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Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027

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Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027

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📖 2,639 words🗓️ Published Aug 27, 2026

Direct Answer

The 10 best best towns to live in new hampshire are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

1. Bedford, New Hampshire

Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027 — figure 1

Bedford is the best overall town in New Hampshire because it uniquely balances elite public schools, very low crime, high incomes, and a short commute to Manchester's job market. The Bedford School District consistently ranks at or near the top statewide, and Bedford High School sends graduates to elite colleges. With a median household income near $135,000 and a median home price near $640,000, the town offers upscale shopping and dining along Route 101.

This town is for families and professionals who prioritize top-tier schools and convenience over walkability and a lower purchase price. Compared to Bow, the value pick at rank two, Bedford costs roughly $160,000 more for a median home but delivers a more established suburban feel with closer access to Manchester's amenities and airport. The trade-off is a car-dependent layout with limited walkable downtown areas.

2. Bow, New Hampshire

Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027 — figure 2

Bow is the best value town in New Hampshire because it delivers Bedford-caliber schools and safety for a meaningfully lower median home price of about $480,000. This quiet residential community of roughly 8,200 residents sits just south of the state capital, Concord, with a median household income near $120,000. The Bow School District rates among the best in the state, with strong test scores and small class sizes, while crime is very low.

This town is for families who want excellent schools and low crime without paying the premium of the top-ranked suburb, Bedford. Compared to Bedford, Bow costs about $160,000 less for a median home but offers a quieter, more rural feel with limited in-town shopping and dining. The town is leafy and family-oriented, with parks and recreation fields rather than a downtown core.

3. Hanover, New Hampshire

Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027 — figure 3

Hanover ranks third because it offers an unmatched intellectual and cultural environment anchored by Dartmouth College, with outstanding schools and near-zero crime. This Grafton County town of about 11,800 residents has a median household income near $120,000 and a median home price near $730,000. The walkable downtown overflows with bookstores, restaurants, and cultural events tied to the college, while the Connecticut River, skiing, and hiking surround the area.

This town is for academics, remote professionals, and families who value culture and walkability over a Boston commute or a lower home price. Compared to Bow, Hanover costs about $250,000 more for a median home but offers a vibrant college-town lifestyle with a walkable downtown that Bow lacks. The catch is location: Hanover sits in the state's northwest, well over an hour from Boston and major airports.

4. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027 — figure 4

Portsmouth ranks fourth because it is New Hampshire's seacoast gem, offering a highly walkable historic waterfront downtown with strong dining, arts, and nightlife. This Rockingham County city of about 22,000 residents has a median household income near $95,000 and a median home price near $700,000. The economy spans healthcare, tech, tourism, and the nearby Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, with solid schools and low crime for a city.

This town is for professionals who want genuine urban charm, walkability, and coastal access over a large suburban yard. Compared to Hanover, Portsmouth offers a more diversified economy and closer proximity to Boston, but with a median home price about $30,000 lower and a less academic atmosphere. The trade-offs are smaller lots, busy summer tourism, and tight housing inventory.

5. Amherst, New Hampshire

Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027 — figure 5

Amherst ranks fifth because it offers a classic New England village green with top-tier schools and very high incomes, making it a picturesque alternative to Bedford. This Hillsborough County town of about 11,800 residents has a median household income near $140,000, among the wealthiest in the state, and a median home price near $620,000. It shares the highly rated Souhegan Cooperative School District with neighboring Mont Vernon, and Souhegan High School is well regarded.

This town is for families who want colonial character and rural-feeling streets with top-tier schools and safety. Compared to Portsmouth, Amherst offers a quieter, more family-oriented lifestyle with larger lots and a lower median home price by about $80,000, but it lacks a walkable waterfront downtown. The rural feel means longer drives for shopping and dining, and the town is car-dependent.

6. Hollis, New Hampshire

Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027 — figure 6

Hollis ranks sixth because it offers a rare combination of rural luxury, top-tier schools, and one of the highest median household incomes in the state at near $150,000. This Hillsborough County town of about 8,500 residents is known for apple orchards, farm stands, and conservation land, with a median home price near $660,000. The Hollis-Brookline Cooperative School District rates among the strongest in New Hampshire, and crime is exceptionally low.

