Looking for Your Small Slice of New England Heaven? Here are 12 of the Best Towns in New Hampshire in 2025
New Hampshire Small Towns
Want a New England lifestyle that’s more on the laid back side? Then consider moving to one of the best small towns in New Hampshire. New Hampshire, located near the Canadian border and commonly referred to as “The Granite State,” is home to over 1.4 million residents. It’s known for its beautiful scenery, including vast forests and soaring mountains, as well as vibrant urban areas. And as one of the 13 original colonies, the state is full of classic old-world charm, as well as numerous historic towns and cities. Also, the state doesn't have a sales tax or income tax, which is very appealing to both tourists and new residents!
When describing their home, New Hampshire residents will most likely bring up the gorgeous and abundant geographic regions across the state. The Lakes Region, the Seacoast, and the Great North Woods, for example, offer year-round activities such as hiking, boating, and snowmobiling. But the best part of living in New Hampshire? There are plenty of places to enjoy all that the state has to offer. Check out 12 of the best towns in New Hampshire, known for their small sizes yet large personalities.
Big Cities vs. Small Towns in New Hampshire
With many unique living perks such as no sales or income tax and beautiful sites to visit outdoors all year, it’s no surprise that the state of New Hampshire’s population is on the rise and shows no signs of slowing down.
Two of New Hampshire’s biggest cities include Concord (the capital city) and Manchester, which both have a lot to offer. Advantages of living in these cities include more direct access to job opportunities, better education opportunities, and large arts and culture scenes. However, many of New Hampshire’s larger cities don’t have great public transportation, crime rates can be higher, and traffic can certainly be an issue, among other issues.
Fortunately, the entire New England area has some of the cutest small towns, and New Hampshire is certainly no exception. Home to over 200 towns, there are plenty of pros to choosing to reside in one of the best small towns in New Hampshire. Some examples include:
Best Towns in New Hampshire — FAQs
Q: What is the most walkable town in New Hampshire?
A: Exeter is the most walkable town in New Hampshire because of its easily navigable and compact downtown combined with pedestrian-friendly streets.
Q: What is the best county to live in New Hampshire?
A: Located along New Hampshire’s stretch of Atlantic coastline, Rockingham County is considered one of New Hampshire’s best counties.
Q: What is the most quaint town in New Hampshire?
A: Littleton is the most quaint town in New Hampshire, thanks to its historic Main Street, vibrant arts scene, and the iconic "Littleton Grist Mill.” Not only is it one of the best towns New Hampshire has to offer, HGTV named it the state’s most charming.
Q: Where is the best town to live in New Hampshire?
A: According to Niche, Hanover ranks as the No. 1 best town to live in New Hampshire as of 2024. Home to Dartmouth College, this idyllic locale is one of the best small New Hampshire towns because of its art, architecture, and activities.
Q: What is the prettiest part of New Hampshire?
A: The White Mountains region is the prettiest part of New Hampshire because of its breathtaking landscapes. Take in the fall foliage from the Kancamagus Highway, look out over Mount Washington, or do some spring skiing at Tuckerman Ravine to find out why.
Best Small Towns in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is so packed with great places to live, many residents from all walks of life are proud to call the state home. From beach towns to mountain and ski towns, check out some of the best small towns in New Hampshire to live with populations of no more than 15,000.
Plymouth is one of the best small towns in New Hampshire, but it’s not far away from some bigger city action.
1. Plymouth, NH
Located in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, the small town of Plymouth is home to Plymouth State University. This small public university is surrounded by beautiful countryside and has a charming downtown. It also has a white-steepled church and a covered bridge.
In addition to its university, Plymouth also has a variety of local shops and restaurants that are known for their vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Some of these include The Main Street Station, Chase St. Market, and Café Monte Alto.
Not to mention, the area is surrounded by natural beauty, offering year-round outdoor activities at places like Tenney Mountain, Newfound Lake, and the Polar Caves. If you want to live in one of the best small towns in New Hampshire but still be close to larger areas, then Plymouth may be the right fit for you. Its central location means you’re close to other fun towns in New Hampshire like Concord and Manchester.
