Moving to New Hampshire in 2023? Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to New Hampshire.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to New Hampshire

Are you mulling over moving to New Hampshire?

If you’d like to live in a Northeast state with close ties to Boston, New York, and even Montreal, moving to New Hampshire is right for you.

New Hampshire is perfect for every lifestyle, from vibrant cities to mountain peaks, coastal views, and New England cities, the state has the right feel for everyone.

If you enjoy skiing, rock climbing, camping, snowboarding, and other winter-related sports, moving to New Hampshire is right for you.

The Granite State’s low crime rates, robust job market, and affordable homes make it appealing to young families and people of all ages.

If you’re considering moving to New Hampshire and wondering if the state is right for you or not, we have all the information you need in this guide to make the right decision.

Demographics

New Hampshire Demographics

A quick look at the population and other demographics of New Hampshire.

Male vs Female Population of New Hampshire 2021

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in New Hampshire 2021

Population distribution by Ethnicity in New Hampshire 2021

facts of New Hampshire

Quick facts to know before moving to New Hampshire

  • There are no income and sales taxes in New Hampshire
  • Crime rates in New Hampshire are lower than the national average
  • Unemployment rates in New Hampshire are lower than the U.S. average
  • New Hampshire median home cost is $274,300
  • New Hampshire is home to lots of top-quality schools
  • New Hampshire has a low risk of natural disaster

What’s the Population of New Hampshire?

New Hampshire’s population is 1,372,200 and the state stretches across 9,349 square miles. Known as one of the smallest states by land area in the nation, what New Hampshire lacks in size, it makes up for in quality.

  • New Hampshire is the 21st most densely populated state in the United States
  • New Hampshire’s largest county is Hillsborough with a population of 409,697 people
  • Manchester is the largest city in New Hampshire with a population of over 100,000
  • The median age in New Hampshire is 42.9
  • 50.47% of the New Hampshire population are female, 49.53% are male

How fast can you commute in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire’s average one-way commute time takes 27.2 minutes. The national average is 26.4 minutes. That means commuting in New Hampshire is slightly longer than the national average. This could be one of the key things to consider if you’re moving to New Hampshire.

Here’s how people in the Granite State commute to work:

  • About 80.9% of New Hampshire residents drive their car alone
  • Around 8.0% of New Hampshire residents carpool with others
  • Up 6.1% of New Hampshire residents work from home
  • Around 0.9% of New Hampshire residents take mass transit

How is the weather like in New Hampshire?

Weather is most likely one of the key things you’ll have to consider before making up your mind about moving to New Hampshire. The Granite State gets 198 sunny days per year. The United States average is 205 sunny days a year. Here’s a simple breakdown of New Hampshire’s weather:

  • New Hampshire summer high in July is around 80 degrees
  • New Hampshire winter low in January is around 9 degrees
  • New Hampshire averages 46 inches of rain a year
  • New Hampshire averages 68 inches of snow a year
moving to new hampshire

Top 10 Reasons to move to New Hampshire

If you’re wondering why people are constantly moving to New Hampshire, we have the answers here.

There are lots of reasons why people are moving to New Hampshire. While its almost impossible to list them all, check out the top ten reasons why people are moving to New Hampshire:

  • Low crime rates

    New Hampshire is one of the safest states in the US with the 3rd lowest violent crime rate and the lowest property crime rate. The crime rate again dropped from 1.7 incidents per 1,000 people to 1.5 in 2020. Similarly, the property crime rate decreased from 12.5 per 1,000 people to 12.1.

  • Affordable homes

    Moving to New Hampshire, you are more likely to buy a home as the house costs are cheaper than the national average. The median home cost in New Hampshire is $274,300 and more than 70% of New Hampshire residents own a home. Even the home rental is cheaper than the national average and you can rent a studio apartment in New Hampshire for $839.

  • No income tax and no sales tax

    New Hampshire does not levy a typical individual income tax. Similarly, there is no sales tax as well which means goods are cheaper in New Hampshire than in the neighboring states. Maybe this is one of the reasons that retirees pick the state as their home.