This town is for families who want space, farmland views, and elite schools without the suburban sprawl of Bedford. Compared to Amherst, Hollis offers a more rural and agricultural setting with a slightly higher median home price of about $40,000, but both share similar school quality and income levels. The trade-off is almost no in-town shopping by design, requiring drives for most errands.

7. Exeter, New Hampshire

Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027 — figure 7

Exeter ranks seventh because it combines a historic, highly walkable downtown with the prestige of Phillips Exeter Academy and solid public schools, all near the seacoast. This Rockingham County town of about 16,500 residents has a median household income near $95,000 and a median home price near $620,000. The town sits on the Squamscott River with a lively Water Street of shops and restaurants, and it offers commuter rail and highway access toward Boston about 50 miles south.

This town is for families and professionals who want genuine history, walkability, and seacoast proximity over the rural quiet of Hollis. Compared to Hollis, Exeter offers a more vibrant downtown and better access to Boston via commuter rail, but with a lower median household income and a similar median home price. The trade-offs are summer and tourist traffic downtown and smaller lots.

8. Windham, New Hampshire

Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027 — figure 8

Windham ranks eighth because it offers the shortest Boston commute of any pick here, with top-rated schools and a very high median household income near $150,000. This Rockingham County town of about 15,000 residents sits near the Massachusetts border, with a median home price near $620,000. The Windham School District is one of the highest-rated in the state, with a modern high school, and crime is very low.

This town is for commuters who want elite schools and the closest possible access to the Boston job market. Compared to Exeter, Windham offers a significantly shorter drive to Boston and a higher median household income, but it lacks the historic walkable downtown that Exeter provides. The trade-offs are rapid growth that has strained roads and traffic, and a more suburban, car-dependent layout.

9. New London, New Hampshire

Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027 — figure 9

New London ranks ninth because it offers a relaxed college-town atmosphere with Lake Sunapee and Mount Sunapee recreation, making it a top choice for retirees and lake lovers. This Merrimack County town of about 4,500 residents has a median household income near $85,000 and a median home price near $510,000, the most affordable among the top picks.

This town is for retirees, remote workers, and second-home owners who want a quiet, scenic lifestyle with outdoor recreation over a daily commute. Compared to Windham, New London costs about $110,000 less for a median home but offers a much smaller job market and a longer drive to Boston. The trade-offs are limited year-round employment opportunities and a long drive to a major airport.

10. Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027 — figure 10

Wolfeboro ranks tenth because it offers iconic Lake Winnipesaukee waterfront living with a charming, walkable downtown, making it a classic lake-town choice for retirees and lake lovers. This Carroll County town of about 6,400 year-round residents calls itself "the oldest summer resort in America," with a median household income near $80,000 and a median home price near $560,000.

This town is for retirees and lake enthusiasts who prioritize lifestyle and four-season recreation over commuting or job opportunities. Compared to New London, Wolfeboro offers larger lakefront living on Winnipesaukee but with a higher median home price of about $50,000 and a more tourism-driven economy. The trade-offs are a limited year-round job market and a two-hour drive to Boston, making it impractical for daily commuters.

How we ranked these

We ranked towns by weighting six factors against published data from Niche, the U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, Realtor.com, BestPlaces, GreatSchools, and Livability. Affordability and home value received 25% weight, schools 20%, safety 20%, jobs and commute 15%, amenities and lifestyle 10%, and community feel 10%. A town with a great commute but weak schools, or low taxes but high crime, dropped fast. New Hampshire's lack of state income and sales tax boosted every pick's real take-home affordability.

We deliberately ignored glossy "best small town" headlines and resort branding. A town's tourism reputation or marketing appeal matters less than its property-tax rate, school ratings, and actual commute times. We also excluded subjective lifestyle preferences like proximity to specific hobbies or personal social networks, focusing instead on measurable, publicly reported data that applies broadly to families, commuters, and professionals. This keeps the ranking objective and useful for a wide range of relocating buyers.

FAQ

What is the best town to live in New Hampshire overall?

Bedford earns our top spot for combining top-ranked schools, a short Manchester commute, very low crime, and high incomes, with the only real drawback being a median home price near $640,000.

What is the most affordable good town in New Hampshire?

Bow is our Best Value pick, with a median home price around $480,000, excellent schools, very low crime, and easy highway access to Concord and Boston.

