You will find snowmobile trails, ski resorts, and hiking among all the activities you can experience. by Sarah Lamagna Live free or die is New Hampshires motto and Ive seen firsthand what that means. Pease Air Force Base closed near Portsmouth in 1991, but it was redeveloped into a zone that supports high-tech companies today that are working to boost real estate prices and the health of the local economy. While it is strange to say that low unemployment is a bad thing, it can be. If you do not have a job lined up but are considering a move to New Hampshire, you might want to make sure a job is available. There are places where you can access the ocean for swimming if that piques your interest, but the water does stay cold all year long. Take the C&J Bus to Logan International Airport in Boston. There is a gallery and studio for those who love crafting. Since there isnt an income tax in New Hampshire and they dont charge a sales tax, that means your property taxes are going to be very high. The city's proximity to the Massachusetts border means that many people commute to work in Nashua. Because the state is relatively small, you can almost commute from anywhere but the far north to take advantage of this benefit. . Recently, tech has become another prominent force with computer and software development making a big splash in the state. But New Hampshire isnt all sunshine and butterflies. They focus on independent thought and encourage questions and thoughtful discussion. It is more problematic in the more rural areas than in the city. Sticker shock doesnt come close to what we were feeling. It has old cities and historic towns all for you to explore. Renting an apartment or home in New England is a bit expensive. While the city is working to improve . It is truly a beautiful state, not just because of the landscape but because its residents really care for it. One of the strange laws you will find in New Hampshire is that it is illegal to take seaweed from the beach. Overall, it is a cheaper option to rent rather than buy in New Hampshire. Fast internet (fixed lines) Substance abuse rate on the higher side. Nottingham didnt report a single violent crime for the year, and the top 20 cities combined had fewer than one violent crime incident per 1,000 people with just three robberies and one murder reported. There may only be one true grocery store per town. New Hampshire has beautiful mountains up north, oceans out of the east. New Hampshire has a truly American feel to it. Mosquitos are the most common summer insect. Here are the top pros and cons to consider when thinking about making your move to New Hampshire. New Hampshire is also the Granite State because of the extensive formations that are found there, leading to the development of quarries and several job opportunities. However, if you do not want to get involved with politics, this may not be the best place for you. For this article, we will focus on five of the top advantages of living in New Hampshire. There are several other entertainment venues - Seacoast Repertory Theater, The Music Hall, and a few others I've never been to. High property taxes. Some people might also feel like some of the areas are a little too vanilla for their taste. Hes a former bond trader who became a software engineer. The cost of healthcare is also lower than the national average by about 12 percent. Cons:. Commuting allows you to enjoy all the advantages of a large city without having to live there. New Hampshire is the state for those people because the rate of crime is low. Additionally, Houston's housing costs are significantly lower than both cities, with housing prices in Austin being 41% higher and housing prices in . Here is how New Hampshire scores for the cost of living in each specific category: Groceries: 99.7. So in case youre wondering about what its like living in this New England state, Ive put together some truthful pros and cons (all subjective, of course), direct from a real-life granite stater. People from all over the country come to northern New Hampshire to hike and drive through these beautiful outdoor spaces. Dont get me wrong: Im a mean bridge player, but every now and then I want to get up and dance. Poor Infrastructure is Poor in New Hampshire: 3. Rates are based on . However, you will have to cope with the extreme winters, lack of public transport, and high property taxes. Another one is that a hunter is not allowed to have a ferret as a pet. 3 Best Places to Buy Electric Bikes Online This 9,000-square-mile, 6-million-acre region provides waterfall and gorge hiking aplenty, with options for every skill level. You can also pay way less in mortgage than you can for rent in New Hampshire. ("Reduce the proportion of adults who don't know they have prediabetes D-02 - Healthy People 2030 | health," 2013). The lake covers close to 70 square miles and is an aquatic adventurers paradise in the summertime. Be sure to check out the Observatorys weather forecast since Mount Washingtons main nickname is home of the worst weather in the United States., Related Read: The Best Time of Year to Visit New Hampshire. i., diet modification, exercise, quit smoking, etc. New Hampshire also has one of the best healthcare plans, which becomes more important as you get older. While New Hampshire is known for its rural and town life, there is a fair amount of commercial development. Then