  • Low risks for natural disaster

    New Hampshire is highly safe from natural disasters. Though New Hampshire has the risk of hurricanes, they tend to lose their intensity as they move northwards and the New Hampshire coast largely remains out of harm's way. As such, flooding is the only concern in New Hampshire.

  • Top-quality education

    New Hampshire has the second-best education system in the US and the state boasts of top-notch colleges and schools.

  • Proximity to Boston

    Take a 60-mile journey by road to reach Boston, one of the major economic centers of the US. This means you can commute to the city regularly for a job or personal reason.

  • No capital gains tax and no inventory tax

    New Hampshire doesn’t tax your capital gains. Similarly, the state also does not have an inventory tax that promotes trade and investment in the state.

  • New Hampshire has a strong job market

    The state is one of the richest in the US with the major sources of income being farming, manufacturing, and tourism. And as the economy is booming, the job market is looking up.

  • No machinery or equipment taxes

    It is not just capital gains, income, or inventories that are not taxed in New Hampshire but even the state does not tax machinery and equipment, paving the way for more trade and business.

  • New Hampshire is a healthy state

    New Hampshire ranks 13th in healthcare and is home to some of the best hospitals in the country. The state requires everyone to have medical coverage which works positively for low-income individuals.

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new hampshire pros and cons

Pros & Cons of Living in New Hampshire

One of the easiest ways to figure out if moving to New Hampshire is right for you or not is to consider the pros and cons of living in the Granite State.

We’ve listed the key pros and cons of living in the state. Check them out since you’re considering moving to New Hampshire:

Pros of living in New Hampshire Cons of living in New Hampshire
You won’t be too far away from Boston regardless of where you live in New HampshireUnemployment rates are high in some areas of New Hampshire
New Hampshire has a scenic atmosphereIf you hate winter, living in New Hampshire may be challenging
There is no sales tax in New HampshireNew Hampshire isn’t such a diversified society
Top-quality schools and advanced learning optionsThe public transport system in New Hampshire isn’t dependable
New Hampshire low crime rates are lower than the U.S. averageNightlife in New Hampshire isn’t so interesting and fun-filled
New Hampshire is rated as one of the best places to live in the countryYou’ll have to put up with high property taxes in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has a booming job marketNew Hampshire has its fair share of the opioid crisis
Homes are affordable in New HampshireIf you end up working in Boston, you’ll pay income tax there
New Hampshire gives you easy access to the Atlantic Ocean
New Hampshire is home to several commercial zones
place in new hampshire to live

Best Places to Live in New Hampshire

Moving to New Hampshire means getting a perfect chance to live in some of the best places in the state. We’ve made a list of the top ten best places to live in the Granite State since you’re considering moving to New Hampshire:

Rank City Population Unemployment Rate Home Value
1Hanover8,5083.0%$603,700
2Portsmouth21,7752.1%$425,600
3Hampton9,1661.6%$372,000
4Londonderry11,8412.9%$310,200
5Durham11,1596.9%$348,500
6Newmarket5,6600.4%$255,400
7South Hooksett5,8313.3%$269,200
8Exeter9,2443.8%$236,100
9Dover31,5773.3%$264,700
10Lebanon13,6231.3%$245,400

New Hampshire Cities Moving Guides

cost of living in new hampshire

Cost of Living in New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s cost of living is 105.4. The United States average is 100.

That means the average cost of living in New Hampshire is slightly higher than the United States average. This is most likely one of the key things you’ll have to consider before making up your mind about moving to New Hampshire.