Which New Hampshire town is best for families?

Bedford, Bow, Hollis, and Windham lead for families thanks to top-rated schools, very low crime, and strong communities, while Amherst and Exeter add classic village charm.

Which New Hampshire town is best for commuting to Boston?

Windham offers the shortest Boston commute of these picks via Interstate 93, followed by Bedford and Bow, all within roughly 40 to 50 miles.

Does New Hampshire have low taxes?

New Hampshire has no state income tax and no sales tax, which boosts take-home affordability, though towns rely on property taxes, so mill rates vary and should be compared.

Which New Hampshire towns are best for lake living?

Wolfeboro on Lake Winnipesaukee and New London on Lake Sunapee are the top lake-town picks, both offering four-season recreation and charming walkable downtowns.

What is the median home price in Bedford, NH?

The median home price in Bedford is approximately $640,000, reflecting its high demand due to top schools, low crime, and proximity to Manchester.

What is the median home price in Bow, NH?

The median home price in Bow is around $480,000, making it the best value for families seeking excellent schools and safety without the premium of Bedford.

Which New Hampshire town has the lowest crime rate?

Hanover, Hollis, and Bow have near-zero crime rates, making them the safest choices. All top 10 towns have very low crime, but these three stand out.

What should I look for when choosing a town in New Hampshire?

Compare property tax rates, school ratings, commute times, and access to recreation. Walkable downtowns matter if you want urban charm, while car-dependent towns offer more space. Ignore tourism branding and focus on data.

Sources

flowchart TD S["Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hamps"] S --> N0["1. Bedford, New Hampshire"] N0 --> N1["2. Bow, New Hampshire"] N1 --> N2["3. Hanover, New Hampshire"] N2 --> N3["4. Portsmouth, New Hampshire"]

flowchart LR C["Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hamps"] C --> H0["8. Windham, New Hampshire"] C --> H1["9. New London, New Hampshire"] C --> H2["10. Wolfeboro, New Hampshire"] C --> H3["How we ranked these"]

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## Direct Answer

The 10 best best towns to live in new hampshire are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

## 1. Bedford, New Hampshire

![Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027 — figure 1](/assets/qa/lv0096-b1.jpg)


```mermaid
flowchart TD
  S["Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hamps"]
  S --> N0["1. Bedford, New Hampshire"]
  N0 --> N1["2. Bow, New Hampshire"]
  N1 --> N2["3. Hanover, New Hampshire"]
  N2 --> N3["4. Portsmouth, New Hampshire"]
```



Bedford is the best overall town in New Hampshire because it uniquely balances elite public schools, very low crime, high incomes, and a short commute to Manchester's job market. The Bedford School District consistently ranks at or near the top statewide, and Bedford High School sends graduates to elite colleges. With a median household income near $135,000 and a median home price near $640,000, the town offers upscale shopping and dining along Route 101.

This town is for families and professionals who prioritize top-tier schools and convenience over walkability and a lower purchase price. Compared to Bow, the value pick at rank two, Bedford costs roughly $160,000 more for a median home but delivers a more established suburban feel with closer access to Manchester's amenities and airport. The trade-off is a car-dependent layout with limited walkable downtown areas.

## 2. Bow, New Hampshire

![Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027 — figure 2](/assets/qa/lv0096-b2.jpg)


```mermaid
flowchart LR
  C["Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hamps"]
  C --> H0["8. Windham, New Hampshire"]
  C --> H1["9. New London, New Hampshire"]
  C --> H2["10. Wolfeboro, New Hampshire"]
  C --> H3["How we ranked these"]
```



Bow is the best value town in New Hampshire because it delivers Bedford-caliber schools and safety for a meaningfully lower median home price of about $480,000. This quiet residential community of roughly 8,200 residents sits just south of the state capital, Concord, with a median household income near $120,000. The Bow School District rates among the best in the state, with strong test scores and small class sizes, while crime is very low.

This town is for families who want excellent schools and low crime without paying the premium of the top-ranked suburb, Bedford. Compared to Bedford, Bow costs about $160,000 less for a median home but offers a quieter, more rural feel with limited in-town shopping and dining. The town is leafy and family-oriented, with parks and recreation fields rather than a downtown core.

