9 Safest Small Communities To Settle In New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a beautiful New England state defined by rugged mountain ranges, shimmering lakes and rivers, dense forests, and a surprisingly picturesque stretch of coastline, all within just 9,530 total square miles. Beyond its scenery, the state is consistently recognized for its exceptional safety. According to federal data, New Hampshire’s 2022 violent crime rate was approximately 125.6 per 100,000—about a third of the national average (380.7 per 100,000), placing it among the most stable regions in the country. This foundation of stability is one reason many of the safest small communities in New Hampshire have become so appealing to families, retirees, and working adults alike. These towns offer an abundance of local programs, family-friendly activities, and year-round events that reflect the everyday things to do in New Hampshire, creating a lifestyle centered on connection, outdoor living, and small-town pride. The nine towns highlighted below each carry their own unique character. Still, all share an open atmosphere and a strong commitment to quality of life, making them secure and fulfilling destinations to settle in and call home.
Nottingham
Nottingham reflects the classic New Hampshire landscape many imagine: quiet forest roads, towering pines, and a slower outdoor pace. Set between Concord and the Seacoast, this 47-square-mile rural town offers a spacious, backcountry feel while still giving residents easy access to one of the state’s most striking natural regions: Pawtuckaway State Park. The 5,000-acre park’s bouldered lookouts, hidden ponds, winding streams, and miles of trails make hiking, kayaking, and exploring Pawtuckaway Lake part of everyday life.
That unhurried pace complements the town’s consistently low crime numbers; according to FBI crime data, Nottingham reports 18 aggravated assaults and zero homicides in the past five years, placing it among the safest towns in New Hampshire. Seasonal traditions, such as the Youth Fishing Derby and its numerous annual celebrations, complement Nottingham’s village-like character and reflect the relaxed, locally oriented lifestyle that makes it feel welcoming, refreshing, and grounded.
Atkinson
Atkinson appeals to families and retirees alike with its warm, neighbor-driven environment and broad involvement in local happenings. Atkinson is part of the Timberlane Regional School District, a top-performing system known for strong academics, supportive staff, and well-rounded student programs: an important draw for families seeking stability. Community events are central to Atkinson’s character, with seasonal celebrations like Atkinson Day, summer youth activities, and local sports leagues helping neighbors stay active and connected. The Atkinson Resort & Country Club also serves as a gathering place for social events, dining, and relaxed recreation.
South New Hampshire’s largest lake, Big Island Pond, is located near Atkinson, offering numerous wooded walking areas and easy access to waterside recreation, providing residents with simple ways to spend time outdoors. Atkinson’s standout feature is its long-running record of minimal violent crime: statistics show 69 aggravated assault reports and zero homicides between 2021 and 2025, placing it firmly among the safest towns in New Hampshire. For those who value lowkey living supported by a collective spirit, Atkinson truly is a reassuring destination to plant roots firmly.
Rye
Rye offers a serene coastal setting characterized by its beaches, marshlands, and a strong local identity, making it one of the safest small communities in New Hampshire. Families and longtime residents stay connected through programs centered on youth recreation, senior gatherings, fitness classes, and art workshops, all organized by the Rye Public Library. Eight miles of shoreline ensure residents enjoy beach walks, tidal exploration, and access to local whale-watching tours that depart from Rye Harbor.
The town’s maritime history is also preserved through educational programs at the Seacoast Science Center in Odiorne Point State Park, where visitors learn about marine wildlife, local ecology, and the area’s past. Rye is consistently ranked among the most worry-free New Hampshire small towns, with only 36 aggravated assault cases and zero homicides reported over the last five years. Its violent-crime levels remain far lower than state and national norms, offering peace of mind for anyone drawn to coastal living paired with a community-focused way of life.
New Boston
With the serene Piscataquog River winding through the wooded countryside of Hillsborough County in south-central New Hampshire, New Boston offers residents spacious rural scenery, ample privacy, and an active civic culture. Violent crime is at a minimum, with 114 aggravated assault reports and zero homicides over the past five years, reinforcing the town’s reputation for comfortable living. Families have access to a wide range of youth and teen programs through the New Boston Recreation Department, including after-school care, LEGO camp, baseball, cheerleading, gymnastics, mountain bike clinics, tennis, and various teen trips. Adults and seniors remain equally engaged through multiple activities, including art classes, yoga, tai chi, pickleball, softball, walking groups, and adult basketball nights.
Seasonal traditions, such as the Easter Bonnet Parade, S’mores with Santa, and the Hillsborough County Fair, add to the town’s diverse annual activities. Don’t miss the Fourth of July celebration, complete with concerts at the iconic town gazebo and a celebratory firing of the Molly Stark Cannon. New Boston is also home to New Hampshire’s only Space Force station, where training operations and the occasional launch bring a unique character to the night sky. Together, these features make New Boston an abundant hub of local culture and a surprising number of things to do in New Hampshire, all while maintaining a peaceful, small-town feel.
Chester
Incorporated in 1722, Chester is one of New Hampshire’s oldest small communities, with a population of 5,322 as of 2024. Chester maintains an energetic, family-centered local scene, supported by youth sports, seasonal celebrations, and outdoor recreation at Wason Pond. The Chester Public Library strengthens the town’s close-knit community through children’s programs, book groups, tech workshops, and local history events.
