What does happiness mean to you? Is it a big house with lots of possessions? Maybe it’s a life that’s filled with friends and family. Or, maybe it’s just being content and feeling fulfilled on a daily basis. Whatever it is that keeps your heart full, it’s important to find it wherever you are. While we don’t have a magic solution for you feeling good every day, it does seem that the choice of where you make your home could make a big difference. The Zippia website evaluated a number of towns in New Hampshire to identify the places that just might the happiest in the state. Taking into account a combination of factors, including things like having insurance, owning a home, having a job, and having a short commute to that job, these might be the best places to search for your next home in the Granite State. Read through and let us know if you agree – or disagree!
It's hard to be sad in a beach town, but there are other reasons why Hampton is included in this list of happiest places. 58% of folks here are married and about 67% own their own home. That sense of security adds to a feeling of contentment. And, of course, the beach doesn't hurt.
This small town is located just outside of Manchester, which means residents have access to the benefits of a bigger city without some of the challenges that come with city living. About 50% are married and an impressive 84% own their own homes.
Exeter might be well known for Phillips Exeter Academy, but there's more to it than that. You'll find the town where the Exeter River feeds the tidal Squamscott River. It's got a population of about 9,000 people, with 49% of folks married and 62% owning their own homes.
This western New Hampshire town is home to Dartmouth Medical School and sits near the Connecticut River. Of the approximate 13,000 people who live here, about 49% of people are married and 46% own their own homes.
Despite the fact that this town is located along the Mass border, it's still pretty happy! Just kidding, Massachusetts friends. The population is about 7,700 people. 48% are married and a large 70% own their own homes.
This city has plenty of shops, restaurants and bars which would make anyone happy as a clam. But what we love about this place is its location close to Maine and close to the water. The survey says that nearly 50% of the 21,000 residents own their own homes and 43% are married.
You might know Londonderry for its apple orchards, but it's also home to the headquarters of Stonyfield Farm. Of the 10,600 residents, about 80% own their own homes (good job, Londonderry!) and about 57% are married.
This larger town is home to Mine Falls Park, stretching along the Nashua River. There are lots of trails here, making this a great place if you love being outside. About 53% of the 87,000 residents own their own homes and 48% are married.
Derry's nickname is "Spacetown." It earns this by being the birthplace of Alan Shepard, the first American astronaut in space. That's reason enough to be happy, but the stats also say that of the 22,000 residents about 53% own their own homes and 48% own their own homes.
This town is named for the same reason as many other towns with the same name - the result of being built around a mill located on a ford, the Souhegan River. There are approximately 8,900 residents here and 49% own their own homes. About 52% are married.
As the holidays get closer, you might also consider visiting some of these towns. They’re some of the coziest in the state and they’re sure to help you feel the magic of the season.
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Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
