Written in Granite: NH named best state to move to

Wow, I didn’t know this: About 650,000 residents move out of the beautiful state of California every year.

So, what?

Well, I’m extending a warm welcome to ex-Californians, inviting them to consider moving to the Granite State! This includes one of my favorite all-time star couples, Pierce Brosnan and Keely Shaye Brosnan. The dashing pair is saying goodbye to their stunning oceanfront estate after 26 years.

The famous “reclusive” couple is better off than most, but even they have financial worries, with Pierce saying, “I have this beautiful house in Malibu. I have to pay the mortgage. There are school fees,” he explained to The Times. “There are definite moments of, oh, this boat is not quite sinking, but [it might] if we don’t get a job soon.”

I was catching up with West Coast news on OCRegister.com, a newspaper that serves Orange County, California, when a recent item caught my eye. Veteran business columnist Jonathan Lansner recently penned a great piece with this headline: Leaving California: Where to move to in 2026; STATE RANKINGS: Best #1 to #49 Worst

I beamed knowing New Hampshire would be No.1 (yes, indeed, it is number one in their ranking), and our neighbor Massachusetts came in sixth as the Best Place to Move To in 2026, according to the Southern California News Group. Lansner says he also used a compilation of state grades from ConsumerAffairs, US News, WalletHub, CNBC, America’s Dashboard and OCity, and New Hampshire still received the “best average grade.”

Californians are fleeing the state in general because of its soaring cost of living, lack of affordable housing, high income taxes, etc.

Of course, rankings of Best States are open to interpretation and cannot be determined by an absolute scientific outcome. Still, the Live Free or Die State offers ex-Californians a lot of bang for their buck and is picturesque with four seasons and mountains, lakes and beaches. Just pack a couple of winter coats, boots and shovels for the snow, and you’re good to go.

The research found that New Hampshire has one of the best state economies, which means more job opportunities for ex-Golden State individuals moving here. Also, according to Lansner’s column, Massachusetts grabbed the No. 1 spot for schools and medicine. Then came Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Minnesota. The Granite State also took home the highest score for safest state. And there’s no income tax or sales tax here!

To be fair, not everyone stays in New Hampshire. Statistics from USAFacts.org showed that in 2024, about 40,600 people left New Hampshire for another state. In the same year, New Hampshire also gained 8,100 residents, as 48,700 people moved in from 15 other states. More folks want to relocate to the Granite State than leave it; that’s a good sign.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte, who is seeking reelection, was thrilled with yet another Best of List (from ConsumerAffairs) for our state and put out the welcome mat: “We’re a beacon for economic opportunity, the safest state in the nation, and our quality of life is unlike anywhere else. Anyone looking for lower taxes, more opportunity, and an unmatched quality of life should look no further than the Granite State — we’d love to have you!”

The Brosnans appear to be heading to Hawaii, where they have a second home. Our small, charming state also offers scenic beaches and miles of sand. Maybe add another oceanfront estate? You can live a quiet, wonderful, paparazzi-free life here in New Hampshire.