2. Hanover, NH
Located in the Upper Valley, close to the Vermont border, the town of Hanover is home to Dartmouth College. Although relatively small, with around 12,000 residents, it has plenty of activities for everyone. The Dartmouth campus is located in and around the downtown area, and it’s a safe and beautiful place to explore. While you’re trekking around, one particularly fun building to visit is the Baker-Berry Library, which features a Harry Potter-esque tower room. During the summer, the area is filled with live bands and farmers’ markets.
In town, you can find a variety of local restaurants and bars, such as Lou's Restaurant & Bakery. And if you're in the mood for a movie, the Nugget Theaters offer a great place to watch movies.
In addition, one of the most amazing art museums in town is the Hood Museum. It's located in downtown Hanover and features works by some of the most prominent artists, such as Pablo Picasso and Georgia O'Keeffe. The museum also has free entry!
3. Madbury, NH
Not all who wander are lost — and nowhere is that more true than in the charming small town of Madbury. Named the top place to live in Stratfford County by Niche, this town is filled with beautiful views and bountiful outdoor activities. So whether you want to ramble through the Bedrock Gardens in neighboring Lee or take a long walk in Jackson’s Landing Community Park, there are plenty of ways to stretch your legs and take in the scenery.
If you like a more activity-driven day, head over to the University of New Hampshire in Durham, which is a drive that’ll likely take you 10 minutes or less. Grab a cup of coffee at Breaking New Grounds or check out a Wildcat hockey game. And if you’re looking for something to do in the heart of town, mark your calendar for the annual Madbury Day, a community celebration filled with music, food, and a parade.
4. Exeter, NH
Exeter, one of the best coastal towns in New Hampshire, is located right by the Atlantic Ocean. Although the population is a little more than 15,000 (by only about 1,000 or so people), its charming history and pedestrian-friendly environment are two of the reasons why it is one of the most prominent towns in the state. During the 1600s, it was one of the earliest colonies in New England, and notable individuals such as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln were spotted in its streets.
One of the town's most popular attractions is the American Independence Museum, which is situated on Water Street, and it displays the town's early history. There are also a variety of other great shops on this street, such as The Chocolatier, Water Street Bookstore, and Whirlygigs Toy Shop. You can also catch a live performance in the bandstand of the Exeter Brass Band, or check out the Exeter Farmers’ Market.
5. Campton, NH
Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains and named one of the top places to buy a home in New Hampshire by Niche, Campton offers residents and visitors breathtaking views of rolling hills, forests, and the Pemigewasset River. This picturesque setting makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with year-round activities such as hiking, skiing, fishing, and snowmobiling. Popular nearby destinations include the Waterville Valley Resort, Loon Mountain, and the White Mountain National Forest.
The town is also known for its family-friendly environment and strong educational opportunities. Campton is home to Holderness Central School, one of the top 15 middle schools in the state, and Plymouth Regional High School, one of the top five best public high schools in Grafton County.
Despite its small size, Campton boasts a surprising variety of local amenities, including charming restaurants and shops that reflect the town’s rustic character. Popular dining spots like the Covered Bridge Farm Table and the Mad River Tavern offer delicious meals and a cozy atmosphere, while local farmers’ markets provide fresh, seasonal produce. And the town also hosts community events throughout the year, including festivals, fairs, and holiday celebrations.
6. Peterborough, NH
Situated along the Contoocook River, the quaint town of Peterborough is a great place for avid outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking Mount Monadnock, kayaking, and exploring local parks. It also offers a variety of stores that are known for their repurposed goods. Some of these include Twin Elm Farm, Bowerbird & Friends, Murray's Home Again, and Grove & Main Antiques.
The town of Peterborough is famous for its culture and artsy appeal. One of the most prominent organizations that is located in this area is MacDowell, which was established in 1906. For over 100 years, the organization has been supporting artists. In addition to MacDowell, the town is home to the renowned Peterborough Players, a professional theater group, and the Mariposa Museum, which showcases global art and culture.
Want to live in one of the best small towns in New Hampshire and be close to the water? Check out the coastal community of Rye.
