13 Things Longtime New Hampshirites Wish They Could Tell Newcomers

It takes a certain type of person to call New Hampshire home. If you were born here, you’ve surely figured it out by now. But if you’re new, we’d like to share a few things that you’ll find necessary to fit in. We hope you’ll see this list as a helpful handbook of gentle suggestions for making the most of your new home. They might not say it, but these are the things your new friends WISH they could tell you!

1. You're going to want to get a snowblower.

Sure, having a snowblower will make blizzard days a lot easier to get through, but that's not why you want one. You want one because the moment you plunk down the money for the top of the line model, the snow will end for the entire season. Try it.

2. Winter is coming.

For some people in other states, this is a catch phrase. In New Hampshire, it's cold, hard fact. We're always waiting for it (especially during this time of year) and it's always just on the horizon. We might try to fool ourselves into thinking that summer will stick around forever, but it won’t. It never does.

3. If you see a license plate that looks like this, drive in another lane.

You'll get used to seeing these plates and immediately assuming it's safer to keep your distance.

4. You can't get theah from heah!

Trying to drive across New Hampshire is like playing a video game where some roads end, and others go in the opposite direction to eventually go in the right direction. Going east to west in New Hampshire involves a lot of driving north and south. But, you can expect to see some beautiful sights along the way!

5. Don't worry about the mud on your car.

Your car will spend a good part of the year covered in salt. After that, you're looking at mud until summer. We recommend a car wash in June and then letting things go until October. The rest of the year, just remember that we’re all in the same boat. Or, car.

6. Nature doesn't care if you're in a hurry.

You might be used to traditional traffic jams, but here in New Hampshire things move a little differently. The next time you think you can take the backroads and get there quicker, just remember that nature rules things here. And then be prepared to wait.

7. Emergencies do not necessarily include heavy snow fall.

You live in a place with snow. A lot of it. If the weather report calls for snow in inches, you'll still be going to work. More often you'll be talking about snow in terms of feet. But, even that shouldn't send you into a panic. New Hampshire knows how to deal with snow. Play it cool and don't freak out. If you do, we'll know you're not from here.

8. Remember those visitors in the summer?

Say goodbye! You won't see them again until next summer. Unless your friends are hearty winter lovers, everyone that said "have a good move, we'll come visit!" is lying. You'd be surprised at just how afraid of a little bit of snow those in other states can be.

9. Get yourself a good pair of boots.

New Hampshirites like to be outside. Join in the fun by making sure you have a hearty pair of boots to see you through all weather and all seasons. New Hampshirites are also hard working, so those boots will probably see a fair few neighborhood projects. Be prepared.

10. Skip the cities, you can find us in our small towns.

We love places like Portsmouth, but we're most at home...at home. Photos of New Hampshire often show the touristy places, but there's so much to explore here. A quiet lake, rustling trees...that's where you can find New Hampshire.

11. Don't get rid of those snow tires just because winter seems over.

One warm day does not mean it's spring. You'll want to keep these things on your car until you're absolutely certain snow is behind us. Although, if you've been here long enough you know that there's never really way to predict when the last snow will fall. Do yourself a favor and put them on in plenty of time for winter and then keep them on until your neighbor's are off. That's a good rule of thumb for a newcomer.

12. Clark's Trading Post is the only place you need to know about if you have kids.

When you explain it to people back home, they might wonder what your new life is all about. But, trust us when we say that this place is a riot and you won't go home without some memories.

13. You're never going to want to leave.

...so, just plan on staying forever. It's worth it.

While you're getting acclimated to New Hampshire, consider memorizing these 7 ways to pick out an imposter who's here. It's easier than you might think if you know what to look for!