Moving from Massachusetts to New Hampshire

How will my taxes change?

New Hampshire has no broad-based personal income tax and no general sales tax. The interest and dividends tax was repealed for taxable periods beginning after December 31, 2024.

Local property taxes fund schools and town services, and rates are set town by town, so two towns twenty minutes apart can have very different bills on similar homes. Compare the actual dollar bill, not just the rate. See how New Hampshire property taxes work.

Massachusetts generally taxes nonresidents on Massachusetts-source income, including wages for work performed in Massachusetts. Days you work from home in New Hampshire may be treated differently depending on your situation. Talk with a tax professional before assuming a change in take-home pay.

What will my commute look like?

Most moves from Massachusetts follow one of three corridors. I-93 through Salem, Windham, Derry and Londonderry feeds Boston and Route 128. Route 3 and the Everett Turnpike through Nashua and Merrimack feed Route 3 and I-495 employers. I-95 through the Seacoast—Portsmouth, Greenland, Stratham and Hampton—feeds the North Shore.

Drive your commute at the hour you would really drive it, in both directions, before you commit to a town.

Amtrak Downeaster trains stop at Dover, Durham–UNH and Exeter and end at Boston North Station; MBTA commuter rail stations are in Massachusetts. Intercity coaches also link several New Hampshire towns with Boston and Logan. Our commuting guide has more.

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 home purchases. Older homes may also call for a review of lead paint disclosures.