Architecturally, newcomers will notice well-preserved Colonial, Federal, and Greek Revival buildings within the Chester Village Historic District. While many residents commute to Manchester or Derry, local employment spans education, healthcare, construction, trades, and small businesses, making Chester a deeply historic and hospitable place to build a life. With regards to crime statistics in Chester, reports show 76 aggravated-assault incidents from 2021 to 2025, and zero homicides across all five years. These consistently low numbers place Chester among the safest small communities in New Hampshire to settle down in.
Hopkinton
One of the most distinctive small towns in New Hampshire is Hopkinton, located in Merrimack County, just west of Concord. The town unfolds across three villages: historic Hopkinton Village, vibrant Contoocook with its shops and cafés, and the pastoral fields of West Hopkinton; each offering a glimpse into the different dimensions of local life. Newcomers will find a lively year-round calendar shaped by the Hopkinton Town Library’s workshops, summer concerts at Riverside Park, historical walking tours, and the beloved Hopkinton State Fair, one of the state’s largest annual events. In addition, there is the Slusser Center, Hopkinton’s community center, where youth programs and senior-centered events maintain the cohesiveness of the neighborhoods around town.
Residents benefit from Hopkinton’s notably low violent-crime totals: only three aggravated assault incidents from 2021-2025 and zero homicides, far below state and national averages. Visitors and residents alike can get oriented through a train-themed tour at the restored Contoocook Railroad Depot, which showcases Hopkinton’s heritage and landscape. Long-standing traditions, warm gathering spots, and abundant outdoor recreation provide new residents with a steady sense of engagement and a comforting ease of life for families looking to settle down in New Hampshire.
Hollis
Similar to several of the towns mentioned in this New Hampshire travel guide, Hollis, surrounded by leafy roads and well-maintained landscapes, offers a calm and close-knit township feel, blending a rugged rural spirit with well-kept neighborhoods. With its historical legacy steeped in agriculture, the humble town has evolved to accommodate an increasing population seeking to settle into upscale suburban neighborhoods, away from the daily commute of work life in nearby cities. This 31.8 square mile town boasts a population of 8,746, and in the past five years, FBI crime reports outline around 58 aggravated assaults in Hollis, with no homicides reported.
This likely connects to how involved residents are in local groups, traditions, and conservation efforts, with several organizations facilitating events that bring people together to share in the spirit that formed Hollis in 1746; many historical sites have been restored to preserve the town’s legacy. Groups like the Beaver Brook Association and several chapters of the Boy and Girl Scouts in Hollis are trusted with maintaining and educating neighbors on the importance of conservation and living in harmony with the natural environment. Yearly events include the Hollis Apple Festival and Hollis Old Home Days, where newcomers are introduced to longstanding traditions through music, dance, games, and activities suitable for all ages.
Windham
With its official town motto, “Old Values, New Horizons,” Windham is one town in this New Hampshire travel guide that’s markedly proud of how it’s steadily built upon the traditional American ideals of discovery and independence. Sitting on the border of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, Windham offers relaxed suburban living with straightforward access to major cities like Boston, Manchester, and Nashua, allowing working professionals to raise their families in a calm environment. Windham is a fast-growing town with a higher standard of living. Its local economy specializes in the scientific, technical, and healthcare sectors, with several renowned public schools offering enrichment programs and innovative learning environments.
Outdoor activities for the family are also abundant, including hiking, fishing, and canoeing at Canobie Lake, as well as jogging at the Windham Rail Trail. Griffin Park hosts sports leagues and annual events, like the annual Harvest Fest and Independence Day fireworks. FBI statistics report 65 cases of assault and 6 homicides in the years between 2021 and 2025, solidifying Windham as a reliable residential choice in southern New Hampshire.
Kingston
Kingston blends long-standing New Hampshire heritage with the conveniences of modern New England life, known for the idyllic pace of a lifestyle that embraces its natural surroundings. New residents come to Kingston, discovering its rich access to numerous ponds, streams, and recreational spaces. One of them is The Plains, a green gathering place where many of Kingston’s townsfolk enjoy picnics, walking their pets, and attending the local farmers' market. Points of interest include Kingston State Park, adjacent to sandy beaches, Rock Rimmon Hill for hiking, and the Josiah Bartlett House, a historical landmark.
With five schools total in Kingston, in addition to an active public library hosting exhibitions and music events for all ages, the people of Kingston are proud to promote a culture where families deserve to learn, gro,w and succeed in a collective effort. Statistics indicate 80 aggravated assaults and no homicides reported for the past 5 years in this peaceful town, giving residents confidence in a warm, dependable environment as they settle into town life.
Taken together, these nine towns reflect the qualities that make New Hampshire’s small communities so appealing for long-term living: steady public safety, active local programs, and environments where residents genuinely participate in shaping daily life. While each town carries its own personality: coastal, rural, suburban, or village-centered, they all demonstrate how strong local networks and consistent cultural events can create a reassuring place to call home. Beyond statistics, residents benefit from libraries and community centers that serve as creative hubs, recreation departments offering year-round activities for all ages, and public spaces that foster meaningful connections among neighbors. The towns covered in this New Hampshire travel guide show the ease of access for local engagement, whether through seasonal festivals, youth programs, senior gatherings, conservation groups, or volunteer-driven initiatives. For newcomers seeking places where daily life feels grounded, supportive, and well-organized, these communities stand out as reliable and rewarding options throughout the Granite State.
