New Hampshire (NH)

Nicknamed the "Granite State," New Hampshire is known for its stunning mountains, charming small towns, and rich colonial history. With its four-season beauty, outdoor adventures, and tax-free shopping, it offers a perfect blend of nature and culture.

• Population: ~1.4 million
• Weather: Cold, snowy winters (10-30°F); warm summers (60-80°F).
• Famous Sites: White Mountain National Forest, Hampton Beach, Mount Washington, Lake Winnipesaukee, Strawbery Banke Museum.
• Top Activities: Hiking, skiing, leaf peeping, boating, tax-free shopping, visiting historic sites.

New Hampshire’s job market is strong, with thriving opportunities in healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and education. These industries offer stable careers with competitive salaries. Here are the top five in-demand jobs in New Hampshire based on earnings and job openings. Click on the job titles to view more details from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

New Hampshire features vibrant cities with a blend of historical character and lively college campuses. Many of its largest communities are home to respected academic institutions, welcoming numerous students every year. The following table gives an overview of the ten biggest cities in New Hampshire, including their approximate populations and estimated student enrollment numbers.

New Hampshire is home to some of the best public and private universities, offering diverse programs in business, healthcare, engineering, and liberal arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in New Hampshire

• University of New Hampshire (UNH) – The state's flagship university, known for strong programs in engineering, business, and environmental sciences.
• Plymouth State University – Offers excellent programs in education, business, and the arts.
• Keene State College – A leading institution for liberal arts, education, and health sciences.
• Granite State College – Focuses on adult education and online learning, offering flexible degree programs.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in New Hampshire

• Dartmouth College – An Ivy League institution renowned for rigorous academics and research opportunities.
• Saint Anselm College – A highly ranked liberal arts college with strong programs in politics, business, and nursing.
• Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) – A leader in online education with robust business and technology programs.
• Rivier University – Known for strong nursing, business, and education programs.
• New England College – Offers hands-on learning experiences in business, arts, and political science.

New Hampshire offers a variety of outstanding public and private high schools, known for their strong academics, extracurricular opportunities, and college preparation. These schools help students develop skills that prepare them for higher education and future careers.

Top Public High Schools in New Hampshire

• Academy for Science and Design, Nashua – A top-ranked STEM-focused school providing advanced coursework in science, technology, engineering, and math.
• Hanover High School, Hanover – Known for academic excellence, a vibrant arts program, and a strong sense of community.
• Bedford High School, Bedford – Offers a well-rounded curriculum with AP courses and various extracurricular activities.
• Bishop Guertin High School, Nashua – Recognized for its college preparatory programs and commitment to student success.
• Oyster River High School, Durham – Provides rigorous academics alongside outstanding athletics and arts opportunities.

Top Private High Schools in New Hampshire

• Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter – A prestigious boarding school with a world-renowned reputation for academic excellence.
• St. Paul's School, Concord – Offers a top-tier college preparatory education with strong extracurricular programs.
• Proctor Academy, Andover – Known for its experiential learning approach and emphasis on outdoor education.
• Brewster Academy, Wolfeboro – Focuses on personalized education with strong academic and athletic programs.
• The Derryfield School, Manchester – Provides a challenging curriculum with opportunities in arts, athletics, and leadership.

New Hampshire does not have any major league professional sports teams (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL). However, the state has a strong sports culture, supporting minor league and semi-pro teams across different sports.

While fans often follow teams from nearby states like Massachusetts, New Hampshire has its own exciting sports scene with minor league baseball, hockey, and soccer teams.

Minor League & Semi-Pro Teams in New Hampshire

Baseball 🏟️

• New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Double-A – Toronto Blue Jays affiliate) – Based in Manchester, this team has been a key part of New Hampshire's baseball scene for years.

Hockey 🏒

• Manchester Monarchs (Former ECHL & AHL team) – While this team no longer plays, they had a strong following and won the Calder Cup in 2015.

Soccer ⚽

• New Hampshire Bobcats (UPSL – United Premier Soccer League) – A competitive team playing at the semi-pro level.

New Hampshire fans may not have an NFL or NBA team to call their own, but the state's minor league teams bring plenty of excitement to local sports lovers.

1. First State to Establish an Independent Government 🇺🇸 – New Hampshire was the first of the original 13 colonies to create its own constitution and declare independence from British rule in 1776.
2. No State Sales Tax or Income Tax 💰 – New Hampshire is one of the few states in the U.S. that does not have a general sales tax or a state income tax, making it a tax-friendly place to live.
3. Home of the First Presidential Primary 🗳️ – The New Hampshire Primary is the first primary election in the U.S. presidential race, making the state a key player in American politics.
4. The Famous Old Man of the Mountain 🏔️ – This natural rock formation in Franconia Notch resembled the face of an old man and was a beloved state symbol before collapsing in 2003.
5. The Nation’s Shortest Ocean Coastline 🌊 – New Hampshire has only 18 miles of ocean coastline, making it the state with the shortest seacoast in the U.S.
6. Birthplace of Tupperware 🥡 – The famous airtight plastic containers were invented by Earl Tupper, who was born in Berlin, New Hampshire.
7. The First American in Space Was From Here 🚀 – Alan Shepard, the first American astronaut to travel to space, was born in Derry, New Hampshire.
8. Home to the World’s First Free Public Library 📚 – The town of Peterborough, New Hampshire, established the first tax-supported public library in 1833.
9. Mount Washington Has Extreme Weather ❄️ – With record-breaking wind speeds of 231 mph, Mount Washington is known for some of the most severe weather conditions in the world.
10. State Motto Embodies Freedom ✊ – New Hampshire’s motto, "Live Free or Die," reflects the state’s strong belief in liberty and independence.