A Local Realtor’s Honest Comparison of Costs, Benefits, and Lifestyle
If you’re a first-time homebuyer in New England, you’ve probably asked the question:
“Should I buy in Massachusetts or New Hampshire?”
It’s a great question — and one that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. Both states offer strong communities, great schools, and access to Boston — but they differ in tax structure, housing affordability, and lifestyle priorities.
As someone who helps buyers on both sides of the border, Davis McVay breaks down what you need to know before you decide where to plant roots.
🏠 Housing Costs and Affordability
Winner: New Hampshire (usually)
New Hampshire homes tend to cost less per square foot than comparable properties in Massachusetts. Towns like Derry, Londonderry, and Hampstead offer excellent value while staying within an easy commute of Boston or the North Shore.
Meanwhile, Massachusetts towns like Andover, Wilmington, and Newburyport often command higher prices due to strong school systems, established communities, and coastal access.
| Category | Massachusetts | New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price (2025) | ~$700,000 (varies by county) | ~$550,000 (Southern NH average) |
| Average Property Size | Smaller lot sizes | Larger lots, more privacy |
| Competition Level | High (multiple offers common) | Moderate to high |
Davis’s Take:
“Massachusetts offers long-term equity growth and prestige, while New Hampshire provides affordability and space. The key is matching your financial comfort with your lifestyle goals.”
💰 Taxes and Cost of Living
Winner: New Hampshire (overall)
One of the biggest draws of New Hampshire real estate is its tax advantage:
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No state income tax
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No state sales tax
However, property taxes in NH are typically higher to offset that. Massachusetts, on the other hand, has income and sales taxes, but often lower property taxes.
| Tax Type | Massachusetts | New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 5% flat rate | None |
| Sales Tax | 6.25% | None |
| Property Tax (avg.) | 1.14% | 1.9% (varies by town) |
Davis’s Tip:
“For buyers moving from Massachusetts to New Hampshire, the key is looking at your net cost of living, not just one number. A free Davis McVay net sheet can help you see what’s truly most affordable.”
🚗 Commute and Accessibility
Winner: Depends on your workplace
If you commute to Boston or Route 128, Massachusetts towns like Wilmington, Andover, and Beverly offer excellent access via commuter rail and I-93/I-95.
However, many Southern NH towns — especially Windham, Londonderry, and Salem — are just across the border, making them popular for Massachusetts professionals who want more house for their money.
Davis’s Tip:
“I work with many buyers who live near the border — for example, commuting from Londonderry to Burlington, MA, is often just as fast as driving across the North Shore.”
🏫 Schools and Community
Winner: Tie — but in different ways
Massachusetts consistently ranks among the top states nationally for public education, with towns like Andover and Newburyport known for their excellent school districts.
New Hampshire schools, particularly in Windham and Londonderry, are also highly rated — and benefit from smaller class sizes and a strong sense of community involvement.
Davis’s Tip:
“If schools are your top priority, we’ll compare district performance and community stats side by side. Every family’s needs are different — and both states have incredible options.”
🌳 Lifestyle and Environment
Winner: Depends on your priorities
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Massachusetts offers history, walkable downtowns, and coastal charm (hello, Newburyport!).
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New Hampshire delivers space, privacy, and outdoor living — from lakes to hiking trails.
If you love:
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Beach walks and cafes: Try Newburyport or Beverly, MA
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Quiet backroads and space: Explore Windham or Hampstead, NH
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Balanced living: Londonderry and Andover offer great middle ground
Davis’s Perspective:
“Most of my clients want lifestyle and location. I help you find where both align — whether that’s a colonial near the coast or a newer home with acreage just over the border.”
💼 The Buying Process: Similar, but Not Identical
While the steps to buy are similar in both states (pre-approval, offer, inspection, closing), there are subtle differences worth noting:
| Process Step | Massachusetts | New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase & Sale Agreement | 2 stage offer with 2 deposits, Often involves attorneys on both sides | Straight to purchase and sale, 1 deposit, no attorneys involved typically |
| Title & Closing | Attorney | Title Company |
| Taxes & Fees at Closing | State deed stamps (usually paid by seller) | Higher than MA, buyer and seller split tax stamps. |
| Inspection Focus | Lead paint & older construction | Wells, septic, radon, water testing |
Davis walks buyers through these distinctions carefully — so nothing about your cross-border purchase catches you off guard.
🧮 Davis’s Real-World Example
“I recently helped a couple from Woburn, MA, who were torn between Wilmington and Londonderry. Using side-by-side comparisons — including property taxes, commute times, and resale projections — they discovered they could save nearly $400 a month in NH without sacrificing amenities. That’s why individualized analysis matters.”
✅ The Bottom Line: Which State Wins?
There’s no universal winner — only the state that best fits your goals.
| If You Value… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| Lower purchase price & no income/sales tax | New Hampshire |
| Top-ranked schools & coastal lifestyle | Massachusetts |
| Space & privacy with Boston proximity | Southern NH (Windham/Londonderry) |
| Walkable neighborhoods & historic charm | Northern MA (Newburyport/Andover) |
🏡 Final Thoughts from Davis
“I work with first-time buyers on both sides of the border every week. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, long-term plans, and comfort level. My role is to give you clear, transparent information — so you can move forward confidently.”
📞 Thinking About Buying in Massachusetts or New Hampshire?
If you’re comparing Northern MA and Southern NH, talk to Davis McVay — a trusted expert who understands both markets inside and out.
He’ll help you evaluate affordability, taxes, schools, and lifestyle — and guide you step by step toward your first home.
Contact Davis McVay today to get a personalized side-by-side analysis of your options.