Top Reasons Nurses Move to New Hampshire | VSH
If you’re a Canadian nurse and a nature-lover dreaming of a fulfilling career in the U.S., New Hampshire might just be the hidden gem you’ve been looking for. With its charming towns, stunning nature, and proximity to Canada, this beautiful state offers a smooth transition, career growth, and a high quality of life.
From its close-knit facilities to its year-round outdoor lifestyles, here are the top reasons Canadian nurses chose New Hampshire as their new home.
Growing Demand for Nurses
New Hampshire, like most U.S. states, is facing a growing need for skilled nurses, especially in rural and suburban areas. As the state’s population ages and healthcare needs grow, experienced nurses are in high demand.
Canadian nurses are renowned for their exceptional education, extensive clinical experience, and patient-centered approach. Many New Hampshire facilities offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities to attract top nursing talent from around the world.
Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers are especially in need of dedicated registered nurses, offering TN visa sponsorship to welcome Canadian RNs on their teams. New Hampshire is home to numerous facilities that will value your skills and support and nurture you in your career.
Four Seasons of Beautiful Landscapes
If you love watching the seasons change—especially fall—New Hampshire will feel like a dream. This state experiences all four seasons, offering new sights and activities with each passing one. You’ll enjoy fresh spring blossoms, sunny lakeside summers, bright fall foliage, and cozy snow-covered winters.
Summertime in New Hampshire is ideal for hiking, biking, kayaking, or spending time at one of New Hampshire’s many lakes. Fall is nothing short of magical with its famous red and gold forests—something the state is well-known for. Winters offer all the charm and activities of a classic northeastern state: skiing, snowshoeing, and sipping hot chocolate by the fire. After the snow melts, spring brings fresh air and greenery.
No matter the time of year, there’s always something to explore outdoors in New Hampshire. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, being active, or capturing beautiful landscapes with your camera, this state is perfect for you.
Low Crime, High Quality of Life
New Hampshire consistently ranks as one of the safest and best states in the country. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks New Hampshire as #1 in Public Safety and #2 in Best States Overall based on several factors such as healthcare, education, economy, infrastructure, natural environment, and more.
For nurses seeking stability, the state’s low crime rates, clean air, and welcoming communities make it an ideal place to build a life. A strong work-life balance is also common in New Hampshire, with nurses reporting that they enjoy the slower pace of life, the ability to own a home, and the opportunity to work in very respectful environments.
Affordable Living—No State Income Tax!
While major cities in Canada and the U.S. are dealing with skyrocketing rent and real estate prices, New Hampshire offers a refreshingly affordable lifestyle. For example, in many suburban areas of the state, rent for a one-bedroom apartment can be less than $1,500 USD. This is much less than $2,500 a month in Vancouver, $4,000 in New York City, $2,700 in Los Angeles, $2,200 in Miami, and $3,000 in San Francisco.
One of the best perks? New Hampshire is one of the nine U.S. states that doesn’t have a state income tax as of 2025. This low cost of living, combined with no state income tax, will help your hard-earned salary go further, allowing you to save for homeownership, higher education, travel, or whatever your life goals may be.
Endless Activities to Enjoy Solo or with Friends and Family
New Hampshire is a playground for outdoor lovers. From hiking up the White Mountains to canoeing down the Connecticut River, there’s always an adventure waiting. In the warmer months, you can even swim or bike at lakes and stroll through charming local farmers’ markets. In the winter, you can take advantage of the best ski resorts in the state and festive holiday events that turn New Hampshire into a winter wonderland.
No matter your pace—relaxing or active—New Hampshire’s beauty makes it easy to find activities to enjoy outside of work solo, with friends, or with family.
Proximity to Canada and the Northeast U.S.
One of the most convenient aspects of living and working in New Hampshire is its location, which is relatively close to Canada and other states that offer great opportunities for exploration. If you’re from Eastern Canada, especially Quebec or Ontario, you’ll find it very easy to visit home. The drive or flight is short and manageable when you want to visit family or friends on a long weekend, the holidays, or spontaneous trips.
Plus, New Hampshire is perfectly located for exploring the U.S. East Coast. Boston is just a couple of hours away, and major cities like New York and Philidelphia are drivable for road trip lovers! This way, you can enjoy exploring these iconic cities on your days off without having to deal with sky-high rent and traffic that comes with actually living in them.
Spotlight on Westmoreland and Keene, NH: Small-Town Peace, Big-Time Perks
Westmoreland and its neighboring town of Keene offer the perfect blend of professional opportunities and small-town charm. These communities are situated in southern New Hampshire, near the Vermont border, and are just a few hours from Montreal and Toronto, as well as two hours from Boston.
Why Do Nurses Love the Westmoreland and Keene Area?
Supportive Workplaces
We currently have open long-term care roles in the Westmoreland area, where healthcare teams are close-knit, compassionate, and committed to providing the highest quality care to residents. Facilities in the area are known for their positive culture and patient-centered approach.
Affordable and Peaceful Living
Keene and Westmoreland offer beautiful homes, peaceful streets, and scenic views—all without the high cost of living in a bigger city. It’s the kind of place where you can take a quiet hike, go for evening walks safely, and feel a real sense of inner peace.
Access to Nature
The Connecticut River, Pisgah State Park, and Mount Monadnock are all nearby, offering unbeatable access to hiking, biking, kayaking, and picnicking. Your days off can be filled with everything from nature photography to picturesque strolls.
Charming Community
Downtown Keene has the best coffee shops, bookstores, art galleries, and local festivals to enjoy. There’s also a thriving local good scene and top-rated schools, making it great for both solo nurses and nurses who relocate to the area with families.
Your Next Nursing Chapter Starts in New Hampshire
For Canadian nurses seeking excellent job benefits, a welcoming community, and a beautiful environment to live in, New Hampshire ticks all the boxes. If you’re ready to make the leap, Visa Solutions Healthcare is here to help you every step of the way—from landing your dream job and securing your TN visa to obtaining your U.S. nursing license and relocating to the U.S. Imagine living your best life in New Hampshire in just a few months!
Want to hear more about our U.S. nursing opportunities in New Hampshire and beyond? Apply to our program today!