## 3. Hanover, New Hampshire

![Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027 — figure 3](/assets/qa/lv0096-b3.jpg)



Hanover ranks third because it offers an unmatched intellectual and cultural environment anchored by Dartmouth College, with outstanding schools and near-zero crime. This Grafton County town of about 11,800 residents has a median household income near $120,000 and a median home price near $730,000. The walkable downtown overflows with bookstores, restaurants, and cultural events tied to the college, while the Connecticut River, skiing, and hiking surround the area.

This town is for academics, remote professionals, and families who value culture and walkability over a Boston commute or a lower home price. Compared to Bow, Hanover costs about $250,000 more for a median home but offers a vibrant college-town lifestyle with a walkable downtown that Bow lacks. The catch is location: Hanover sits in the state's northwest, well over an hour from Boston and major airports.

## 4. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

![Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027 — figure 4](/assets/qa/lv0096-b4.jpg)



Portsmouth ranks fourth because it is New Hampshire's seacoast gem, offering a highly walkable historic waterfront downtown with strong dining, arts, and nightlife. This Rockingham County city of about 22,000 residents has a median household income near $95,000 and a median home price near $700,000. The economy spans healthcare, tech, tourism, and the nearby Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, with solid schools and low crime for a city.

This town is for professionals who want genuine urban charm, walkability, and coastal access over a large suburban yard. Compared to Hanover, Portsmouth offers a more diversified economy and closer proximity to Boston, but with a median home price about $30,000 lower and a less academic atmosphere. The trade-offs are smaller lots, busy summer tourism, and tight housing inventory.

## 5. Amherst, New Hampshire

![Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027 — figure 5](/assets/qa/lv0096-b5.jpg)



Amherst ranks fifth because it offers a classic New England village green with top-tier schools and very high incomes, making it a picturesque alternative to Bedford. This Hillsborough County town of about 11,800 residents has a median household income near $140,000, among the wealthiest in the state, and a median home price near $620,000. It shares the highly rated Souhegan Cooperative School District with neighboring Mont Vernon, and Souhegan High School is well regarded.

This town is for families who want colonial character and rural-feeling streets with top-tier schools and safety. Compared to Portsmouth, Amherst offers a quieter, more family-oriented lifestyle with larger lots and a lower median home price by about $80,000, but it lacks a walkable waterfront downtown. The rural feel means longer drives for shopping and dining, and the town is car-dependent.

## 6. Hollis, New Hampshire

![Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027 — figure 6](/assets/qa/lv0096-b6.jpg)



Hollis ranks sixth because it offers a rare combination of rural luxury, top-tier schools, and one of the highest median household incomes in the state at near $150,000. This Hillsborough County town of about 8,500 residents is known for apple orchards, farm stands, and conservation land, with a median home price near $660,000. The Hollis-Brookline Cooperative School District rates among the strongest in New Hampshire, and crime is exceptionally low.

This town is for families who want space, farmland views, and elite schools without the suburban sprawl of Bedford. Compared to Amherst, Hollis offers a more rural and agricultural setting with a slightly higher median home price of about $40,000, but both share similar school quality and income levels. The trade-off is almost no in-town shopping by design, requiring drives for most errands.

## 7. Exeter, New Hampshire

![Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027 — figure 7](/assets/qa/lv0096-b7.jpg)



Exeter ranks seventh because it combines a historic, highly walkable downtown with the prestige of Phillips Exeter Academy and solid public schools, all near the seacoast. This Rockingham County town of about 16,500 residents has a median household income near $95,000 and a median home price near $620,000. The town sits on the Squamscott River with a lively Water Street of shops and restaurants, and it offers commuter rail and highway access toward Boston about 50 miles south.

This town is for families and professionals who want genuine history, walkability, and seacoast proximity over the rural quiet of Hollis. Compared to Hollis, Exeter offers a more vibrant downtown and better access to Boston via commuter rail, but with a lower median household income and a similar median home price. The trade-offs are summer and tourist traffic downtown and smaller lots.

## 8. Windham, New Hampshire

![Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027 — figure 8](/assets/qa/lv0096-b8.jpg)



Windham ranks eighth because it offers the shortest Boston commute of any pick here, with top-rated schools and a very high median household income near $150,000. This Rockingham County town of about 15,000 residents sits near the Massachusetts border, with a median home price near $620,000. The Windham School District is one of the highest-rated in the state, with a modern high school, and crime is very low.

