Moving to New Hampshire: Pros and Cons in 2025
Considering a move to New Hampshire? You’re in good company. The Granite State draws people in with its energetic cities like Manchester and peaceful small towns, offering a lifestyle that suits just about anyone.
New Hampshire has a lot going for it, but before you commit to buying a home and moving, it’s wise to consider both the pros and cons.
We’ll cover everything you should know about moving to New Hampshire so you can decide if it’s the place for you.
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Pros & cons of living in New Hampshire
While relocating to New Hampshire offers plenty of advantages, it also brings a few challenges you’ll need to consider.
Explore the key pros and cons of living in the Granite State to help you decide if it’s the right place for you.
Pros of living in New Hampshire
- ✓Natural beauty
- ✓Tranquil
- ✓Ample economic opportunity
- ✓No sales tax
- ✓Bountiful recreational opportunities
Cons of living in New Hampshire
- ✖Long harsh winters
- ✖Limited diversity
- ✖Heavy traffic
- ✖Few urban amenities
- ✖High cost of living
Things to do in New Hampshire
No matter why you’re relocating to New Hampshire—for a new job, to be closer to loved ones, or just for a change of scenery—you’ll discover a world of exciting opportunities as soon as you get here. With everything from popular hotspots to secret local treasures, New Hampshire is packed with experiences that make every day an adventure.
If you’re heading out with the whole crew or going solo and eager to meet new people, these destinations deliver. With so many options, you’ll easily find a spot that matches your energy and makes you feel right at home.
Popular Attractions in New Hampshire
- Mount Washington Auto Road
- Conway Scenic Railroad
- Castle in the Clouds
- Hampton Beach
- Lakes Region
- Mount Monadnock
- Polar Caves Park
- Kancamagus Highway
- Franconia Notch State Park
- Winnipesaukee
Museums in New Hampshire
- Strawbery Banke Museum
- Currier Museum of Art
- USS Albacore Museum
- Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center
- Wright Museum of WWII
- Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
- SEE Science Center
- Millyard Museum
- Explore the Ocean World Oceanarium
- Portsmouth Historical Society’s Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center
Parks in New Hampshire
- Mine Falls Park
- Prescott Park
- Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves
- Livingston Park
- Cascade Park
- Benson Park
- Swasey Parkway
- Moose Brook State Park
- Great Island Common
- Greeley Park
Fun facts about New Hampshire
Each state has its own distinct personality, shaped by its history, culture, and people. Embracing local customs and unique quirks is the key to fully enjoying life in a new area.
Uncovering these fun facts about New Hampshire shows what makes the state unique—and could even spark your next move.
- The state is named New Hampshire after the Hampshire County in England.
- The state is nicknamed “The Granite State” because granite from the state was supplied for building structures mainly in Boston and Washington D.C., and many other small towns.
- The state’s motto is “Live Free or Die.” The state declared its independence from England in Exeter on January 5, 1776. It was the ninth state to ratify the constitution.
- In 1776, New Hampshire became the first colony to create a constitution and declare its independence from Great Britain.
- Ground winds as high as 231 miles an hour were recorded atop the peaks of Mount Washington on April 12, 1934. This remained a world record until 1996. The wind speeds are comparable to winds in Category 5 hurricanes and F4 tornadoes.
- More than four-fifths of the state is forested. After Maine, it is the second-most forested state in the U.S.
- The first potato grown in the United States was planted in New Hampshire in 1719.
- New Hampshire has the shortest coastline of any U.S. state. The coastline is just 18 miles long.
- The world’s first totally tax-supported public library was established in Peterborough in 1833.
- New Hampshire is one of the thirteen original colonies. It was initially named “North Virginia,” then “New England” and finally “New Hampshire.”
- he fourteenth president of the United States—Franklin Pierce—was born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire.
New Hampshire population and demographics
While you’re thinking about relocating to New Hampshire, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Granite State.
