Best Places to Live in New Hampshire (2025)
Discover the best neighborhoods in New Hampshire. From Portsmouth's walkable seacoast charm to Hanover's Ivy League culture and mountain communities, explore New Hampshire living through detailed neighborhood guides.
New Hampshire Neighborhood Guides ()
Dublin, NH: Top Schools & Rural Charm
90% match
Best for: Families
Quintessential New England town offering top-rated schools, pristine rural setting, strong family community, abundant outdoor activities, and the peace families seek.
Keene, NH: College Town With Top Schools
87% match
Best for: Families
Thriving college town offering excellent public schools, walkable downtown, abundant family activities, strong community, and New England charm with modern amenities.
Why Move to New Hampshire?
New Hampshire combines quintessential New England charm with no state income tax and no sales tax, creating exceptional value for professionals and families. The state motto "Live Free or Die" reflects genuine independent spirit and limited government interference. From Portsmouth's walkable historic seacoast to Manchester's revitalizing urban core, Hanover's Ivy League prestige, and mountain towns near world-class skiing, New Hampshire delivers quality of life across diverse communities.
Our New Hampshire neighborhood guides analyze real data on cost of living, school ratings, outdoor access, and community characteristics to help you find your perfect match. Whether you prioritize Portsmouth's historic downtown with ocean access, Hanover's intellectual Dartmouth College atmosphere, Manchester's urban amenities with affordability, or ski town living near mountain resorts, these guides provide detailed insights into New Hampshire's most livable communities.
New Hampshire Regions: Where to Live
Seacoast Region (Portsmouth, Dover, Exeter)
Known for: Historic Portsmouth downtown, ocean access, walkable streets, Boston commutability. Portsmouth features brick buildings, restaurant scene, cultural venues, and marina all within compact walkable area. Premium pricing for New Hampshire but offers coastal New England lifestyle. Dover and Exeter provide more affordable options with commuter rail. Appeals to professionals seeking Boston access without Massachusetts costs.
Upper Valley (Hanover, Lebanon)
Known for: Dartmouth College, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Connecticut River valley, intellectual community. Hanover offers Ivy League culture, excellent schools, sophisticated dining, and cultural events. Lebanon provides adjacent affordability with healthcare jobs. Beautiful rural setting with educated population. More isolated but remarkable quality of life. Appeals to academics, healthcare professionals, and those valuing education and nature.
Manchester & Southern NH (Nashua, Concord)
Known for: Largest cities, urban amenities, Boston commutability, affordability. Manchester offers revitalized downtown with Millyard district, minor league sports, restaurants, and tech companies. Nashua provides Boston suburb alternative without Massachusetts taxes. Concord features state capital and government jobs. Most urban option in New Hampshire with maintained low costs and no income tax.
Lakes Region (Laconia, Meredith, Wolfeboro)
Known for: Lake Winnipesaukee, summer resort towns, four-season recreation, tourism economy. These communities offer waterfront living, boating culture, and mountain views. Strong second-home market creates seasonal energy. More affordable than coastal areas with lake access and outdoor recreation. Popular with retirees, remote workers, and those seeking New England lake lifestyle.
White Mountains (North Conway, Lincoln, Littleton)
Known for: Presidential Range, world-class hiking, ski resorts, tourism economy, fall foliage. North Conway offers outlet shopping and Mt. Washington Valley access. Lincoln features Loon Mountain and Franconia Notch. Most remote region but stunning natural beauty. Tourism-based economy with seasonal employment. Appeals to outdoor enthusiasts, ski industry workers, and those prioritizing mountain recreation over career opportunity.
Compare New Hampshire Living Costs
Use our comprehensive calculator to compare housing, food, transportation, and other living expenses between New Hampshire ZIP codes or against other states.
Calculate Your New Hampshire Vibe