At 9,349 sq. miles (24,214 sq. km.), New Hampshire is one of the smallest states of the United States. Perhaps because of its size, the state’s population is just a few hundred thousand over 1 million. The official census puts the number at 1,377,529 as of 2020, though 2023 estimates peg it at 1.4 million.
Yet despite its small size, there are many things to love about New Hampshire. There’s the majestic mountain scenery, which has even earned it the honor of being called the Switzerland of America. And, speaking of mountains, the state is most famous for the White Mountains, a beautiful mountain range.
And, more and more people, especially after the pandemic, have moved to the state to partake of its natural beauty, rich history and everything else it has to offer. Why wouldn’t they? New Hampshire has been ranked as the second-best state in the country by the U.S. News & World Report.
But, if you’re just planning to move there, you might not be sure what the state has in store for new residents like you. In particular, you may want to find out how hard it is to adjust to New Hampshire living. Read on below to gain an idea on what life in the state could look like for you.
Employment Opportunities
According to a University of New Hampshire study, people moving into the state do so for one or more of these seven reasons:
- Family
- Employment
- Natural environment
- Culture and lifestyle
- Quality of life
- Taxes
- The economy
When it comes to employment, New Hampshire has seen an increase in many occupations between 2022 and 2023. This is reflected in the low percentage of people seeking unemployment benefits in the state (2%), according to a study. This rate is lower than other New England states.
The average unemployment rate in the New Hampshire for 2023 was 2.2%, down from 2.3% in 2022. In fact, the state has the second-lowest unemployment rate in New England and the fifth-lowest in the country. The national average is 4.1%.
“We’re seeing good solid growth in our labor force,” Rich Lavers of New Hampshire Employment Security told WMUR. “We added about 12,000 people in the month of June compared to June of last year, adding about 7,500 people, with jobs compared to last year. And our unemployment claim activity compared to 2019 is still lower than where we were. So that’s a good healthy sign.”
And, based on an analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics by Stacker, the top 10 fastest-growing jobs in the state between 2022 and 2023 are the following:
Occupation | Employment in 2022 | Employment in 2023 | Increase in employment 2022-2023 | Median annual salary in 2023 |
1. Driver/sales worker | 1,840 | 3,040 | +65.2% (1,200 employees) | $30,900 |
2. Childcare workers | 1,680 | 2,630 | +56.5% (950 employees) | $32,490 |
3. Cooks, fast food | 1,670 | 2,280 | +36.5% (610 employees) | $34,760 |
4. Market research analysts and marketing specialists | 4,060 | 5,410 | +33.3% (1,350 employees) | $63,000 |
5. Hotel, motel and resort desk clerks | 810 | 1,040 | +28.4% (230 employees) | $35,010 |
6. Computer occupations, all other | 890 | 1,120 | +25.8% (230 employees) | $89,990 |
7. Payroll and timekeeping clerks | 860 | 1,080 | +25.6% (220 employees) | $55,650 |
8. Chefs and head cooks | 940 | 1,180 | +25.5% (240 employees) | $56,040 |
9. Insurance sales agents | 1,660 | 2,080 | +25.3% (420 employees) | $58,880 |
10. Mechanical engineers | 2,380 | 2,950 | +23.9% (570 employees) | $99,990 |
Other occupations that grew between 2022 and 2023 include jobs in healthcare, recreation, food business, sales and many others. So, if your line of work falls into any of these, then it might be a good opportunity for you to move to New Hampshire.
Bask in Nature’s Beauty
Among the top 3 reasons why people move to New Hampshire is because of its natural environment. Specifically, people love the wide range of beautiful landscapes, from sea coasts to lakes to mountains, which the state has to offer. Plus, there’s a ton of things you can do here for fun, such as hiking, biking, sailing or going to the beach.
“New Hampshire is a great place if you have an interest in hiking or nature,” Quora user and New Hampshire resident Dean Rubine posted. “I like to walk for an hour a day, snowshoe in the winter. There are a thousand acres of nothing I can explore right out my back door.”
Or, you can climb a mountain or two. There’s the White Mountains and Mount Monadnock, both offering panoramic views and hiking trails. If you’re more into water adventures, there’s Winnipesaukee for fishing or boating, Saco River for a relaxing paddle, and Androscoggin River for whitewater rafting.
Come winter, you can find world-class skiing at Loon Mountain and Bretton Woods. There are plenty of other resorts in the state where you can ski, snowshoe or snowboard too.
Forget Taxes – Sort Of
Another major draw for people to come and live in New Hampshire is the lack of income and sales tax. The state also doesn’t levy an estate tax or inheritance tax and there’s no capital gains tax too. Now, who wouldn’t want that?
But, before you go and pack your bags to head out to this tax haven, there are some things you have to consider. For instance, while New Hampshire is just one of nine states that do not impose an income tax, you have to meet certain criteria before this benefit can apply to you.
For one thing, the Granite State requires you to be a resident to avail of its no income tax privilege. The Department of Revenue defines a resident as someone who has an ongoing, non-transient presence in New Hampshire. This is typically fulfilled by maintaining a house in the state and living there more than you live elsewhere in the country.
However, while you might save on taxes, check to see if you can afford the home prices here. In 2023, the median price of a single-family home was $480,000, while on the Seacoast, it’s a whopping $905,750, according to this report.
This and similar legal provisions or complications might require you to step back and reconsider. But, as with any other move, do your due diligence. Research and double-check that everything lines up with what you need or want.
Of course, you have to manage your expectations too. Read what other people who moved to New Hampshire have to say. Learn from their experiences and follow their tips that make sense to your particular situation.
How hard Is It to adjust to New Hampshire living?
In conclusion, adjusting to life in New Hampshire hinges on your personal and professional priorities. By understanding the state’s employment prospects, natural allure, and financial landscape, you can make an informed decision about whether this charming New England state is the right fit for you.