25 Pros And Cons Of Living In New Hampshire (Updated 2023)

 

New Hampshire is a small state, one of the smallest in the United States.

It is in an area called New England, which includes Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Maine.

It is not heavily populated, with only two major metropolitan areas.

There is no general sales tax or personal income tax in the state, making it an ideal place to live.

Here are the top pros and cons to consider when thinking about making your move to New Hampshire.

 

25 Pros Of Living In New Hampshire

 

1. It Is An Incredibly Small State Located Close To Boston

 

It is expensive to live in Boston.

Fortunately for many, New Hampshire is close to Boston.

Many people work in Boston because they are paid higher salaries, but they commute from New Hampshire.

The state is so small that you can commute to Boston from just about anywhere in New Hampshire.

Not only can you earn more this way, but you can live much more affordably in New Hampshire.

Commuting allows you to enjoy all the advantages of a large city without having to live there.

 

2. It Has Beautiful Nature That Is Rich In Color

 

New England has been known for its charm and color.

New Hampshire has all the warmth and color that you find throughout all of New England, especially when you leave the city behind.

It boasts a tremendous amount of natural scenery, from the lakes to the mountains.

You cannot forget the forests. Lake Winnipesaukee allows you to access tons of outdoor activities along its 40,000 acres.

In the winter, there is Mount Washington to satisfy all your skiing needs.

There are more areas to view the natural scenery in New Hampshire than there are people.

 

3. Rich In Historic Charm

 

New Hampshire, one of the original 13 colonies, consists of historic towns and cities and has a lot of untouched forest areas.

There are approximately 1.4 million people in New Hampshire, and more people move in regularly.

Many people do not leave the state, so it is becoming more occupied.

It is close to the Canadian border.

 

4. New Hampshire Does Not Have Sales Tax

 

Most of the taxes in the state of New Hampshire are much more affordable.

New Hampshire does not have sales tax.

There are fewer than five states in the US that do not have a sales tax, and New Hampshire is one of them.

The lack of sales tax is a good reason it is ideal to work in Boston and live in New Hampshire.

You do not have to pay sales tax, so it is easier and more affordable to establish residency in the state of New Hampshire.

Think about how much money you can save when you purchase a new car since there is no sales tax associated with it.

In addition, there is no tax on retirement income that you have.

 

5. There Are Significant Job Opportunities

 

New Hampshire is often referred to as the Granite State.

There are extensive granite formations in New Hampshire, which provides many job opportunities in quarries.

In addition, it has been a center for shoemaking, paper making, and textiles since its establishment as one of the first colonies.

 

6. Many Opportunities For Education And Learning

 

Two prominent and prestigious institutions for education are located here.

Phillips Exeter is a top private school in the US, and it is located in New Hampshire.

Dartmouth is also located in New Hampshire.

Public schools rank incredibly high with the education they provide.

They focus on independent thought and encourage questions and thoughtful discussion.

 

7. Significant Employment Opportunities Are Available

 

There are many employers in the state that have a large presence in New Hampshire.

There are some additional employers in Boston, which is located close to New Hampshire.

Some of these employers include UPS, Fidelity, Oracle, and BAE Systems.

They are considered robust employers because they pay well and provide good benefits.

The rate of unemployment is low, so just about everyone has a job.

If you do not have a job lined up but are considering a move to New Hampshire, you might want to make sure a job is available.

 

8. There Is A Low Rate Of Crime In All Of New Hampshire

 

Most people want to live in a place where they can feel safe all the time.

New Hampshire is the state for those people because the rate of crime is low.

For every 1,000 people, there are about four violent crimes committed.

When it comes to property crime, there are fewer than 14 crimes committed for every 1,000 people.

This is the safest state in the entire US and one you should consider if safety is a primary concern for you.

 

9. Nashua Is A Great Place To Live

 

Nashua is most often ranked highly as the best place to live in the US.

It is a small town that is consistently ranked as one of the most diverse places in New Hampshire to live.

When the traffic cooperates, Nashua is just an hour outside of Boston.

 

10. Housing Is So Affordable That Anyone Can Buy One

 

If you have a limited income, you should consider relocating to New Hampshire, especially Berlin.

It is considered fairly affordable.

The property tax per year is less than $4,000 in Berlin.

This amount is 50 percent lower than many cities in the state.

The residents of Berlin pay an average of $4,200 annually for their mortgage.

In the northern part of New England, you can find property for less than $60,000.

You may be able to have enough money to pay cash for a property in New Hampshire.

 

11. The Commercial Zones Are Prominent In The Southern Part Of The State

 

While New Hampshire is known for its rural and town life, there is a fair amount of commercial development.

The rural areas primarily remain in the north, while the more commercial areas are in the south.