Here’s a breakdown of the key costs of living in the New Hampshire:
Living Expense New Hampshire United States
Overall105.4100
Grocery107100
Health87.7100
Housing118.6100
Median Home Cost$274,300$231,200
Utilities120.5100
Transportation87.6100
Miscellaneous104.3100

Median House Price in New Hampshire vs USA 2021

Median Rent Price in New Hampshire vs USA 2021

Cost of Living by Categories in New Hampshire vs USA 2021

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New Hampshire Housing Market Info

If you’re moving to New Hampshire, you’ll most likely rent or buy a home. One of the key benefits of moving to New Hampshire is the high home affordability rate. Here’s a simple breakdown of the Granite State housing market:

  • New Hampshire median home cost is $274,300
  • Over the last ten years, homes in New Hampshire have appreciated by 17.6%
  • Currently, home appreciation in New Hampshire is up by 6.3%
  • More than 70% of New Hampshire residents are homeowners

Rent info in New Hampshire

Renting a home after moving to New Hampshire is a good housing option. About 24.4% of the state’s population are renters. Around 1.1% of apartments and homes in New Hampshire are available to rent.

Since you’re considering moving to New Hampshire, here are the average costs of renting homes and apartments in the state:

  • The average cost of a studio apartment in New Hampshire is $839
  • The average cost of a 1-bedroom home or apartment in New Hampshire is $942
  • The average cost of a 2-bedroom home or apartment in New Hampshire is $1204
  • The average cost of a 3-bedroom home or apartment in New Hampshire is $1595
  • The average cost of a 4-bedroom home or apartment in New Hampshire is $1834

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in New Hampshire.

jobs in new hampshire

How is the job market in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire has a robust job market with unemployment rates that are lower than the national average.

To give you an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to New Hampshire, we’ve highlighted key stats about the state’s job market.

What’s the median salary in New Hampshire?

The average annual pay for the average job in New Hampshire is $65,421. If you’re moving to New Hampshire this is most likely one of the key things you’ll have to consider.

  • The average hourly pay of the average job in New Hampshire is $31.45 an hour
  • The average weekly pay for the average job in New Hampshire is $1,258 per week
  • The average monthly pay for the average job in New Hampshire is $5,452 per month
  • Average salaries in New Hampshire could be as high as $143,809 and as low as $21,677

Largest companies in New Hampshire

The Granite State is home to several large companies. Since you’re considering moving to New Hampshire, here’s a list of the top 10 largest companies in the state, and these companies also double as the largest employers:

Rank Company City Employees
1C&S Wholesale GrocersKeene17,000
2Keene State CollegeKeene5,749
3TimberlandStratham5,600
4University of New HampshireDurham5,430
5Standex InternationalSalem5,400
6Dartmouth CollegeHanover4,950
7MtStratham4,463
8Albany InternationalRochester4,400
9C&S CareersKeene3,140
10Anvil InternationalExeter3,130

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Top Career Options in New Hampshire

Moving to New Hampshire could mean getting a new job and new pay. To make it easier for you to streamline your search options, we’ve made a list of the top ten highest paying jobs in the state to give you an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to New Hampshire:

Rank Job Title AVERAGE SALARY ENTRY LEVEL SALARY # OF PEOPLE
1Family Medicine Physicians$262,620$172,310800
2Physicians, All Other; And Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric$257,220$114,2301,220
3Psychiatrists$256,460$143,250120
4Obstetricians And Gynecologists$252,720$175,120100
5General Internal Medicine Physicians$241,240$98,710150
6Pediatricians, General$236,670$163,420250
7Dentists, General$215,600$93,930450
8Nurse Anesthetists$196,000$146,400170
9Podiatrists$183,400$63,20030
10Chief Executives$169,490$83,580680

The unemployment rate in New Hampshire

Moving to New Hampshire could mean getting a new job. The job market is also a key metric of the state’s economy. Since you’re considering moving to New Hampshire, here’s a simple analysis of the Granite State job market:

  • New Hampshire’s unemployment rate is 2.2. The national average is 3.7
  • New Hampshire jobs have increased by 1.8% over the past year
  • New Hampshire unemployment rate is lower than the U.S. average
  • Here’s a simple breakdown of New Hampshire’s job market:
Here’s how New Hampshire’s job market compares to the United States average:
Employment Information New Hampshire United States
The income per Cap$36,914$31,177
Household Income$71,305$57,652
Unemployment Rate2.2%3.70%
Recent Job Growth-5.64%1.59%
Future Job Growth32.38%33.51%

