Table of Contents
Pros of Living in New Hampshire
Close Proximity to Boston
New Hampshire is a small state, and no matter which end you live at, you are always close to Boston. People, especially those living in the northern region of New Hampshire, benefit greatly from the neighboring city.
Boston is a city with better employment opportunities with better salaries than New Hampshire but has a high cost of living. So people live here and commute to Boston for work. Besides, they reap the benefits of better facilities in Boston while living in New Hampshire.
Abundance of Nature
If you're a nature lover, New Hampshire has a lot to offer you. This state has an abundance of landscapes, similar to the New England region. There is a lot to explore, from a range of mountains, lakes, and forests to the Atlantic coast. Besides, much of the landscape is developed for recreational activities, including hiking, snowmobiling, and skiing.
A major attraction in New Hampshire is Mount Washington. This is the highest peak in New Hampshire, and the best part is that you don't have to stress your legs to get to the top. You can reach the top by train. Also, if the horizon is clear, you can see five surrounding states, the Atlantic Ocean, and Canada.
No Sales Tax
New Hampshire is one of five states that does not have sales tax. Other states are Montana, Oregon, Delaware, and Alaska. Due to the absence of the sales tax, you can easily find a home here, and the cost of living decreases significantly.
This is another reason why people live here while they work in Boston. You can enjoy a great life when you save so much money by not having to pay sales tax. People generally prefer living in New Hampshire despite its lack of transport because the absence of sales tax allows them to spend that money on vehicles and gas.
Excellent Educational Facilities
You can take your kids' education off your worry list and live a peaceful retired life here. Ranking fourth in the Pre-K to 12 categories, New Hampshire has one of the best schooling systems in the country.
There are abundant affordable and excellent public schools in most towns of this state. On the other hand, you can find pretty decent and popular private schools in New Hampshire.
Philip Exeter Academy is one of the oldest and most highly regarded private schools in the United States. Besides, your kids have the opportunity to secure a seat in Dartmouth, a prestigious IVY League college of the state.
The educational system here is built around questioning, self-reflecting, and improving rather than following the trend. This helps the mind of youngsters open to multiple possibilities and a thriving future.
Low Crime Levels
You can spend a peaceful life in New Hampshire, knowing it is one of the safest states in the US. This state has a below-average crime rate when compared to other states. Only 1.45 incidents are recorded per 1000 residents in New Hampshire. In comparison, the average crime rate across the US is 4.49 per 1000 residents. The property crime rate has also reduced from 13.94 in 2019 to 10.90 in 2021 per 1000 properties. This is also half the average crime rate of the US, which is 27.11 per 1000 properties.
Safety is a big concern for residents of any age group. However, you want to spend your retired life safe and sound with your family, and New Hampshire provides you with a safe environment without a doubt.
Rich Historic Culture
The state is full of history and rich culture. If you often find yourself looking for authenticity, New Hampshire has some interesting things to offer you. It has some eye-catching antique architecture in some towns and cities, as New Hampshire is one of the 13 original colonies in the US. It is also the first state to have its own constitution.
The Abraham Lincoln Walking Tour, Exeter, Fort Constitution, Portsmouth, Turkey Pond, Concord are a few of the places that add great historical value to the state. Besides, the people here make a great community with some intense and jolly old traditions that all residents follow.
Nashua Is One of the Best Places to Live In the Country
Nashua is often regarded as one of the best places to live in the US. It is highly populated by people who work in Boston as it is only one hour away. As a retired person, you might find Nashua the best choice to live in because it is racially diverse and a small town, so it is quieter than the large and highly developed cities.
It is mostly ranked in the top 20 towns to live in the US, but it claimed the first spot consecutively in 1997 and 1998.
Moreover, Nashua sees a colorful year with four full seasons. The spring and fall here are a time to witness. People living in Nashua rave about the town's charming atmosphere with several parks, microbreweries, a great neighborhood, and recreational activities.
