34 Best Places to Live in New Hampshire in 2023

The best places to live in New Hampshire boast stunning landscapes, delicious dining options, and rich history — all with a reasonable cost of living. As one of the best places to live in New England, the Granite State is known for its pristine wilderness and strong economy in cities and towns scattered throughout the state.

Ready to make the move? We’ve put together a comprehensive list of all the most beautiful places to live in New Hampshire. Here’s where to get started on your next apartment search.

1. Portsmouth

• Population: 22,713
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $3,950
• Median Household Income: $91,915
• Walk Score (downtown): 91
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 58

As one of the best places to live in New Hampshire, Portsmouth is filled with educational outlets, art festivals, and outdoor recreational fun, all packed into a tightknit community. The area sits along the Piscataqua River and the Atlantic Ocean, attracting newcomers with its waterfront and proximity to nearby beaches in Rye and Hampton. Whether you love food, brews, or art galleries, you can find something to do in this small but mighty town.

2. Londonderry

• Population: 11,645
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,900
• Median Household Income: $107,401
• Walk Score: 19
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 37

For a more suburban lifestyle, put Londonderry on your list. Within commuting distance of Manchester and even Boston, this family-friendly community offers high-quality schools and plenty of outdoor beauty, with multiple parks and conservation areas to choose between. The town also boasts a civic engagement vibe where locals are heavily involved in making decisions and creating positive change in their community.

3. Exeter

• Population: 16,178
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $2,200
• Median Household Income: $77,298
• Walk Score (downtown): 78
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 49

As one of the best small towns to live in, Exeter possesses a quaint downtown, an educational hub, and historical roots dating back to the American Revolution. As in the rest of New Hampshire, you'll find natural beauty among its beaches and harbors along with a thriving community. For enriching nights out, locals attend author readings at the Water Street Bookstore and events organized through the Seacoast Artist Association.

4. Amherst

• Population: 11,898
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,795
• Median Household Income: $141,424
• Walk Score: 30
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 21

Living in Amherst offers picture-perfect scenery, complete with New England charm. Locals stroll tree-lined streets filled with colonial architecture and historic buildings. This small town has several parks, trails, and conservation areas for wildlife viewing to delight nature lovers. You're also never far from hiking trails and only a short drive from bigger cities like Nashua.

5. Hanover

• Population 9,078
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,900
• Median Household Income: $136,992
• Walk Score (downtown): 81
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 59

Hanover is home to the prestigious Dartmouth College and enjoys a reputation for educational excellence. The town sits along the Connecticut River, where biking and kayaking are common. It’s also close to the Appalachian Trail and the White Mountains, which attract outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure. Culture lovers have their pick of attending concerts, theaters, or an impressive art gallery on the Dartmouth campus.

6. Wolfeboro

• Population: 6,609
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $2,750
• Median Household Income: $66,991
• Walk Score (downtown): 72
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 49

Situated on the largest lake in New Hampshire, Wolfeboro provides waterfront views and boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Its historic downtown is the perfect backdrop for enjoying a cold beer or shopping at the local boutiques. As one of the oldest summer resort towns in the U.S., Wolfeboro is home to 18th-century landmarks and historical museums, including the New Hampshire Boat Museum. Although the town comes alive in the summer months, the wintertime offers opportunities for ice fishing and skiing.

7. Keene

• Population: 22,774
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,525
• Median Household Income: $63,490
• Walk Score (downtown): 96
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 73

Keene is home to locals focused on sustainability and environmental conservation. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the community or attend annual festivals, including the annual New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival, which features thousands of jack-o’-lanterns. Downtown is a major draw, attracting locals and visitors alike with charming brick buildings in a pedestrian-friendly area lined with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.

8. Dover

• Population: 33,416
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,890
• Median Household Income: $82,387
• Walk Score: 33
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 34

Dover blends historic charm and modern amenities with a history dating back to the 17th century. Its downtown area hosts a summer farmers market and the annual Festival of Trees. Foodies dig into the vibrant dining scene, including everything from gourmet to farm-to-table delights. In Dover, you’ll be able to enjoy scenic spaces, like Henry Law Park, along the Cocheco River, and you’re never far from the iconic New Hampshire beaches and lighthouses.