Top Industries in New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s robust economy is powered by several leading industries. Moving to New Hampshire most likely means getting the chance to invest or work in any of these industries. We’ve made a list of the top industries in the Granite State to help you get started:

  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Tourism and outdoor recreation
  • Healthcare and life sciences
  • Technology

Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in New Hampshire, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

taxes in new hampshire

New Hampshire Tax

How much will you be paying in taxes if you’re moving to New Hampshire?

Check out key stats of the Granite state taxes since you’re considering moving to New Hampshire:

  • There is no income tax in New Hampshire (5% interest and dividends tax)
  • There is no sales tax in New Hampshire
  • New Hampshire property tax is 2.05% average effective rate
  • New Hampshire gas tax is 22.20 cents per gallon of regular gasoline
things to know about new hampshire

Best things to do in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is not a boring state. There are lots of exciting activities to do and many attractions to explore in the Granite State.

Since you’re considering moving to New Hampshire, here are some of the best things to do in the state:

  • Have a serene stay at a luxurious mountain hotel

    New Hampshire boasts of large expanses of untouched wilderness. The White Mountains in the north cover more than a quarter of the state and are home to 48 peaks. Catch up the serene vistas of never-ending landscapes or mountains from an extravagant hotel balcony.

  • Get up close to nature at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

    An environmental education center and zoo, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (SLNSC) offers pristine views and makes you feel close to nature. Open meadows, mature forests, and marsh boardwalks connect interactive natural exhibits where native animals reside. You will come across a black bear, mountain lion, raptors, river otter, bobcat, and more animals here.

  • Learn about ocean science at the Seacoast Science Center

    A marine education, recreation, and science resource, Seacoast Science Center on the rocky coast in beautiful Odiorne Point State Park helps you become familiar with marine life. The center features aquariums, indoor touch tanks, interactive exhibits, and naturalist-led programs and events for both children and adults.

  • Bring your little ones to Story Land

    A theme park in Glen, Story Land focuses on children up to pre-teen ages. There are over 30 themed rides and attractions to explore, including wooden roller coasters.

  • Walk across an epic boardwalk in a gorge

    New Hampshire is packed with breathtaking places to explore but the most fabulous is the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park where you walk through an 800-foot long gorge or take a 2-mile boardwalk loop around it. The walk takes about 1.5 hours to complete.

  • Enjoy the holidays year-round at Santa’s Village

    A Christmas-themed amusement park in Jefferson, Santa’s Village has 23 rides designed for children under 13. The theme park also has three theatres including a 3-D hall.

  • Explore the oldest European settlement in the state

    Dover is the oldest continuous European settlement in New Hampshire and the 7th oldest in the US. The first settlement happened in 1623 at the Dover Neck area and even after 400 years, the remains are preserved intact.

  • Lounge by the ocean at Hampton Beach State Park

    The 50-acre Hampton Beach State Park on the southeastern edge of New Hampshire has a large beach with lifeguards, a playground, an amphitheater, public information services, public restrooms, and a pavilion. It is a year-round campsite where people flock to fish, swim and camp for days.

  • Take a dip in Diana’s Baths

    A series of small waters, Diana’s Baths in Barlett is a historic site within the White Mountain National Forest. A 2.1 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near North Conway, Diana’s Baths has a waterfall and the trail is primarily used for hiking and walking.

  • Take a scenic train ride in the mountains

    New Hampshire has heritage train rides through serene mountains to get the feel of nature. Trains excursions are offered spring through fall on historic and refurbished coaches.

  • Drive, hike, or ride to the top of Mount Washington

    The highest peak in the Northeastern United States, the 6,288.2-ft-Mount Washington has a state park on its summit that is visited by over a quarter of a million people annually. On a clear day, it's often possible to see into five states - New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York - even into Canada from the top of the mountain. The mountain is a favorite location for hiking, glider flying, and backcountry skiing.

