People are moving to New Hampshire in record numbers. More residents move into the state each year than leave it. And those who arrive tend to stay.
New Hampshire’s population reached 1,409,032 in July 2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. The state gained 31,500 residents since the 2020 Census. All of that growth came from migration. Deaths have outnumbered births every year since 2017, which means every bit of population growth is people choosing to be here.
Nine of the state’s ten counties gained population between 2020 and 2024. Only Coos County, the northernmost and most rural, saw a small decline.
Job Opportunities Driving Migration
New Hampshire had the highest population growth of any state in New England. Some assume that growth comes from birth rates. It does not.
The state recorded 9,200 more deaths than births between 2020 and 2024. The entire population increase came from domestic and international migration. About 79% of net migration came from people moving in from other states. The remaining 21% came from international arrivals.
That pattern creates real job demand. Employers need workers. The state’s unemployment rate consistently runs below the national average, and sectors like healthcare, tech, and manufacturing are hiring. If you are relocating for work, New Hampshire’s labor market works in your favor.
Reasons People Are Moving to New Hampshire
Several factors pull people toward the Granite State. Here are the biggest ones.
Quality of Life
New Hampshire residents report a very high quality of life. According to national quality of life indicators, New Hampshire ranks near the top three states year after year.
The state offers lakes, rivers, ocean beaches, and mountains within short drives of each other. You get all four seasons. A recent survey of college students found that 94% planned to stay in New Hampshire permanently after graduation. That kind of retention says something.
No Income or Sales Tax
New Hampshire has no state income tax and no sales tax. For people relocating from high-tax states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, or California, the savings are immediate and significant.
There is a catch. Property taxes in New Hampshire rank among the highest in the country. The average effective rate is roughly $17 per $1,000 of assessed value. That means a home assessed at $400,000 carries about $6,800 in annual property taxes. Factor this into your budget before you move.
Still, for many households, the combination of zero income tax and zero sales tax more than offsets the property tax burden, especially for higher earners.
Cost of Living and Housing in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is not a cheap state. The median price for a single-family home hit $535,000 in 2025, according to the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute. That figure has risen about 78% since 2019.
A household would need an income of roughly $158,000 to purchase a median-priced home without becoming cost-burdened. The median household income in New Hampshire sits near $100,000, which is about 21% above the national average.
The upside: New Hampshire still costs less than Massachusetts for housing. And average household incomes here run higher than in Vermont or Maine. The math works best for remote workers earning salaries set in Boston, New York, or other expensive metro areas.
If you are planning a residential move to New Hampshire, start your home search early. Inventory remains tight, and homes sell fast.
Top-Ranked Public Schools
Families relocating with children should know this: New Hampshire has the fifth-best public school system in the country. The state ranks fourth for school quality and has the fourth-highest reading test scores nationally.
The pupil-to-teacher ratio is about 12 to 1, well below the national average. Top-rated districts include Hanover, Hollis-Brookline, Bedford, Amherst, and Exeter.
Access to strong schools is one of the top reasons families choose New Hampshire over neighboring states. The state also hosts 22 colleges and universities, including UNH, Dartmouth, and Keene State.
Low Crime Rate
If safety matters to you, New Hampshire delivers. About 80% of residents report feeling safe where they live, compared to 55% of Americans overall. The state ranks second for the lowest violent crime rates in the nation.
Small-town living, tight-knit communities, and a relatively low population density all contribute to that safety record.
Younger, Educated Population
New Hampshire used to be known for an older population. That is changing. Many new residents are college-educated and in their 20s or 30s.
About half of the state’s population was born elsewhere. A large share are former college students who attended UNH, Dartmouth, Plymouth State, or other schools and chose to stay. The state’s median age is 43, which trends older than the national median, but the migration pipeline brings in younger workers every year.
Natural Environment
New Hampshire is known for its natural communities, from alpine meadows and forests to tidal marshes, riverbanks, and rocky cliffs.
Top outdoor destinations include the White Mountains, Hampton Beach, Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, Sculptured Rocks Natural Area, Lake Umbagog, Pemigewasset Wilderness, and Mount Major. If you prefer water, the Lakes Region and seacoast offer boating, fishing, and beach access from spring through fall.
