Thinking about trading your Massachusetts zip code for extra space and a different tax picture in New Hampshire? You are not alone. Many Brookline and Cambridge-Newton-Framingham residents eye Hollis, Hudson, and Nashua for more room, strong community amenities, and flexible commute options. In this guide, you will get a clear, border-town checklist that covers legal steps, taxes, utilities, commute planning, schools, healthcare, pets, and a simple timeline you can follow. Let’s dive in.
Why southern NH is on your radar
Moving to New Hampshire can change your tax picture. New Hampshire has no broad-based personal income tax or general sales tax, while Massachusetts has both. New Hampshire relies more on local property taxes, which are often higher than many Massachusetts towns. Your net impact depends on your income, property value, and where you buy.
You will also want to weigh commute choices and time. The Hollis-Hudson-Nashua area offers access to major highways and regional bus services into Boston, plus park-and-ride options that connect to commuter rail in Massachusetts. Your best bet is to test the commute you plan to use.
Quick snapshot of your destination
Southern Hillsborough County includes varied housing styles, town centers, and suburban neighborhoods. Utilities can differ by street. Some homes have municipal water and sewer, while others have private wells and septic systems. Internet options can vary by address, and heating fuels may include natural gas, oil, or propane. Confirm what your new home uses early so you can plan service transfers.
Legal and DMV to-dos in New Hampshire
Licenses and vehicle registration
Once you establish residency, you will need to exchange your Massachusetts driver’s license and register your vehicles in New Hampshire. States often set deadlines for this step, commonly within 30 to 60 days. Check current New Hampshire DMV rules for exact timing and required documents.
Bring a complete set of documents:
- Out-of-state title and registration for each vehicle
- Proof of New Hampshire auto insurance
- Proof of identity and New Hampshire residency
- Odometer reading and payment method for fees
Not completing these steps on time can lead to fines and insurance issues. If you plan to surrender Massachusetts plates or cancel a Massachusetts registration, review Massachusetts RMV procedures for plate returns and any potential refunds.
Insurance and inspections
Let your auto insurer know you are moving. Liability minimums and rating zones change when you switch states. New Hampshire requires safety inspections. Confirm timing with the NH DMV so you can schedule inspection and registration in the correct order.
Taxes, mortgage, and insurance
What changes from MA to NH
- New Hampshire has no broad-based personal income tax and no general sales tax.
- Property taxes are a larger part of the picture in New Hampshire and can be higher than what you pay in many Massachusetts towns.
- Your overall cost depends on income, purchase price, town tax rate, commute costs, and insurance adjustments.
Action steps before you buy or move
- Run a personal comparison that includes Massachusetts income tax saved, estimated New Hampshire property taxes, and changes to sales tax spending.
- If you have a mortgage escrow in Massachusetts, alert your servicer that you are moving so escrow calculations update for your new property tax schedule.
- At closing, verify transfer taxes, recording fees, and any property tax prorations. In New Hampshire, closings are commonly handled by attorneys, so lean on your closing team for details.
- Review homeowner’s insurance quotes tied to the new address, replacement cost, and any special risks like flood zones.
Utilities and home services
Electricity, gas, and heating fuel
Identify the utility provider for your new address. In southern New Hampshire, electricity or gas may be served by regional utilities or municipal systems. If your home heats with oil or propane, set up delivery 2 to 6 weeks before move-in and arrange an initial fill.
Water, sewer, and septic
- Municipal water and sewer: coordinate final and initial meter readings with the town or utility and confirm billing start dates.
- Private well and septic: request recent test results or plan for water testing. Schedule septic inspection and pumping as needed, especially during the purchase process.
Internet and TV
Book installation 2 to 4 weeks ahead. Availability can vary by street, and popular weekend slots fill quickly. If you plan to work from home, schedule a speed test after install to confirm service levels.
Trash and recycling
Trash and recycling setup can be municipal or private, depending on the town. Ask your town or seller which system serves the property and secure any needed bins, stickers, or contractor accounts before move day.
Move-day meter checklist
- Photograph final and initial meter readings for electricity, gas, water, and propane or oil tank gauges.
- Confirm final bills and keep receipts.
- Store utility account numbers and service contacts in your moving folder.
Commuting and transportation
Your options to Boston and beyond
- Driving: Major corridors include Route 3, I-93, and I-495 connections into greater Boston.
- Private express buses: Several southern New Hampshire services run to Boston and Logan Airport. Review schedules, parking, and monthly passes.
- Park-and-ride to commuter rail: Many residents drive to a Massachusetts MBTA station to access frequent service. Check parking permit rules and train frequency for your target station.
How to test drive your commute
- Do a trial run during your standard arrival window, not at off-peak hours.
