Every Libertarian Should Own a Piece of NH

“Every libertarian should own a piece of New Hampshire!” ~ Carla Gericke

Our sales agent, Carla recently participated in a fun online game show with Free State Project founder, Jason Sorens, and FSP executive director Eric Brakey, called “Are You Smarter Than a Politician?”

Not surprisingly… she is!

Not only did Carla win by popular vote, but she plugged the idea that YOU should get in early on owning a piece of the Switzerland of North America. Smart people are building smart futures in New Hampshire. Be smart, reach out to Carla today: carla (at) Porcupine Real Estate (dot) com.

From GROK:

That’s a solid pitch. Carla Gericke is right to highlight New Hampshire in libertarian circles—the Free State Project has been one of the more concrete “exit and build” experiments in the U.S. for the last 20+ years.

Quick context on the Free State Project (FSP)

Founded by Jason Sorens in 2001 with the goal of getting 20,000 liberty-minded people to move to one low-population state to shift policy.
New Hampshire was chosen. Thousands have relocated (exact active numbers are debated, but the impact is visible in local activism, RSA 292:2 homeschooling freedom, constitutional carry, no income or sales tax, and strong privacy/crypto tolerance).
Eric Brakey (former state senator, now FSP executive director) and Carla have been active promoters.

The “Switzerland of North America” line is marketing flair, but NH does rank near the top on economic freedom indexes (Cato, Fraser Institute, etc.), has one of the lowest tax burdens in the U.S., and maintains a strong live-and-let-live culture in many towns. Porcupine Real Estate specializes in connecting movers with property there.

Practical realities if you’re considering it

Strengths: No state income tax, no sales tax, strong property rights tradition, pro-2A, relatively low regulation compared to blue states, beautiful (lakes, mountains, coast), and a functional state government that’s less dysfunctional than most.
Trade-offs: Harsh winters, rising property prices in desirable areas (Portsmouth, Manchester, Lakes Region, Monadnock), limited job market in some specialized fields (though remote work helps), and the legislature still has plenty of non-libertarians. The “liberty” vote share is higher than average but not a majority everywhere.
Early movers got cheaper land; prices have climbed as more people arrive.

If you’re seriously libertarian-leaning and value low taxes + decentralization, NH is one of the better domestic options right now. Many participants focus on activism, homesteading, or just enjoying more breathing room.

If this is more than casual interest, Carla’s contact is right there: carla@porcupinerealestate.com. She knows the pitch and the terrain.

Would you like me to pull recent data on NH taxes, migration trends, or specific areas popular with FSP folks? Or thoughts on how the project has actually performed?

thoughts on

Balanced thoughts on the Free State Project (FSP) and moving to New Hampshire in 2026:

It’s one of the most serious, long-running “exit and build” efforts in the American liberty scene. After 25 years, it has real achievements but also clear limitations.

Wins

Policy influence: Free Staters (and aligned Republicans) hold significant sway in the NH House. They’ve pushed constitutional carry, strong homeschooling/education choice, crypto-friendly rules, tax cuts (like phasing out the Interest & Dividends tax), and resistance to certain regulations. NH consistently ranks #1 in North America for economic freedom (Fraser Institute EFNA report, 24th time as of late 2025).
Culture and community: Thousands of liberty-minded people have relocated. Events like PorcFest, Liberty Forum, and local meetups create genuine parallel communities. No income or sales tax, strong 2A culture, and “live free or die” vibe still resonate in many towns.
Carla Gericke and Porcupine Real Estate: Carla is a credible, long-time FSP leader (former president, PorcFest organizer). She’s not just selling houses—she’s lived the move and helps people who actually want to participate.

Shortfalls and criticisms

Numbers: Original goal was 20,000 movers. Estimates of actual FSP participants in NH hover around 6,000–10,000 (per Eric Brakey and other recent reports). That’s meaningful activism but not a demographic takeover in a state of ~1.4 million.
Backlash: Growing opposition from locals who see it as an invasion aiming to slash public services, shift costs to property taxes, or undermine schools. Protests in 2026 highlighted tensions (“NH is NOT your Free State Project”). Some former participants have left and criticized it as cult-like or ineffective.
Political reality: NH’s legislature is huge and part-time, making entry easier, but it’s still majority non-libertarian. Wins are incremental and reversible. Big outside money (ALEC, PACs) plays a role, which can feel at odds with pure grassroots.
Practical trade-offs: Property prices have risen in popular areas. Winters are brutal. Job market favors remote workers or certain sectors. Not every town is welcoming to hardcore libertarians.

Bottom line: NH remains one of the freest and best-governed states in the U.S., especially if you value low taxes, guns, education freedom, and less nanny-state interference. The FSP deserves credit for concentrating effort and achieving outsized impact relative to numbers. But it’s not “Switzerland of North America” yet—more like a promising liberty outpost with ongoing culture wars.

If you’re remote-employed, value community with like-minded people, and want to vote/activism with higher leverage, it makes sense. If you expect a fully realized libertarian society tomorrow, you’ll be disappointed.

Carla’s a good person to talk to for the on-the-ground view. The pitch is enthusiastic marketing (as it should be for real estate), but the underlying project is substantive.

