New Hampshire is a lovely place to live and spend time. In fact, it might just be the best place in America! But, the reality is that things can’t be mountain tops and rainbows all the time. Just like all states, we have our flaws. While we like to think we’re crime-free and happy, there are some places in the Granite State that are working to get themselves back on top. According to the latest figures, these are the most dangerous cities in New Hampshire. As with all lists like this, remember that it’s meant to be simply entertainment. There are a lot of great things about the places on this list and any place can be considered dangerous if you’re not careful.

1. Rochester, Strafford County
Rochester, NH, USA
dougtone / Flickr
Not to be confused with the city in New York, Rochester comes in as the #1 most dangerous city in New Hampshire. Of the nearly Nearly 31,000 residents 11% are living at the poverty level. It also happens to come in as the #3 cheapest place to live in the state. The town has actually risen in the ranks, coming in at #2. Want to learn more about the great things this town has to offer? Check out this hiking trail in Rochester, New Hampshire.

Learn about some of the history of Rochester:

2. Manchester, Hillsborough County
Manchester, NH, USA
davidwilson1949 / Flickr
This is another town that's risen in the rankings, this time from 4 in 2019 to 2 in 2020. Violent crimes per 100,000 were 593, making it the most 1st most dangerous by this measure. This is also not uncommon for the largest city in a state. Regardless of its place on this list, Manchester, New Hampshire is quite a popular place to live.
3. Laconia, Belknap County
Laconia, NH, USA
dougtone / Flickr
Residents here have a 1 in 416 change of being the victim of a violent crime. This is part of what makes it #3 on this list. However, as with all of these places, Laconia is a great place to visit offering bars and restaurants to people who love having fun. If you're looking for a nice outdoor adventure, though, take a look at Ahern State Park, which is found in Laconia.

Get an aerial view of Laconia:

4. Somersworth, Strafford County
Somersworth, NH, USA
caseyk / Flickr
This tiny town right on the Maine border also has the smallest area of any town in the state. Statistics show that there were 319 property crimes in 2018, which translates to about a 1 in 37.4 chance of being a theft victim. As with all of these towns, just because the crime rate technically puts it on the list of the most dangerous cities in New Hampshire, Somersworth is home to people who absolutely love it. There are many places to go in Somersworth that are absolutely worth the trip. Check out Kelley's Row for a fun time.
5. Claremont, Sullivan County
Claremont, NH, USA
dougtone / Flickr
In 2019, Claremont came in at 11, making 2020's #5 ranking a significant increase in its danger ranking. The good news? Property crime has decreased. The town of Claremont features some great food, so when you're in town make sure you visit the Imperial Buffet.
6. Concord, Merrimack County
Concord, NH, USA
Merrimack County / Flickr
This larger town has seen a fairly significant increase in crime over the last year. There are still a number of worthy restaurants and things to do here, so give it a try. Find out more about the historic town of Concord, New Hampshire.

Take a driving tour through Concord:

7. Keene, Cheshire County
Keene, NH, USA
dougtone / Flickr
Both violent crime and property crime went up in Keen during the period of time between 2017 and 2018. Today it has the 5th highest rate of property crime in the state. Keene, New Hampshire has gotten a lot of attention for good reasons, too, though. Oprah Winfrey even called it one of the best towns in New Hampshire!
8. Hillsborough, Hillsborough County
Hillsboro, NH, USA
dougtone / Flickr
The good news is that violent crime has decreased in Hillsborough, but unfortunately, property crime has risen. You have a 1 in 77 chance of being the victim of this type of crime here. Read more about Hillsborough, New Hampshire.
9. Conway, Carroll County
Conway, NH, USA
dougtone / Flickr
One of the most popular towns in the state, Conway also happens to be one of the largest. Conway has seen a large increase in violent crime over the last few years. This town features a lot of attractions that make it a great spot for a family getaway, though. Check out all the places you can go in North Conway, New Hampshire.
10. Seabrook, Rockingham County
Seabrook, NH, USA
dougtone / Flickr
Just a few years ago, Seabrook wouldn't have been part of a conversation about dangerous towns in New Hampshire, but today it's in the top ten. This is due to an increase in crime during the 2017 to 2018 time period. Learn more about Seabrook, New Hampshire.

Now that we’ve covered what some believe to be the most dangerous cities in New Hampshire, how about visiting the most beautiful, charming small towns in New Hampshire? And just to prove that just about anywhere can be dangerous, did you know that Mount Washington is considered one the most dangerous hikes in all of America?

 

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Most Dangerous Cities in New Hampshire

Danielle Schwartz | July 29, 2022

What are the safest cities in New Hampshire?

The safest cities in New Hampshire include:

  • Danville
  • Brookline
  • Atkinson
  • New Boston
  • Durham

Now that you know all about the most dangerous cities in our state, you'll want to know where the safest places are if you're looking for a vacation or a new home. Some of the safest cities in New Hampshire include Danville, Brookline, and Atkinson, which have no violent crime, and New Boston, and Durham, among other lovely places to spend some time. You’ll love hanging out or living in any of these nice towns.

What are the most beautiful small towns in New Hampshire? 

The most beautiful small towns in New Hampshire include:

  • Exeter
  • Hanover
  • Lincoln

There are so many beautiful small towns in New Hampshire that you’ll want to put on your bucket list. Exeter is a fun place to go in the summer for some patriotic spirit at the American Independence Festival. If you’re a fan of classic buildings in the New England area, check out Hanover for that sweet storybook look. And when you’re looking for the holiday spirit, bring your whole family to Lincoln and the Christmas Farm Inn for an extra sweet winter trip.

What are the oldest towns in New Hampshire?

The oldest towns in New Hampshire include:

  • Rye
  • Dover
  • Exeter
  • Hampton
  • Portsmouth

Our beautiful state is full of history, and you can find it in spades in any of the oldest towns in New Hampshire. Rye, which was settled in 1623, is right by the coast and is a great place to learn about the earliest days of the state. The original towns in New Hampshire included Dover, Exeter, Hampton, and Portsmouth. Check out any of them to feel like a part of history!

 

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