you can save in housing costs because it is cheaper to live across the state border. Not only can you earn more this way, but you can live much more affordably in New Hampshire. You can also grab a Greyhound bus at a variety of stops throughout the state. The high humidity and heat only last for a couple of weeks in most seasons, but it isnt a very pleasant experience. The hurricanes. Her bylines include The Denver Post, 5280 magazine, VeryWellFamily, Matador Network, and was an expert on NPRs The Takeaway for her work on the wildfires in Colorado. Cons to Living in New Hampshire: Harsh Winters: Winters in New Hampshire can be unforgiving, piling snow on the ground that can last for months at a time. You may want to consider purchasing a home instead of renting if you can. There are some professions in which it may be difficult to find jobs. Table of Contents. You are given a certain level of independence here that can be refreshing, which is representative of the states motto, Live free or die.. State Farm has the cheapest renters insurance quotes in New Hampshire. Dont get me wrong, its not Alabama, but New Hampshire is the most conservative state in New England. Your email address will not be published. Mountains are beautiful but demanding. Its still under construction, but the plans for it look marvelous. No sales tax. In addition, there is no tax on retirement income that you have. It is important to keep in mind that there is a significant amount of snowfall in New Hampshire during the winter. While the cost differs depending on where you live, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is going to run about $1,700 monthly. If you can manage your property taxes, which are higher than Maines, then you can typically enjoy what life has to offer in this somewhat rural state. Unless you can start a profitable business with your talents and skills or work as a professional in a high-demand industry, there are not many employment opportunities waiting for you when living in New Hampshire. Perfect place for history lovers If you are a history buff, you will adore living in Portsmouth, as nearly every street has some sort of historic scene. And with rent in New Jersey being dramatically lower, many who work in NYC live in The Garden State and commute daily. Overall, New Hampshire has areas where the cost of living is higher and others where it is lower. There are only two significant metropolitan areas as well: Manchester and Concord. 25 Pros Of Living In New Hampshire 1. No state income tax on salaries and wages. New England is known for its natural beauty and the color of the changing seasons, especially summer to fall. I was so excited to get back to the four seasons, each with their distinct qualities. New Hampshire is more than 90 percent Caucasian. Many people commute to Boston for work because the salaries there are higher than what you will find locally in New Hampshire. Curated by. Seriously, theres something for every type of history buff. They need a screen on the doors and windows, so the bugs do not get in the house. There are extensive granite formations in New Hampshire, which provides many job opportunities in quarries. Mount Washington, the highest peak in New Hampshire, is a sight to see. Picturesque beaches and natural spaces. Pros and cons. The tallest of these peaks is Mount Washington at 6,288 feet above sea level. New Hampshire provides excellent schools and advanced learning opportunities. In the northern part of New England, you can find property for less than $60,000. You are going to find that the people of New Hampshire are really friendly. Hanover is home to New Hampshires only ivy league school (Dartmouth) and beautiful public spaces, and Meredith is the heart of the states Lakes Region and offers some great shopping, including Mills Falls Market. Many people find themselves working in industries in which they did not receive degrees or training. New Hampshire is not a great place to raise a family. You can even go swimming in the ocean in some spots if you want, although the water stays cold throughout most of the year to the point where your lips will turn blue. If youre wondering more about the taxes you will pay living in New Hampshire, well, just wait until you scroll to the con list below. Here are the pros and cons of attending Magdalen College Pros & cons of Magdalen College of the . No more fumbling around with pennies although, lets face it, who does cash anymore? But I also have a 3-year-old kiddo who, as much as I try to get him to love the outdoors, isnt always excited about hiking another trail. Not only is mobile phone service questionable, but most often, so is landline service. Even the public schools in state provide you with an excellent educational resource for your children. You can get up to the summit by driving the auto road, taking the cog railway, or the good, ol fashioned way: hiking it. There might be a few snacks added to that conversation. This structure also means that there are no taxes on your retirement income. However, once the trust is earned, theyll stay by your side and fight anyone who crosses you. I look around my neighbors and see more faces just like mine and think yeah, were definitely in a loop.. Playing demo Pros And Cons Of Cookie Casino slots is a good way to practice and learn new games before you start playing for real money. Firstly, there's