Moving to New Hampshire (Pros & Cons of Relocating)
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Thinking of moving to New Hampshire? You're not alone. The Granite State draws in folks from everywhere. Whether you're after the excitement of Manchester or the charm of quiet small towns, there's likely a perfect spot waiting for you.
New Hampshire has plenty to offer, but before making the move and buying a home, take a moment to weigh the pros and cons.
We'll break down what you should know about New Hampshire, then help you find movers for your route.
Jump to what you're looking for:
Movers to New Hampshire are booking fast this July
Peak-season demand runs high and prices climb 20-30%. If you're moving soon, lock in your date before availability tightens.
Pros & cons of living in New Hampshire
Like any big move, relocating to New Hampshire comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.
Pros
- ✓Natural beauty
- ✓Tranquil
- ✓Ample economic opportunity
- ✓No sales tax
- ✓Bountiful recreational opportunities
Cons
- ✖Long harsh winters
- ✖Limited diversity
- ✖Heavy traffic
- ✖Few urban amenities
- ✖High cost of living
Top cities to consider in New Hampshire
| City | Population | Avg. rent | Crime index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester | 115,644 | $2,004 | 56.09 |
| Nashua | 91,322 | $1,652 | 27.35 |
| Concord | 44,049 | $1,360 | 28.43 |
New Hampshire financial and tax breakdown
Here are some key numbers to budget for before you move:
| Metric | New Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Cost of living index* | 100 |
| State income tax | 4.0% |
| Average rent | $1,336 |
| Average home value | $478,955 |
| Average income (per capita) | $90,845 |
*100-point scale. Under 100 is cheaper than the national average; over 100 is more expensive.
New Hampshire climate & safety
New Hampshire has warm, humid summers, and long, cold, and snowy winters. Winters are cold and snowy throughout the state, and especially severe in the northern and mountainous areas. Average annual snowfall ranges from 60 inches to over 100 inches across the state.
That statewide crime index is just an average. Safety in New Hampshire can swing widely from one city or neighborhood to the next, so dig into local numbers for the specific area you're eyeing.
| Metric | New Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Summer high | 80ºF |
| Winter low | 9ºF |
| Annual rain | 46" |
| Annual snow | 68" |
| Crime index | 11.37 |
Planning your move to New Hampshire
Job market
On the employment front, New Hampshire's economy is driven primarily by Real estate and rental and leasing, Professional and business services, and Educational services, health care, and social assistance. Job opportunities tend to concentrate in the larger metro areas, so your city will matter as much as the state overall.
New Hampshire's top economic sectors by output:
- 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)
Schools
Moving with young children? Research the specific school districts serving whichever city or neighborhood you're considering; districts vary widely within New Hampshire, so the statewide statistics won't tell you much about any one school your kids would actually attend.
If you or a family member are looking at higher education instead, here are some of the top universities 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
How to move to New Hampshire: a quick checklist
Here are the basics for a New Hampshire move. For a more detailed guide, see our complete moving checklist.
- Choose your city: See the popular New Hampshire cities listed below for ideas.
- Map out your budget: New Hampshire's cost of living and tax rates vary from city to city.
- Get work and schooling sorted: This one’s especially important if you're relocating as a family.
- Settle your housing situation: Decide between renting and buying before locking in a move date.
- Register your license and vehicle: Most New Hampshire residents need to do this within 30 days of moving.
- Arrange utilities ahead of time: Call providers 2–3 weeks before you move in, and budget more if you’re moving somewhere that’s hot in summer.
- Reserve your movers: Check your specific route below to compare options.
- Update where your mail and accounts go: This includes your bank, insurance, and voter registration.
Popular City Destinations in New Hampshire
Choose your route to New Hampshire
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FAQ
Is it worth it to move to New Hampshire?
Moving to New Hampshire is worth it if you're interested in the attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local climate, and the cost of living fits your budget. Weigh the pros and cons above against your own priorities before deciding.
How much money should I have to move to New Hampshire?
New Hampshire has a cost of living index of 100 on a 100-point scale, where 100 is the national average. Use that alongside average rent and home values above to gauge your budget.
Does New Hampshire have a state income tax?
New Hampshire's state income tax rate is 4.0%. Keep in mind you'll still owe federal income tax, and other state-level taxes, such as property and sales tax, apply on top of it.
What are the job prospects like in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire's economy is anchored by Real estate and rental and leasing, Professional and business services, and Educational services, health care, and social assistance. The strongest job markets are typically in and around the largest metro areas; smaller and rural communities tend to have fewer opportunities outside of local service industries. Research your city's employment landscape before committing to a move.
What is the downside of living in New Hampshire?
The most common downsides of living in Granite State include:
- Long harsh winters
- Limited diversity
- Heavy traffic
- Few urban amenities
- High cost of living
What is there to do in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire offers a wide range of activities depending on where you settle. Larger cities like Manchester have dining, arts, sports, and nightlife, while smaller towns and rural areas tend to focus on outdoor recreation and community events. Research the specific city or region you're targeting to get a realistic picture of day-to-day life.