This town is for commuters who want elite schools and the closest possible access to the Boston job market. Compared to Exeter, Windham offers a significantly shorter drive to Boston and a higher median household income, but it lacks the historic walkable downtown that Exeter provides. The trade-offs are rapid growth that has strained roads and traffic, and a more suburban, car-dependent layout.

## 9. New London, New Hampshire

![Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027 — figure 9](/assets/qa/lv0096-b9.jpg)



New London ranks ninth because it offers a relaxed college-town atmosphere with Lake Sunapee and Mount Sunapee recreation, making it a top choice for retirees and lake lovers. This Merrimack County town of about 4,500 residents has a median household income near $85,000 and a median home price near $510,000, the most affordable among the top picks.

This town is for retirees, remote workers, and second-home owners who want a quiet, scenic lifestyle with outdoor recreation over a daily commute. Compared to Windham, New London costs about $110,000 less for a median home but offers a much smaller job market and a longer drive to Boston. The trade-offs are limited year-round employment opportunities and a long drive to a major airport.

## 10. Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

![Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027 — figure 10](/assets/qa/lv0096-b10.jpg)



Wolfeboro ranks tenth because it offers iconic Lake Winnipesaukee waterfront living with a charming, walkable downtown, making it a classic lake-town choice for retirees and lake lovers. This Carroll County town of about 6,400 year-round residents calls itself "the oldest summer resort in America," with a median household income near $80,000 and a median home price near $560,000.

This town is for retirees and lake enthusiasts who prioritize lifestyle and four-season recreation over commuting or job opportunities. Compared to New London, Wolfeboro offers larger lakefront living on Winnipesaukee but with a higher median home price of about $50,000 and a more tourism-driven economy. The trade-offs are a limited year-round job market and a two-hour drive to Boston, making it impractical for daily commuters.

## How we ranked these

We ranked towns by weighting six factors against published data from Niche, the U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, Realtor.com, BestPlaces, GreatSchools, and Livability. Affordability and home value received 25% weight, schools 20%, safety 20%, jobs and commute 15%, amenities and lifestyle 10%, and community feel 10%. A town with a great commute but weak schools, or low taxes but high crime, dropped fast. New Hampshire's lack of state income and sales tax boosted every pick's real take-home affordability.

We deliberately ignored glossy "best small town" headlines and resort branding. A town's tourism reputation or marketing appeal matters less than its property-tax rate, school ratings, and actual commute times. We also excluded subjective lifestyle preferences like proximity to specific hobbies or personal social networks, focusing instead on measurable, publicly reported data that applies broadly to families, commuters, and professionals. This keeps the ranking objective and useful for a wide range of relocating buyers.

## Related questions

### What are the best towns to live in New Hampshire for families?

Bedford, Bow, Hollis, and Windham lead for families due to top-rated schools, very low crime, and strong communities. Amherst and Exeter add classic village charm. Each offers excellent education and safety, though home prices vary from Bow's $480,000 median to Hollis's $660,000. Families should weigh school ratings, property taxes, and commute needs when choosing.

### Which New Hampshire town has the best schools?

Bedford, Bow, Hollis-Brookline, and Windham school districts consistently rank among the strongest in the state. Hanover and Amherst also have highly rated schools. For the best balance of school quality and affordability, Bow stands out with a median home price around $480,000. Use GreatSchools and Niche to compare specific ratings.

### What is the safest town in New Hampshire?

Hanover, Hollis, and Bow are among the safest, with crime rates near zero. Wolfeboro and New London also report very low crime. These towns offer peace of mind for families and retirees. Safety was weighted at 20% in our ranking, so all top picks have exceptionally low crime rates.

### What is the most affordable town in New Hampshire with good schools?

Bow is the Best Value, with a median home price around $480,000, excellent schools, very low crime, and easy highway access to Concord and Boston. New London offers a median around $510,000 but has a limited job market. Bow delivers the best quality of life per dollar in the state.

### What is the best town in New Hampshire for commuting to Boston?

Windham offers the shortest Boston commute via Interstate 93, about 40 miles. Bedford and Bow are also within roughly 50 miles. These towns are ideal for cross-border professionals. Expect higher home prices in Windham and Bedford, but the commute savings can offset costs.

