- You’ll Have to Choose Between Mountains and Beaches
– In New Hampshire, you get the best of both worlds—but not both in one spot. The state is home to the stunning White Mountains and beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee, but there’s no giant coastline like in some other states. Your summer might involve hiking up mountains or lounging by the lakeside—just not both in one day. - The Weather is Shockingly Unpredictable
– You’ll quickly learn that in New Hampshire, weather can change in an instant. One minute it’s sunny and warm, the next it’s snowing. It’s not unusual to experience all four seasons in one week, so having a coat, sunscreen, and flip-flops in your car at all times is a must. - “Live Free or Die” is More Than a Motto—It’s a Way of Life
– New Hampshire’s state motto isn’t just a phrase on license plates. People here take their independence seriously, and there’s a strong sense of personal freedom. Locals are proud of their freedom to live life on their own terms. - You’ll End Up Talking About the “Old Man of the Mountain” All the Time
– While the famous rock formation known as the Old Man of the Mountain collapsed in 2003, locals still talk about it like it’s a living, breathing icon. It’s a point of pride, and even though it’s no longer physically there, its legacy is everywhere. - You’ll Experience the “Granite State” Literally
– Known as the Granite State, New Hampshire lives up to its name with massive rock formations and granite everywhere. You’ll find yourself surrounded by it in the landscape, and even the buildings have a lot of granite—sometimes so much that it feels like you’re living inside a mountain. - People Really Do “Pump Their Own Gas”
– Unlike many other states, New Hampshire still has stations where self-service gas is the norm. You’ll get the hang of filling up your own tank, but don’t be surprised when you first encounter gas station attendants who don’t even blink an eye while letting you pump away. - You’ll Get Used to the “Live Free or Die” State Attitude
– New Hampshire people are famously direct and independent. You may feel like everyone is living by their own set of rules. It’s an unspoken norm to respect personal space, do your own thing, and avoid unnecessary small talk. - The Fall Foliage Frenzy is Real
– Fall in New Hampshire isn’t just a season; it’s a full-on spectacle. People from all over come to see the amazing fall foliage, but New Hampshire residents experience it all year long. Locals get obsessed with the best routes for leaf-peeping, and they’ll happily give you their “insider” knowledge.
Living in New Hampshire is full of surprises, from its quirky independence to its unpredictable weather and stunning natural beauty!
SOURCES
[1] https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/these-6-new-hampshire-towns-have-the-most-unique-festivals.html
[2] https://www.rd.com/list/strangest-tradition-every-state/
[3] https://www.americansforthearts.org/blog-feed/rural-communities-as-cultural-hubs-in-northern-new-hampshire
[4] https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/new-hampshire
[5] https://wokq.com/new-hampshire-weird-habits/