There is a prevalence of companies focused on technology to help increase the price of real estate and improve the economy.

The traditional means of revenue are still happening in the state as well.

 

12. You Will Have Access To The Beach

 

While this area is not as well-known as a fishing area as other parts of New England, there is fresh seafood when you want it.

There are places where you can access the ocean for swimming if that piques your interest, but the water does stay cold all year long.

There are houses available along the coast ranging in price from $300,000 to $900,000.

There are restrictions on what you can build and where because the Historic District Commission protects the area.

 

13. Major Cities Are Diverse

 

New Hampshire is one of the smallest states, but it has some major cities that are vastly different from each other.

This gives you the ability to live in your preferred type of area but visit others.

Manchester is more city-like, with more excitement in the nighttime.

Concord is the state’s capital, and it has period architecture and a vast number of shops.

Hanover is a peaceful and rural city sitting on the banks of the Connecticut River.

It also borders Vermont. Hanover is home to Dartmouth College.

Bedford, a suburb of Manchester, gives you the balance between city and small-town life.

It is close to many areas, including Boston. Portsmouth offers colonial homes and a waterfront landscape.

 

14. Manufacturing And Technology Are Major Industries

 

Manufacturing has been a major driver of the state’s economy for generations, and that has not changed.

Recently, tech has become another prominent force with computer and software development making a big splash in the state.

Healthcare employment has increased tremendously and is now the second largest in the state.

Tourism plays a major role in the economy of New Hampshire.

Just about 80,000 tourists are flocking to New Hampshire each year.

 

15. Lower Costs Of Living For Some Items

 

Overall, New Hampshire has areas where the cost of living is higher and others where it is lower.

If you look at them all together, it probably all balances out.

Remember, there is zero sales tax.

There is no sales tax added for items that may seem slightly higher, perhaps making them more affordable.

While it is necessary to own a car in New Hampshire, the cost of insurance and gas is lower than the national average, so you are able to afford a car.

The average cost of transportation is 12 percent below the national average.

The cost of healthcare is also lower than the national average by about 12 percent.

 

16. It Is A Great Place To Retire

 

New Hampshire is considered one of the top 10 states in which to retire.

Retirement and Social Security income are totally tax-free.

You will not owe any money to IRS.

In addition, there is plenty of landscape to see and explore, helping you stay fit and healthy in your later years.

New Hampshire also has one of the best healthcare plans, which becomes more important as you get older.

 

17. The State Is Progressive In Its Thinking

 

The state motto is “Live Free or Die”, which creates a group of independent and determined people.

New Hampshire is an incredibly liberal state that is open-minded.

They have progressive thoughts and philosophies regarding social issues.

However, despite this progressive thought, most of northern New England is not that ethnically diverse.

 

18. New Hampshire Does Have A Beach

 

Hampton Beach is a coastal resort town that sits along the 18 miles of coastline that New Hampshire claims.

This town has everything you would expect of a coastal town, including arcades, bars, restaurants, and plenty of shops for tourists.

Hampton Beach even has a casino and a venue where they host shows and concerts.

The beach has white sand, and you can swim and wade in the water.

 

19. It Is A Great Place For Adventure

 

There are quite a few things you can do in New Hampshire to satisfy the adventurous side within you.

There is a place where you can simulate skydiving without actually jumping out of a plane.

There are tours of the infamous Anheuser-Busch brewery.

There is a gallery and studio for those who love crafting.

They offer workshops on just about any crafting type you can imagine.

 

20. Mount Washington

 

Mount Washington, the highest peak in New Hampshire, is a sight to see.

There is a railway that can take you to the top point of the mountain.

The Cog Railway is the steepest track in the United States.

The railway takes you to the top of the mountain, and if the weather cooperates, you can see the five surrounding states, as well as Canada and the Atlantic Ocean.

 

21. No Trash In The State

 

The state of New Hampshire is really clean.

You will not find litter or trash on the ground.

It is truly a beautiful state, not just because of the landscape but because its residents really care for it.

It does help that there are not many people in the state as compared to other nearby states.

 

22. Amazing Air Quality

 

The air quality in New Hampshire is what you would expect to find in the New England areas that are further away from the cities.

However, they have better air quality than the rest of the east coast.

You will have very few days where there are any ozone alerts because the quality of the air is so good.

 

23. Friendly People

 

You are going to find that the people of New Hampshire are really friendly.

They give off the small-town vibe.

They are welcoming to just about anyone.

They take the time to get to know you.

The people want to know more about you before they socialize with you.

Despite this, they welcome new people and make them feel comfortable.

 

24. There Are Varying Ways To Keep Busy Outside

 

New Hampshire has it all when it comes to landscape.