- If you plan to ride a bus or train, test a full door-to-door trip, including parking.
- Track weather impacts and winter timing. Build extra time for storms and school-year traffic.
Budget your commute
Add up fuel, tolls, parking, bus or rail fares, and wear-and-tear. Compare this with your tax changes to understand your net move benefit.
Family logistics: schools, healthcare, pets, voting
School enrollment basics
Districts typically require proof of residency, your child’s birth certificate, immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, request copies and transfer records early. Hollis and Brookline operate a cooperative school district, and Nashua runs its own district. Enrollment boundaries and placement follow district policies.
Healthcare and insurance
Moving states can change your health plan network. Call your insurer to confirm New Hampshire coverage and in-network providers. Transfer medical records to your new providers and move prescriptions to a pharmacy with New Hampshire locations.
Pets and voter registration
License pets with your new town clerk by providing rabies vaccination records. Register to vote in your new New Hampshire town and note any election deadlines that apply.
Closing and post-move admin
Before closing
- Confirm property tax prorations, recording fees, and town billing schedules with your closing attorney or title team.
- Schedule utility start dates to align with possession. For well and septic, confirm service history and testing.
Move-week checklist
- Take photos of all meter readings and home condition.
- Keep IDs, closing paperwork, insurance, vehicle titles, and school records in a separate, easy-to-carry folder.
- Confirm movers’ arrival times and any loading or parking permissions.
Within 30 days after move
- Exchange your driver’s license and register vehicles per current New Hampshire DMV rules.
- Register to vote, license pets, and enroll children in school.
- Update auto and homeowner’s insurance, banking, and subscriptions with your new address.
Within 60 to 90 days
Confirm your property tax assessment and update your mortgage escrow.
Check that all forwarded mail has arrived and update any remaining accounts.
Learn local trash and recycling pickup schedules and community services.
Border-town timeline checklist
8 or more weeks before
- Compare taxes, property taxes, and commute costs for your target towns.
- Trial run the commute options you are likely to use.
- Request school and medical records. Start any special education case transfers.
- Get quotes from movers and confirm availability.
4 to 6 weeks before
- Confirm utility providers for your new address and schedule start dates.
- Book internet and TV installation.
- Review New Hampshire DMV requirements and gather documents.
- If renting, notify your current landlord. If selling, confirm Massachusetts closing details and timelines.
2 weeks before
- Submit your USPS change-of-address request to start mail forwarding.
- Finalize moving logistics and service cutover times.
- Update your auto insurer with your new address and ask about state coverage minimums.
- Buyers: confirm closing details, wire instructions, and utility transfers.
1 week before
- Confirm all utility and installer appointments.
- Pack your document folder for DMV, town clerk, schools, and closing.
- Arrange final meter reads and prepare to take photos on move day.
Move week and move day
- Photograph utility meters and keep final account receipts.
- Keep keys, garage remotes, manuals, and warranties organized.
- Verify movers’ parking and building access.
Within 30 days after you arrive
- Complete license, registration, and required inspections per New Hampshire rules.
- Register to vote and license pets with the town clerk.
- Enroll children and confirm bus routes or transportation.
Within 60 to 90 days
- Update escrow and verify tax bills and due dates.
- Confirm all forwarded mail and address changes are complete.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Underestimating peak-hour commute times and winter impacts.
- Forgetting to alert your mortgage servicer to jurisdiction changes that affect escrow and insurance.
- Skipping a full tax comparison that includes property taxes and commute costs.
- Waiting too long to schedule internet installation or heating fuel setup.
- Failing to transfer medical records and prescriptions before your first New Hampshire appointments.
Ready to move with confidence?
If you want local guidance on neighborhoods, taxes, commute tradeoffs, and a smooth closing plan, our team is here to help. We manage the details so you can focus on the move. Connect with Tim Morgan to map your timeline, compare towns, and start your search.
FAQs
How long do I have to switch my MA license and registration after moving to NH?
- States commonly require you to exchange licenses and register vehicles within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency. Check the New Hampshire DMV for the current deadline and documents.
Will I save money by moving from MA to NH?
- You may save on income and sales taxes, but property taxes and commute costs can change the equation. Run a personalized comparison that includes property taxes, insurance, and travel.
What is the best way to test my commute from southern NH to Boston?
- Do a full trial during your normal arrival time, test bus or rail options if you will use them, and track costs for parking, tolls, and fares.
Will my Massachusetts health insurance work in New Hampshire?
- It depends on your plan. Some cover both states, while others require a network change. Call your insurer to confirm in-network providers and next steps.
How do I enroll my kids in a new school in NH?
- Contact the district’s enrollment office and provide proof of residency, a birth certificate, immunization records, and prior school records. Transfer IEP or 504 plans early for continuity.