food and your general day-to-day expenses. The property tax per year is less than $4,000 in Berlin. Before moving to a state, you should probably find out what strange laws they have to ensure you do not unknowingly break the law. Our sample renter is a 25-year-old man living alone with no claim history. Since there are strict regulations on what can be built thanks to the presence of Historic District Commissions, the way of life that you find here receives a significant amount of protection. You can get to New York City, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore in under three hours from most parts of the state, and all of these cities have airports, trains, and other ways to travel to and from NJ. Healthcare employment has increased tremendously and is now the second largest in the state. Some winter days just above freezing can have high humidity, and the chill goes right through to your bones. Phillips Exeter is a top private school in the US, and it is located in New Hampshire. Related Read:Top 10 East Coast Vacation Spots You Never Considered (But Should!). If you want to take the train to access the rest of New England, then youll need to connect with the Amtrak system in Boston. Reasons not to move to New Hampshire. To resolve this problem, many people in New England are starting home-based businesses. If you dont like being stuck in a crowd all of the time, then living here can be a refreshing change of pace. While that may give you a sense of American pride, it may create a diverse area. The summer cologne or perfume is always repellant here. We are passionate about home decor, design, and all things home related. If you are ready for a change, then there are plenty of opportunities to move here and start a new life for yourself. Hampton Beach is a coastal resort town that sits along the 18 miles of coastline that New Hampshire claims. If you love skiing, then Mount Washington is the place to be. In addition, it has been a center for shoemaking, paper making, and textiles since its establishment as one of the first colonies. Harsh and long winters. Seen in: New England, New Hampshire, Northeast. I live on two acres of land covered in trees and full of wildlife. 2. The community. New Hampshire has the second-highest percentage of property tax across the US. 10 Pros And Cons Of Living In New Hampshire Natural beauty in a tranquil setting. In the north, the state is bordered by the Canadian province of Quebec. The state of New Hampshire is really clean. Since the unemployment rate is so low, almost anyone who wants a job can find one. Natural Beauty. If you're thinking about moving to New Hampshire or just have questions about this beautiful state, I'd be more than happy to help! It is a small town that is consistently ranked as one of the most diverse places in New Hampshire to live. Many people do not leave the state, so it is becoming more occupied. Its not unlike the rest of New England, though. Pros and Cons of Senior Living in New Hampshire New Hampshire seniors, especially those who are looking to move from another state, should be mindful of a few things when choosing senior living communities in New Hampshire: Cost of Living - New Hampshire has a higher cost of living than the nationwide average. Find the best and worst places to live, raise a family or retire in New Hampshire. The economy. It is much cheaper to establish a residency here, especially if this state with be your primary home. In addition, there is plenty of landscape to see and explore, helping you stay fit and healthy in your later years. If you have specific income needs, then you might want to look for a job before you move to ensure that there is a secure offer in place. This state is perfect for small town and rural lifestyles. Cheapest rates in New Hampshire Dependable customer service . Each season brings something new to the state and I fall more in love with its outdoor spaces because of it. Know what youre doing. There is a prevalence of companies focused on technology to help increase the price of real estate and improve the economy. If you look at them all together, it probably all balances out. There are some additional employers in Boston, which is located close to New Hampshire. 1. Just about 80,000 tourists are flocking to New Hampshire each year. And you have lots of options for where to go. New Hampshire is perfect for every lifestyle, from vibrant cities to mountain peaks, coastal views, and New England cities, the state has the right feel for everyone. At the very least, itd be nice to have a silent disco. The seacoast doesnt fit the mental picture of a seasonal resort area. Everyone is all kind of the same, especially if you move away from the coast or the southern border. The difference between New Hampshire and some of the other states is that the salary potential is lower than in other states, which may make it difficult to afford the taxes. Within 10-50 miles from an airport. 95% of the cities in the state reported 10 or fewer violent incidents for the entire year. Of course, there are some drawbacks to living in New Hampshire. They are considered robust employers because they pay well and provide good benefits. The Whites, as locals like to call them, are home to 48 peaks over 4,000 feet, and many residents spend years challenging themselves to summit all of them, myself included. Pros: It consistently ranks among the states with a very low cost of living. The city has high tax rates. Retirement and Social Security income are totally tax-free. The opioid crisis has hit New Hampshire very hard. The combination is a perfect storm of colors and youll wonder how any of it is real. