If you’re thinking about moving to New Hampshire, you’ll quickly discover that it’s quite a unique place to call home. For one, the people here have a strong sense of independence, but also a love for community, and that gives New Hampshire a personality all its own. Here, you’ll also find dense forests covering about 80% of the land, 1,300 lakes and ponds, a long stretch of Atlantic coastline, and even the tallest peak in the Northeast — all packed into a relatively small footprint. This means everyday life often includes outdoor activities and quiet natural surroundings just minutes from home.
Of course, life in New Hampshire isn’t all scenic overlooks and fall foliage. That’s why getting to know the real pros and cons of living in New Hampshire before you commit is so important. So before you pull out your moving checklist or start looking at how to pack for a move, take a minute to see if the Granite State really suits your needs and lifestyle.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the big stuff — like the housing market, taxes, things to do, and what day-to-day life really looks like — so you can decide with confidence whether living in New Hampshire is right for you.
8 Things to Know About Living in New Hampshire Before Moving to New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s “Live Free or Die” motto was coined in 1809, but that spirit of fierce independence arguably began back in 1776 — when New Hampshire became the first colony to declare independence from Great Britain — and can still be felt to this day. While Granite Staters are known for being friendly and considerate, they also tend to enjoy doing things their own way, whether that means lighting fireworks all summer long or wearing shorts and flip flops in winter. Beyond some of the cultural quirks, here are eight important things to know about living in New Hampshire before making the move.
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1. The cost of living in New Hampshire is relatively high
What is the cost of living in New Hampshire? Living in New Hampshire is pricier than average — the cost of living is roughly 12–15% above the national average, and according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, residents spend about $66,000 per year on everyday goods and services. Housing is the biggest reason it feels more expensive, but groceries and utilities also tend to run 6–10% higher than what you’d pay in most other states.
In other terms, if you were making $100,000 in Austin, Texas, you would need to make around $115,000 in Manchester to keep the same kind of lifestyle. The silver lining? New Hampshire’s median household income is nearly. $100,000 — significantly higher than the national median of $83,740. Overall, though, many residents actually end up keeping more of their money here than they would across the border in states like Massachusetts or Connecticut.
2. The New Hampshire housing market is competitive but stabilizing
The New Hampshire housing market has been rising rapidly over the past several years. The median single-family home price hit a record of $535,000 in 2025, a 3.9% year-over-year increase — though that was the smallest annual jump in a decade.
The pace of price increases, though, is finally cooling. According to Zillow, the average home value overall is now $495,256, and most analysts forecast growth of just 1–2% through 2026. Where you buy matters a lot, too. Rockingham County commands a median home price of around $605,000, while Coos County up north offers homes closer to $342,000.
Keep in mind: many of the listings in New Hampshire go under contract in about a week, so if you’re moving out of state and shopping for a home, be prepared to act quickly, particularly in the southern tier and Seacoast areas.
3. The best places to live in New Hampshire depend on your stage of life
Whether you’re moving to New Hampshire for the schools, career opportunities, or retirement, the state has a community for you. Here are some of the best places to live in New Hampshire based on your life stage.
Best places to live in New Hampshire for families
Bedford, located just 10–20 minutes outside Manchester and an hour from Boston, consistently ranks among the top communities for families. This quiet town boasts one of the highest-rated school districts in the state, low crime, and the added perk of easy access to urban amenities.
Best places to live in New Hampshire for young adults
The historic city of Portsmouth is a clear standout for young adults. Though housing comes at a premium, this walkable coastal city has a thriving arts scene, a strong job market (particularly in tech and health care), a vibrant nightlife, and, according to The New York Times, is “blessed with an absurd selection of restaurants.”
Best places to live in New Hampshire for retirees
New Hampshire was ranked the best state to retire in the U.S. in 2025, and the town of Gilford has since been on the radar as an ideal retirement spot. Gilford, perched on Lake Winnipesaukee and home to Gunstock Mountain Resort nearby, offers a beautiful and quiet beach lifestyle, with plenty of restaurants and hiking trails to keep you entertained.
4. The New Hampshire job market is tight and favors workers
Good news if you’re job hunting: the New Hampshire job market is one of the tightest in the country. This means there are currently more job openings than there are workers to fill those jobs. Employers across health care, manufacturing, tech, and defense are actively competing for talent. You’ll find major players like BAE Systems, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and Oracle all operating in the state.
