Moving from Connecticut to New Hampshire

How will my taxes change?

Connecticut has a personal income tax and a 6.35% general sales and use tax. New Hampshire has neither a broad-based personal income tax nor a general sales tax, and the interest and dividends tax was repealed for taxable periods beginning after December 31, 2024.

New Hampshire funds schools and town services mainly through local property tax, with rates set town by town. Compare the actual bill on a specific home, not the rate alone. See how New Hampshire property taxes work.

If you keep Connecticut-source income after the move—a Connecticut job, business or rental property—Connecticut may still tax it. Talk with a tax professional about your own situation.

What will feel familiar—and what won’t?

• Town government: like Connecticut, local government does a lot. Many New Hampshire towns vote on the budget directly at annual town meeting, or by official ballot under SB 2.
• Property records: start with the town assessing and land use offices, and the county registry of deeds for recorded documents.
• Vehicle registration begins at your town or city clerk, not a state office.
• Distance: outside the southern tier, trips to work, shopping and healthcare are longer, and winter is more demanding at elevation.

How long is the drive back to Connecticut?

Plan on several hours each way. From the Hartford area, I-91 north to I-89, or Route 2 across to I-93, are common routes; from Fairfield County, many people take I-95 or the Merritt Parkway to I-91.

For flights, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport serves southern and central New Hampshire, Boston Logan covers most long-haul travel, and Portland, Maine, is convenient for parts of the Seacoast and eastern New Hampshire.

If someone will keep working in Connecticut or New York, decide how often first—it usually determines which part of New Hampshire makes sense. See how to choose a region or town.

What do I need to do in my first weeks?

• Driver’s license: if you drive, New Hampshire requires a New Hampshire license within 60 days of becoming a resident (RSA 263:35).
• Vehicle registration: start at your town or city clerk, where you pay the local permit fee based on the vehicle’s list price and age, then complete the state portion—often at the same counter.
• Voter registration: register with your town or city clerk, or at your polling place on election day.
• Trash and water: many towns use a transfer station instead of curbside pickup, and some have no town water or sewer. Ask before you assume a service exists.
• See the full first 30 days checklist.

What is different about buying a home here?

Private wells and septic systems are common outside the larger cities and villages. Check them separately from the general home inspection: locate the septic system, review the approved design, have it evaluated by a qualified professional, and test well water following NH DES guidance.

New Hampshire’s Real Estate Transfer Tax is generally $0.75 per $100 of the price, charged to the buyer and to the seller separately, with a $20 minimum for each. Closings may be handled by attorney or non-attorney title agents; ask your lender or closing provider who will conduct yours.

Buying on a lake, river or the coast? If any part of a developed waterfront home’s septic system is within 250 feet of the water’s reference line, state law requires a licensed septic evaluation before the sale. See waterfront and seasonal homes and our full home buying guide.

Radon-in-air testing is common in New Hampshire, and arsenic and radon in well water are known concerns in parts of the state. Older homes may also call for a review of lead paint disclosures.

What does winter add to the budget?

Many New Hampshire homes heat with oil or propane, especially where natural gas isn’t available; others use heat pumps or wood. Ask what the system is, how old it is and what the last full season cost. See heating a New Hampshire home.

Snow removal, plowing a long driveway, and managing roof snow and ice dams are ordinary costs north of the Massachusetts line. Budget for them like utilities.