Want to live and work in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire is one of the whitest states in the US, with strong English, Irish, French (Quebec), and Italian heritage. Catholic and Protestant culture coexist in many communities, and there are small towns where families have lived in the same place for generations.

Diversity has increased in recent years. Manchester has received refugees from countries such as Bhutan, Somalia, Iraq, and Syria through resettlement programs. There are also growing Latino communities (Mexican, Dominican, Salvadoran) and Indian communities in technology-heavy cities. Nashua has Portuguese, Brazilian, and Asian communities.

The Brazilian community is small but present, mainly in Nashua, Manchester, and Hudson, close to the Brazilian clusters in Massachusetts (Framingham, Marlborough). They work in construction, cleaning, beauty, and services. Churches and markets serving Portuguese speakers are mainly in Massachusetts, just minutes away by car.

In Manchester and Nashua, 3-bedroom homes in good neighborhoods sell for $450,000 to $700,000. Suburbs close to the Massachusetts border (Bedford, Hollis, Amherst, Windham) have homes starting from $600,000, some above $1 million. Cities further north and west have much more affordable real estate.

Traditional New England homes with clapboard siding, sloped roofs for snow clearance, and large yards are the standard. Many have finished basements and double garages. To rent, landlords ask for proof of income (usually 3 times the rent), a credit history, and references.

Buying property requires a credit history and financial stability. The high property tax is an important factor in the calculation. Smaller cities like Lebanon (west) and Portsmouth (coast) have their own dynamics and can have higher prices due to demand from professionals working in hospitals or in the financial sector.

Basic public education in New Hampshire is considered among the best in the US on average, though it depends heavily on the district. Bedford, Hollis-Brookline, Windham, and Hanover have well-rated school districts, with high college acceptance rates. Poorer cities in the northern part of the state have schools with fewer resources.

Dartmouth College, in Hanover, is one of the eight Ivy League universities. Founded in 1769, it has worldwide prestige, especially in medicine, engineering, and business (Tuck School of Business). Tuition is high (above $60,000 per year), with scholarships for lower-income students. Admission is very selective.

The University of New Hampshire (UNH), in Durham, is the main public university. Strong in engineering, business, marine sciences, and education. Tuition is affordable for state residents. There is also Saint Anselm College (private, in Manchester) and Plymouth State (public, in the north). Community colleges offer quick technical programs.

New Hampshire regularly appears among the safest states in the US. Most small cities have very low crime rates. Bedford, Hollis, Hanover, Windham, and Portsmouth are considered extremely safe, with little violent crime and a high quality of life.

Manchester and Nashua, the two largest cities, have neighborhoods with higher crime rates, but still far below the average for large American cities. There are isolated problems with drug trafficking (especially opioids) and related violence. The opioid epidemic has strongly affected the state over the past ten years.

Natural risks are more of a concern than crime in most of the state. Heavy winter snowstorms can close roads and leave communities isolated for days. Occasional hurricanes and spring flooding also occur. Homes in mountainous areas need reliable heating and emergency preparedness.

New Hampshire has a typical New England humid continental climate. Summer (June to August) is mild and pleasant, with temperatures between 20 and 28°C, perfect for outdoor activities on lakes, mountains, and the coast. Nights are usually cool. Mosquitoes can be a problem in areas near water.

Fall (September to November) is the state's most celebrated season. Tree leaves turn red, orange, and yellow, drawing tourists from around the world between late September and mid-October. Roads fill with visitors during the so-called leaf peeping season. The White Mountains are the highlight.

Winter (December to March) is cold with considerable snow. Temperatures frequently below zero, with nights reaching -20°C. Snowstorms close roads and schools multiple times per season. Ski resorts (Loon, Bretton Woods, Cannon, Waterville Valley) attract visitors. Spring is short, with snowmelt, mud, and variable weather.

Technology has a strong presence in Manchester, Nashua, and Merrimack, with software, hardware, and technology-based financial services companies. Fidelity Investments, Liberty Mutual, and various startups employ thousands. Proximity to Boston helps attract talent and capital.

The defense sector is important, with BAE Systems being one of the largest employers. The company develops electronic systems for the American military industry. Hypertherm, in Hanover, is a world reference in plasma and waterjet cutting. High-tech specialized manufacturing is a significant part of the economy.

Healthcare revolves around the Dartmouth-Hitchcock complex and CMC. Higher education employs many people in Hanover (Dartmouth), Durham (UNH), and smaller cities. Tourism is a seasonal but relevant sector, peaking in fall and winter. Craft breweries and local agriculture (maple syrup, apples) also drive the economy.