5. New Hampshire’s tax advantages are a major draw for newcomers
Living in New Hampshire comes with some of the best tax perks in the country. What are the tax benefits of living in New Hampshire? The state has no personal income tax on wages, salaries, or retirement income — meaning your Social Security, pensions, and 401(k) distributions are completely untaxed at the state level. As of January 1, 2025, New Hampshire also fully repealed its interest and dividends tax, making it one of only a handful of states with absolutely zero individual income tax. On top of that, there’s no general sales tax, so everything from groceries to electronics to cars costs exactly what the sticker price says.
Here’s the catch: property taxes. New Hampshire’s are typically pretty high, which means most homeowners pay somewhere between $6,400 and $6,700 a year. Even so, plenty of residents — especially higher earners — say the math still works out better here than in states with income taxes on top of everything else.
6. New Hampshire winters are no joke, but the other seasons make up for it
There’s no sugarcoating it: winters in New Hampshire are long, and they hit hard. Depending on where you live, you could see anywhere from 60 to 120 inches of snow in a typical year, and January nights in the northern mountains routinely drop well below zero.
That said, if you’ve already been living in New England, you know that the other three seasons are genuinely rewarding. While spring arrives slowly — expect snowfall as late as April — summers are mild and pleasant, with highs typically in the 70s and 80s. Fall is also spectacular, with foliage that draws tourists from around the world. This diversity of seasons is one of the biggest reasons people love living in New Hampshire.
7. The New Hampshire crime rate is among the lowest in the nation
Safety is one of New Hampshire’s strongest selling points. In fact, the 2025 U.S. News & World Report named New Hampshire the safest state in the nation. The New Hampshire crime rate sits around 1.09 per 1,000 residents, which is dramatically lower than the national average of about 4.4.
As with most states, crime rates vary by location. Smaller towns like Strafford, Hollis, and Danville report near-zero violent crime rates. On the other end, Manchester, Tilton, and Farmington see higher property crime rates.
8. There are plenty of fun things to do in New Hampshire year-round
One of the things people love most about living in New Hampshire is how easy it is to find something fun to do. No matter the season or your mood, you’ll never be short on ways to enjoy your time here.
Fun things to do in New Hampshire with kids
Explore the boulder caves at Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves in the White Mountains.
Meet Santa and ride the rides at Santa’s Village in Jefferson over the holidays.
Visit the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire in Dover for hands-on exhibits.
Fun things to do in New Hampshire for couples
Drive the Kancamagus Highway during peak fall foliage for one of the most scenic routes in New England.
Ride the Mt. Washington Cog Railway to the summit of the tallest peak in the Northeast.
Stroll the galleries, restaurants, and waterfront in downtown Portsmouth.
Book a lake cruise on Winnipesaukee aboard the MS Mount Washington.
Fun things to do in New Hampshire for free
Hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail.
Attend free summer concerts and movies on the sand at Hampton Beach.
Browse the Andres Institute of Art, New England’s largest outdoor sculpture park in Brookline.
Visit weekly farmers markets across the state from June through October.
Pros and Cons of Living in New Hampshire
Still on the fence about moving to New Hampshire? Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons.
Pros of living in New Hampshire
Top-ranked public schools and access to quality higher education
No state income tax on wages, salaries, or retirement income
No general sales tax on purchases
One of the safest states in the nation
Strong job market with low unemployment rates and competitive wage growth
Top-ranked public schools and access to quality higher education
Close proximity to Boston and the rest of New England
Cons of living in New Hampshire
Higher-than-average cost of living, especially for housing
Among the highest property tax rates in the country
Long, cold winters with heavy snowfall and high heating costs
Limited public transportation outside the southern corridor
Moving to New Hampshire with the Right Help
Living in New Hampshire offers a rare combination of natural beauty, financial advantages, and community-driven culture that’s hard to find anywhere else. If the idea of no income tax, safe neighborhoods, and four seasons of outdoor adventure appeals to you, then moving to New Hampshire might be exactly the right call.
When you’re ready to take the leap, let Colonial Van Lines handle the heavy lifting. With extensive experience in long-distance moving, our team of highly trained movers has the expertise to ensure your belongings arrive safely at your new home in the Granite State. From loading and transportation to unloading, and extra services like packing, we take care of the details so you can focus on getting settled in your new home. Get your free quote today!