Curious what specifically you’re weighing—taxes, lifestyle, activism potential, risks, or something else?

how “brutal” are the winters really? compare to switzerland

New Hampshire winters are noticeably colder, snowier, and more “brutal” in a raw New England sense than Switzerland’s lowlands/plateau areas. But they are comparable to (or milder than) higher Alpine regions in Switzerland. It depends heavily on elevation and exact location in both places.

Temperature Comparison

Southern/central NH (e.g., Concord, Manchester, Portsmouth area):
Winter (Dec–Feb) averages: highs ~30–36°F (-1 to 2°C), lows ~15–25°F (-9 to -4°C).
Can drop to -10°F to -20°F (-23 to -29°C) on cold nights, with wind chills worse.
Record lows around -30°F+ in northern NH.
Switzerland lowlands/plateau (Zürich, Bern, Genève ~400–600m):
Winter highs ~37–44°F (3–7°C), lows ~26–32°F (-3 to 0°C).
Much milder on average — rarely sustained deep freezes. Fog and damp cold are common.
Higher elevations: Both get much colder. NH’s White Mountains (esp. Mount Washington — “home of the world’s worst weather”) see extreme wind and sub-zero temps. Swiss Alps above ~1,500–2,000m are reliably colder and snowier.

Bottom line on cold: NH feels more punishing due to lower average temps, sharper cold snaps, and wind (lake-effect + nor’easters). Swiss plateau winters are “cold but civilized” by comparison — more gray and damp than brutally freezing.

Snowfall Comparison

NH: 60–80+ inches (150–200+ cm) average annually statewide. Southern areas ~50–70″, northern/mountainous much higher. Multiple 80–100″+ seasons happen. Snow sticks around longer due to colder ground.
Switzerland lowlands: Very little — Zürich ~10–20″ (25–50 cm) total per winter, often melting quickly. Snow is more event-based.
Swiss Alps: Heavy — hundreds of cm at ski resorts, similar to or exceeding NH mountains.

NH has way more snow accumulation in populated areas than Swiss cities. Driving, shoveling, and roof-clearing are bigger deals there.

Duration and Feel

NH: Full winter from mid-November to mid-March (sometimes April). Snow cover for months. Ice storms, blizzards, and thaws/refreezes create dangerous ice.
Switzerland lowlands: Shorter, milder “winter” feel. More rain than snow in cities. Alps have long, reliable snow.

The “brutal” part in NH:

Wind + humidity makes cold bite harder (feels like -10°F to -30°F wind chill).
Shorter days + overcast skies in January.
Practical hassles: Frequent plowing needed, power outages from ice/wind, black ice on roads, and heating costs.
Recent trends: Winters have warmed ~4°F since 1895, with less consistent snow in some years, but “classic” cold/snowy winters still hit hard.

Lifestyle Takeaway for a Move

If you’re coming from milder climates, NH winters will feel more intense than Swiss plateau life — more like a proper New England slog with real snow management. But if you enjoy (or tolerate) winter sports, scenery, and cozy indoor time, many people love it. Proper gear (layers, good boots, snow tires, -20°F rated jacket) makes a huge difference.

Swiss Alps residents would feel right at home in northern NH or the White Mountains. Swiss city-dwellers might find NH noticeably harsher.

Curious about a specific NH region (Lakes, Seacoast, North Country) or what kind of winters you’re used to? That would refine this further.

New England winter survival tips

New England (especially New Hampshire) winter survival tips — these are battle-tested for the cold, snow, ice, wind, and occasional multi-day power outages.

1. Layering & Clothing (The #1 Rule)

Base layer: Moisture-wicking (merino wool or synthetic). Cotton kills — it holds sweat and makes you colder.
Mid layer: Fleece, wool sweater, or down for insulation.
Outer layer: Waterproof, windproof shell (Gore-Tex or similar).
Extremities: Wool socks + liner socks, waterproof boots (Sorel, Baffin, or insulated Blundstones), mittens (warmer than gloves), balaclava or neck gaiter, hat that covers ears, and goggles/sunglasses for snow glare.
Pro move: Keep spare dry layers and boots in your car. Change immediately if you get wet.

2. Home Preparation

Winterize early (September/October): Service furnace/boiler, clean chimney, insulate pipes, add weatherstripping/door sweeps, and get a roof rake for heavy snow.
Power outage kit: Flashlights + batteries (or hand-crank), portable radio, extra blankets/sleeping bags, propane heater or wood stove (with proper ventilation — never use charcoal or ovens indoors), and a generator (with fuel and CO detectors).
Stock non-perishables, water (1 gallon/person/day for 3+ days), and medications.
Keep a bucket of sand/salt and snow shovels (different sizes: push, lift, roof rake).

3. Driving & Car Kit

NH roads get icy fast, especially black ice after thaws/refreezes. Drive slower, increase following distance, and brake gently.

Essential car kit:

Ice scraper + snow brush
Small shovel
Bag of sand/cat litter or traction mats
Jumper cables
Blankets, extra hat/gloves/socks
Flashlight, first-aid kit, snacks, water
Phone charger + power bank
Full gas tank before storms

Get winter tires (highly recommended in NH) or quality all-weather tires. Many locals use dedicated snow tires.