### What is the best town in New Hampshire for retirees?

New London and Wolfeboro are top picks for retirees, offering lake living, low crime, and walkable downtowns. New London has a local hospital and is near Mount Sunapee, while Wolfeboro sits on Lake Winnipesaukee. Both have median home prices under $600,000 and a relaxed lifestyle.

### What is the best town in New Hampshire for young professionals?

Portsmouth is ideal for young professionals, with a walkable historic downtown, nightlife, and a diversified economy in healthcare, tech, and tourism. Bedford offers a short commute to Manchester jobs. Both have no state income tax, boosting take-home pay. Home prices are high, but the lifestyle is worth it.

### What is the best town in New Hampshire for lake living?

Wolfeboro on Lake Winnipesaukee and New London on Lake Sunapee are the top lake-town picks. Both offer four-season recreation, charming downtowns, and very low crime. Wolfeboro has a median home price of $560,000, while New London is $510,000. These towns are perfect for water enthusiasts and retirees.

## FAQ

**What is the best town to live in New Hampshire overall?**

Bedford earns our top spot for combining top-ranked schools, a short Manchester commute, very low crime, and high incomes, with the only real drawback being a median home price near $640,000.

**What is the most affordable good town in New Hampshire?**

Bow is our Best Value pick, with a median home price around $480,000, excellent schools, very low crime, and easy highway access to Concord and Boston.

**Which New Hampshire town is best for families?**

Bedford, Bow, Hollis, and Windham lead for families thanks to top-rated schools, very low crime, and strong communities, while Amherst and Exeter add classic village charm.

**Which New Hampshire town is best for commuting to Boston?**

Windham offers the shortest Boston commute of these picks via Interstate 93, followed by Bedford and Bow, all within roughly 40 to 50 miles.

**Does New Hampshire have low taxes?**

New Hampshire has no state income tax and no sales tax, which boosts take-home affordability, though towns rely on property taxes, so mill rates vary and should be compared.

**Which New Hampshire towns are best for lake living?**

Wolfeboro on Lake Winnipesaukee and New London on Lake Sunapee are the top lake-town picks, both offering four-season recreation and charming walkable downtowns.

**What is the median home price in Bedford, NH?**

The median home price in Bedford is approximately $640,000, reflecting its high demand due to top schools, low crime, and proximity to Manchester.

**What is the median home price in Bow, NH?**

The median home price in Bow is around $480,000, making it the best value for families seeking excellent schools and safety without the premium of Bedford.

**Which New Hampshire town has the lowest crime rate?**

Hanover, Hollis, and Bow have near-zero crime rates, making them the safest choices. All top 10 towns have very low crime, but these three stand out.

**What should I look for when choosing a town in New Hampshire?**

Compare property tax rates, school ratings, commute times, and access to recreation. Walkable downtowns matter if you want urban charm, while car-dependent towns offer more space. Ignore tourism branding and focus on data.

## Sources

- https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/search/best-places-to-live/s/new-hampshire/
- https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/NH
- https://www.zillow.com/nh/home-values/
- https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/New-Hampshire/overview
- https://www.bestplaces.net/state/new_hampshire
- https://www.greatschools.org/new-hampshire/
- https://livability.com/best-places/
- https://www.bedfordnh.org
- https://www.visitnh.gov
- https://www.rockinghamcountynh.org

## Related on PULSE

- [More best towns to live in new hampshire rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
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Top 10 Best Towns to Live in New Hampshire in 2027

1. Bedford, New Hampshire

2. Bow, New Hampshire

3. Hanover, New Hampshire

4. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

5. Amherst, New Hampshire

6. Hollis, New Hampshire

7. Exeter, New Hampshire

8. Windham, New Hampshire

9. New London, New Hampshire

10. Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

How we ranked these

Related questions

What are the best towns to live in New Hampshire for families?

Which New Hampshire town has the best schools?

What is the safest town in New Hampshire?

What is the most affordable town in New Hampshire with good schools?

What is the best town in New Hampshire for commuting to Boston?

What is the best town in New Hampshire for retirees?

What is the best town in New Hampshire for young professionals?

What is the best town in New Hampshire for lake living?

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