Although New Hampshire is small, it offers an abundance of natural riches with 90 state parks are sprinkled across its terrain. From atop Mount Washington, the highest elevation in the northeast — and well-known for its erratic weather patterns — you can enjoy a spectacular view of dense forests and deep ravines.
New Hampshire also offers residents a safe place to live and work. In fact, it has the lowest property crime rate in the nation at 22.8 percent, according to various independent reports. The U.S. average is 35.4 percent.
With no general sales tax or state personal income tax, it’s no wonder 1.35 million people call the Granite State home. Let’s unpack the data and get the inside scoop on New Hampshire’s 10 safest cities.
The Top 10 Safest Cities in New Hampshire
1. Sandown
Population: 6,501
Violent Crimes Per Capita: 30
Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 323
Most Common Crime: Property
96% Below National Crime Rate
Sandown captured the top spot on our safest cities in New Hampshire list thanks to a crime rate that is 12 times lower than the national average; for example, only two violent crimes were committed in 2018. As home to Zorvino Vineyards, one of the more than 20 vineyards in the state, Sandown is also a wine enthusiast’s haven.
2. Atkinson
Population: 6,970
Violent Crimes Per Capita: 43
Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 272
Most Common Crime: Property
93% Below National Crime Rate
Atkinson reported only 19 instances of property crime in 2018, coming in nine times lower than the national average. It’s a suburb of Boston, giving residents a suburban yet rural feel. This small town also scores a high B in school rankings.
3. Hollis
Population: 7,851
Violent Crimes Per Capita: 0
Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 509
Most Common Crime: Property
81% Below National Crime Rate
Safety ratings don’t get any better than the number of violent crimes reported in Hollis in 2018. The price tags on homes in this town are steep; the median price is $467,900. With a cream-of-the-crop school system, Hollis is one of the best places to live in New Hampshire. Nestled close to the New Hampshire and Massachusetts state line and with Boston only 60 miles away, Hollis is well situated to plenty of urban amenities.
4. New Boston
Population: 5,706
Violent Crimes Per Capita: 52
Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 262
Most Common Crime: Property
77% Below National Crime Rate
Located 30 minutes from Manchester, New Boston is super safe with only three violent crimes reported in 2018. If that package you ordered is delivered before you arrive home, it’s a safe bet that it will not be stolen; property crime is exceptionally low here in comparison to the rest of the state. This town seems to be custom-made for outdoors enthusiasts, as it is bristling with meandering trails and scenic parks.
5. Windham
Population: 14,811
Violent Crimes Per Capita: 33
Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 351
Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
66% Below National Crime Rate
When you are ready for shade in the summer or need a cozy, warm place to hibernate for a few hours in winter, Windham is a prime locale; it’s dotted with coffee shops. It also is close to a number of outdoor entertainment venues, such as Canobie Lake Park, which is considered one of the top amusement parks in the country with more than 85 thrilling rides.
6. Weare
Population: 8,990
Violent Crimes Per Capita: 33
Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 367
Most Common Crime: Property
31% Below National Crime Rate
Compared to a low ranking by other sources last year, Weare has catapulted all the way to No. 6! Given the low crime rate, you shouldn’t have to call local law enforcement to report an incident too often. Most Weare residents own their homes, reflecting the community’s stability. In addition, schools offer a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1.
7. Hopkinton
Population: 5,680
Violent Crimes Per Capita: 0
Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 545
Most Common Crime: Property
67% Below National Crime Rate
Not far from the capital city of Concord, the small town of Hopkinton lies almost unnoticed. Maybe that’s why the violent crime rate sits at zero. Folks here take delight in knowing their children are receiving a great education in Hopkinton’s top-rated school system; its expenditure per student is $16,670. To put that in perspective, it’s $4,000 higher than the national average. Hopkinton is a perfect place to put down roots, as the median home price is $275,200.
8. Hampstead
Population: 8,696
Violent Crimes Per Capita: 22
Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 540
Most Common Crime: Property
67% Below National Crime Rate
Have a taste for wine? Then make Hampstead your next home. Sweet Baby Vineyard is a hot spot for locals and tourists. It offers handcrafted, internationally award-winning red, white and fruit wines. Hampstead is also home to a portion of the Rockingham Recreational Trail. You’ll be safe frequenting all these outdoor entertainment attractions.
9. Durham
Population: 16,813
Violent Crimes Per Capita: 65
Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 315
Most Common Crime: Property
85% Below National Crime Rate
Durham is home to the University of New Hampshire, giving this town a young, vibrant feel. Before entering college, youngsters will be able to enhance their education in the town’s stellar schools. Perhaps not surprisingly for such a highly regarded community, the cost of living here is 17 percent higher than the national average.
10. Merrimack
Population: 25,683
Violent Crimes Per Capita: 23
Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 576
Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
20% Below National Crime Rate
The honor of 10th safest city in New Hampshire belongs to Merrimack. This could be due to the fact that there were only six reported violent crimes committed in 2018. This charming suburban city is located between the state’s two largest cities: Manchester and Nashua. Homes in Merrimack, also a commuter suburb to Boston, have a median price of $311,000.
Looking to make the move to New Hampshire from out of state? Check out the first-time homebuyer programs for New Hampshire. And while you’re at it, you can figure out how to choose the best schools in New Hampshire, too.
Other New Hampshire Resources
Heather Allen is a freelance writer who began her career 20 years ago at a small Texas NBC affiliate, while attending SFASU. She’s written blogs on a diverse range of topics.
