It is said that the three most important words in real estate are “location, location, location.” If you don’t own a home in New Hampshire already it may interest you to know what locals already do: the Granite State is a gem of a location, location, location.
Do you like the ocean? New Hampshire offers eighteen miles of Atlantic coastline to explore. While you’re in New Hampshire’s Seacoast area you can enjoy Hampton Beach, which was rated among the top three cleanest beaches in the United States, and top ten values for resorts in America.
For those of us who aren’t feeling swimsuit ready (or who’ve seen Jaws one too many times to go in the water), the resort area offers a boardwalk, food, arcades, shops, and the Casino Ballroom, a seasonal live music and comedy venue located on the boardwalk.
A breathtaking hour-long drive inland through rolling hills, farmland, quaint towns rich with Colonial history, and large expanses of wilderness (New Hampshire is the second most forested state in the nation) brings you to New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, which features Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire’s largest and most popular lake.
When you include the lake’s more than 250 islands, Winnipesaukee boasts 288 miles of shoreline (for context, Lake Tahoe, only has 72 miles of shoreline), and the “big lake” is surrounded by mountains and another 262 lakes, rivers and ponds. Need a break from the water? There’s plenty to do. For example, the Lakes Region’s Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford has been named one of the nation’s top-ten concert venues by USA Today.
If you can tear yourself away from the Lakes Region, another scenic hour of driving brings you to the White Mountains.
Along the way from Seacoast to mountains you may just pass by or even through one or more of New Hampshire’s 54 covered bridges (only about 750 remain in the United States). You might also pass the Flume Gorge, one of New Hampshire’s most spectacular natural wonders. This granite gorge spans 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty and is delineated by soaring walls of Conway granite that rise to heights of 70 to 90 feet.
With 48 mountains with peaks higher than 4,000 feet, New Hampshire is arguably the best place to hike in New England. You can access the Appalachian Trail (which runs from Maine to Georgia) here, and the “Live Free or Die” State’s Mount Monadock has been ranked the most-hiked mountain in the western hemisphere.
New Hampshire is also home to the tallest mountain in the northeast, Mount Washington, which boasts a towering peak of 6,288 feet, and hundred-mile views reaching into three American states and Canada. Visitors can drive to the top or take a three mile long Cog Railway that ascends the mountain’s western slope.
New Hampshire’s breathtaking natural beauty is magnified by four distinct seasons. For example, Fall in New Hampshire, which attracts tourists from all over the world, pretty much ruins the autumn experience just about anywhere else. Even the New Hampshire Spring is a riot of colors that surpass many other states’ Fall colors!
And there’s plentiful recreation in New Hampshire, including biking, bird watching, boating, camping, climbing, fishing, golfing, hiking and hunting. The state is a Northeastern paradise for skiers, snowboarders, and especially for snowmobilers (the snowmobile was invented in Ossipee, NH), who can explore hundreds of miles of trails (bring your passport, in case you accidentally end up in neighboring Canada!).
For those of us who consider shopping a sport, even that is better in New Hampshire. Because there’s no sales tax (there’s no state income tax, either), people from throughout Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine other parts of New England make shopping pilgrimages to New Hampshire.
What’s more, New Hampshire has been recognized for a low poverty rate, low unemployment, low crime, and a high quality of life and livability, according to many reviews over the years.
There are many reasons to live in New Hampshire. These are just a few. Give me a call if you’d like to own a home in this beautiful location, where you can be renewed by the glory of mountains, forests, ocean shore, lakes, rivers and ponds, and enjoy history, nostalgia and quaint New England charm, all just a few hours away from the big city experience in Boston.
Brent Metzger is a Realtor® with Roche Realty Group. He may be reached at (603) 229-8322 or brent@rocherealty.com. For tools to help you learn more about New Hampshire’s real estate market, visit www.RocheRealty.com.
2 thoughts on “There are many reasons to live in New Hampshire”
My husband and I are thinking of relocating to NH in the future (not for a while and I don’t want to waste your time). I would like to know the average snowfall and average summer humidity of the Meredith area?
There is no rush to answer as we aren’t prepared for a long while but if you have a moment, I would appreciate it. Thank you.
Hi Claudia! It’s hard to say, as it depends on the year. We just got hit with a huge storm this week with almost 30″ of light, fluffy snow (awesome for skiing / snowshoeing), and that was just in one night! But that amount in such a short amount of time is unusual. So an average can be misleading as it varies so much. More often than not, we have beautiful snow-covered winters in the Lakes Region and many outdoor activities are centered around abundant snowfall. Our summers here are shorter than in more southern parts of the US – but the climate is great! We do get some humidity on certain days throughout the summer months (with usually just a week or two where it’s more practical to hang out inside due to the heat/humidity), but generally, it’s not bad at all in comparison to the intense summer climate of the states south of New England. We have very defined spring and fall seasons, which some locals say are actually their favorite times of the year in NH. The fall climate (and foliage) is fantastic in NH! Here’s a site that might be helpful for you regarding humidity: https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/New-Hampshire/humidity-by-month.php
Here’s another site on NH Climate: https://www.weather-us.com/en/new-hampshire-usa-climate#climate_text_1
Where Meredith is in Central NH I’d say it’s about average. Meredith is a beautiful town and is central to so many different activities and area attractions. If you’re thinking of relocating, the Lakes Region really is a great place to consider. Generally, the further north in NH you go the more snowfall, etc. you will have during the winter months. Hope that helps a little!