New Hampshire, with its abundant forests, rivers, and mountains, offers idyllic New England scenery. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of small towns with a relaxed pace or the energy of urban life, New Hampshire has something to offer everyone. If you’re considering a move to the Granite State, NewHomeSource has compiled a list of the top 10 most affordable cities to help you make an informed decision.
1. Conway
Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.84
Average Property Tax: $2,210
Median Household Income: $50,582
Conway, located in the eastern part of the state, tops our list of the most affordable cities in New Hampshire. It provides access to stunning natural landscapes, including Conway Lake for boating enthusiasts and Diana’s Bath waterfalls for those seeking scenic beauty. Other attractions in Conway include the Conway Scenic Railroad, Kahuna Laguna Indoor Water Park, and Conway Common Lands State Forest.
2. Berlin
Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.35
Average Property Tax: $2,183
Median Household Income: $39,130
Situated in the northern part of the state, Berlin, with its population of just under 10,000, boasts the picturesque Androscoggin River winding through the city. You’ll find marketplaces, museums, and entertainment centers near the riverbanks. The western half of the city is graced by Jericho Mountain State Forest, offering extensive hiking trails. Berlin is also an excellent choice for retirees in New Hampshire.
3. Claremont
Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.80
Average Property Tax: $3,618
Median Household Income: $47,649
Located in the western part of the state along the New Hampshire-Vermont border, Claremont features the charming Sugar River running through its center, surrounded by restaurants, stores, and parks. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore hiking trails at Cornish Town Forest and Green Mountain Trail.
4. Rochester
Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.77
Average Property Tax: $4,170
Median Household Income: $62,179
Rochester, in eastern New Hampshire near the Maine border, is home to over 32,000 residents, making it one of the state’s top five most populous cities. Visitors can enjoy attractions like the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts, Rochester Opera House, and Pickering Ponds Trail.
5. Laconia
Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.34
Average Property Tax: $3,595
Median Household Income: $57,960
If you’re seeking a waterfront home, Laconia might be your ideal destination. Nestled between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam, Laconia offers abundant water-related activities. On sunny days, residents can soak up the sun at Weirs Beach or Bond Beach. The city also boasts state forests, parks, and sports complexes.
6. Somersworth
Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.77
Average Property Tax: $4,470
Median Household Income: $66,663
Somersworth, a small city along the New Hampshire-Maine border, provides urban amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, and places of worship. Parks along the Salmon Falls River and The Oaks golf course are popular local attractions.
7. Concord
Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.45
Average Property Tax: $5,571
Median Household Income: $66,719
New Hampshire’s capital, Concord, ranks seventh on our list of most affordable cities. The city offers numerous attractions, including the Capitol Center for the Arts, McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, and Pierce Manse. Nature enthusiasts can explore trails, ponds, and wildlife at the New Hampshire Audubon.
8. Manchester
Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.75
Average Property Tax: $5,075
Median Household Income: $60,711
With over 115,000 residents, Manchester is the most populous city in the state. The Merrimack River flows through the western part of the city, and downtown Manchester is situated along the river’s eastern bank. Visitors can explore the Currier Museum of Art, Millyard Museum, or hike the scenic trails of Derryfield Park to visit the Weston Observatory.
9. Derry
Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.36
Average Property Tax: $4,580
Median Household Income: $67,073
Derry, the fourth most populous community in New Hampshire, is rich in historical sites, including the Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site and Taylor Mill State Historic Site. The town also boasts abundant natural beauty, best enjoyed along the Rockingham Recreational Trail.
10. Keene
Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.34
Average Property Tax: $5,220
Median Household Income: $56,971
Situated in the southwest part of the state and serving as the county seat of Cheshire County, Keene offers a variety of hiking trails and outdoor attractions, including the Horatio Colony Nature Preserve, Greater Goose Pond Forest, and Beaver Brook Falls Nature Walk. The city also features cultural highlights such as The Colonial Theatre, Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery, and Red Ferns Arts Center.
These affordable cities in New Hampshire provide diverse opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the state’s natural beauty, culture, and urban amenities.