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Where to Call Home: New Hampshire or Massachusetts?

Updated: Jun 30

Where to Call Home: New Hampshire or Massachusetts?

Choosing where to call home in New England is a major life decision. If you're deciding between New Hampshire and Massachusetts, you're weighing two exceptional—but very different—lifestyles.

As a licensed REALTOR® in both states, I’ve helped clients navigate this exact choice countless times. Here’s everything you need to know before planting roots in either state.


How Do Taxes Affect Where You Call Home?

Taxes can significantly impact your cost of living and financial planning—especially over the long term.

  • New Hampshire is one of the few states with no income tax and no sales tax. That’s a big draw for retirees, remote workers, and high earners. However, property taxes here are among the highest in the nation, and vary by town.

  • Massachusetts levies a 5% income tax and 6.25% sales tax, but property taxes are more moderate, averaging 1.17%. Plus, homeowners benefit from various tax exemptions—especially seniors, veterans, and the blind.


Which State Offers More Affordable Living?

Affordability is key when deciding where to live in New England.

  • New Hampshire offers a lower overall cost of living, especially in more rural areas. Southern NH cities like Nashua or Salem give you proximity to Boston with more affordable home prices.

  • Massachusetts—especially Greater Boston—comes with a higher price tag. Cities like Andover or Lowell often have median home prices above $500,000–$600,000.


What Kind of Lifestyle Are You Looking For?

Ask yourself: Do you prefer nature or city life?

  • Massachusetts delivers urban energy, cultural vibrancy, and access to top hospitals, schools, and tech jobs. Boston offers everything from world-class dining to Red Sox games.

  • New Hampshire offers a slower pace and outdoor beauty. Lakes, mountains, and forests define life here—perfect for hiking, skiing, and those who love small-town charm.


Which State Best Supports Your Education Goals?

Whether you're thinking of your kids’ future or continuing your own education:

  • Massachusetts is known for its elite academic institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Boston University. Public schools in towns like Lexington or Brookline are top-rated.

  • New Hampshire also offers quality education with highly rated public schools in towns like Bedford and Hollis, plus respected colleges like UNH and Dartmouth.


How Important Is Commuting and Transportation Access?

Your daily commute can greatly affect your quality of life.

  • Massachusetts boasts a robust public transit system, especially in Boston, with subways, commuter rail, and buses for car-free living.

  • New Hampshire lacks a comparable public transit system but offers quick highway access to Boston. Many commuters opt to live in NH for tax benefits while working in MA.


Where Should You Buy a Home: Southern NH or Northern MA?


Northern Massachusetts: Is Urban Convenience Worth the Price?

  • Pros: Close to Boston, strong job market, diverse housing, excellent schools.

  • Cons: Higher home prices, more traffic, higher taxes.

  • Best for: Professionals, city-lovers, families seeking top-tier education.


Southern New Hampshire: Affordable & Scenic Living?

  • Pros: Lower taxes, more space, outdoor lifestyle, family-friendly communities.

  • Cons: Limited public transit, longer commutes.

  • Best for: First-time buyers, families, remote workers, retirees.


So, Where Should You Call Home in New England?

Your decision depends on what you value most:

  • Choose Massachusetts if you want urban amenities, a strong job market, and access to world-class education—and you're okay with higher living costs.

  • Choose New Hampshire if you’re looking for lower taxes, more space, nature, and a quieter pace of life, while still being close to Boston.

No matter your choice, both states offer incredible quality of life and long-term real estate value.


Let’s Find the Right Home for You in NH, MA, or ME

Looking to call New England home? Whether you're dreaming of a coastal cottage, mountain retreat, or city condo, I’m here to help you find your perfect place.


Let’s navigate the New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or Maine real estate markets together—so you can confidently call one of these beautiful states home.


Hunter Letendre, REALTOR® Licensed in NH, ME & MAPresident's Circle | Top 7% of the BHHS Network 603-268-9559 | 603-772-0600Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty


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