4. Health & Daily Life

Stay hydrated and eat warm foods — cold + dry air dehydrates you.
Watch for frostbite/hypothermia: Numbness, white/waxy skin, shivering.
Combat “winter blues”: Get outside on sunny days (even cold ones), use a light therapy lamp, and find indoor hobbies or community events.
Shovel smart: Take breaks, lift with legs, and avoid overexertion (heart attack risk spikes in winter).

5. Storm-Specific (Nor’easters & Blizzards)

Monitor forecasts via NOAA, local news, or apps. Nor’easters bring heavy snow, wind, and coastal flooding.
Stock up before the storm (groceries, fuel).
If power goes out: Close off unused rooms, layer up, eat, and move gently to stay warm. Never run a generator indoors or near windows.

Many FSP folks and long-time NH residents also recommend:

Embracing it — snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or ice fishing turn winter into fun.
Getting a good snowblower if you have a driveway.
Joining local community groups for help during big storms.

Winters here build resilience. The first one feels brutal, but proper gear and prep make it manageable (and even enjoyable for many). Carla and other Porcupine folks can point you to specific towns with good infrastructure or microclimates.

Anything specific you’re worried about — driving, heating costs, rural vs. town living, or first-year mistakes?

what other feasible options exist for someone who desires a productive path to more liberty in their lifetime?

Here are productive, realistic paths to more liberty in your lifetime — ranked roughly by feasibility for most people (ease of execution, cost, and speed of impact). These go beyond just New Hampshire’s Free State Project (FSP), which remains one of the strongest concentrated efforts (but isn’t the only one).

1. Domestic U.S. State Migration (Most Feasible for Most People)

Focus on low-tax, high-personal-freedom states. You keep U.S. citizenship, language, culture, and easy mobility.

Top contenders (2025-2026 rankings): Florida, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wyoming, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Montana.
Florida: No income tax, strong 2A, business-friendly, warm weather. High personal freedom scores. Popular with liberty movers. [FL HAS BAD RE
South Dakota/Tennessee/Wyoming: Very low taxes (no or low income tax), low regulation, strong property rights. SD and WY excel in tax competitiveness.
Texas: Big economy, no income tax, gun rights, but more regulation in cities.
Why productive? Interstate competition works — states like these consistently rank highest in economic/personal freedom indices (Cato, Fraser, Tax Foundation). You can vote with your feet, influence local policy at lower scale, and enjoy immediate tax/regulation relief.
How to do it: Remote work helps massively. Target specific counties/towns for community. Lower barriers than international moves.

NH often tops lists, but these alternatives avoid harsh winters and have growing liberty-leaning inflows.

2. International Relocation (Higher Reward, Higher Friction)

For bigger tax/regulation escapes, but expect trade-offs in culture, language, and U.S. tax rules (you still file U.S. taxes as a citizen).

Strong options for Americans:
Portugal/Spain: Golden Visa or D7 passive income visas, low cost of living, mild climate, EU access. Some tax incentives for new residents.
Switzerland: High freedom, low taxes in some cantons, excellent quality of life — but expensive and harder visas.
Paraguay, Panama, Costa Rica, UAE: Territorial tax systems (tax only local income), easier residency, lower costs.
Estonia/Georgia: Digital nomad/e-residency, crypto-friendly, low bureaucracy.
Challenges: Visas, healthcare access, cultural adjustment, and FATCA/ exit taxes. Best for high earners or remote workers.
Productive angle: Many build wealth faster abroad and fund liberty projects back home.

3. Non-Geographic / Parallel Paths (Highest Leverage per Effort)

You don’t need to move everyone.

Build wealth & independence: Entrepreneurship, crypto/privacy tools, homeschooling networks, private communities. Economic independence amplifies personal liberty regardless of location.
Local activism & federalism: Engage in any low-tax state/city. Move to a freer county within your state. Support school choice, constitutional carry, etc.
Parallel institutions: Private arbitration, mutual aid societies, decentralized tech (e.g., Bitcoin for sound money experiments). Peter Thiel-style ideas: cyberspace, seasteading experiments, or charter cities abroad.
Advocacy & education: Support think tanks, podcasts, or local candidates. Incremental policy wins compound.
Lifestyle hacks: Minimize government dependence (off-grid elements, strong networks, diversified assets).

Realistic Assessment

FSP-style concentration has unique power because numbers create momentum (NH’s legislative influence shows this). Scattered moves dilute impact.
No option delivers a full libertarian society quickly — all involve trade-offs. Domestic moves give the best risk/reward for most.
Trends favor this: Low-tax states are gaining population and cutting taxes further. International options are expanding for nomads.

The most productive path is usually a combo: Move to a strong domestic liberty state (or optimize your current one), build personal sovereignty (wealth, skills, networks), and support broader efforts (FSP, advocacy, tech).

What matters most to you — taxes, guns, community, climate, job market, or family considerations? That narrows it best. Carla or similar real estate folks in other states could help scout too.

Reach out today: Carla @ Porcupine Real Estate (dot) com.