New Hampshire: Your Guide to the Granite State

Breathtaking mountains. Charming seaside towns. Pristine lakes. Bucolic rolling green hills. Skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. New Hampshire offers something for everyone.

If you’re considering moving, New Hampshire should be on your radar. With its beautiful scenery, abundant outdoor recreations and lack of sales tax, the Granite state is a popular New England living option. 

Here’s a look at the reasons you may want to consider moving to New Hampshire:

Small in Size, Rich in History

New Hampshire is one of the smallest states in the U.S. – it’s the fifth smallest by area and the tenth smallest by population, with slightly more than 1.3 million residents.

As one of the original 13 colonies, it was the first state to have its own state constitution. Its rebellious spirit of independence is epitomized in the state motto–“Live Free or Die.” New Hampshire’s motto, “Live free or die,” comes from a statement written in 1809 by the Revolutionary War General John Stark, who led the charge at the Battle of Bennington in 1777. 

New Hampshire was the ninth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution–the final state needed to put the document into effect. New Hampshire plays an important role in national elections, as it is the first state to hold national primaries, and its primary results are thought to influence those in the rest of the nation, giving rise to the saying “As New Hampshire goes, so goes the nation.”

Tax-free Shopping 

With “Live Free” as the first half of the state motto, it’s only fitting that New Hampshire offers tax-free shopping. New Hampshire is one of only five states with no sales tax – which makes it a popular shopping destination. 

Whether you’re shopping for antiques in Portsmouth or hitting Manchester’s Mall of New Hampshire or scoring a deal at the Merrimack Premium Outlets (with 100+ discount designer stores), you can save big on what you need with New Hampshire’s myriad tax-free shopping options.

Nature-lover’s Paradise 

This small state packs a wallop when it comes to natural beauty and New Hampshire is brimming with natural wonders. Nicknamed “The Granite State” for its granite formations and quarries (30,000 tons of New Hampshire granite was used to build the Library of Congress). Filled with rolling mountains and lush, verdant forests, New Hampshire is a prime choice for nature lovers. Living in New Hampshire means you can hike, kayak, surf, and climb – all in one weekend. 

Even New Hampshire’s biggest cities are filled with green space. For example, Concord, New Hampshire’s third-largest city, has over 80 miles of trails that provide scenic views and opportunities for hikers to get closer to nature.

New Hampshire is home to tons of parks, like Monadnock State Park, as well as mountains, hiking trails, and scenic byways. The Kancamagus Highway offers a scenic driving route that’s perfect for viewing New Hampshire’s dazzling fall foliage. 

Ski lovers will rejoice New Hampshire is home to some of the best skiing areas in New England like Mount Sunapee, Bretton Woods, and Cannon Mountain Ski Resort. The White Mountains are a beloved state treasure and the ski slopes of Mount Washington make New Hampshire the perfect destination for snow buffs.

Waterfront Recreation Options

New Hampshire is an ideal place for waterfront recreation and offers many great spots for summer fishing, swimming, and kayaking. The state has several beautiful lakes, including Ossipee Lake and Squam Lake, and  Massabesic Lake. The star of the lakes, however, is Lake Winnipesaukee. The beloved Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest of New Hampshire’s lakes, spanning 21 miles across and containing at least 253 islands. There’s nothing better than spending the day exploring this beautiful lake.

Beaches

New Hampshire is a paradise for beach lovers. One of the largest beaches is Hampton Beach, located 15 miles south of Portsmouth. This white sand beach offers sun, sand and even horseback riding. The beach is bounded by a lively boardwalk, filled with souvenir shops, restaurants and arcades. The nearby Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom hosts concerts from nationally-known bands.

Covered Bridges

New Hampshire is home to 54 covered bridges. Covered bridges are a favorite among New England visitors and photographers. These small relics of 19th-century ingenuity are fun to photograph as weather and the changing seasons costume them with icicles, snow caps, and brilliant fall foliage. These picturesque bridges are rich in history and were often called “courting bridges.”  There are differing theories as to why they were built – some theorize that horses were more comfortable crossing them than an open trestle – and others think it’s because the timbers of the bridge needed protection from the elements to last longer.

Whether you’re looking for a bucolic setting, a bustling metropolis, or quaint New England charm, New Hampshire has you covered. If you’re looking to make the move to New Hampshire, give us a call at 617.314.9400 to get matched with a Senné Associate and start your search today.