Welcome to New Hampshire! This New England state is known for its stunning topography and towns that share the same name as European cities. New Hampshire’s slower pace of life offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of other major cities in the Northeast.
Choosing the right place to live can be hard, so we’ve done the work for you and compiled a list of the seven best places to live in New Hampshire based on Niche.com ratings and research of renter preferences.
The seven best places to live in New Hampshire in 2025 are:
Dover
Dover is a riverside town just a short drive from the coast. This historic city sits along the Cocheco River between Portsmouth and Rochester, offering residents easy access to boat cruises and nature trails in these two cities.
Rentals in Dover offer renters a suburban feel wherever they choose to rent. Even in Downtown Dover, a commercial hub full of small businesses, residents enjoy a laid-back atmosphere.
Hanover
Hanover, New Hampshire, is known for being the home of Dartmouth College. This small college town sits along the Appalachian Trail, which has created a welcoming and outdoorsy culture. Hanover is a hiker-friendly community and has implemented initiatives benefiting hikers, including shower and laundry facilities in the recreation center, maps and signage throughout town, and an emergency transportation network.
Take a day trip across the Connecticut River to the Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, Vermont, or visit one of the many parks right at home. Dartmouth College enriches the local culture and hosts events for both students and locals to enjoy. Explore art exhibits at the Hood Museum of Art or catch a show at the Hopkins Center for the Arts.
Lebanon
Athletic renters, rejoice! Lebanon is the perfect place to create a healthy lifestyle. Between water sports on Mascoma Lake, 20 acres of ski area on Storrs Hill, and hiking trails at the nearby Quechee Gorge, Lebanon encourages an active lifestyle. For a more low-key adventure, take a trip to Packard Hill Covered Bridge, a historic landmark that overlooks the Mascoma River.
Rentals in Lebanon provide the perfect place to warm up after a day of skiing. Whether you’re looking for a trendy apartment or a cozy cottage, Lebanon’s suburban streets offer renters peace and quiet after a day spent outdoors.
Londonderry
Tucked just south of Manchester, Londonderry is the perfect commuter city. This upscale residential town is full of lush greenery that turns into a breathtaking golden backdrop in the fall. Rentals in Londonderry give renters plenty of elbow room while still being conveniently close to employers in Manchester.
Despite its residential nature, there are plenty of things to do around Londonderry. Bookworms will enjoy The Robert Frost Farm, where the renowned poet lived for 11 years, and history buffs will be intrigued by America’s Stonehenge, an ancient astronomical calendar surrounded by hiking trails. While Londonderry has the basics, the Mall of New Hampshire and Merrimack Premium Outlets offer more extensive retail options.
Manchester
Not to be confused with the English city of the same name, Manchester is a commercial hub and one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in New England. Despite this, Manchester is surprisingly affordable compared to other major cities in the Northeast—the average rent in Manchester is only 8.8% higher than the national average.
Manchester’s rental market has something for everyone. Downtown Manchester and Kalivas-Union are two walkable neighborhoods popular for their proximity to all the city’s happenings. The Notre Dame neighborhood sits on the other side of the Merrimack River and offers an easy commute to the city center. For a more suburban atmosphere, try Bakersville or Hallsville.
Nashua
Located down the Merrimack River from Manchester, Nashua is the second-largest city in New Hampshire. With its population of over 90,000 comes a thriving economy—Nashua is home to employers in the healthcare, defense, and information services industries. As of November 2024, Nashua had an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which was below the national rate of 4.2%.
But Nashua isn’t all work and no play. Enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, or kayaking at Mine Fields Park or community events like the SummerFun festival at Greeley Park. For retail therapy, visit any of the 129 stores at Pheasant Lane Mall. Downtown Nashua and Southeast Nashua are two hotspots for international dining.
Portsmouth
Interested in coastal living? Look no further than Portsmouth, New Hampshire! Just as the name suggests, Portsmouth is a port city with a rich maritime history. According to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) is the oldest continuously operating Navy shipyard in the United States.
Thanks to its location on the Atlantic Ocean, Portsmouth is a foodie’s heaven. While Portsmouth is a popular summer vacation spot, residents can enjoy fresh seafood and craft beer all year round. Downtown Portsmouth is a hotspot for locally owned restaurants, and patrons can enjoy the sea breeze from restaurant patios.
Ready to make the move?
If New Hampshire has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find the perfect place. Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine and use our customizable filters to narrow your search by price, amenities, and floor plan.
Wherever you are and wherever you’re going, the options are endless with Apartments.com.
