Think you might want to live in New England? Several New England cities and towns are picturesque, boast excellent job opportunities, and provide exciting things to do. These are the eight best places to live in New England!
| City | Population | Median Home Price | Median Monthly Rent | Safer than % of U.S. Cities | Unemployment Rate |
| Burlington, VT | 42,645 | $312,200 | $1,279 | 10% | 2.7% |
| Dover, NH | 31,922 | $274,100 | $1,184 | 81% | 2.3% |
| Hanover, NH | 8,744 | $503,300 | $1,657 | 82% | 0.9% |
| Manchester, NH | 112,441 | $241,600 | $1,160 | 21% | 3.7% |
| Newton, MA | 88,322 | $952,100 | $1,897 | 83% | 2.1% |
| Portland, ME | 66,706 | $302,700 | $1,204 | 50% | 2.3% |
| Stamford, CT | 130,057 | $541,600 | $1,877 | 56% | 4.2% |
| Warwick, RI | 81,043 | $238,300 | $1,168 | 69% | 3% |
Burlington, VT
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, the waterfront city of Burlington is filled with natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, helping to make it one of the best places to live in New England. Home to the University of Vermont—one of the original Public Ivies—and known as Vermont’s economic and tech epicenter, Burlington is an excellent destination for students and young professionals seeking higher education and jobs in the Northeast! That said, Burlington isn’t just for the youth—it’s also been named one of the best places to retire in New England. Plus, there are a variety of year-round events and festivals in Burlington that cater to residents of all ages—from the Vermont City Marathon to the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival!
Things to Do in Burlington
See local aquatic wildlife like American eels, bullfrogs, and eastern newts, and explore rotating exhibits like Land of Opportunity at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. Feast your eyes on art through the ages with pieces from Ancient Mesopotamia all the way to contemporary America at the Fleming Museum of Art. Shop for locally-grown produce, ready-made foods, artisan goods, and more throughout the year at Burlington Farmers Market. Check out locally-owned favorites like Crow Bookshop and Ecco Clothes, attend fun events including Family Art Saturdays, and dine at delicious restaurants such as Asiana Noodle Shop—all at Church Street Marketplace. Cozy up with a cup of Espresso or a Dirty Chai at laid-back, dog-friendly Burlington coffee shop, Cosmic Grind. Eat your fill of delicious vegan fare like a Burger Crunch Wrap, Breffass Sammy, or Pineapple Dream Smoothie at Pingala Cafe. Take a seat by the fireplace to enjoy Maple Toasted Nuts, Chevre Gnocchi, or Stuffed Squash at Juniper Bar & Restaurant. Or stop by for Organic Chocolate Squares, Peanut Five Star Bars, Almond Butter Crunch, and other handcrafted sweets at Lake Champlain Chocolates.
Dover, NH
Though it’s already the largest city in New Hampshire’s Seacoast Region, Dover continues to grow! People of all ages flock to Dover, NH, to take advantage of the high-paying job market with low competition, in addition to the city’s abundant outdoor recreation opportunities and close proximity to the University of New Hampshire. This New England city also has a long legacy of environmental consciousness, thanks to its Conservation Commission—which has actively protected the local ecosystem since 1973 to keep green spaces and the Cocheco River waterfront clean. All things considered, Dover boasts a wonderful quality of life for its residents, with a great sense of community, events for creatives like the Cochecho Arts Festival, and so much more!
Things to Do in Dover
Launch your boat onto the water, go fishing, and have lunch under a picnic shelter at Hilton Park. Visit a national historic landmark for an incredible birds-eye view of Dover and surrounding nature by climbing Garrison Hill Tower. Bring older kiddos to learn while playing in exhibits such as World Cultures and Messy Play, or take your little ones to Toddler Tinker Time on Tuesdays at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire. Join the apple pie contest, enjoy live entertainment, and shop over 200 vendors selling everything from home decor to sweet treats at popular festival Apple Harvest Day. Admire waterfront views while eating a Jumbo Lobster Roll, Shrimp Flat Bread, or Steak Tips at one of the best restaurants in Dover, Newick’s Lobster House. Sit inside or outside to enjoy Cheesy Garlic Bread, “Bob-Sagna,” or Pasta Scampi at locally-renowned Italian eatery, Patty B’s. Devour American favorites like New England Clam Chowder, Top Sirloin, and Pecan Crusted Chicken Breast at Christopher’s Third Street Grille. Or check out the live music and golf simulators while munching a Bavarian Pretzel and sipping one of dozens of beers at The Brick Bar & Grill.
Hanover, NH
Nestled in the scenic Upper Connecticut River Valley about an hour outside of Manchester and Concord, Hanover, NH, is one of the best small towns in New England! This safe city offers a little bit of everything for residents. It’s home to Dartmouth College, an Ivy League institution, while also having a top-rated public school district dedicated to its local kids. Additionally, Hanover is an attractive city for retirees thanks to its excellent healthcare system and tax benefits, such as having no taxes on Social Security! Also a great place to consider living if you’re an art lover, the Hopkins Center for the Arts in Hanover offers impressive live theatre performances, and creative spaces like AVA Gallery & Art Center can be found just minutes outside of town!
