10 Most Affordable Cities in New Hampshire

With a wealth of forests, rivers, and mountains, New Hampshire is home to picturesque New England views. Whether you thrive best in small towns with an easygoing pace or a bustling urban city, New Hampshire has something for everyone. Ready to move to the Granite State? NewHomeSource has compiled a list of the top 10 most affordable cities to help inform your choice.

1. Conway

Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.84

Average Property Tax: $2,210

Median Household Income: $50,582

The eastern town of Conway lands at the top of our list of most affordable cities in New Hampshire. Conway offers access to great New Hampshire nature scenes; enjoy boating along Conway Lake, or visit the waterfalls at Diana’s Bath. Other points of interest include 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

Berlin is a northern city with just under 10,000 residents. The Androscoggin River meanders through the city, and you can find marketplaces, museums, and entertainment centers located near its banks. Jericho Mountain State Forest stretches across the western half of the city, offering miles of trails to explore and hike. If you’re looking to settle down permanently, Berlin is also the best city to retire in in New Hampshire.

3. Claremont

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.80

Average Property Tax: $3,618

Median Household Income: $47649

Claremont is in the western part of the state, along the New Hampshire-Vermont border. The Sugar River snakes through the middle of the city, and on either side of it and you will find many restaurants, stores, and parks. If you’re an outdoors fan, be sure to check out the 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 is in eastern New Hampshire along the Maine border. With over 32,000 residents, Rochester ranks in the top five most populated New Hampshire cities. Local attractions include 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 looking for a home with a waterside view, Laconia may be for you! Located between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam, Laconia has plenty of water to enjoy. On sunny days, catch some rays at Weirs Beach or Bond Beach. Other attractions include 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 is a small city located along the New Hampshire-Maine border. You’ll find all your urban amenities here, including grocery stores, restaurants, and places of worship. Drop by the parks along Salmon Falls River or practice your swing at The Oaks golf course.

7. Concord

Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.45

Average Property Tax: $5,571

Median Household Income: $66,719

New Hampshire’s capital comes in seventh on our most affordable cities list. There’s plenty to explore in Concord; the Capitol Center for the Arts, McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, and Pierse Manse are just a few attractions that residents and tourists alike enjoy. Nature enthusiasts will love the 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 calling it home, Manchester is the most populous city in the state. The Merrimack River runs through the western part of the city, with downtown Manchester located along the river’s eastern bank. Tour the Currier Museum of Art and Millyard Museum to get your museum fix or hike the breathtaking 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

The town of Derry is the fourth most populous community in New Hampshire. Derry is packed with historical sites, including Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site and Taylor Mill State Historic Site. From forests to ponds, beautiful natural wonders span the town, which can be viewed best along the Rockingham Recreational Trail.

10. Keene

Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.34

Average Property Tax: $5,220

Median Household Income: $56,971

Keene is a southwest city and county seat of Cheshire County. From the Horatio Colony Nature Preserve, Greater Goose Pond Forest, and Beaver Brook Falls Nature Walk, you have your pick of hiking trails and places to enjoy fresh New England air! Further in town, attractions such as The Colonial Theatre, Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery, and Red Ferns Arts Center await you.

Cities with the Best Home Price to Income Ratio

While the list above is sorted by the lowest overall cost of living index, the following cities have the lowest home price to income ratio, meaning you can get more home for your money.

• Berlin
• Somersworth
• Rochester