre spring fed lake and has experienced a dramatic transformation over the past twenty years. The summer cottages and seasonal lifestyle have been totally replaced by upscale homes with year round residents.

Canobie Lake Park is a popular recreational spot among locals. The Children’s Metamorphosis Museum is an interactive museum popular with kids. The town also offers easy access to the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest, the Georgetown Rowley State Forest and Kingston State Park.

Searles Castle, another big draw in town, began construction in 1905 and was completed ten years later. This interesting structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and you will not want to miss it. It is a favorite place for weddings.

The Windham Rail Trail Alliance, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to the development and promotion of this scenic trail. This organization was formed by a group of Windham citizens who have the vision and the help of tremendous supporters dedicated to the rehabilitation and development of the 4.1 mile section of the Rockingham Recreational Trail as a paved rail trail.

Together with the Derry Rail Trail, there are currently 8 miles of a paved passive use rail trail, the longest paved abandoned rail bed in New Hampshire. It is these kinds of developments that contribute to make Windham one of America’s Best Small Towns.

Enjoy your visit to Windham.  jeb