9. Hampton

• Population: 9,597
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $2,500
• Median Household Income: $90,357
• Walk Score (downtown): 63
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 50

Hampton is renowned as one of the most beautiful places in New Hampshire for its stunning beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Hampton Beach is among the most traveled-to places in New Hampshire, offering room for water sports, swimming, and boating. Whale-watching tours are popular, and there’s always an opportunity to take a boardwalk stroll to grab tasty seafood. You can enjoy the best of New England coastal living while living near larger cities like Boston.

10. New London

• Population: 4,301
• Starting Two-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,050
• Median Household Income: $88,068
• Walk Score (downtown): 55
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 42

As one of the most charming New Hampshire towns, New London is rich with rolling hills and picturesque lakes. Liberal arts students at the local college make the most of the hiking and biking along the popular Sunapee Ragged Kearsarge Greenway. For arts and culture, the historic New London Barn Playhouse features summer theater, musicals, and plays. Golfing enthusiasts enjoy the Lake Sunapee Country Club, which has an 18-hole championship golf course featuring scenic views of Mount Sunapee.

11. Stratham

• Population: 7,801
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,500
• Median Household Income: $130,923
• Walk Score (downtown): 28
• Transit Score: N/A Bike Score: 24

For a more suburban lifestyle, Stratham features a charming downtown and the historic homes that New England is known for. Locals enjoy access to the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching, hiking, and admiring scenic vistas. You'll also find a high quality of life with a reasonable cost of living in New Hampshire, where there's always an event, like the Stratham Fair or a concert in the park.

12. Lebanon

• Population: 15,044
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,980
• Median Household Income: $80,619
• Walk Score (downtown): 66
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: 53

Lebanon, New Hampshire, rests in the Upper Valley region of the state near the Connecticut River and the Vermont border. You're not far from Mascoma Lake for boating, fishing, and swimming. Lebanon is also home to the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, which is one of the leading academic medical institutions and among the largest employers in the area. Cultural opportunities are available at the Lebanon Opera House and the AVA Gallery and Art Center to see local artists’ work.

13. Durham

• Population: 11,147
• Starting Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,850
• Median Household Income: $70,938
• Walk Score (downtown): 81
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 55

Durham is a vibrant college town that’s home to prestigious University of New Hampshire research programs complete with lectures and exhibitions. Locals enjoy scenic walks at the nearby Great Bay Estuary and swimming, fishing, and boating at the Mendums Pond Recreation Center. As in other areas in New Hampshire, here you'll find local food markets and gardens that mirror the community’s sustainability initiatives.

14. Windham

• Population: 16,034
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,927
• Median Household Income: $167,641
• Walk Score: 44
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 24

Windham offers a safe and welcoming community that's convenient to major cities like Manchester and Nashua. It’s an attractive town for those looking to raise a family in a high-quality school district. The area is also surrounded by forests, parks, and lakes, with nearby boating and fishing opportunities at Canobie Lake. Newcomers will find a variety of seasonal events, including summer concerts and holiday festivals.

15. Atkinson

• Population: 7,321
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: N/A
• Median Household Income: $123,257
• Walk Score: 5
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 26

Atkinson features a small-town atmosphere in a tranquil setting. You can commute to major cities like Nashua, Manchester, and Boston to take advantage of the culture, nightlife, and career opportunities. You won’t find Atkinson bustling with activity, which is just the way the locals like it.

16. Bedford

• Population: 23,704
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,400
• Median Household Income: $143,119
• Walk Score: 31
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 7

Bedford has an upscale vibe and all the amenities you want from a suburban area. Locals have access to high-quality education, healthcare facilities, and convenient access to Manchester and Nashua. Bedford also has its share of shopping and dining, including a mix of retailers at the Bedford Mall. Beyond the hiking and outdoor recreation New Hampshire is known for, Bedford also offers golfing and social opportunities at the Manchester Country Club.

