From maple syrup to robust history, there’s a reason why New Hampshire inspired poet Robert Frost.
The best places to live in New Hampshire have some of the highest incomes, health insurance rates and percentage of bachelor’s degrees.
Every town has a small, tight-knit community with local arts, farmers’ markets and good schools. While the standard of living is higher here than in other parts of the U.S., the day-to-day amenities make up for it. Get to know the best places to live in New Hampshire below.
- Population: 23,598
- Median household income: $135,374
- Average commute time: 28.6 minutes
- Walk score: 23
- One-bedroom average rent: $2,106
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,800
The small town of Bedford is barely 25,000 people, but it has experienced incredible growth as a suburb of Manchester in the past decade. The quiet suburb has many outdoor opportunities like Benedictine Park, featuring trails, picnic areas and even winter sledding.
For families, the Ann DeNicola Memorial Playground has equipment for all ages. The Uncanoonuc Mountains are excellent for hiking and snowshoeing, with views of the Manchester skyline and, if you’re lucky, Boston’s, too.
You always have access to city life, only 15 minutes away. Downtown Manchester puts comedy shows at the Palace Theatre, live music at Copper Door Restaurant and more at your fingertips.
- Population: 44,006
- Median household income: $70,004
- Average commute time: 22.8 minutes
- Walk score: 47
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,245
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,530
Beyond charming, Concord is a small town with a rich history. Back in the 19th century, Concord was the epicenter of carriage making and later became famous for ‘Concord’ couches.
The community has committed to supporting small businesses and the arts. You can see this in their investment in Red River Theater, a community-funded art-house cinema. Family-owned Granite State Candy Shoppe has been around since 1927 and still produces a wide range of classic and gourmet chocolates and sweets.
Visit the State House, President Franklin Pierce’s home and the New Hampshire Historical Society to learn more about the state’s history. The Old North Cemetery is part of the National Register of Historic Places and an interesting visit.
- Population: 33,171
- Median household income: $74,833
- Average commute time: 23.1 minutes
- Walk score: 48
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,895
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,337
One of New Hampshire’s biggest cities, Dover has a beautiful downtown area with galleries, restaurants and boutiques. The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire and the Woodman Institute Museum attract families over the weekends.
Apple Harvest Day in October is a big day in Dover as more than 300 vendors come together on the first Saturday of the month with kids’ activities, live music and, of course, a ton of apple treats. For those looking for fresh veggies, the Dover Farmers’ Market is a weekly gem.
Don’t miss kayaking or fishing down the Cochecho River if you’re looking to get outside. Nearby, the Dover Community Trail offers opportunities for hiking and biking.
- Population: 9,597
- Median household income: $82,092
- Average commute time: 23.3 minutes
- Walk score: 41
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,355
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,515
Who says you have to go to Florida to live by the beach? Hampton is right on the Atlantic Ocean coast and sees many tourists and locals alike every summer. Fireworks, movies at the beach, music fest and more take over the calendar during the warm months.
Hampton Beach is also rated as one of the cleanest beaches in the U.S. Don’t miss Sweet Hannah’s fudge — a favorite of the area.
There’s also plenty to do in the winter. Enjoy a drink nearby at the Smuttynose Brewing Company after hiking at Cedar Point Park. A visit to the Tuck Museum of Hampton History will help you learn more about the area.
- Population: 11,721
- Median household income: $105,446
- Average commute time: 17.1 minutes
- Walk score: N/A
- One-bedroom average rent: N/A
- Two-bedroom average rent: N/A
Dartmouth College’s beautiful Ivy League campus adds tree-lined paths and brownstone buildings to the quintessential college town of Hanover. Hood Museum of Art displays works of ancient civilizations and the Hopkins Center for the Arts showcases local performances.
In the summer, the Appalachian Trail comes alive with hikers, from beginners to advanced. The Connecticut River Byway, a 140-mile highway that cuts through Hanover, is a beautiful sight during the fall as the White Mountains change color.
