Best Places to Live in New Hampshire

Portsmouth offers plenty of jobs in healthcare, education, and tourism, with average salaries around $82K. Professionals tend to favor the South End near Congress Street or the West End around Maplewood Avenue. With I-95 and Route 1 nearby, commuting is easy, and Pease International Airport is just minutes away. The city is famous for its historic waterfront streets, incredible dining, and a strong arts scene. Those coastal views and a highly walkable culture easily make Portsmouth one of the best places to live in New Hampshire.

Laconia supports a mix of healthcare, manufacturing, and service jobs, with salaries averaging around $70K. Lakeport and Weirs Beach are the most popular spots for people looking to settle down. Route 106 and Route 3 keep you connected to nearby cities, and the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is about an hour away. The city is famous for its lakeside living and boating culture. If you want waterfront access, Laconia is one of the best places to live near Lake Winnipesaukee.

Dover has an economy built on healthcare, education, and retail, with average salaries around $83K. The Downtown area, Garrison Hill, and Silver Street are the most popular places to live. Route 4 and Route 16 make for easy commutes, and Portsmouth International Airport is close by. The city is known for its historic mills and beautiful riverfront parks. The combination of walkability and New England charm makes Dover one of the standout places to live on the Seacoast.

Nashua thrives on tech, defense, and healthcare jobs, with average salaries hitting about $89K. Downtown, the North End, and Crown Hill are the go-to spots for both buyers and renters. Route 3 offers a direct commute into Boston, and the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is close by. The city is well-known for its local breweries, great shopping districts, and overall suburban comfort. Between the career access and the lifestyle balance, Nashua is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live within reach of Boston.

Exeter perfectly blends education, healthcare, and professional jobs, with average salaries near $81K. Downtown Exeter and Linden Street remain in high demand for their classic feel. Route 101 connects you quickly to the seacoast, and Portsmouth International Airport isn't far away. The town is famous for its beautiful historic architecture and as the home of Phillips Exeter Academy. With its walkable streets and deep sense of civic pride, Exeter is one of the best places to live for anyone seeking a calmer lifestyle.

Conway is the place for tourism, retail, and hospitality careers, with average salaries around $59K. Neighborhoods like Kearsarge and the area near Settlers Green off Route 16 are the local favorites. Route 16 connects you to the rest of the region, and the Portland International Jetport is under two hours away. Known as the gateway to the White Mountains, the town is defined by its incredible scenery and outdoor access. It’s easily one of the best places for nature lovers to call home.

Manchester serves as a hub for healthcare, finance, and education, with average salaries near $79K. Popular neighborhoods like the North End, Downtown, and Rimmon Heights draw in a lot of residents. I-93 and I-293 make commuting simple, and you’ve got the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport sitting right nearby. The city is known for its museums, live sports, and active nightlife. That mix of urban energy and solid job access keeps Manchester ranked among the best places to live in the state.

Concord centers its economy on government, healthcare, and insurance, with salaries averaging $73K. The West End and East Concord are the neighborhoods that typically attract the most residents. I-93 and Route 4 make for an easy commute, and the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is just a 30-minute drive. As New Hampshire’s capital, it’s known for its trails and a quiet, charming downtown. That sense of stability and safety is exactly what keeps Concord on the list of the best places to live centrally.

Rochester offers steady jobs in manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics, with average salaries near $73K. Downtown, East Rochester, and the Gonic area are the neighborhoods people flock to most. Route 125 and Route 16 make the daily commute much easier, and Portsmouth International Airport is nearby. The city is really known for its affordability and steady growth over the years. That practical housing value is what places Rochester among the best places to live if you're on a budget.

Berlin provides jobs in healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism, with average salaries around $59K. Notre Dame and Riverside Drive are the popular neighborhood picks here. Route 16 links the city to the rest of the region, though you'll have a longer drive to reach a major airport. The city is famous for its outdoor recreation and direct access to the White Mountains. For those looking for a nature-focused lifestyle and low costs, Berlin is one of the best and most affordable places to live.