7. Rye, NH
Often referred to as one of the best beach towns in New Hampshire, Rye is located on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean and has the longest coastline in the state. If you want to take a dip, head over to Wallis Sands State Park, or grab your kayak and head to Odiorne Point State Park. If you’d rather stay on land, head over to the Rye Place Mall, where you can take a workout class, grab a bite to eat, or peruse the local boutiques.
Rye has earned the top spot on Niche’s list for best places to retire in New Hampshire for retirees, a designation likely earned because of its stunning natural landscape, manageable size, and lack of state income tax on wages and Social Security benefits. And it’s also conveniently located near Portsmouth, which offers top-notch healthcare facilities, including Portsmouth Regional Hospital. Retirees have easy access to medical services, specialists, and wellness programs.
8. North Conway, NH
One of the best ski towns in New Hampshire to move to — and even simply visit — is North Conway. It’s set in the White Mountains, with a variety of local shops and restaurants. The town also has a beautiful ski museum and park, along with a local railroad that provides guests with train rides through the area.
North Conway also serves as a great base camp for those who want to explore the White Mountains. Some of the most popular nearby areas include Mount Washington, Attitash Mountain, Diana’s Baths, and Cranmore Mountain.
9. Amherst, NH
The historic village of Amherst isn’t just one of the best small towns in New Hampshire, it’s been voted the second-best suburb in the state, according to Niche. This area is full of outdoor recreation opportunities and has a lot of history.
The Village Green of Amherst is a vital part of the community, and it is also home to all kinds of events, such as the Fourth of July celebration that takes place each year. The town is home to some great school districts, as well. In fact, the local middle and high schools have even been recognized as the best in the state.
Littleton has been named the most charming small town in New Hampshire – and for good reason. Look how quaint and delightful it is!
10. Littleton, NH
The historic town of Littleton is situated in the White Mountains, near the Connecticut and Ammonoosuc Rivers. It has been named the most charming small town in New Hampshire and one of the “last great classic Main Streets in New England.”
The Littleton Opera House is a great place to learn about the area's history. And if you're a fan of books, your close proximity to the Little Village Toy & Book Shop will certainly work out in your favor.
11. Brookline, NH
Nestled in the southern part of New Hampshire, Brookline offers residents a peaceful, small-town atmosphere while being conveniently close to larger cities like Nashua and Manchester. The town is known for its excellent schools, making it a top choice for families. Brookline is part of the Hollis-Brookline Cooperative School District, which includes highly rated schools like Hollis-Brookline High School.
Brookline boasts a wealth of activities and amenities that cater to a wide range of interests. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the town’s numerous parks, trails, and conservation areas, such as the popular Lake Potanipo, which offers swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. If you like a side of art with your nature, then you’ll love The Andres Institute of Art, which is located on Big Bear Mountain and features unique outdoor sculptures along its trails.
The town also has a vibrant community life, with events like the annual Brookline Old Home Day, which features parades, games, and local vendors.
12. New London, NH
New London is a small town that has plenty of beautiful mountain views and rolling hills. Home to about 4,300 people and Colby-Sawyer College, its residents enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, camping, and skiing. People enjoy living in this little college town because of its cultural, historical, and recreational resources.
It’s also easy to stay busy within the community, as the town takes great pride in its Main Street and community garden. The Public Works and Fire Departments even work together to create a community ice rink in the winter for everyone to enjoy — complete with ice skate rentals.
Let PODS Help You Move to One of the Best Small Towns in New Hampshire
Now that you know where to find the best towns in New Hampshire, it’s time to pick a destination. No matter where you end up, you can count on PODS to help you make the move a flexible one. Have a PODS portable moving container delivered to your driveway for convenient packing and loading at your own pace. When you’re ready, your container will be picked up and transported to your new home in New Hampshire. One month of storage is built into every move, so you can unload and unpack without feeling rushed.
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Moving to New Hampshire from out of state? Check out these helpful guides from the PODS Blog. |
Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from Zumper and Zillow; average home values were obtained from Zillow; and median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.
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