Choosing the Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire

Hunter Letendre
Dec 1, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Jul 17

What Are the Top New Hampshire Towns to Call Home?

New Hampshire offers a unique mix of city convenience, lakeside serenity, rural charm, and college-town energy. Whether you're seeking a lively urban center or a peaceful countryside retreat, there’s a perfect place for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore the best towns to live in New Hampshire, helping you find the ideal community for your lifestyle, budget, and future plans.

What Are the Best New Hampshire Cities for Urban Living?

Looking for excitement, opportunity, and amenities? These cities offer vibrant downtowns, job access, and a variety of housing:

Manchester: NH’s largest city with arts, dining, and a fast-paced lifestyle.
Nashua: A welcoming city with suburban touches and strong community vibes.
Concord: The capital city blends government, culture, and New England heritage.
Rochester: A revitalizing city with affordable living and a strong local economy.
Salem: Commercially rich and close to Boston—ideal for commuters.

Which Mid-Size Towns in NH Offer the Best of Both Worlds?

If you want balance between suburban comfort and vibrant community, these towns deliver:

Exeter: Historic charm with modern flair and excellent schools.
Newmarket: A revitalized mill town with a scenic downtown and thriving small businesses.
Hooksett: Centrally located and growing fast, ideal for families and professionals.
Bedford: Upscale living with top-rated schools and beautiful neighborhoods.
Pelham: Quiet, residential, and surrounded by nature—great for outdoor lovers.

Where Can You Find the Best Rural Living in NH?

Escape the noise and embrace small-town life with these peaceful communities:

Peterborough: A haven for artists, writers, and nature lovers.
Nottingham: Ideal for hiking, kayaking, and peaceful living.
Bow: Close to Concord but retains a rural, tight-knit atmosphere.
New Hampton: A postcard-perfect town in the heart of New Hampshire’s countryside.

Which College Towns in NH Are Great Places to Live?

Academic energy, culture, and diversity make these towns excellent for students, faculty, and families:

Durham: Home to the University of New Hampshire—vibrant and walkable.
Keene: A culturally rich town with a friendly, progressive vibe.
Plymouth: A mountain town with outdoor recreation and academic spirit.

What Are the Best Lakefront Towns to Live in New Hampshire?

If you dream of lakeside living, these communities offer scenic beauty and year-round recreation:

Laconia: The gateway to Lake Winnipesaukee with marinas, trails, and events.
Wolfeboro: Classic New England lakeside charm with a strong sense of community.
Moultonborough: Quiet and scenic, ideal for those seeking waterfront peace.
Ossipee: Affordable and serene, perfect for full-time or vacation homes.

Which NH Towns Are Best Near the Massachusetts Border?

Easy access to Massachusetts makes these towns perfect for commuters:

Windham: Beautiful, safe, and only minutes from the MA border.
Seabrook: A beach town with local charm and cross-border convenience.
Atkinson: Serene and family-friendly, with quick access to major highways.

What Are the Best NH Towns Close to Maine?

Bordering Maine, these towns offer coastal living, shopping, and history:

Dover: A vibrant seacoast city with rich history and an energetic downtown.
Wakefield: Lakefront living with tranquil surroundings.
Newington: Shopping and shoreline near Portsmouth.
Portsmouth: A cultural gem on the coast with historic homes, restaurants, and nightlife.

Which NH Towns Near Vermont Offer Natural Beauty and Culture?

For those drawn to the western border and the Upper Valley, these towns are ideal:

Lebanon: Home to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and thriving arts.
Haverhill: Small-town living with classic New England charm.
Lancaster: Mountain views, outdoor adventures, and a friendly community.

How to Choose the Right New Hampshire Town for You?

From urban vibrancy in Manchester to lakeside serenity in Wolfeboro or college-town culture in Keene, New Hampshire offers a wide range of living options. Your perfect fit depends on your lifestyle—whether you’re raising a family, retiring, commuting, or seeking outdoor adventures, there’s a town for you.

Ready to Find Your Dream Home in New Hampshire?

Whether you're exploring coastal retreats, vibrant cities, or peaceful rural towns, I’m here to help you find your place in New England. With deep knowledge of the New Hampshire real estate market, I’ll help you navigate your journey from start to finish.

Contact me today to start your search for the perfect home in New Hampshire, Maine, or Massachusetts.