  • Sit on a frozen throne at the Ice Castles

    Ice Castles in Lincoln is an acre of land filled with ice walls, tunnels, towers, and archways illuminated by multicolored lights, resembling a fairy tale. There are multiple performances at Ice Castles targeting people of all ages.

How safe is New Hampshire?

Depending on where you’re moving from, moving to New Hampshire most likely means moving to a safer state. Crime rates in New Hampshire are generally lower than the national average.

  • Property crimes in New Hampshire are rated 22.8. The national average is 35.4
  • Violent crimes in New Hampshire are rated 14.0. The national average is 22.7
  • Both the property and violent crime rates in New Hampshire are lower than the U.S. average

The 10 Safest Cities In New Hampshire

If you’re moving to New Hampshire, you’ll most likely be interested in living in some of the safest cities in the state. We’ve made a list of the ten safest cities in New Hampshire to make it easier for you to streamline your house hunting. Check out the list below:

Rank City Population Violent Crimes Per 100k Property Crimes Per 100k
1Sandown, NH6,50130323
2Atkinson, NH6,97043272
3Hollis, NH7,8510509
4New Boston, NH5,70652262
5Windham, NH14,81133351
6Weare, NH8,99033367
7Hopkinton, NH5,6800545
8Hampstead, NH8,69622540
9Durham, NH16,81365315
10Merrimack, NH25,68323576
schools in new hampshire

Best Schools & Universities in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is home to some of the best schools in the United States.

Moving to New Hampshire gives you easier access to any of the state’s schools. So, we’ve made a list of the best elementary, middle, and high schools in the Granite State to give you an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to New Hampshire.

Best Elementary Schools in New Hampshire

  • Peter Woodbury School
    Bedford School District, Public, K-4 | 533 students, Rating: 9/10

  • Cornish Elementary School
    Cornish School District, Public, PK-8 | 96 students, Rating: 9/10

  • Grantham Village School
    Grantham School District, Public, K-6 | 217 students, Rating: 9/10

  • Bernice A. Ray School
    Hanover School District, Public, K-5 | 458 students, Rating: 9/10

  • Mill Falls Charter School
    Mill Falls Charter School District, Charter, K-6 | 168 students, Rating: 9/10

Best Middle Schools in New Hampshire

  • Cornish Elementary School
    Cornish School District, Public, PK-8 | 96 students, Rating: 9/10

  • Lyme Elementary School
    Lyme School District, Public, K-8 | 184 students, Rating: 9/10

  • Nottingham Elementary School
    Nottingham School District, Public, K-8 | 503 students, Rating: 9/10

  • Rye Junior High School
    Rye School District, Public, 6-8 | 127 students, Rating: 9/10

  • Gilmanton Elementary School
    Gilmanton School District, Public, K-8 | 407 students, Rating: 8/10

Best High Schools in New Hampshire

  • Gorham High School
    Gorham Randolph Shelburne Cooperative School District, Public, 9-12 | 134 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Windham High School
    Windham School District, Public, 9-12 | 942 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Hollis-Brookline High School
    Hollis Brookline Cooperative School District, Public, 9-12 | 857 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Hopkinton High School
    Hopkinton School District, Public, 9-12 | 308 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Bow High School
    Bow School District, Public, 9-12 | 654 students, Rating: 10/10

Top 10 Best Colleges in New Hampshire

  • Dartmouth College - Hanover, NH

  • University of New Hampshire - Durham, NH

  • Saint Anselm College - Manchester, NH

  • The University of New Hampshire at Manchester - Manchester, NH

  • Southern New Hampshire University - Manchester, NH

  • Rivier University - Nashua, NH

  • Colby-Sawyer College - New London, NH

  • Plymouth State University - Plymouth, NH

  • Keene State College - Keene, NH

  • Granite State College - Concord, NH

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