The 20 Best Places to Live in New Hampshire
In each state, some places are ranked as the best places to live, and locations that are considered the worst places to live. Several factors contribute to these rankings. These include safety, schools, outdoor activities, diversity, house prices, living costs, and leisure activities.
Some people want to live in areas that score highly in only one of these areas, but others want to live in an area that ranks highly in all categories. This means that what some people consider as the best places to live will not necessarily suit another. Taking a combination of these factors into consideration, the following are the 20 best places to live in New Hampshire in 2019.
20. Hopkinton
The Crazy Tourist ranks Hopkinton in the top 20 places to live in New Hampshire. This is a small town with a population of around 5,000, and it has a rural feel. It is a great place for families to live with lots of outdoor activities to enjoy and virtually no crime. Some houses are at the higher end of the property market, but it is possible to get a four-bedroom house for under $250,000.
19. Mont Vernon
Mont Vernon is a very rural area and it has a population of under three thousand people. Renting is unusual in this town as around 96 percent of the residents own their own homes. Those looking to buy a property in the area will find that they have an ample choice, as the houses on the market vary in size, style, and price. It is great for family life as there are amazing schools in this area, and there are lots of outdoor activities to enjoy. On the other hand, commuting is an issue due to its rural location, and there are few job opportunities in this location.
18. Stratham
There is a community of under eight thousand people in Stratham, and it is an affluent neighborhood. Stratham Memorial High School is one of the top public schools in the state, so it is a good option for families. The area is very safe as the crime rates are low, and there is a strong sense of community.
17. Windham
Quality housing, low crime rates, and good schools are some of the key features of this neighborhood that make it a great place to live. This suburb has a population of just over 14 thousand, and it is within easy traveling distance of Boston with plenty of commuting options. This makes it popular with both families and young professionals who want to take advantage of the jobs and amenities of the city while enjoying the quieter and more relaxed life that living in a suburb offers.
16. Greenland
Greenland is one of the most desirable places to live in New Hampshire, and it is located in the Bayside area. Housing is diverse as there are affordable options and properties at the top end of the scale for those who want to invest in an impressive family home. The waterfront location is something that appeals to many people, and the crime rates in the area are low. The negative of this location is the lack of diversity.
15. Lee
Located in Strafford County, Lee is a small town with a population under 5,000. Niche rates it as one of the best places to live in New Hampshire as it rates highly in many categories. To begin with the downsides of the area, there is not much nightlife and there is a high cost of living. These negatives are far outweighed by the many positives of the area. There are excellent schools, crime rates are low, the housing options are diverse, and employment opportunities are good. There are also lots of outdoor activities to enjoy in this location.
14. Madbury
Although this is a village with a tiny population of under two thousand, the community is diverse. There are good leisure options in this area, and commuting is easy. This means that Madbury appeals to young professionals, families, and retirees alike.
13. Hollis
Just east of Nashua is the rural town of Hollis, which has a population of under eight thousand people. The market for renters is very competitive as more than 92 percent of the residents own their own homes. The quality of the homes in Hollis is excellent, but this means that they do not stay on the market for long. The area has low crime rates and offers a slower pace of life. It is popular among business owners and affluent retirees due to the cost of living.
12. Amherst
For families looking for somewhere to live in New Hampshire, Niche says that Amherst is one of the best options. This small town has a population of under 12,000, and it is located in Hillsborough County. It is good for families because of the small community, the excellent schools, the low crime rates, and the parks. There are also good housing options and a range of leisure activities. On the downside, this area is not very diverse, and it will not suit people who enjoy a lively nightlife.
11. Bedford
One of the best places to raise a family, Bedford in Hillsborough County has a lot going for it as a place to live. This suburban area has the feeling of a small community, but still has plenty of amenities and leisure options. It is close to Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, and there are lots of commuting possibilities. It is also within driving distance of Boston. This means it is a good area to live for those that want to work in the city but live somewhere less urban.
