Nearly 39,700 people relocated to New Hampshire last year—and it’s easy to see why. The Granite State ranked #2 best state to move to in 2024 for its strong economy and high safety score. Plus, with a goal of adding 42,000 new jobs by 2032, it’s a place full of opportunities.
Additionally, with plenty of outdoor activities, from skiing in the winter to boating and fishing in the summer, there is never a dull moment here. This blog is a step-by-step guide for moving to New Hampshire. Follow along, and you’ll be settled in no time.
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AT A GLANCE:
- Nearly 39,700 people relocated to New Hampshire last year.
- The state ranked #2 best place to move to in 2024, thanks to its strong economy and high safety scores.
- The state added over 35,000 new jobs last year and aims to add 42,000 more by the end of 2032.
- New Hampshire has no income tax and sales tax, plus low business taxes and great incentives for companies creating jobs.
- The cost of living is about 12% above the national average, but it’s still more affordable than neighboring states like Massachusetts and New York.
- If you love the outdoors, New Hampshire’s got you covered with skiing, boating, hiking, and all four seasons to enjoy.
4 Reasons to Move to New Hampshire
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in New Hampshire, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Tax Benefits
New Hampshire has favorable tax policies. It has no state income tax on wages and no sales tax, allowing individuals and families to keep more of their income. Additionally, residents benefit from the absence of estate or inheritance tax.
For business owners, there is no tax on capital gains, and the tax on business profits is low. Plus, powerful state incentives like the Economic Revitalization Zone (ERZ) tax credit offer up to $200K in tax credits over five years to businesses that create new jobs.
2. Top-Notch Education
New Hampshire serves over 177K students with 314 school districts across the state. Top districts in the state include Hanover and Bedford. The state is also home to top institutions like Dartmouth College, the University of New Hampshire, and Plymouth State University.
Additionally, there are several state-sponsored financial aid programs to make education accessible to everyone. These programs include the Leveraged Incentive Grant, which offers financial assistance, and the CATS Scholarships to help students cover tuition costs.
3. Employment Opportunities
New Hampshire has a robust economy with over 35,000 new job openings in various sectors. Fastest-growing sectors include healthcare, tech, professional services, and construction. New Hampshire aims to add 42,000 new jobs by the end of 2032.
To support this growth, New Hampshire offers strong incentives to job creators. This includes state grants and a supportive startup ecosystem, particularly in tech and biotech. This makes it an attractive place for those looking to relocate for new opportunities.
4. Climate in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has a humid continental climate. The summers are usually warm and humid, while winters are cold and snowy. The average temperature in the state ranges between 53°F-83°F in summer and -8°F-33°F during winter.
However, the state is also prone to extreme weather, including nor’easters, heavy snowstorms, and occasional flooding. New residents should check FEMA-designated risk zones and guidelines in their cities before moving to New Hampshire.
Pros and Cons of Living in New Hampshire
Here are the key drawbacks and benefits of living in New Hampshire:
| ✔️ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. New Hampshire has zero income and sales tax, saving residents thousands annually. | 1. Property taxes in the state are among the highest in the country. |
| 2. New Hampshire ranks among the safest states and offers excellent healthcare and education. | 2. Transportation options are sparse outside of big cities. Owning a car is necessary in New Hampshire. |
| 3. The state is home to the White Mountains, lakes, and coastal areas—ideal for year-round outdoor recreation. | 3. Long, snowy winters can be challenging, especially in northern and mountain areas. |
| 4. New Hampshire ranks #2 among the cleanest states with very low air and water pollution. | 4. Rural areas often feel disconnected with fewer amenities and job opportunities. |
Things to Know Before Moving to New Hampshire ✅
- Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License: After moving to NH, you must register your vehicles and obtain an NH driver’s license within 60 days. For the registration, you will need an ID, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and a valid out-of-state license.
- Pet Regulations: Pets like dogs, cats, and ferrets need a health certificate issued within 14 days of entry into the state. However, exotic pets are generally banned in the state.
- Recreational Marijuana: Marijuana for recreational purposes is decriminalized, but it’s still illegal. Possession can result in a $100-$350 fine and jail time.
- Gun Carrying Laws: New Hampshire allows permitless open and concealed carry for legal adults aged 18 and above. Though acquiring a permit is optional in the state, it’s useful when you travel to another state.
Cost of Living in New Hampshire
The cost of living in New Hampshire is 12% above the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to states like Massachusetts and New York, where living costs are 46% and 30% above the national average.
However, rural areas or smaller cities like Claremont and Berlin still offer a significantly lower cost of living. Plus, friendly tax policies in the state help offset the impact of a higher cost of living.
How to Move to New Hampshire?
Here is the step-by-step guide to make your relocation to New Hampshire seamless:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you want a hassle-free transition and you are going all-in with professional movers, Granite State movers cost around $178 per hour[3]. However, this rate depends on the size of your belongings and the distance you are traveling.
- On the other hand, if you want to do it yourself, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day[4].
2. How to Set Up Electricity, Water, and Internet?
Begin setting up your utilities in advance, as the process can take 3-4 weeks:
- Electricity and Gas: For electricity and gas, your provider depends on your location. Common suppliers include Eversource, Liberty Utilities, and Unitil. Visit your city or town website to confirm the provider and start the service.
- Water & Sewer: These services are mostly managed by the local municipality utility departments. Check your city or town’s official website for contact info and service start procedures.
- Internet and Cable: Major providers in NH include Consolidated Communications, Spectrum, and VTel. Scheduling installation 2-3 weeks ahead is recommended to ensure timely setup. You can visit their respective websites to check the availability in your city.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
Most of the schools in New Hampshire offer online registration. Just visit your local school district’s website to get started. Here is how the process generally works:
- Kindergarten and First Grade: Your child must be at least 5 years old for kindergarten or 6 for the first grade by September 30th. You’ll need a birth certificate, immunization records, proof of residency, and a photo ID for enrollment.
- For Older Students: For older kids, in addition to the documents mentioned above, you will also need academic transcripts and withdrawal documents from the previous school for middle and high schoolers.
- Transfer & Special Cases: Transfers between districts are handled by local school boards. Contact your local school district directly for more information on transfers.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- For a Work From Home Job: If you work remotely and are moving to New Hampshire, ask your employer about the state-specific tax and employment rules.
- Find a New Job: New Hampshire’s economy is growing, especially in healthcare, tech, and manufacturing sectors. Check job listings on NH Employment Security, Indeed, or LinkedIn. Networking locally can also help you find a new job.
5. How to Find a Perfect House?
The New Hampshire housing market leans in favor of buyers. Over 15.8% of the listed homes have experienced price drops, and inventory has increased by 6%. This gives buyers more negotiating power to secure better deals.
- In popular cities like Manchester, Nashua, and Portsmouth, the average rent ranges between $180-$4,000[2], depending on the location and amenities.
- If you plan to buy a house in a popular city, on average, homes for sale in Manchester cost around $440K[2]. On the other hand, inland cities like Berlin and Claremont offer affordable options with median housing costs of $192K[2] and $274K[2], respectively.
Should I Move to New Hampshire?
Yes, you should definitely move to New Hampshire. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, moving to New Hampshire isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, New Hampshire’s best home-buying website, buying a house in New Hampshire is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
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Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to New Hampshire, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent in New Hampshire
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to New Hampshire, long before the moving boxes are packed.