Minimal Natural Disaster Risk
Many parts of the United States deal with earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, or wildfires on a regular basis. New Hampshire does not.
The state sees occasional blizzards and nor’easters in winter, but it avoids the consistent, severe natural disasters that plague other regions. For people relocating from hurricane-prone Florida or wildfire-prone California, this is a real draw.
Tons of Family-Friendly Attractions
Beyond the outdoors, New Hampshire has plenty of family activities. Story Land, Santa’s Village, Canobie Lake Park, Hobo Railroad, Alpine Adventures, the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, and Charmingfare Farm all draw visitors and residents alike.
The state also has a strong restaurant scene, craft breweries, farmers markets, and seasonal festivals throughout the year.
Best Places to Live in New Hampshire
Where you land matters. Here are some of the most popular areas for people relocating to the state.
- Nashua is the second-largest city and sits right on the Massachusetts border. It offers strong schools, low crime, and easy access to Boston for commuters.
- Manchester is the largest city and the state’s economic hub. It has a growing downtown, regional airport, and diverse job market.
- Concord is the state capital. It is quieter than Manchester but offers a walkable downtown, government jobs, and good schools.
- Portsmouth is a coastal city with a historic downtown, arts scene, and proximity to beaches.
- Bedford and Hollis are smaller towns known for top-rated school districts and a suburban feel.
- Merrimack is popular with families and has a mix of employers including Fidelity Investments.
- Hudson and Amherst offer rural character with easy highway access to southern NH job centers.
The right town depends on your priorities: commute, school district, walkability, or acreage. Get a free moving estimate to start planning your relocation.
Moving to NH from Another State
Many people relocating to New Hampshire come from specific states. Here is what to expect.
Moving from Massachusetts to New Hampshire
This is the most common route. People move north to escape Massachusetts income tax (currently 5%) and high housing costs. Southern NH towns like Nashua, Salem, and Londonderry put you within commuting distance of Boston. If you work remotely, you save even more.
The tradeoff: New Hampshire property taxes run higher than in most MA towns. Do the full tax comparison before you commit.
Need help with a local or long-distance move from MA? College Bound Movers handles this route regularly.
Moving from California to New Hampshire
Cross-country moves from California to New Hampshire have increased since 2020. Remote work made it possible. The appeal is obvious: dramatically lower housing costs, no state income tax, and a pace of life that feels manageable.
Expect culture shock around weather. New Hampshire winters are real, with snow from November through March. The restaurant and nightlife scene is smaller. But the tradeoffs attract people who want financial breathing room and access to nature.
For cross-country relocations, work with a mover experienced in long-distance logistics.
Moving from Florida to New Hampshire
Florida transplants often cite overcrowding, hurricane risk, and rising insurance costs as reasons to leave. New Hampshire offers cooler summers, four distinct seasons, and a more stable insurance market.
Be prepared for higher heating costs in winter and a shorter outdoor season. But for families prioritizing schools and safety, the move makes sense.
What to Know Before You Move to New Hampshire
No state is perfect. Here are the honest drawbacks.
- Property taxes are high. Without income or sales tax revenue, local governments lean on property taxes. Budget for this.
- Housing inventory is tight. The state needs more homes. Competition is stiff, especially in southern NH.
- Winters are long. Snow starts in November and can last into April. Heating costs add up. If you hate cold weather, think carefully.
- Limited public transit. Outside Manchester and Nashua, you need a car. There is no commuter rail to Boston from NH yet, though it has been discussed for years.
- Rural areas can feel isolated. Northern NH offers beauty and solitude, but services, dining, and healthcare options thin out above the Lakes Region.
Knowing these realities upfront helps you choose the right town, set the right budget, and avoid surprises after you arrive. Read our guide on how to downsize your home before a move if you are coming from a larger property.
Ready to Move to New Hampshire?
If you are planning a move in or around New Hampshire, contact College Bound Movers. We offer residential and commercial moving services for both local and long-distance relocations.
Our trained crew handles everything from packing to transport. Get a free estimate and find out why families across New England trust College Bound Movers with their move.
