Pros and Cons of Living in Merrimack
Merrimack's honest tradeoff is real, strong schools and a favorable safety picture, set against a genuine, current economic transition and property taxes that run above even New Hampshire's own high state median.
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Learn moreReal advantages
Merrimack offers real, above-average schools, a cited top-100-safest-cities safety picture, no state income or general sales tax, and a longstanding BAE Systems employer presence.
Real tradeoffs
Merrimack's most historically prominent local employer (the Anheuser-Busch brewery) closed in early 2026, housing runs above the national median, and property taxes run above even New Hampshire's own high statewide median.
The net read
For families prioritizing schools and safety who can absorb New Hampshire's tax structure, the advantages are real. For those relying on the now-closed brewery as a job source, or seeking the lowest possible property taxes, the disclosed changes carry real weight.
Key takeaways
- Real pros: strong schools, a favorable safety picture, and no income/sales tax.
- Real cons: the brewery's early-2026 closure, above-national housing costs, and a property tax rate above even NH's state median.
- The net read favors school- and safety-focused families over those seeking the very lowest local costs.
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