Best Places to Raise a Family in New Hampshire

Overall, New Hampshire is an incredible state filled with a ton of things the entire family can do. With a variety of landscapes, from the mountains to the ocean, and from the forest to the lakes, New Hampshire offers something for everyone. If you’re thinking of putting down family roots in New Hampshire, but at a loss of where you’d like to live, we’re here to help narrow it down for you. From our experience a “live where you play” lifestyle is important to most families - having plenty of things to do and experience right in their backyard rather than traveling for activities is a huge bonus. We’ve compiled a short list of our favorite towns in New Hampshire based off of their community amenities, activities, and proximity to surrounding attractions.

1. Wolfeboro, NH

First up is Wolfeboro, NH – Referred to as the “Jewel of Lake Winnipesaukee,” Wolfeboro is one of the most sought-after communities in the Lakes Region. The town is spread across just under 59 square miles and is home to just a little over 6,000 residents. However, when the warmer months roll around, Wolfeboro is a bustling and vibrant spot. Claiming the title of “the oldest summer resort in America” Wolfeboro draws in tourists, outdoor enthusiasts, and seasonal residents alike. With the town sitting on the largest lake in New Hampshire, Lake Winnipesaukee, there are a plethora of activities to take part in. Water activities reign supreme in this town, and for good reason. The lake offers residents to sunbathe on the beaches, canoe, kayak, paddle board, motorboat, jet ski, swim, fish and much more. The lake is even utilized in the wintertime with the very popular ice fishing.

Aside from the beautiful lake around the town, Wolfeboro offers a variety of activities to partake in. Instead of diving into the water, how about diving back in time? For the history lover in all of us there are multiple museums around town, including the New Hampshire Boat Museum and the Wright Museum of WWII History.

After the day is done and the fun has been had at the lake and the museums, take a stroll through Cate Park. A beautiful spot in town overlooking the lake and the boats, plant yourself in the gazebo with an ice cream cone and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

2. Hampton, NH

Next on the list of Best Places to Raise a Family in New Hampshire is, drum roll please, Hampton, NH! This seaside town is recognized by many for their annual seafood festivals, sand sculpting competition, and the popular beaches in the summer months. Although bustling in the warmer months, this town quiets down in the winter making it a beautiful snow-covered coastal town for its residents. This small town only spans just under 15 square miles but is home to almost 15,000 residents. Hampton, NH makes the list because many families have laid down roots here making it a community oriented and friendly place to live. Hampton’s downtown is filled with local shops, restaurants, cafes, and multiple parks to enjoy.

Apart from the beautiful Atlantic Ocean that lines the town’s coast, Hampton, NH offers a lot of different attractions fit for the entire family. For example, there are a few zoos/aquariums in town, such as Explore the Ocean World Oceanarium and Blue Ocean Discovery Center. Both places are the perfect spot to bring the kids, they will be immersed in the underwater world and becoming familiar with some sea creatures. Some creatures are even available to hold and be inspected by the kids, who knows maybe you have a future marine biologist in the making.

Another awesome and educational attraction of Hampton, is the museums. Tuck Museum and Seacoast Fire Museum are both great spots to bring the family, to learn and discover the history that is all around you.

For the older demographic, Hampton is filled with a ton of great spots to have a good time. For example, Hampton, NH is home to Smuttynose Brewing, one of New England’s oldest and most beloved craft breweries. Here you can take a free tour of the brewery, indulge in a guided tasting, and shop at their retail store. Smuttynose Brewery is located on the same 17-acre site as Hayseed, a delicious restaurant featuring a farm-to-table menu, two dozen beers to choose from, a seasonal beer garden and fire pit, as well as a disc golf course.

3. Londonderry, NH

On to our next town in our list of Best Places to Raise a Family in New Hampshire - we stumble into Londonderry, NH! Now this town isn’t as outdoorsy as the last two, but this suburban town is very popular in the southern region of the state. Spanning over 42 square miles with a population of 24,000 residents, Londonderry has grown into the fourth-largest community in the state. Situated in between Derry and Manchester, Londonderry is in a great location to create a home base.

The town itself has a lot in regards to amenities, it’s filled with a wonderful mix of local shops as well as convenient box stores. It has delicious restaurants and some major business headquarters in town, including Stonyfield Farm, Blue Seal Feeds and a bottling facility for Coca-Cola. This town also offers easy access to major highways and interstates making travel to near-by and far-away destinations trouble free.

There’s quite a bit to do within the town limits as well. For example, Londonderry is well-known for their abundance of apple orchards, including Mack’s Apples, Sunnycrest Farm and Elwood Orchards. The orchards are open to residents and visitors alike to pick their own apples and pumpkins in the fall. Some include hayrides, corn mazes and country stores to buy local produce and other homemade goodies.

If you’re looking to get outside and walk, run, ride your bike, bring the dog, hop on the Londonderry Rail Trail. A smoothed path that is part of the future 125-mile Granite State Rail Trail, which will one day stretch from Massachusetts to the Vermont border, with the Londonderry portion spanning 6 miles. For now, it is a tranquil 3.3-mile adventure in the beautiful outdoors. Originally it started as a railroad course to connect Manchester to Boston in the mid-1800’s, once operations stopped in the 1980’s the creation of the Rail Trail began in 2012. A popular spot for residents to get out, stretch their legs and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

If you’re looking to buy real estate in New Hampshire, there’s really no town you can go wrong with. Each location offers its own unique features, amenities, and entertainment, it just all depends on what you prefer and what fits best with your family. If you’re looking for even more New Hampshire town info, Verani can help. Either visit Verani.com/NH or call us - we have an array of New Hampshire licensed agents who know the ins and outs of the locations you’re looking at.

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