From the towering peaks of the White Mountains to the quiet waters of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire packs a lot into a relatively small state. Whether you’re drawn to historic towns like Hanover, where centuries-old buildings line the streets, or Manchester, where city life provides a walkable destination, each part of the state is different. But life here isn’t just postcard-worthy scenery and peaceful surroundings—brutal winters, high property taxes, and limited public transportation can catch newcomers off guard. In this ApartmentGuide article, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of living in New Hampshire so you can get a taste of what life is like here.
Renting in New Hampshire snapshot
| Population | 1,409,032 |
| Avg. studio rent | $1,118 per month |
| Avg. one-bedroom rent | $1,271 per month |
| Avg. two-bedroom rent | $1,560 per month |
| Most affordable cities to rent in New Hampshire | Keene, Rochester, Hudson |
| Most walkable cities in New Hampshire | Manchester, Portsmouth, Keene |
1. Pro: Adventure around every corner
If you love spending time outside, New Hampshire won’t disappoint. The White Mountains have miles of hiking trails, including Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast. In the winter, you can hit the slopes at places like Loon Mountain or Cannon Mountain, while summer brings opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing on one of the state’s many lakes—Lake Winnipesaukee being the biggest and most well-known. Snowmobilers take advantage of hundreds of miles of trails, while fall brings a flood of visitors looking to see some of the most impressive foliage in the country. No matter the season, there’s always a way to get outside and explore.
2. Con: Winter is coming, and it’s brutal
New Hampshire doesn’t do mild winters. Expect heavy snowfall, temperatures that dip well below freezing, and icy roads that make even short drives feel like an adventure. Snowstorms can bring a foot or more overnight, and if you’re not used to shoveling, you will be soon. Black ice is a constant threat, and even locals find themselves slipping on sidewalks and driveways. On the bright side, the state is well-equipped to handle winter weather, with road crews working quickly to clear highways and main streets.
3. Pro: Shop ‘til you drop without extra fees
One of the perks of living in New Hampshire? No sales tax. That means whatever price tag you see in a store is exactly what you’ll pay—whether it’s a cup of coffee or a brand-new car. This has made the state a shopping destination for people from Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont, who often cross the border to buy everything from appliances to alcohol at a lower cost. If you live near the state line, don’t be surprised to see packed parking lots at malls and outlet stores on weekends, as out-of-staters take full advantage of tax-free shopping.
4. Con: You’ll want a car to get around the state
If you don’t drive, getting around in New Hampshire can be frustrating. Public transportation is limited to a few bus routes in larger cities like Manchester and Nashua, and outside of those areas, it’s practically nonexistent. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are available but not always reliable, especially in smaller towns. If you live in a rural area, having a car isn’t just convenient—it’s a necessity.
5. Pro: The quality of life is hard to beat
New Hampshire isn’t flashy, but it’s the kind of place where you can build a comfortable life. Towns have a way of feeling familiar, whether you’ve lived there for years or just arrived. Local businesses thrive, farmers’ markets are a weekend staple, and there’s always a diner or general store that feels like the heart of the area. People take pride in their state, from maintaining hiking trails to supporting time-honored traditions like town meetings. Life moves at a steady pace, but there are ways to stay active—whether it’s exploring the mountains, spending summers by the lake, or embracing winter sports when the snow piles up.
6. Con: Brace yourself for high property taxes
While there’s no sales tax or income tax, property taxes here are some of the highest in the country. Homeowners end up footing the bill for things like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. If you’re planning to buy a home, it’s worth researching the tax rates in different towns—some are significantly higher than others. The trade-off? Well-funded public services and no hidden taxes sneaking onto your paycheck. Still, if you’re coming from a state with lower property taxes, the sticker shock might take some getting used to.
7. Pro: Step into the pages of American history
New Hampshire played a huge role in shaping the country, and you don’t have to look far to find pieces of history. Portsmouth’s Strawbery Banke Museum is like stepping back in time, with centuries-old homes and costumed guides bringing the past to life. In Concord, the State House is the oldest state capitol building in the country where lawmakers still meet. Even in smaller towns, history is everywhere—covered bridges, historic meetinghouses, and Revolutionary War sites that tell the story of early America.
8. Con: Job hunting? It might take a while
Finding work in New Hampshire can be hit or miss. While larger cities like Manchester and Nashua have job opportunities in healthcare, education, and tech, smaller towns often have fewer options. Many residents commute to Massachusetts for work, taking advantage of higher salaries while living in a state with no income tax. If you’re planning a move, securing a job first is a smart move—especially if you’re in a specialized field that doesn’t have a strong presence in the state.
9. Pro: Neighbors feel like family
New Hampshire has a way of making people feel connected. Whether it’s through town-wide festivals, farmers markets, or community events, people tend to know their neighbors and look out for each other. Small towns like Peterborough have annual gatherings where local artists, musicians, and food vendors come together, creating a sense of belonging. In winter, it’s not unusual for people to help dig each other out after a storm, and in summer, block parties and fairs bring everyone outside.
10. Con: Allergy sufferers, beware
For all its beauty, New Hampshire can be rough on allergies. In the spring, birch and maple trees send clouds of pollen into the air, leaving cars covered in yellow dust. By summer, grass pollen takes over, and just when you think you’re in the clear, fall brings ragweed season. If you have allergies, expect to go through plenty of tissues. The good news? At least the state’s stunning scenery makes the suffering a little more bearable.
11. Pro: Top-tier schools and colleges
New Hampshire takes education seriously. For higher education, the state is home to Dartmouth College, a prestigious Ivy League school, as well as the University of New Hampshire, which has strong programs in business, engineering, and marine sciences. Additionally, there are plenty of great public schools in New Hampshire to choose from. Even if you’re not attending school yourself, the presence of universities brings research, culture, and innovation to many parts of the state.
12. Con: Bugs, ticks, and other unwelcome guests
If you plan to spend time outside in New Hampshire, get ready to deal with some pests. Summers bring relentless mosquitoes, and if you’re near any standing water, expect to be swatting them away constantly. Ticks are another major concern, especially in wooded areas where Lyme disease is a real threat. Fall and winter don’t offer much relief—once the weather cools down, mice and other small critters start looking for ways into homes. If you’re moving to New Hampshire, bug spray, tick checks, and keeping an eye on any small openings in your house will save you a lot of hassle.
Methodology : The population data is from the United States Census Bureau, walkable cities are from Walk Score, and rental data is from ApartmentGuide.