Things to Do in Hanover
Grab your gear and hit the slopes to ski or snowboard at Dartmouth Skiway. Hike a great ridge on the Appalachian Trail to see local flora and fauna up close on New Hampshire’s Moose Mountain. Rent a canoe, go camping, play disc golf, and more at Storrs Pond Recreation Area. Appreciate rotating exhibits like A Fragile Force: Meditations on Water as well as collections of art from the ancient world, Native Americans, Europeans, and beyond at the Hood Museum of Art. Start your day by creating your own omelet with options such as sausage, onions, and local Monterey Jack, or buy a scrumptious cake or cookie to go from Lou’s Restaurant & Bakery. Try authentic Himalayan dishes like Chicken Mo Mo, Wild Boar Ribs, or Duck Ginger Basil at Base Camp Cafe. Dine on House-Made Rolls or Salmon Crudo with a glass of red or white wine at Murphy’s on the Green. Or munch on a C.B.C. Sandwich while sipping a House Margarita or Main Street Cosmo at Molly’s Restaurant & Bar.
Manchester, NH
As the biggest city in New Hampshire, Manchester is a major business and finance center in northern New England, with plenty of job opportunities in the tech, manufacturing, and communications industries. That means there’s a Manchester neighborhood that’s just right for everyone—such as Pinardville or Mast Road for families, and Piscataquog or Downtown Manchester for young professionals! Both groups also benefit from two high-quality colleges in the city—Southern New Hampshire University and the University of New Hampshire at Manchester. Not to mention, Queen City is one of the best places to live near the mountains, offering tons of areas for outdoor recreation—including McIntyre Ski Area!
Things to Do in Manchester
Play an 18-hole round of golf, practice with the PGA Tour simulator, and grab a bite to eat afterward in the restaurant at the public Derryfield Country Club—one of the many attractions that make Manchester a great place to retire! Get tickets to plays like A Christmas Carol, musical performances of all kinds, comedy nights, and more at The Palace Theatre. Explore rotating exhibits such as Dan Dailey: Impressions of the Human Spirit, browse collections of Renaissance and Contemporary art, and tour two Frank Lloyd Wright-designed houses with the Currier Museum of Art. Teach your kids new things with interactive exhibits including Physics Fun and Dinosaurs, and sign them up for summer camp at SEE Science Center. Wake up to French-Canadian food with a Chicken Cordon Bleu Omelet or Maple Cream Crepe for breakfast, or eat a Poutine Burger for lunch at Chez Vachon. Treat yourself to an Italian meal of award-winning Bella Cosa Pizza, Toscana Salad, or Prosciutto e Piselli at 900 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria. Make a reservation for Vitner’s Salad, Filet Mignon, or Pan Seared Salmon at Hanover Street Chophouse. Or toast with a glass of wine while enjoying rotating dishes like Butternut Squash Ravioli and Lamb Frites at Cotton Restaurant.
Newton, MA
Considered one of the best suburbs of Boston, Newton offers more than just proximity to the state capital. The local school district, Newton Public Schools, has received high praise for its superior academic performance, and there are several colleges in the area, including Lasell University and Boston College—making highly-safe Newton an ideal home for students, young professionals, and families alike! As you might expect, this area caters to the studious type, with hubs like the Newton Free Library and Newtonville Books hosting fun events and offering a great selection of new reads. Aptly-nicknamed The Garden City, Newton also has an abundance of green spaces, golf courses, parks, and more to keep residents active throughout the year!
Things to Do in Newton
Watch the Boston College Eagles in sailing races, women’s lacrosse games, and men’s football matches with Boston College athletics. Rock climb, birdwatch, and ski in the winter among the gorgeous scenery at Webster Woods & Hammond Pond. Stroll across historic Echo Bridge, stand underneath to experience the acoustic anomaly that gave the bridge its name, and marvel at the waterfall at Hemlock Gorge Reservation. Learn about Newton’s history by exploring a federal-style home from 1809—and its ties to the Underground Railroad—at the Jackson Homestead & Museum. Snag a table on the sidewalk to enjoy Burrata, BW Cheeseburger, and Pb Cup Ice Cream at Buttonwood. Sample Greek recipes such as Beefteki, or build your own bowl with choices including rice, chicken, shrimp, tzatziki, and more at Farm Grill & Rotisserie. Catch the game while snacking on a Basket of Onion Rings, award-winning Buffalo Wings, or a Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich at Buff’s Pub. Or order a District Salad and Fish and Chips with a Fairy Tonic to drink at District 118 Kitchen + Bar.
Portland, ME
Considered a hub for development in New England, Portland is one of the best cities for jobs in the U.S. In fact, it boasts the strongest economy in Maine! Like every large city, Portland has its pros and cons, but it’s still undoubtedly one of the best places to live on the East Coast. One reason for that is all the tasty seafood that comes from this fishing community, which helps make it one of the best places to live near the ocean. Additionally, with an eclectic downtown area, the Maine College of Art & Design, fun events like Pride Portland, and more, this city is a hub for young people. Not to mention, there’s a reason Portland is one of the best places to travel in the fall—with year-round beauty, abundant outdoor recreation, waterfront access, and the many lighthouses in Portland, this area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages!