17. Concord

• Population: 44,503
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,850
• Median Household Income: $73,156
• Walk Score (downtown): 53
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 54

Concord is revered for its role in the American Revolution. Its vibrant, walkable downtown hosts restaurants, pubs, and venues for cultural performances and live music. As one of the biggest cities in New Hampshire, it also hosts year-round festivities, including the Concord Arts Market, a farmers market, and the Rock ’N’ Race, a charity road race and music festival.

18. Manchester

• Population: 115,141
• Median Household Income: $66,929
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,950
• Walk Score: 51
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 42

Manchester blends culture, history, and opportunity in one place. As the largest city in New Hampshire by population, Manchester enjoys scores of economic opportunities across the healthcare, education, technology, finance, and manufacturing industries. For nightlife, residents head to Elm Street for live music venues, bars, and clubs, so save room for fun in your budget. Despite its bustling urban core, Manchester is within driving distance of the White Mountains, the Lakes Region, and numerous coastal towns.

19. Rochester

• Population: 33,169
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,800
• Median Household Income: $70,582
• Walk Score: 4
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 9

Rochester is known for its affordable New Hampshire cost of living with reasonable rents. The downtown district is walkable with locally owned small businesses, shops, restaurants, and cafes. For outdoor fun, residents head to the Salmon Falls and Cocheco rivers for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Rochester is also one of the few cities in New Hampshire with convenient transportation options and bus service.

20. Brookline

• Population: 5,753
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: N/A
• Median Household Income: $150,893
• Walk Score: 23
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 20

Brookline, New Hampshire, offers a small-town atmosphere and rural beauty with rolling hills, open countryside, and wooded trails. The area is family-friendly and has a reputation for having quality schools and a sense of safety and security. Though you won't find much nightlife in Brookline, the orchards and farms are the draws of living in a town known for its farm-to-table produce for your kitchen table.

21. Madbury

• Population: 2,166
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,995
• Median Household Income: $144,191
• Walk Score: 1
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 27

As one of the best towns in New Hampshire, Madbury offers a tranquil lifestyle with open spaces and rural charm. Locals hike, bird-watch, and stroll through areas like the Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area. The tightknit community provides a rural escape that includes plenty of farm stands and agricultural opportunities. When you need to get to a larger city, Portsmouth and Dover are very close by for more shopping and dining options.

22. Newfields

• Population: 2,022
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $2,100
• Median Household Income: $174,044
• Walk Score: 18
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 30

For a quintessential New England experience, Newfields is located in a rural area along the Squamscott River. It's the kind of scenic town where everyone seems to know each other. If you want more than parks, biking, and hiking, you can make the seven-minute drive to Exeter for more shopping and dining options.

23. Peterborough

• Population: 6,497
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,150
• Median Household Income: $101,401
• Walk Score: 65
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 27

Peterborough landed a spot on the National Register of Historic Places for its 18th- and 19th-century buildings and architecture. Despite its small size, locals enjoy a vibrant arts community with theaters and cultural events. No matter the season, you can go fishing, boating, and hiking at nearby Thorndike Pond and Monadnock State Park. It gets cold up here, so expect a spike in your utility bills during the winter months!

24. Kensington

• Population: 1,953
• Starting Two-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,996
• Median Household Income: $115,625
• Walk Score (downtown): 1
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 20

Kensington is a rural enclave providing a small-town atmosphere away from the bustle of the largest cities in New Hampshire. The town preserves colonial-era structures and buildings. For those days they crave beach combing, swimming, and waterfront dining, locals aren’t far from the coast. Kensington is all about peace and quiet, but you’re still less than a 30-minute drive from larger New Hampshire cities, including Exeter and Portsmouth, for more culture and dining opportunities. Plus, Boston is just an hour away.

25. Greenland

• Population: 4,006
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: N/A
• Median Household Income: $124,695
• Walk Score (downtown): 22
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 34

Greenland is known for its serene lifestyle and proximity to outdoor recreation at the nearby Great Bay, a protected estuary, with opportunities for wildlife watching and boating. Celebrations and small festivals are common, but to take advantage of urban amenities, residents take a quick 10-minute drive to Portsmouth. Locals enjoy Greenland for its sense of safety and calm.

