Updated
Fact Checked
Nathan Alderman
Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.
If you're looking to buy a home in New Hampshire, your goal should be to snag the best mortgage rate available. A good way to do so is to apply with a strong credit score, and when you don't already have a lot of debt. It also pays to shop around with mortgage lenders when you're on the hunt for a home loan. Lenders have varying borrowing requirements, and you may fare better with one over another.
5 affordable places to live in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a great place to settle down if you enjoy mountains, beaches, and great skiing. Here are some lower-cost areas of the state to focus on.
1. Manchester
Known for its walkable downtown, great parks, farmers markets, and exciting food scene, Manchester is a draw for young professionals looking for the city experience with a touch less noise and hassle than bigger places. The median home value in Manchester is $227,600, according to Niche, well below the median home value across all of New Hampshire -- $412,211, according to Zillow. In addition, the average property tax rate in Hillsborough County is 1.79% of a home's assessed value (Tax-rates.org). That's in line with the average property tax rate in all of New Hampshire -- 1.86%.
2. Berlin
Located in New Hampshire's Great North Woods Region, Berlin offers easy access to the White Mountains, which means skiing in the winter and hiking when the weather warms. The median home value in Berlin is $92,100, well below the median home value statewide. Property taxes, though a touch high, are reasonable for the area, too. The average property tax rate in Coos County is 2.04% of a home's assessed value.
3. Conway
Near the southeastern corner of the White Mountain National Forest, Conway draws tourists looking for easy access to hiking and ski slopes. The median home value in Conway is $194,000, while the average property tax rate in Carroll County is a mere 1.07% of a home's assessed value.
4. Laconia
In the heart of New Hampshire's lakes region, Laconia is a popular place for young professionals and retirees alike to settle down. The median home value in Laconia is $193,300, while the average property tax rate in Belknap County is 1.53% of a home's assessed value.
5. Rochester
Just minutes from the Maine border, Rochester is home to a number of museums and attractions that are suitable for families and young professionals alike. The median home value in Rochester is $172,300, while the average property tax rate in Strafford County is 1.89% of a home's assessed value.
There are plenty of good reasons to buy a home in New Hampshire. Remember that the lower your mortgage rate, the more affordable your home will be, so take the time to shop around to increase your chances of snagging a great rate.
Mortgage Calculator: How Much House Can I Afford?
Home I Can Afford
{{ getValueResult }}
Total Mortgage Cost
{{ getTotalValue }}
The Ascent's best mortgage lenders
If you want to uncover more about the best mortgage lenders for low rates and fees, our experts have created a shortlist of the top mortgage companies. Some of our experts have even used these lenders themselves to cut their costs.
Our Mortgages Experts
Kimberly is a career writer and editor with more than 30 years' experience. She's a bankruptcy survivor, small business owner, and homeschool parent. In addition to writing for The Motley Fool, she offers content strategy to financial technology startups, owns and manages a 350-writer content agency, and offers pro-bono financial counseling.
Fact Checked
Nathan Alderman
Nathan Alderman has worked with The Motley Fool since 2005, making errors his arch-enemies in a variety of roles including a six-year stint as the dedicated fact-checker for The Motley Fool's premium newsletter services. As The Ascent's Compliance Lead, he makes sure that all the site's information is accurate and up to date, which ensures we always steer readers right and keeps various financial partners happy. A graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Nathan spends his spare time volunteering for civic causes, writing and podcasting for fun, adoring his wife, and wrangling his two very large young children.
Share This Page
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.
Kimberly Rotter has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The Ascent is a Motley Fool service that rates and reviews essential products for your everyday money matters.
Copyright © 2018 - 2023 The Ascent. All rights reserved.
About The Ascent
Legal