Housing

Rising housing costs prompt some NH residents to leave the state

As housing costs continue to soar across New Hampshire, some residents say they’re being priced out of their own communities—prompting them to consider leaving the state altogether.

Renter; NH housing (Shutterstock)

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As housing costs continue to soar across New Hampshire, some residents say they’re being priced out of their own communities—prompting them to consider leaving the state altogether.

In a recent callout, we asked readers to share whether high housing costs have ever made them think about moving. The responses paint a stark picture of the challenges residents are facing.

💬 “Yes! My rent went up substantially in Manchester at The Gardens during their yearly rent hike a year back. Had to move. Got lucky and was able to take my sister’s old apartment,” wrote @eternal.horror.gram on Instagram.

💬 “Property taxes in NH are unsustainable, having risen dramatically in just the last 10 years,” said @julia.redman on Instagram. “It’s so high I’m basically paying the state rent on my own house… At the rate of increase, I’m not sure how anyone can retire here, much less how to survive if unemployed. Unlike income taxes, property taxes don’t adjust with your income changes. This must impact rent too—landlords don’t absorb such costs, they pass it on to the tenant.”

💬 Another reader, @nicbick, didn’t hold back: “Considered moving out of NH since being property-taxed up the wazoo, @eversourceenergy charging with reckless abandon with no price improvements in sight, and heinous sneaky bills being passed by an even more heinous @kelly4nh.”

Their concerns echo broader trends across the state. According to the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority, median rent prices have reached all-time highs in recent years, with the average cost of a house now at about half a million dollars, and the state remains one of the most property-tax-burdened in the country.

Related: NH is the 12 most expensive state 

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Colin Booth
Colin Booth Chief Political Correspondent
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