Do you want to work in the city or do you want to work along the 128 belt
Tbh, I don't think I've given it enough thought either way. I think I would hate commuting in the city lol but there's obviously more job opportunities.
If you're looking to be an hourish away from the city you could also move to most Southern part of New Hampshire. No sales tax and probably a bit lower cost of living which is nice. Im in a very small town (which doesnt fit your description) and its under an hour and a half away from the city and I'm 45 minutes away from the Mass line.
That's actually not a bad idea either. I'll have to check that out. Thanks!
P.S. what town do you live in?
I live in, ironically enough, New Boston. Great town to raise a family in. Incredible school system, voted best school in the state for 5 years in the 2000's, friendly people extremely safe. Very rural and country, 25 minutes from Manchester, 25 minutes from Concord 30 from Nashua, hour and fifteen to Portsmouth and the Ocean.
Only about 5,000 people in the town. One restaurant, tavern, and a country grocery store, hardware store, river going through the center. Nice but very small. If you like privacy of your home and family its greats. Not sure what type of place your looking for.
But a lot of the NH towns are like that. As you get closer to the MA border Amherst is a really nice area that certainly has more civilization (restaurants both chain and family owned, targets etc...) Nashua is one of the bigger cities, nice parts and sketchy parts. Going down 93 from Manchester you also have Derry, Londonderry (nice town), Windham, and Salem before you hit the mass border.
Edit: Just saw you aren't looking for schools. My bad. Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Salem would give you more activity, not necessarily nightlife.
Actually Portsmouth is probably the most amazing town in New Hampshire. Its where Id like to relocate and its actually only an hour from Boston. Expensive. But great for the mid 20 somethings (such as myself and you guys). Coffee shops, book stores, music shops, live music, outdoor movies, right on the water, 15 minutes from York Maine. Really great great small town city feel.