A more densely populated state, for instance, might offer more job opportunities, entertainment, and infrastructure, while a smaller population could suggest a quieter lifestyle with tight-knit communities.
Average education levels reflect workforce opportunities or access to local schools and colleges, and political breakdowns could hint at a state’s values and priorities.
Understanding who lives in New Hampshire, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.
| Metric | New Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Population | 1,402,054 |
| Female | 50.1% |
| Male | 49.9% |
| College graduation rate | 40.98% |
| Political leaning | Democratic 50.8-48.1 |
| Crime index | 11.37 |
New Hampshire weather
Weather has a big impact on daily life, so it’s worth thinking about when deciding if New Hampshire is a good fit for you. Checking the typical highs, lows, and precipitation for each season can give you a sense of how much outdoor time you’ll have, what weather you’ll need to prepare for, and how you’ll handle temperature swings.
Hot summer days can drive up your energy bills and keep you glued to the AC, while chilly winters mean you’ll want to prep your closet—and your heating system. And when it comes to snow, you could be dealing with anything from light dustings to heavy storms that disrupt travel and your daily plans.
Whether you’re chasing sunshine, favor cooler weather, or want to skip the snow, understanding New Hampshire’s climate can help you decide if it fits your lifestyle and comfort preferences.
| Metric | New Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Summer high | 80ºF |
| Winter low | 9ºF |
| Annual rain | 46″ |
| Annual snow | 68″ |
Income and cost of living in New Hampshire
Exploring major industries, average salaries, housing costs, and general living expenses gives you a clear picture of how practical and affordable life in New Hampshire really is.
Knowing which industries drive the local economy can help you gauge job opportunities and stability in your field. Plus, since housing costs are likely to be a major factor in your decision to rent or buy, they’ll play a big role in your move.
The cost of living index reveals how far your money goes compared to the national average. A lower index means you’ll likely pay less for basics like groceries, transportation, and housing.
These numbers aren’t just stats—they’re here to help you compare your current lifestyle with what New Hampshire brings to the table, so you can make your move feeling confident and informed.
The main economic industries in the state include:
- Real estate and rental and leasing ($12.2 billion)
- Professional and business services ($11 billion)
- Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($9.8 billion)
- Manufacturing ($9.7 billion)
- Finance and insurance ($6.8 billion)
- Retail trade ($5.5 billion)
- Wholesale trade ($5.4 billion)
- Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($4.4 billion)
- Information ($3.3 billion)
- Construction ($2.6 billion)
| Metric | New Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,336 |
| Average home cost | $478,955 |
| Average income (per capita) | $90,845 |
| Cost of living index* | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Average sales tax | Not available |
| State income tax | 4.0% |
*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.
Top schools in New Hampshire
If top-notch schools and universities are important to you, exploring a state’s education system can reveal a lot about its job market and local vibe.
If top-tier schools are important to you—whether you’re heading back to class yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want great education options—New Hampshire deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Here are some of the top schools in New Hampshire:
- Dartmouth College
- University of New Hampshire
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Plymouth State University
- Saint Anselm College
- Keene State College
- New England College
- Rivier University
- Colby-Sawyer College
- Franklin Pierce University
- Granite State College
- Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
- Magdalen College of the Liberal Arts
Finding the best moving company for your relocation to New Hampshire
We have reviewed 2,756 moving companies across the country—including 20 right here in New Hampshire—and gathered real insights from movers and folks like you to spotlight the very best in the business.
Planning a move to the Granite State? Take a look at the best moving companies that can deliver your belongings safely, no matter where you’re coming from.
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Cost of moving to New Hampshire
Before you take the leap to New Hampshire, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $136 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.
The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.
To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.
Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.
But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.
| Company | Quote | Rating |
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Safeway Moving
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Mayzlin Relocation
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BLVD Moving
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PODS
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American Van Lines
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Cost to bring your car to New Hampshire
Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to New Hampshire.
New Hampshire car insurance requirements
New Hampshire drivers license requirements
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