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, which is actually in Maine where it sits across the harbor, continues to anchor the community and the indirect jobs it produces. With its rolling hills, beautiful lakes, and hiking trails winding through gorges and past waterfalls, the Finger Lakes region of New York is a stunning place to visit. Im not much of a shopper but when I am, I like thrifting. 9. A lack of diversity can help affirm self-serving beliefs and make you resistant to both change and seeing other points of view. Over 160 people have died trying to summit this beast of a mountain, mostly due to exposure. New Hampshire is a state located in the northeastern region of the United States, known for its natural beauty, charming small towns, and outdoor recreational opportunities. You may be able to have enough money to pay cash for a property in New Hampshire. You should move there with that thought in mind. Moving to New Hampshire, United States. You may be disappointed in the lack of grocery stores in the area. No matter where you decide to live, everything seems to have the same feel to it. What it says on the price tag is what youll spend: no less, no more. 6. There is a railway that can take you to the top point of the mountain. The overall crime rate in Raymond, New Hampshire is 48% lower than national average. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. When determining what cities are good for your personality, life situation, and personal preferences, there are many factors to consider including climate, cost of living, community, job opportunities, population makeup, activities, and things to do. You are going to be dealing with high levels of traffic in the summer. Overview of New Hampshire; . There is not much in the way of public transportation in New Hampshire. 8. Worked in the home building industry for over 30 years. We were both born here and can't imagine living anywhere else, but it IS true that you probably need to be the independent sort if you retire here. This also means that there are a lot of mosquitoes and ticks. There are several unique governing structures that you can find in New Hampshire that you do not find in most other jurisdictions in the United States. Healthcare System is Great. The Whites, as locals like to call them, are home to 48 peaks over 4,000 feet, and many residents spend years challenging themselves to summit all of them, myself included. Re: Pros and cons for relocating to Portsmouth, NH. Just like we do with minimum wage, for the most part New Hampshire defaults to the Federal regulation; we've really only got a handful of "gun laws" left in place, and in 2022 we will repeal one more -- the requirement to have a Pistol & Revolver license to carry a loaded firearm when traveling by OHRV (think ATV, UTV, snowmobile, etc). Like all states, New Hampshire has its pros and cons. New Hampshire is cold and has a good amount of snow. The Granite State has numerous quintessential New England towns with cobblestone walkways, covered bridges, and antique shops. While Nashua's downtown area is a great place to spend a night out, traffic can be a challenge during peak hours. Theyre often aggressive, rude, and think they own the road. There's a lot of farmland in New Hampshire, but there's also hip city areas like in Manchester, Nashua, Concord, and Portsmouth. You will need to get used to the patterns to ensure you stay outside of those driving windows when running your errands. The traditional means of revenue are still happening in the state as well. New Hampshire is one of the smallest states, but it has some major cities that are vastly different from each other. If you enjoy having some bubble tea, eating some pad-thai, or finding a fun new cultural offering, then your best bet is to take a road trip into Boston. For example, the cost of living in Houston is 10% lower than Austin and 11% lower than Dallas. If you came to New Hampshire for good food, you made a huge mistake. Related Read: 7 Magical Treehouse Rentals in New Hampshire. One of the many reasons I love living here is how rural it feels. Portsmouth is home to a wealth of museums that detail the history of the city and its inhabitants. Maybe because it's such an outdoorsy state, Maine offers some amazing glamping options that'll allow you to sleep near the best destinations in Vacationland without roughing it much. The pros and cons of living in Maine will often require you to embrace a different lifestyle than the one you have now. The speed of the internet is slow throughout the state. Although it might cost a little more to live here than in other parts of the country, it is far more reasonable than being in Boston or trying to commute from somewhere else. When traveling between New York City and Boston, you can get between the two East Coast hubs in a matter of a few hours. Two of the most prestigious educational institutions in the United States are found in New Hampshire: Dartmouth and Philips Exeter Academy, which consistently ranks as the top private school in the United States. Like I said earlier, younger