This article was written to help make moving to New Hampshire a simple and affordable task for families. We give you all our local tips about areas, recreation, schools, and more.
You will learn about average moving and costs of living locally ad well as get some frequently asked questions answered.
Moving to New Hampshire with the Family In Tow
Moving to New Hampshire as a family unit can be a grand adventure, offering a fun mix of outdoor activities, strong communities, and excellent schools for the little ones, which is most important.
New Hampshire is known for its gorgeous landscapes, from the White Mountains views to small towns that might be the perfect fit for your family; New Hampshire provides a safe and family-friendly area you will be proud to call home.
Where to Begin: Important Knowledge
1. Choosing a Location
Location is everything. In New Hampshire, you really can’t go wrong as all areas are known to be very safe it’s more a choice of opinion and taste. Popular towns for families are Bedford, Hollis, and Amherst, which are known for their top-rated middle and high schools and suburban amenities.
If you’re looking for a more rural life, consider smaller towns like New London or Hanover, which offer a close-knit community atmosphere and access to outdoor activities. Depending on your needs and proximity to bigger city life for work, check out all the small village communities for a great place to raise the young ones. Live a life many families would be jealous of.
2. Education
New Hampshire has a well-renowned US education system, with many school districts receiving high marks for academic performance every single year. Soon, your kids will be part of these statistics.
Check out the local public and private schools, as well as educational resources in the area, to find the best fit for your children. Be sure to check out their after-school offerings, such as clubs and sports teams, to find the very best fit for your kids.
See if they can do what local schools call a `’shadow day,” where they get assigned a buddy and tag along with them for a classic school day to get a feel for the atmosphere and class.
3. Outdoor Lovers
With its stunning natural beauty, New Hampshire is perfect for families who love the outdoors and always find themselves barefoot. In the summer, you will find yourself hiking in the White Mountains with the kids in tow after visiting the many lakes for swimming and boating.
Kayak lovers beware: all the lake spots are perfect for a day out on the lake that will have you wanting to stay for a lifetime. Winter offers skiing and snowboarding options at resorts with ski in and ski out options.
If you are a real mountain lover and work remote, you could even consider remote life setting up your home in the mountain range communities.
4. Community
Enjoy and get to know your new community by participating in local events. Many towns host farmers’ markets, festivals, and seasonal celebrations. New Hampshire is a great state for families looking for accepting communities that love to get together.
The annual Pumpkin Festival in Laconia is a must-see for kids of all ages, and the various town fairs are great ways to spend the days in the fall.
5. Museums and Shows
There are many cultural centers all over the state. I would recommend spending the day with the kids at museums like the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester and local theaters offering family-friendly shows for all ages.
Don’t forget to plan a day trip to the historic sites in Portsmouth and another road trip to the beautiful coastline.
6. Health and Safety
The state is known for its low crime rates and access to quality healthcare facilities. New Hampshire is simply a great place to raise kids. Familiarize yourself with local hospitals and clinics and ensure to transfer your health records to ensure your family’s health needs are met.
Local Moving Costs in New Hampshire
When seriously considering a move to New Hampshire, it’s essential to understand local moving costs and the overall cost of living so you can plan out your family budget as needed.
1. Moving Companies
Hiring a professional moving company like Pricing Van Lines can range from $100 to $200 per hour, depending on the size of your move and the distance. On average, a typical move within the state will cost between $800 and $2,500. Don’t worry, we will help you save and keep things professional.
2. DIY
If you choose a DIY approach to moving, renting a moving truck can cost around $50 to $150 per day, plus mileage fees (usually around $0.50 to $1 per mile). Don’t forget to factor in the costs of packing materials like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap.
3. Additional Services
Full-service packing and car relocations can add several hundred dollars to your total moving costs. Storage solutions may also be needed, typically costing $100 to $300 per month, depending on the size and location. Don’t stress we will find the cheapest solution to fit your needs.
