When someone asks, “Is New Hampshire a good place to live?” It’s not a rhetorical question. In recent years, many people (especially from Massachusetts) have begun making the move north of the border, seeking a different quality of life. 

As we’ll see, the shift isn’t just about scenery or nostalgia: taxes, cost of living, community character, and lifestyle all factor in. In this blog, I’ll explore the many reasons people are choosing New Hampshire vs Massachusetts as their preferred home state.

Tax Advantages

The tax environment is one of the most oft-cited reasons for relocating to New Hampshire. In Massachusetts, state income taxes, sales taxes, and other levies bite into income and spending. In contrast, New Hampshire offers a markedly more favorable tax situation, though not without tradeoffs.

No Income Tax or Sales Tax 

New Hampshire is one of the few states in the U.S. that does not impose a broad-based state income tax on wages or a general sales tax on goods and services. This means that, for many residents, their take-home income goes further. For high earners, retirees, and business owners, this can be particularly attractive.

By contrast, Massachusetts imposes both income tax and sales tax, which can erode disposable income. When you compare the states, many movers find the tax savings in New Hampshire compelling.

Cost of Living 

Taxes matter, but the day-to-day cost of living and housing often make or break a relocation decision. In comparing New Hampshire vs Massachusetts, many metrics tip in favor of New Hampshire, especially when you factor in housing.

Lower Housing Costs

In many parts of New Hampshire, you can find significantly more affordable housing than equivalent properties in Massachusetts, especially near the Boston area. According to comparative data, housing costs in Massachusetts tend to run about 11 % higher than in New Hampshire.

If you look more directly at metro comparisons, the difference becomes stark. For instance, the cost of living in Boston is estimated to be around 36.3 % higher than in Manchester, NH. Rent in Boston’s city center vs Manchester shows even greater relative disparity.

These differences mean that relocation from a Massachusetts location (especially closer to the Boston area) to New Hampshire often results in real savings or more housing for the same budget.

Lower Costs for Daily Expenses 

Beyond housing, other categories, such as groceries, transportation, and utilities, also tend to be somewhat lower in New Hampshire. For example, Massachusetts grocery costs tend to be around 4 % greater, and transportation costs are often 9 % higher. Likewise, childcare costs in Massachusetts can be substantially higher than in New Hampshire.

Quality of Life & Environment

The decision to move is seldom only financial. Many people are seeking a better daily quality of life, more connection to nature, and a less frenetic pace. Here, New Hampshire offers a lot.

Scenic Landscapes & Outdoor Access

One of New Hampshire’s greatest assets is its natural beauty: mountains, lakes, forests, and a small coastline. This makes it ideal for outdoor lovers, skiing, hiking, boating, snowmobiling, fall foliage viewing, and more. Many people moving from Massachusetts cite the natural environment as one of their top reasons. In fact, a University of New Hampshire (UNH) study found that while many assume tax advantages would top the list, the natural environment is often a primary driver.

Safety, Low Crime & Community Feel

New Hampshire ranks among the states with low crime and incarceration rates. For many families, that is a powerful pull. Smaller towns and rural areas often have close-knit communities where people feel they know their neighbors and public spaces are safer.

Moreover, New Hampshire’s overall quality-of-life ranking is high. According to state rankings, NH is among the top U.S. states for quality of life, lowest poverty and food insecurity, and strong environmental and safety metrics.

Fewer Natural Disasters & Environmental Risks

From a geographic standpoint, New Hampshire is at lower risk for certain disasters compared to coastal Massachusetts areas. For example, NH is considered relatively safe from hurricanes, large tornadoes, wildfires, and major earthquake zones, which can be reassuring for homeowners.

Proximity, Commute & Regional Ties

One reason many Massachusetts residents consider New Hampshire is its convenience: parts of New Hampshire lie within commuting distance of the Greater Boston region. For example, towns in southern New Hampshire, such as Nashua, Salem, or Derry, are frequently chosen by people who still want access to Massachusetts’s job market while enjoying living in New Hampshire. In the “New Hampshire vs. Massachusetts” debate, that balance is often key.

Suppose you can live in New Hampshire but commute to work or maintain business ties in Massachusetts. In that case, you can enjoy a more favorable tax structure and a more relaxed quality of life without completely severing your access to MA’s infrastructure and economy.

However, this commuting possibility only works for some people. For others, moving further out into more rural NH means losing that proximity advantage, which comes with tradeoffs in travel time, snow-related challenges, and infrastructure (roads, public transit).

Limited Public Transit & Infrastructure in Rural Areas

Outside of the larger towns or regions of NH, public transit is sparse. A car is almost necessary in many rural areas just to get around. Some smaller communities may lack robust infrastructure, high-speed internet, or proximity to amenities.

Housing Tightness and Cost in Certain NH Regions

While many parts of New Hampshire are more affordable, specific areas, especially near the southern border or in high-demand towns, have seen housing prices rise and vacancy rates drop. If you aim to live too close to the Massachusetts border to preserve commuting convenience, you may compete for higher housing prices in desirable towns.

Is New Hampshire a Good Place to Live

Given all these factors, how should one answer whether New Hampshire is a good place to live? The truth is: it depends. But for a lot of people, New Hampshire offers a compelling mix, especially when compared with Massachusetts. Let’s lay out some broad conclusions:

Strengths

• Tax advantages are real: no state income tax and no general sales tax, which can free up cash flow.
• Lower cost of living in many categories, especially housing, when compared to metropolitan Massachusetts areas.
• High quality of life, natural beauty, safety, and a strong community feel.
• Proximity opportunities if you’re near the border and want to maintain ties to MA’s job market.

Weaknesses & Risks

• High property taxes may offset some of those tax savings, depending on location.
• Harsh winters and seasonal costs weigh heavily on those unused to cold climates.
• Employment limitations (depending on the field) may restrict opportunities.
• Infrastructure and amenities vary, especially in rural places.
• Rising housing demand near the border may push up prices in desirable NH towns.

Tips for a Smooth Move

If you’re seriously considering relocating from Massachusetts to New Hampshire, here are a few practical tips:

• Do municipality-level research. Don’t just compare states,  examine the tax rates, school quality, municipal services, and property assessments in specific towns you’re interested in.
• Run commute and job feasibility scenarios. If you aim to keep some ties to MA, test drive the commute or evaluate remote/hybrid job options.
• Budget for winters. Heating, snow removal, and winter maintenance costs tend to balloon for newcomers.
• Get multiple moving quotes. Mainly, since cross-border moves might involve different regulations or logistics.
• Use reliable New Hampshire movers to reduce stress. When moving across state lines, you want a company that knows the regulations, is licensed and insured, and is familiar with both departure and arrival states.

Why So Many Are Calling New Hampshire Home

So, is New Hampshire a good place to live? The answer is ‘ yes ‘ for many people, especially those from Massachusetts. It’s a place where tax relief, a strong quality of life, and access to nature align with the potential for cost savings and a less crowded lifestyle.

Yet it’s not perfect, and it won’t suit everyone. The upsides come with tradeoffs: winters, job considerations, property taxes, and infrastructure variability. The key is making an informed, place-specific choice, not just a state-level one.

If you’re seriously considering the move, I’d be happy to help you compare specific towns (e.g. Nashua, Concord, Portsmouth, etc.), run a cost-of-living breakdown for your current salary, or even help you hire reliable New Hampshire movers in your area. Just say the word. Whether you’re moving across state lines or just down the road, our team handles every detail carefully, from packing and loading to transportation and setup. We understand that every move is unique, offering tailored solutions to fit your timeline and budget.