10. Nashua
If you want to live in an urban environment close to plenty of amenities, then Nashua is probably a good choice for you. This city is located in southern New Hampshire along the Nashua River. Despite the urban environment, this city boasts some fantastic outdoor spaces, such as Greeley Park. It is the second-largest city in the state with a population of almost 88 thousand. This is a diverse city with good job opportunities, low crime rates, and great housing options. It also ranks highly in terms of education.
9. Dover
Located in Strafford County, this city has a population of around 30 thousand, so it is the largest city in the New Hampshire Seacoast region. As it is an urban location, there are plenty of amenities and leisure activities, including a vibrant nightlife. There are also great job opportunities and commuting around the city and beyond is easy. Both housing options and education are highly rated in Dover, and it is a reasonably diverse and affordable place to live.
8. South Hooksett
With a population under six thousand, South Hookset is a smaller community. The crime rates are exceptionally low, so it is a very safe place to live. Despite being a smaller community, its location means that commuting is easy and that there are many employment opportunities in the surrounding area. There are plenty of amenities for the convenience of the residents. It is also a good place to live in terms of local schools and housing. It is a relatively affordable place to live, but it is not a very diverse community.
7. Milford
Milford is a town in Hillsborough County in New Hampshire, and it is situated on the Souhegan River. It is the center of a manufacturing and retail area that consists of six towns. This means that it is a great place to live for those looking for employment opportunities in retail and manufacturing. This is a smaller town with a population of just over 15 thousand people, so it still has a good community feel. The range of housing available and the quality of the education options are also excellent. The crime rates are low in this town, so it is a safe place to live. There are many amenities for residents, and the area is relatively diverse. The cost of living is comparable to toher small towns in New Hampshire.
6. Londonderry
Located in western Rockingham County in New Hampshire, Londonderry is a town with a population of over 24 thousand. It is close to Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. This town scores highly for employment opportunities, housing, and education. This means that it appeals to working families as these are the factors that are important to them. It is also one of the most affordable places to live in New Hampshire in terms of the cost of living, and this is something that appeals to people with low or mid-range incomes. Furthermore, the crime rates are low, so it is a safe place to live.
5. Durham
Home Snacks ranks Durham as the fifth best place to live in New Hampshire. The schools in this location are some of the top public schools in New Hampshire, and it is also one of the safest places to live. The housing options and range of amenities are great, and there is a reasonable amount of job opportunities in the area. Commutability is also good, and the area is reasonably diverse. The cost of living is the only downside of this location, but that is often the price you will pay for living in a desirable area.
4. Hampton
Hampton is one of the quietest places in New Hampshire, so it won’t necessarily suit young professionals who want to enjoy a busy social life and lively night scene. However, it is fantastic for people who want a relaxed pace of life, such as young families and retirees. It is also suited to those who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle due to the wide range of outdoor activities in this location. There is a strong community, and it is one of the safest places to live in New Hampshire.
3. Exeter
Exeter is a town in Rockingham County next to Exeter River with a population of just over 14 thousand. There are excellent schools in this area, including the Phillips Exeter Academy. Although the community is not very diverse, there are many other benefits to choosing Exeter as your home. There are lots of amenities and leisure activities in this area, which contribute to an enjoyable lifestyle. Commuting and job opportunities are also good in Exeter. In terms of safety, this is one of the safest towns in which you can live in New Hampshire. The cost of living is about average compared to similar towns in this state.
2. Portsmouth
For families, Portsmouth is a wonderful place to live as there are five schools, all of which hold an A-rating form the government. The crime levels are very low, so it is safe for children to play out outside their homes. There are also some nice outdoor spaces, despite this being an urban area. It has a characterful environment, but it is pricier than many other areas in terms of cost of living. However, you will find that many of the most desirable places are also the most expensive.
1. Hanover
Hanover is considered the best place to live in New Hampshire, says Home Snacks. One reason for this is that it is the safest place to live in the state according to data and statistics from the FBI. However, safety isn’t the only thing that Hanover has going for it as it scores highly in almost every category that relates to the factors that make somewhere a great place to live. The housing options are excellent, and the local public schools are outstanding. Commuting is easy, and there are plenty of job opportunities in the surrounding area. It is an affordable area in which to live, and there are plenty of amenities and leisure options in the area.
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