I have now lived in NY, NH, ME, MA, WV, CO and MN. I think the average for Americans is 8 states in a lifetime so I'm almost there! While New Hampshire is a fairly small state, it has a surprising amount of great features that make living here just amazing. Today I'd like to look at a few of my favorite things about NH. There are all kinds of recreation, beautiful landscapes, charming small towns, and bustling big cities. There are likely countless more reasons beyond these as well.

One of the best parts about living in this area is the variety. I have lived in Portsmouth, Lincoln and the Mount Washington Valley and all have their different aspects to love. I'm not a city guy at all so I've avoided Manch-Vegas and Concord like the plague. But if that is your cup of tea, we've got it! I've shown and sold property up in the Great North Woods region as well. If peace and tranquility are what you are after, keep your wagon pointed north. It is big and beautiful up there.

Everyone knows our fall season is simply spectacular. If you love fall, you'll love New Hampshire living. We are known for having some of the best autumns around, from the brilliant fall foliage to the events and festivals that happen yearly like the Warner Fall Foliage Fest, Milford Pumpkin Festival, Annual Apple Harvest Day in Dover, the NH Pumpkin Festival, and the Attitash Oktoberfest. Fall is also the best time to visit your favorite apple orchard. Although still kind of hard to find, unpasteurized cider is one of my all-time favorites! (Last time I checked, my dear friends at Windy Ridge in Haverhill still press it on-site!)

If adventure (self-powered) is your thing the hiking, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing are an outdoor enthusiast's dream. New Hampshire's landscape is covered with mountainous terrain, forests, hills, and 48 4000 footers! The hiking opportunities are endless, and the scenic views are breathtaking. Live here, and you may never run out of new spots to explore, hike, and enjoy nature. "One of my favorite parts about living in the Whites is the variety of trails to explore," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty agent (formerly Badger Realty), Rachael Brown. She continued, "Whether I'm in the mood for a lung-busting climb up Tuckerman's or a casual stroll to enjoy the views from Cathedral Ledge, this area has it all."

For those more inclined to be near water, the coastline of New Hampshire is full of variety and the recreational options you would expect. You can enjoy a classic beach day with sun, sand, and waves, or try boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, or tubing. Paddle along the coast in a kayak or canoe, or just take a swim. And don't forget that along with the coast comes delicious, fresh seafood. I worked at the beach throughout high school and thoroughly enjoyed being spoiled by the amazing food!

Safety First! If safety is one of your top priorities when home buying, look no further than the granite state. According to the U.S. Institute for Economics and Peace, New Hampshire is the 3^rd safest state in the union. When I was in college in Philippi, West Virginia we boasted that WV had the lowest crime rate in the country and Philippi had the lowest crime rate in WV! We could not have been safer!

Proximity to various places is fantastic. People in Salt Lake City, specifically my brother, brag that they can ski in the morning and play golf in the afternoon of the same day. He's right too. The weather there is great and the snow tends to stay up in the mountains. What's great about where we live, and the state of New Hampshire overall, is there is such a variety of places to visit within a couple hours drive.

You could take in a Red Sox (day) game and be home for dinner. Three of my friends and I threw our bikes in the truck and rode all around Boston for the day. I've never had a better cannoli. Heading East, you can be in Portland, Maine in about an hour and enjoy the city, the coast and a bevy of amazing restaurants and events. We used to go watch the Maine Mariners play (showing my age!) any chance we got. Point your vessel West and you can enjoy the amazing skiing at Jay Peak or Burke (my two favorites), enjoy many of those quaint New England villages throughout Vermont or keep going and visit a winery in upstate New York. In just an hour or two you, the variety of experiences you can have is amazing.

Living in New Hampshire, wherever that may be, is full of adventure, relaxation, excitement and tranquility. If you are just visiting, talk to a few locals and you'll confirm what you just read. If you are one of those awesome locals, don't be shy bragging about where we call home, just don't give away all of our secrets just yet!