Affordable Housing
Since your bank is not rolling in as much money as it was before, it is obvious that you will look for affordable housing opportunities. If you retire in New Hampshire, owning a property is not something you need to stress over. Almost anyone can afford a property in New Hampshire.
Berlin is one of the cheapest places in New Hampshire. The property tax here is less than half compared to the rest of the state. You can easily find a nice property within $50,000, and the annual mortgage is also $4,200.
Access to the Atlantic Ocean
New Hampshire shares its coast with the Atlantic Ocean, which is a major attraction for people who want to reside in this state. This adds to the diversity that the state has to offer.
You can head to the beach for a change and experience the benefits that come with it. Although the fishing industry is not huge, the coast allows a huge potential for the fishing industry to grow, and individuals can also take advantage of it. But the variety of seafood is a treat in New Hampshire due to the coast.
The water is serene but stays cold throughout the year. You can enjoy living by the sea if you have enough financial resources. You can get all scales of condos, ranging from $300,000 to $900,000. However, the Historic District Commission has imposed laws and restrictions on construction to preserve the lifestyle and nature.
Cons of Living in New Hampshire
Winters are Brutal
If you are not a fan of snow and extreme cold, living in New Hampshire might not be the best idea. Winners in New Hampshire last up to four months, and the peak season can be harsh and intolerable for some people. However, the cold nature of this state doesn't require people to install air conditions in their homes, reducing the electricity bill.
On the downside, the few extreme weeks in peak summer can be hot and humid. In this season, New Hampshire experiences an increase in bugs and mosquitoes, and the lack of ventilation in homes doesn't help either. You will find bug screens in most houses in this state to keep the bugs and mosquitoes from inhabiting indoors.
High Property Tax
If you think living in New Hampshire is cheap because there is no sales tax and income tax, you might want to think again. With the absence of two major tax sources, the state government makes their revenue from the high property taxes. Living in exclusive areas such as near the University of New Hampshire can result in $7,000 property tax annually.
New Hampshire has the fourth-highest property tax rate in the United States. The average annual property tax in this state amounts to $5,768 — a significant amount going out of your savings.
Lack of Diverse Culture
Despite having a rich cultural background, New Hampshire lacks diversity in its activities and experiences. The restaurants are limited to an American style. There is a lack of ethnic culture, and the more you explore the state, the more you will feel a repeated pattern despite the change in towns and cities.
The little diversity you might find will be at the coast, and they are mainly tourist attractions. However, there's nothing different once you drive off the coast. Residents of New Hampshire often head to Boston for a diverse cultural experience.
Lack of Public Transport
Considering your transportation needs will play a big role if you decide to retire in New Hampshire. There is little to no public transport in most areas of the state. Your best shot at getting decent public transport is in Manchester and Concord. These cities have an inbound bus system, but you will need your own vehicle to travel inter-city.
To travel within the New England region, you can catch a train from Boston. But you will struggle to get to the point without proper transport facilities. Having a car is more of a need in New Hampshire. If you do not have one, perhaps you might want to get a car first or consider another state altogether.
High Traffic in the Summer
The serenity and quietness of New Hampshire can be overwhelming for its residents, but it is a getaway for the people of neighboring states. People from Boston and other busy cities surrounding the state come here to get away from the bustling, fast-paced city life.
This inflow of tourists usually peaks in the summers, increasing the traffic greatly. So if you are considering retiring in New Hampshire for its calm and quiet nature, keep in mind the noise and traffic you will face in the summers.
Retiring in New Hampshire seems like a pretty good choice. The state can be the right place for you if you can manage its highly considerable cons, including high property taxes, lack of public transport, and lack of diverse culture.
The extreme winter season is also an important factor to consider. On the bright side, the benefits of retiring in New Hampshire are evidently more than its downside. You can save a lot of money due to the absence of sales tax. Moreover, affordable property is an advantage when you're deciding to settle down after retirement.
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