It has mountains, forests, and some water.

The landscape allows you to experience skiing and beach activities all in the same state.

You will find snowmobile trails, ski resorts, and hiking among all the activities you can experience.

 

25. Varied Weather That Everyone Can Enjoy

 

Depending on how you feel about the various temperature changes, this could be positive or negative for you.

The average rain in New Hampshire is about 46 inches per year.

There is also an average of 68 inches of snowfall per year, which is great for those who love snow.

The highest temperature reaches 80 degrees in July, and the lowest temperature is around 9 degrees in January.

 

25 Cons Of Living In New Hampshire

 

1. The Low Rate Of Unemployment Is Challenging

 

While it is strange to say that low unemployment is a bad thing, it can be.

The rate of unemployment in New Hampshire is about 2.4 percent.

It is bad for someone new coming into town or someone who needs a job.

There may not be an employment opportunity in your field unless you can start your own business and make it profitable.

There are some professions in which it may be difficult to find jobs.

If you work in a profession such as a social worker or a police officer, you may find a job, but you will find the salary will be lower in New Hampshire.

 

2. The Winters In New Hampshire Are Brutal 

 

The winter of New Hampshire can last as long as four months.

New Hampshire is cold and has a good amount of snow.

If you do not like either of them, this state is not for you.

Once it finally gets warm in New Hampshire, it gets hot, muggy, and sticky.

This also means that there are a lot of mosquitoes and ticks.

Many of the houses in the north do not have air conditioning.

They need a screen on the doors and windows, so the bugs do not get in the house.

The good thing about New Hampshire is the muggy humidity does not last long, just a couple of weeks.

 

3. There Is A Lack Of Diversity In Much Of The State

 

New Hampshire has a truly American feel to it.

While that may give you a sense of American pride, it may create a diverse area.

They do not have many ethnicities in the state.

You may not be able to find ethnic foods or interesting stores with unique finds.

No matter where you decide to live, everything seems to have the same feel to it.

 

4. While There Is No Sales Tax, Property Tax Will Get You

 

The property tax in New Hampshire is higher than in some of the surrounding states, like Maine.

You may want to enjoy the rural life but may not be able to afford it in New Hampshire.

Due to the lack of sales tax, the state needs to get money by some means, and property tax is it.

New Hampshire has the second-highest percentage of property tax across the US.

The difference between New Hampshire and some of the other states is that the salary potential is lower than in other states, which may make it difficult to afford the taxes.

 

5. You Are Going To Need A Car

 

There is not much in the way of public transportation in New Hampshire.

They do not have trains that can be used daily.

There is a bus system in Concord and Manchester, but it does not go any further.

You can pick up Amtrak in Boston or catch a Greyhound bus at many stops throughout New England.

Other than that, you are going to need a vehicle.

There are some towns in which you can live and work, which allow you to walk everywhere.

If you can find that option, you might not need a car.

 

6. It Is Not A Bustling State At Nighttime

 

You may be able to find some options in the larger cities of Portsmouth and Manchester.

Other than those cities, all you are most likely to find is a local bar.

There are not many unique places to visit or expensive restaurants in New Hampshire.

There are many farm-to-table options available, as well as restaurants that serve pizza, beer, and sandwiches.

 

7. The Opioid Crisis Is Prevalent In New Hampshire

 

Despite the measures the state has taken to set up a task force and put interventions in place, opioids are common throughout the state.

There already is not much to do, and the winter hits hard.

Boredom can set in quickly, and drugs and alcohol are easy ways to fill the void.

 

8. Boston’s Income Tax Is High

 

Many people want to work in Boston but live in New Hampshire.

Commuting allows a person to work in a big city but live in a small town.

The downside to this is you have to pay Boston’s income tax.

If you earn more than $60,000 per year from your salary in Boston, you are paying about 10 percent in income tax.

Combine that with your property tax, and you are paying a significant amount in taxes.

To resolve this problem, many people in New England are starting home-based businesses.

Telecommuting allows you to earn money without worrying about the income tax for another area.

 

9. Summertime And Fall Traffic

 

New England is known for its natural beauty and the color of the changing seasons, especially summer to fall.

This causes a large amount of traffic in the area.

New Hampshire gets hit with the traffic during this time, as well.

The weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day often cause major traffic jams.

If you want to move here, you will have to adjust to the traffic and change your schedule, so you do not get caught in it.

 

10. You Might Want To Consider Buying A House

 

Renting an apartment or home in New England is a bit expensive.

You may want to consider purchasing a home instead of renting if you can.

While the cost differs depending on where you live, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is going to run about $1,700 monthly.

You could also consider living in the northern part of the state where the cost of rent is going to be lower.

