Relocating to a new state may be overwhelming and challenging for many. To help you discover where to live in New Hampshire, this article lists and explains the costs of living, crime rates, education systems, and the job market in the top five places in this state.
New Hampshire is located in the New England area of the United States. Its many mountains and forests create picturesque scenery for people who enjoy nature and engage in outdoor activities with friends or family.
But is New Hampshire a good place to live? Recent research has shown us that New Hampshire is the second-best state in the USA to live in. Keep reading to find out if it is the right choice for you!
Hanover
If you are asking yourself where to live in New Hampshire, look no further than Hanover. This is one of the best towns in New Hampshire, located in Grafton County, offering a suburban feel. It has a population of around 11,200 people who share similar political views.
Cost of living
Many people who have decided to relocate to a better living place are looking to lower their monthly costs and save money. This town’s total living cost based on housing, groceries, child care, transportation, health care, and taxes is significantly lower than the state and national average.
Housing
The median home value in this New Hampshire state is over $690,000, almost three times higher than the national average. Due to the high value of houses in this area, most residents own their homes, and only a few rent.
Taxes
The statewide tax average closely matches that of Hanover, New Hampshire. This is based on federal income taxes and medical care, excluding property, sales, and income taxes. However, New Hampshire is generally recognized as a place where residents have a low average tax burden compared to other states.
Crime rates
New Hampshire has low crime rates and is ranked as one of the best places to live in NH and raise a family. Here, the number of thefts, assaults, and property crimes is far below the national average. So residents don’t have to be on high alert all the time and can feel safe in their homes.
Education
There are 6 public and 10 private schools near Hanover, New Hampshire. The town praises itself on the impressive reputation of Dartmouth Private College, which offers an inclusive environment and high-quality education. This has resulted in more than half of Hanover’s residents having master’s degrees.
Jobs
As a college city, Hanover offers many job opportunities for fresh graduates and young professionals. The median household income in this town exceeds the national average because most residents work in healthcare and insurance.
Bedford
If you are looking for the best places to live in New Hampshire with good schools and many recreation opportunities, check out this mesmerizing spot. Bedford is a suburb in this state known for its suburban feel and charming population of more than 23,300 people.
Cost of living
Although the estimated living cost in this area is 10.7% higher than the national average, Bedford is one of the best cities in New Hampshire, thanks to its low taxes and housing opportunities for residents.
Housing
The median value for a house in this area is much higher than the state and national average. Thus, a very high percentage of residents who are appreciative of the high value are homeowners.
Taxes
Although the property taxes in this area are higher than the state average, Bedford residents don’t have to pay high sales and healthcare taxes, contributing to a lower cost of living than other large cities.
Crime rates
Bedford is a highly safe suburb based on its low crime rates. Crimes like assaults, murders, and motor vehicle thefts don’t happen very often in this area. However, there have been a few recorded burglaries in 2024.
Education
With 25 public and 87 private schools near Bedford, residents gain plenty of high-quality education opportunities for their children. You can also earn academic knowledge by attending the nearby University of New Hampshire at Manchester.
Jobs
Many of the residents in this area hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees, contributing to the high median household income. Bedford’s job market is continuously expanding, with opportunities for residents to grow their careers in IT and communications.
Amherst
You will likely find Amherst very appealing if you like Bedford’s feel. This suburb has a population of around 11,000, and most share similar liberal beliefs. It’s located in Hillsborough County and offers a suburban to rural ambiance.
Cost of living
Amherst’s cost of living is similar to Bedford’s, so it’s higher than the national average. However, this suburb’s grocery and utility expenses are not extremely high, allowing residents to live comfortably.
Housing
Due to the high median house value, 91% of Amherst’s residents own their homes. The ones that rent accommodations pay an amount close to the national average, which makes the housing opportunities in this area affordable and valuable.
Taxes
People living in Amherst are not required to pay any sales taxes. This is characteristic of most towns in New Hampshire. However, Amherst’s residents pay a state income tax much higher than the national average.
Crime rates
Ranked the third-best suburb in New Hampshire to raise a family, Amherst prides itself on its low crime rates. Residents are only concerned about possible thefts and prioritize installing security systems on their properties.
Education
More than 80 schools are near Amherst, including many private and public options for children. The residents of this area are highly educated; most hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees, and almost all have earned their GED.
Jobs
Young and ambitious people have an immense potential to thrive and succeed in Amherst due to the high median income and various employment opportunities. The suburb often has job openings in the fields of architecture and engineering.
Portsmouth
With a population of around 22,000, Portsmouth is an ideal place to reside in New Hampshire. Many young professionals live and work in this town due to the numerous outdoor activity opportunities, such as hanging out near the Piscataqua River.
Cost of living
Portsmouth’s living costs exceed the national state average. However, people earning good salaries can afford groceries and housing expenses in this area and pay for children and health care for their families.
Housing
Half of Portsmouth’s residents own their homes because they can rely on the high median house value. The median rent cost is slightly higher than the national average, but most young professionals or college students can afford it.
Taxes
Many people turn to Portsmouth when searching for the best cities in New Hampshire to live and raise a family. The town does not require residents to pay sales or income taxes; the property tax rate is low.
Crime rates
Violent crime is something that this city’s residents are not essentially concerned about. However, there have been some assaults and property thefts in this area. So, Portsmouth requires more police surveillance and protection.
Education
Nearly 50 high-ranked public and private schools are located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The best ones include Portsmouth Christian Academy and St. Thomas Aquinas High School, where residents can receive high-quality education.
Jobs
Although Portsmouth’s median household income is similar to the national average, most residents work high-paying jobs due to their excellent education. Some of the best job opportunities in this area require employees to hold degrees in technology and management.
Brookline
Still can’t decide where to live in New Hampshire? Brookline is also a good option. It offers a comfortable, rural feel for families who want to live quietly and prioritize higher education. The town has a population of nearly 5,700 people, and it’s located in Hillsborough County.
Cost of living
Brookline is known for its low taxes and lower cost of living than the national average. Combined with the inviting community, this town is perfect for raising a family and living a stable life.
Housing
This area’s median house value is higher than the national average, encouraging almost all residents to become homeowners. However, the median rent cost is twice as expensive as the US average.
Taxes
Although Brookline doesn’t require its residents to pay sales and income taxes, many people find the property tax rates a bit high.
Crime rates
Similarly to the other places on this list in New Hampshire, Brookline has low crime rates and offers a safe environment for residents. Violent crimes are rarer than property crimes in this town.
Education
Brookline has over 30 schools, among which you can find public and private education establishments. The most highly-rated ones include the Academy for Science & Design and Hollis-Brookline High School.
Jobs
Almost all Brookline’s residents are highly educated, so the town offers numerous employment opportunities for people with bachelor’s or master’s degrees in administration or medical care.
