Exploring New Hampshire’s Crypto Landscape

When Overstock.com began accepting Bitcoin back in 2014, little did they know they were stepping into a frenzy driven largely by New Hampshire’s enthusiastically tech-savvy citizens. In what can only be described as a digital gold rush, the state has been a hotspot for cryptocurrency activity, thanks in part to the Free State Project community, which promotes decentralized currency.

The Birth and Life of the World’s Longest-Running Bitcoin Meetup

In the heart of Manchester, New Hampshire, the world’s self-proclaimed longest-running weekly Bitcoin meetup thrives. Founded by Zach Harvey, CEO of a Bitcoin ATM manufacturer, the meetup emerged post-Porcfest 2012. This event was pivotal for many enthusiasts, allowing them to engage with Bitcoin in practical, everyday scenarios.

“For Bitcoin enthusiasts, it was a move from talking about Bitcoin and theorizing to using it in practice,” Harvey recalls, emphasizing the transformation from discussion to community engagement.

Rental Payments: The Bitcoin Battle of Manchester

Taking the plunge into Bitcoin payments, Matthew Ping, a property manager, accepts the cryptocurrency directly for rent. His claim of being one of the few in New Hampshire to do so shows the state’s pioneering spirit toward digital currency.

On the Freecoast, Mike Vine operates a co-working space that’s also riding the Bitcoin wave. His words highlight the growing acceptance: Bitcoin is very popular in our community… coworking is a natural market for Bitcoiners.

Bitcoin-Friendly Businesses Abound

Despite its relatively small population, New Hampshire boasts more Bitcoin-accepting businesses than its larger neighbor, Massachusetts. Within arm’s reach of Manchester, you can find restaurants, pubs, and even legal services gladly taking Bitcoin as payment.

• Pubs and eateries
• A pizza place (because who doesn’t love pizza?)
• A fine chocolate shop (sweetening the deal!)
• Hair salons and construction firms
• Actual farms and gas stations

So, if you’re ever visiting or feeling peckish, know that you can potentially pay for your snacks with a few Bitcoin!

The Underground Market: Where Bitcoin Meets Creativity

New Hampshire hosts the intriguing Community Market Day—a decentralized marketplace showcasing eclectic vendors, some operating under the radar. Jessica Love, the project’s founder, talks about their unique offerings from bulletproof coffee to farm-fresh goods, all obtained through Bitcoin transactions.

“We are living the ultimate agorist experiment of an off-grid economy,” she enthusiastically explains.

Living the Bitcoin Lifestyle: A Community for Crypto Lovers

Individuals like Matt Whitlock have fully embraced living off Bitcoin, a testament to the ecosystem’s success. As Whitlock puts it, Practically everyone here owns Bitcoins or wants to learn about them. In fact, local businesses in this vibrant community are quite eager to embrace cryptocurrency, illustrated by stories of residents making their purchases—all with Bitcoin!

Amid stunning landscapes and a pioneering spirit, New Hampshire has forged a vibrant community that embraces the best of blockchain technology, making it quite possibly the most Bitcoin-friendly state out there. If you’re looking to taste the Bitcoin experience, New Hampshire is where the action is!