26. Canterbury

• Population: 2,280
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,950
• Median Household Income: $101,429
• Walk Score (downtown): 6
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 15

Embrace picture-perfect living in Canterbury. This rural town is home to the Canterbury Shaker Village, a National Historic Landmark that's also the center of annual events and festivities. Canoeing, hiking, and boating are popular at nearby Clough State Park. For museums, shopping centers, and dining options, it's just a 15-minute drive to Concord.

27. Brentwood

• Population: 4,503
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: N/A
• Median Household Income: $148,281
• Walk Score: 15
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 29

Brentwood offers a strong sense of community in a peaceful setting surrounded by hills, farmland, and woodlands. There's no shortage of historic buildings and landmarks, with colonial-era structures dotting the landscape. The town hosts several events and festivals, including craft fairs and parades, and renowned beaches in Hampton, Portsmouth, and Rye are a short distance away.

28. Lee

• Population: 4,524
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: N/A
• Median Household Income: $88,750
• Walk Score: 0
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 11

Lee is an idyllic New Hampshire town through which the Lamprey River flows, providing fishing and kayaking opportunities for residents. Like many of its surrounding neighbors, Lee has scores of colonial buildings and structures. Locals enjoy recreational opportunities at Pawtuckaway State Park and a quiet lifestyle known for its nearly nonexistent crime.

29. Hollis

• Population: 8,695
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: N/A
• Median Household Income: $144,514
• Walk Score: 2
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 35

Hollis boasts old-world charm with colonial landmarks and architecture. Local events include the Old Home Days celebration, parades, and history-inspired gatherings. Residents have their pick of locally grown produce and agricultural programs, scenic drives, and parks. The nearby Silver Lake State Park provides swimming, boating, and fishing.

30. Rye

• Population: 5,602
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: N/A
• Median Household Income: $116,332
• Walk Score (downtown): 16
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 37

The stunning coastal town of Rye is home to sandy shores and water sports. Hiking opportunities are plentiful along the rocky parts of the coastline, which offers salt marshes and panoramic ocean views. Its beachy feel also inspires local seafood restaurants and waterfront celebrations. You'll find live music, arts, craft fairs, and more in Rye year-round, but for more urban amenities, locals make the short drive to Portsmouth.

31. Bow

• Population: 8,386
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: N/A
• Median Household Income: $132,774
• Walk Score (downtown): 0
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 11

The scenic town of Bow features biking, hiking, and walking paths among forested hills. The area is known for its quality schools and family-friendly, tight-knit vibe. Weekend soccer games are the norm, as well as kayaking, fishing, and boating in local waterways.

32. Gilford

• Population: 7,860
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,895
• Median Household Income: $102,358
• Walk Score (downtown): 23
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 26

Gilford perches on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, offering residents abundant opportunities for boating, swimming, kayaking, and taking scenic boat rides. The town sees its share of tourism with Gunstock Mountain Resort, known for its snowboarding, skiing, and tubing amenities. During summer months, guests can zip line, mountain bike, and hike. An outdoor pavilion hosts live performances and concerts lakeside.

33. Mont Vernon

• Population: 2,580
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,950
• Median Household Income: $134,432
• **Walk Score (downtown): 83
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 61

Surrounded by a rural landscape of forests, Mont Vernon is known for its small-town charm. Biking and hiking are popular around Purgatory Falls year-round. For summer fun, Nubanusit Lake is only a drive away. Mont Vernon attracts those looking for complete serenity, but larger towns like Wilton, Milford, and Nashua are all less than 30 minutes away by car.

34. Plymouth

• Population: 6,417
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,895
• Median Household Income: $67,367
• Walk Score: 86
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 39

Plymouth is a college town that’s home to Plymouth State University. Here you'll find all the things you love to do in New Hampshire, like hiking, biking, and skiing, but you’ll also discover a thriving culture and arts scene at places like the historic Flying Monkey, a vintage movie house and performing arts center. Annual events include the New Hampshire Music Festival.

Make Your Move: Start Apartment Hunting

Is New Hampshire a good place to live? We give it a resounding yes! The best places to live in New Hampshire are filled with artful culture, tranquil landscapes, and rural settings that offer something for everyone.

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