Things to Do in Portland
Walk cobblestone streets to browse cool shops including Lisa-Marie’s Made in Maine, eat at enticing restaurants like The Holy Donut, and even set sail in a windjammer with Portland Schooner Co.—all in the historic district of Old Port. Climb the tower to see sweeping views of Casco Bay, and learn about maritime history in the last remaining historic signal station in the U.S. at the Portland Observatory. Fall in love with Italianate architecture as you tour an 1860-era home, complete with a 25-foot stained glass skylight and 90% of the original interiors, at Victoria Mansion. Go sledding in the winter, stroll through the community gardens, and play tennis and basketball in the 78-acre park known as Eastern Promenade. Take your taste buds to Spain with seasonally-changing menu items such as Jamon Serrano, Patatas Bravas, and Chicken Marengo at Chaval. Pass around plates of Vietnamese comfort food like Ca Tim Xao, Suon Xa Xiu, and Pho Ga at Cong Tu Bot. Dig in to homemade German favorites like Potato Pancakes or Schweineschnitzel with a Cucumber Salad on the side at Schulte & Herr. Or bring your dog to sit on the patio with you as you dine on Haddock Chowder, a Maine Lobster Roll, and Fresh Cut Onion Rings at Gilbert’s Chowder House.
Stamford, CT
About an hour’s drive north of New York City sits Stamford, one of the best cities to live in New England! Stamford’s labor market is one of the best in Connecticut, thanks to the many job opportunities in industries like business and finance, sales, education, and more. But that’s not all this Long Island Sound metro has to offer! Stamford is considered a foodie city due to its high number of restaurants, diversity of culinary options, multiple farmers markets, and food-themed events such as the annual Hey Stamford! Food Festival. Plus, this is a great city for art enthusiasts with Art in Public Places in Downtown Stamford, the Stamford Art Association, and more!
Things to Do in Stamford
Tour the late 1920s Bendel Mansion, see farm animals like pigs and goats at Heckscher Farm, view rotating exhibits like Dinosaur Discoveries: Ancient Fossils, New Ideas, and more at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center. Chase your kids around the playground, spot over 50 species of butterflies, and soak up some sun on two beaches within Cove Island Park. Delight in live concerts, dance performances, orchestras, and beyond at Stamford Palace Theatre. Pick a show time to see blockbusters, independent films, and classic cinema at historic Avon Theatre Film Center. Request a table on the rooftop patio for Jumbo Coconut Shrimp or a Peppercorn Crusted Burger with a Strawberry Mule to drink at Sign of the Whale. Taste appetizing Greek classics like Kotopoulo and Garides from a restaurant featured on Food Network’s show Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives—Kouzina. Savor Italian specialties such as Beef & Pork Meatballs, Spaghetti Chitarra, and Bianca Neapolitan Pizza at Table 104. Or chow down authentic Thai cuisine like Pork Noodle Soup, Pra Raam Chicken, or Jungle Curry at Bedford Thai.
Warwick, RI
Warwick, RI combines its historic charm, community vibes, and status as one of the most affordable places to live in New England to provide an excellent place for anyone to call home! Nature lovers appreciate the 39 miles of coastline and more than 850 acres of recreational areas, and the Goddard Park Farmers Market serves people fresh produce and artisanal goods from June to October each year. Gaspee Days gives residents a way to celebrate their history, while the Warwick Center for the Arts provides community programs and events like Meditation in the Gallery, local artist markets, and classes open to the public. Warwick is also a budding business hub, just 30 minutes south of Providence and close to both the Community College of Rhode Island and New England Institute of Technology, making it a great place to live for young professionals.
Things to Do in Warwick
Ride your bike, jog the trails, and go fishing at Rocky Point State Park. Head out onto the water with a kayak, dip your toes in the sand on the beach, and enjoy the scenic views at Conimicut Point Park. Relax in the sun, build a sand castle, and swim in the surf at Oakland Beach. Experience live plays like Hamlet and Angels in America, or see British shows with stars like Andrew Scott on the big screen with the National Theater Live program at local nonprofit, The Gamm Theatre. Grab an Asiago Bagel and Caramel Nut Crunch Coffee or Moca Loco Frozen Latte from Cafe Tempo. Sing karaoke or stop by for trivia nights while digging in to Cheeseburger Sliders or Big Mac Eggrolls at Tavern 12. Encourage your kiddos to collect wooden nickels with every visit for fun prizes, and enjoy the award-winning Chelo’s Chili or Grilled Norwegian Salmon at Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille. Or step up to the counter to order Doughboys, a Cup of Chowder, or a Fish Sandwich from Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House.
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The Extra Space Storage team is committed to helping people find the perfect place to call home no matter what stage of life they’re at. Our “Best Places to Live” picks, are designed to make moving easier by providing accurate and comprehensive information on various metro areas across the country. We consider factors like cost of living, job opportunities, local attractions, education, and more to help those looking to move make an informed decision. Discover more about our methodology today.
City statistics from AreaVibes