Fun fact? Hanover is just across the Connecticut River from the Vermont headquarters of King Arthur Baking Company, a real treat for visitors that want to visit the factory, take a cooking class and grab a hot treat.
- Population: 15,005
- Median household income: $73,704
- Average commute time: 18.1 minutes
- Walk score: 34
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,890
- Two-bedroom average rent: $2,300
By the Connecticut River and near the Vermont state line, Lebanon is close to Hanover and Dartmouth College. The Packard Hill one-lane-covered bridge is a great spot to see the leaves change in the fall and have a quiet picnic in nature. Create a new tradition by going apple picking at Patch Orchards in the fall.
You can create a weekly routine of going to the farmers’ market right downtown and outdoor concerts in the summer. Opera North is the region’s oldest professional opera company and showcases performances throughout the year.
You can grab a one-bedroom apartment in Lebanon for $1,890 per month on average and witness it yourself.
- Population: 115,462
- Median household income: $62,087
- Average commute time: 24 minutes
- Walk score: 59
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,700
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,900
Rated one of the 100 Best Cities To Live in America, Manchester is a popular gem in New Hampshire. Once a historic mill town, Manchester has museums, affordable rents and many outdoor opportunities available if you choose to make it your home base.
The Currier Museum of Art has many modern art pieces on display, including Picasso and Monet, for those with an artistic eye. Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Zimmerman House, the only one of the iconic architect’s homes open to the public in New England.
Take a kayak down Lake Massabesic to explore and learn the history of the local Native American tribe, or head for the hills at McIntyre Ski Area.
- Population: 91,124
- Median household income: $73,785
- Average commute time: 26.1 minutes
- Walk score: 54
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,637
- Two-bedroom average rent: $2,075
Picnics, skiing, kayaking, snowshoeing — Nashua has a little bit of everything if you’re an outdoorsy person. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for $1,650 per month on average and head to Mine Falls Park to view waterfalls, hike and go mountain biking on the weekends.
If you’re more of a nature walker, visit Nashua River Rail Trail for beautiful trails and optimal bird and wildlife watching. You can also view endangered fish species at the Nashua National Fish Hatchery.
Right downtown, stop by the Nashua Manufacturing Company district and explore the area’s history before grabbing a beer at White Birch Brewing.
- Population: 22,277
- Median household income: $78,712
- Average commute time: 23 minutes
- Walk score: 53
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,800
- Two-bedroom average rent: $2,900
When you arrive in Portsmouth, you’ll be surprised by how preserved the city is despite its growth. Portsmouth started as a small port city in the 1600s as one of the most important ports of the Colonial Era. Nowadays, you can see a preserved neighborhood in the Strawbery Banke Museum, with their original furnishings and homes.
Market Square has small galleries, boutiques and shops with local artists and wares. The North Church and Prescott Park are nearby with beautiful garden grounds, perfect to spend warm days.
Portsmouth is also a short skip to Boston — only one hour away — if you find the need to commute. You can get a one-bedroom apartment for $1,800 per month on average.
- Population: 32,869
- Median household income: $66,831
- Average commute time: 27.8 minutes
- Walk score: 23
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,020
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,150
Rochester, known as the Lilac City, blooms beautifully in the spring. Enjoy the blooms by visiting Bedrock Gardens in the spring. Right along Main Street, families can access walking trails, summer concerts, playgrounds and more on the weekends.
The city is very affordable at $1,020 per month on average for a one-bedroom apartment. Opportunities for art and culture on the weekends include Rochester Opera House, Rochester Museum of Fine Arts and Rochester Performance and Arts Center.
Take a break by Sunrise Lake at the end of the week — perfect for paddling and fishing.
Find your own best place to live in New Hampshire
The gem of New England, New Hampshire has a lot to offer if you’re looking for a family-friendly location with outdoor opportunities and a growing community. You can ski and see moose and black bears and still have access to great schools and low unemployment rates.
Start exploring and find the best place for you to live in New Hampshire.
Rent prices are based on an average from Rent.com’s multifamily rental property inventory as of June 2022.
Other demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
Source: rent.com