Note: A version of this story appears in Granite Post’s newsletter. Subscribe here.
New Hampshire gained more residents than it lost to other states in 2024. About 48,700 people moved here from elsewhere in the US, while roughly 40,600 Granite Staters packed up and moved to another state.
This week, we asked readers: Have you considered leaving New Hampshire? Why do you choose to stay?
Here’s what they had to say…
“Moved here in 1973 when I was 11, been here since then, except for my time in the Marines. If I ever did move, it would likely be because of the winter weather. The only places I’d consider going would be Maryland or Delaware. Family obligations—taking care of my elderly mother—keeps me here for now. After that, definitely selling this money pit of a house, but I might stay in the area. I like this town.”— David Masters
“Aside from five years spent overseas in two different countries, I have lived in NH my entire life (I will turn 58 this fall). I have visited—and in many cases, spent significant time in—almost all 49 remaining states (all except KS, ND, AK, OK, and MO) and have traveled to over 20 other countries. I have never found anywhere else that I love more than New Hampshire. It’s green. It has both mountains and the ocean. Lakes, four seasons, an easy drive to Boston and New York, and no income or sales tax. Yes, we have high property taxes. We also have great schools and a fantastic quality of life. The state has changed a lot over the years and not all of it has been good, but I could never imagine living anywhere else, except, maybe Canada.” — D Veau
“Never seriously considered leaving NH, but if I did I would try to go to the high country in New Mexico. It’s beautiful and reminiscent of NH.” — JoAnn Carlson
“Born here. Lived here for my whole life of 72 years, so far. Raised my kids here. So, no, not ever leaving. I’m stuck here like a barnacle. And I love it.” — Denise Clark
“We just moved to Charlestown from Ohio 4 years ago. Having previously lived in Vernon, VT in the ’80s, I had a pretty good idea of what I was in for. Not so much the way NH gouges everyone because of no taxes. It’s incredibly expensive to live here. The GOP/governor in this state is trying its best to copy the corruption and ideals in Washington, to my dismay. The political climate in Ohio is extremely corrupt in more ways than one, and NH would have to go a long way to match Ohio, another positive point. Enough about politics. This is a far better place to live compared to Ohio, most importantly the people, the beauty, and even the political climate! It’s all gooder! (yes, I spelled it that way)” — Mike Blackledge, Charlestown