 

11. Some Costs Of Living Are Higher Here 

 

Overall, New Hampshire is a fairly affordable state, but there are some areas where living costs are higher than the national average.

The cost of living for New Hampshire is anywhere from 5 percent to 18 percent higher than the national average.

This is lower than the surrounding areas but still high.

 

12. The Internet Connection And Speed Cause Difficulty

 

Many people who live in New Hampshire complain about internet connectivity.

The speed of the internet is slow throughout the state.

It is more problematic in the more rural areas than in the city.

You may need to take a break from the internet while you are in New Hampshire.

 

13. Underemployment Is Real Here

 

If you want to move to New Hampshire, you may find that you are underemployed.

While the unemployment rate is quite low in the state, there is also a prevalence of underemployment.

Many people find themselves working in industries in which they did not receive degrees or training.

Finding a different job may not always be a bad thing.

It allows people to try something different, but it also means you will not get a job in the area for which you went to college.

 

14. The State Lacks Variety

 

Remember, New Hampshire may not be the most ethnically diverse state you can find.

This means that you are not going to be able to find a wide range of ethnic foods in restaurants or grocery stores.

You should move there with that thought in mind.

You may be disappointed in the lack of grocery stores in the area.

There may only be one true grocery store per town.

This limits the variety and the competitive pricing.

 

15. Shopping Is Limited

 

If you like to shop, you may be disappointed in your options in New Hampshire.

You are not going to find a true mall there, and you may not find the stores where you typically like to shop, especially if it is for designer items.

The stores close early in New Hampshire.

If you are used to an area that is bustling at all hours, this may be difficult for you to get used to.

 

16. There Are Many Bugs In New Hampshire

 

If you do not like spiders or ticks, New Hampshire may not be the best state for you.

They have a lot of both.

It is essential to know about the ticks and check your family and pets regularly.

You may want to learn about the spiders of New Hampshire.

Some are harmless, but others are not.

If you do not bother the harmless ones, they can kill other bugs.

There are some large spiders in New Hampshire.

 

17. Road Conditions Are Not Always Best

 

It is important to keep in mind that there is a significant amount of snowfall in New Hampshire during the winter.

This means that the roads are constantly being treated for snow and ice.

This also means that there is damage being done to the roads constantly by the chemicals and the snowplows.

You are going to find a large number of potholes on the roads.

You have to be careful when you are driving.

 

18. There Is A High Cost Of Electricity

 

In New Hampshire, winter lasts a long time.

This means that you will use a fair amount of electricity for most of the year.

You should prepare to spend a lot of money to heat your home, especially if you do not want to freeze in the winter.

If you expect to move to New Hampshire and live there through the winter, you are going to spend a lot to heat your home.

 

19. Some Schools Have Been Closed

 

While higher education is important, not all of the school buildings are always up to code.

There are some public schools that have been closed recently because the building has not been well kept.

Not all schools have new books for the students.

 

20. Interesting And Old Laws

 

While every state has some odd laws on the books, they usually are not upheld.

Before moving to a state, you should probably find out what strange laws they have to ensure you do not unknowingly break the law.

One of the strange laws you will find in New Hampshire is that it is illegal to take seaweed from the beach.

Another one is that a hunter is not allowed to have a ferret as a pet.

 

21. There Are Some Natural Disasters That Occur

 

There are some natural disasters that you should expect when living in New Hampshire.

These events can include flooding, ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, microbursts, earthquakes, and wildfires.

There may be some other weather events that you will find in the state.

 

22. It Is Trailing Behind The Technology

 

It is safe to say that New Hampshire is lagging behind most other states when it comes to internet and phone capabilities.

Not only is mobile phone service questionable, but most often, so is landline service.

Much of the technology lag can be blamed on the old architecture located throughout the state.

 

23. They Are Very Politically Active

 

Strong political thoughts could be good or bad for you, depending on how you feel about politics.

New Hampshire is heavily political.

This may be in your wheelhouse and perfect for you.

However, if you do not want to get involved with politics, this may not be the best place for you.

 

24. Houses Are Hard To Find

 

It is no secret that you can buy a house much more cheaply in New Hampshire than in the neighboring states.

You can also pay way less in mortgage than you can for rent in New Hampshire.

The housing market in New Hampshire is incredibly tight.

There are a number of people looking for houses.

There are not enough houses for everyone, which makes the competition steep.

You should expect to have to put in many offers before you are able to purchase your home.

 

25. Lack Of Diversity

 

You will find the New Hampshire may not be the most diverse place to live.

Recent studies show New Hampshire to be 94 percent white.

This can pose a problem for new arrivals as they may find themselves feeling alone or without comfort of a built-in community.