What to know as new resident in New Hampshire: Weather conditions and seasonal changes. Cost of living and housing market. State tax policies and exemptions. Popular outdoor activities and attractions. Public transportation options and accessibility. Local healthcare services and hospitals. Education system and school ratings. Community events and local culture. Job market and major industries. Important state and local laws.
Weather conditions and seasonal changes.
In New Hampshire, expect four comfortable months with high temperatures ranging between 70-85°F, with July being the hottest month at an average high of 80.1°F. Winters are cold, with January being the snowiest month and an average of 68 inches of snow annually, though climate change is leading to warmer winters with more precipitation as rain rather than snow. For more detailed information, visit the New Hampshire Weather page for comprehensive insights on local weather trends.
Cost of living and housing market.
As a new resident in New Hampshire, you should be aware that the cost of living is high, with median rental costs reaching $1,691 per month and median home prices at a record $515,000. These figures are driven by rising housing costs and limited inventory, which significantly impact household budgets and affordability. For further insights on this topic, you can read more at New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, which explores the implications of these rising costs on tenant households.
State tax policies and exemptions.
As a new resident in New Hampshire, you should be aware of the Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief Program, which provides tax refunds to homeowners with limited incomes, and other exemptions such as the Elderly Exemption and Veteran's Exemption, each with specific residency and income requirements. To gain a thorough understanding of these benefits, you can explore the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, which offers detailed information on eligibility and application processes. Being informed about these programs can significantly aid in managing your financial responsibilities as a property owner in New Hampshire.
Popular outdoor activities and attractions.
New Hampshire offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking in the White Mountains and Mount Monadnock, water sports on Lake Winnipesaukee and the Saco and Androscoggin rivers, and winter sports like skiing and snowboarding at resorts such as Loon Mountain and Bretton Woods. The state also features scenic train rides, zip lines, hang gliding, and unique attractions like Ice Castles and Franconia Notch State Park.
Public transportation options and accessibility.
New Hampshire offers various public transit options, including COAST, Concord Area Transit, and Manchester Transit Authority, with many services being wheelchair accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These services include features like ramps, lifts, and audible stop announcements, as well as complementary paratransit services for those unable to use fixed routes. For more detailed information, explore the public transit options available across different regions on the CommuteSmartNH website.
Local healthcare services and hospitals.
As a new resident in New Hampshire, you can access a comprehensive list of hospitals, including their locations, affiliations, and trauma center designations. The state has numerous active hospitals, such as Elliot Hospital, Exeter Hospital, and Portsmouth Regional Hospital, along with several rehabilitation and specialty care facilities. To find more detailed information about these healthcare institutions, visit the List of Hospitals in New Hampshire page, which provides valuable insights into the medical services available throughout the state.
Education system and school ratings.
New Hampshire's education system is based on a competency-based model, where students earn credit by demonstrating mastery of knowledge and skills rather than time spent in class. The state has high academic standards, with schools ranked highly nationally, and offers a range of educational options including public, charter, and private schools. More information can be found on the New Hampshire Statewide Competency-Based Education website.
Community events and local culture.
As a new resident in New Hampshire, you can engage with local culture through community events like Old Home Days, which feature traditional arts, crafts, and celebrations that reflect the state's heritage. These events, along with initiatives like "First Friday" in Bethlehem, help connect locals and newcomers, showcasing the unique culture and traditions of the region.
Job market and major industries.
As a new resident in New Hampshire, you should know that the job market is healthy with a low unemployment rate and steady job growth, particularly in sectors like professional and business services, technology, and manufacturing. Major industries include advanced manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, education, technology, and financial services, with notable employers in each sector contributing to the state's diverse and growing economy. For a comprehensive overview of the current trends in the state, the New Hampshire Job Market showcases how these dynamics play out across different regions and industries.
Important state and local laws.
As a new resident in New Hampshire, it is crucial to understand that establishing domicile involves making the state your principal place of physical presence, which includes actions like obtaining a New Hampshire driver's license within 60 days, registering your vehicle, and engaging in other resident-specific activities such as voting, paying resident taxes, and enrolling children in public schools. For more detailed information, you can visit the official website of the New Hampshire Department of Justice, which offers comprehensive guidance on the requirements and processes involved in establishing domicile in the state.