generations arent exactly moving to New Hampshire in droves. The city's low crime rates, robust job market, and low cost of living make moving to Concord the best choice for many families. In New Hampshire, winter lasts a long time. New Hampshire is a state that is clean, abundant in colors, and offers plenty of places where you can find peace. There may be some other weather events that you will find in the state. Its fun to take a drive on the weekend to a new part of the state to see what flea markets are around or barn sales have popped up that weekend. Pros 1. This also means that there is damage being done to the roads constantly by the chemicals and the snowplows. These hikes in New Hampshire's White Mountains are some of the best in all of New England, offering up mountain views, forested pathways, and more. You could also consider living in the northern part of the state where the cost of rent is going to be lower. The independent nature of the environment means that people might lean to the left or right politically, but they always look for ways to improve their local community. The odds of becoming a victim of violent crime are 1 in 505, so there is hardly any violent crime. The cost of living. Working in a creative field, such as marketing, is especially challenging in this state. Cons: Traffic Can Be a Challenge. There are quite a few things you can do in New Hampshire to satisfy the adventurous side within you. Limited diversity. There is no general sales tax or personal income tax in the state, making it an ideal place to live. The Cog Railway is the steepest track in the United States. Hampton Beach even has a casino and a venue where they host shows and concerts. Nashua is often ranked as one of the best places to live in the country. Affordable housing, access to the beach, low crime rates, and low pollution are some of the good things about living in New Hampshire. The rate of unemployment is low, so just about everyone has a job. There is no personal income tax at the state or local level other than dividends or interest. The blue-line American flags and signs that say profanities about our latest democratic president have left a bad taste in my mouth. DW, Portsmouth is really an Everything town. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south and Vermont to the west, and is known for its natural beauty, diverse culture, and . Another 30% or so will go to your mortgage, and then youve got the percentage to the other state to factor in as well. It is essential to know about the ticks and check your family and pets regularly. It is bad for someone new coming into town or someone who needs a job. Rent is affordable as well. There might be no sales tax, but there are high property taxes. For instance, the weather can be extreme, with cold winters and hot summers. New Hampshire needs more gourmet and creative food options, more fun music festivals, and other events to make living in New Hampshire as a younger person worth it. Thats why home-based work is one of the fastest-growing sectors of employment in the state right now, since you can earn what youre worth without the local cost-adjustments that reduce the value of your labor. Pros for New Hampshire: Highest household income, appox $76,000 Lowest Poverty Rates at 7.0% Or maybe instead of taking a flight across the pond, you can visit Americas Stonehenge in Salem. Subsequently, progress never really happens, and were stuck in a loop. Have you ever been to those towns or states where the feeling is were all in this together? Well, thats not what you immediately feel when living in New Hampshire. The average cost of transportation is 12 percent below the national average. In all seriousness, though, check the weather. New Hampshire is an amazing state, the cons aren't as bad as people here think, for most things bad in New Hampshire is actually decent or good compared to other states. These sorts of ideologies make me want to leave this state because its not how I want to raise my kid. There is a bus system in Concord and Manchester, but it does not go any further. There are dozens of cities throughout the state that claim to be the antique capital of the world, and Id argue that every one of them might be right. Almost anyone can afford to purchase a home in New Hampshire. Other than those cities, all you are most likely to find is a local bar. The weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day often cause major traffic jams. Anything above Concord won't cut it for you. 1. Its both freeing to be able to go wherever you want, and a bit of a burden to always have to drive yourself to go anywhere. I might get slack for this, but I love the weather in New Hampshire. Most people want to live in a place where they can feel safe all the time. Do you pay taxes on Social Security in New Hampshire? Pros & Cons Overview Jobs 80% Housing 85% Affordability 60% Safety 80% Amenities 60% Diversity 40% Education 85% Commute 50% Is Raymond, New Hampshire safe place to live? Updated January 10, 2023. A policy from State Farm costs $9 per month, which is $2 per month cheaper than the state average. As the state has something for everyone, you will . Finding a different job may not always be a bad thing. The cost of living in New Hampshire is also lower, but youll need to find a way to live within your means if youre used to having some extra cash every month.