4. What factors set apart Pricing Van Lines:
We are industry leaders with a polite attitude and are customer oriented. We have a team of professionals who are reliable and have a reputation that backs our work. We have tons of experience with moves of all kinds so we know where we can help you save.
Cost of Living Locally
1. Housing
Housing costs in New Hampshire vary by region, style and type of home desired. In areas like Manchester and Nashua, the average home price is around $330,000 to $400,000, while more rural and mountain areas will be significantly less.
Renting a two-bedroom apartment generally ranges from $1,200 to $2,000 per month, depending on the town. It is a budget friendly state overall.
2. Utilities
Monthly utility costs (electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage) typically range from $150 to $250. This is pretty standard in the North East. Internet services average around $60 to $100 per month.
3. Groceries
Food prices in New Hampshire are slightly above the national average. A family of four will spend on average around $800 to $1,000 per month on groceries, depending on the way they eat.
4. Transport
Gas prices tend to follow the national average, but owning a car is a must in many areas here due to limited public transportation options.
Public transportation costs are generally lower in urban areas. Budget for at least one private family car if you have children who will need to get to their sports practices and clubs.
5. Education
Public schools are free as they are funded through property taxes, which affect your overall cost of living. However, New Hampshire has a strong reputation for education, often making it worth the investment.
Wrapping Up That Box
Overall as you probably understand by now, New Hampshire’s mix of outdoor adventures, high-rated schools, and welcoming community events make it a fantastic place for families to thrive and live their best lives.
While New Hampshire has a slightly higher cost of living compared to some neighboring states, the quality of life, safety for your kids, excellent schools, and beautiful mountains make it a worthwhile choice for families.
Galore Planning and budgeting according to average costs will help you manage the transition smoothly. Lets hit the road with Pricing Van Lines and start saving!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use the full packing option that Pricing Van Lines offers?
Professional packers are not a must but will work at incredible speeds just to get all your items packed up safely. Think about the time you will save by not sorting through all your home goods of the past years.
Our long distance movers will have your entire home packed up and bubble-wrapped in no time. If you are in a time crunch, in the midst of important work projects, or just want to feel like a VIP customer, consider using a packing full-service moving option.
As well consider the fact that you will likely break some of your delicates if you lack packing experience so you may save overall by choosing the full service package. You will also save yourself the time of searching for old boxes and supplies.
What is the best and cheapest time of year for a move?
If you are looking to save a dollar or two, the winter months especially midweek, and midday, are the cheapest time to move. Pricing Van Lines has great rates year-long, but these times are the absolute best time to move and save.
Most people move in the summer in order for their kids to start the school year off and also prefer not to miss a day of work. As well, many contracts on homes end at the end of the month, so mid month moves on odd days are ideal. You can potentially save hundreds of dollars more by changing your schedule.
How can I keep a huge moving goal realistic and attainable?
Deep breaths and appreciation of your own hard work is key. Every time you finish packing up another box or room, take a moment to celebrate your accomplishments and be proud. Acknowledging the small steps helps you reach the bigger ones.
This will keep you motivated and boost morale. Finishing up packing a room and cleaning it out is a huge task. Reward yourself and your family every step of the way.
What’s the best way to declutter before a move?
First things first, start by making three piles, keep, donate, and trash. Start room by room, and the moment the pile becomes full, get it out of your house so you can feel lighter.
It will feel overwhelming at first, but embrace it, and once fully packed up, stack your cartons in a central place that allows you to Dyson and mop all the floors. You will thank yourself for getting rid of all the excess and you will save on the move with less weight.
What do I do if I need storage in between move times?
No worries, just select our storage option on the site. Our storage units are a great option that can give you a bit of extra space, and extra time to deal with all the excess you just can’t part ways with. We’ll find you the best storage unit for your needs, and we won’t charge an arm and a leg every month.
Pricing Van Lines makes storage affordable with our selection of sizes, extra security, and climate-controlled options, we’ll make sure everything is safe and secure.