CHESHIRE AND SULLIVAN COUNTIES

Cheshire County Offices
12 Court Street
Keene, NH 603-352-8215
https://www.co.cheshire.nh.us

Sullivan County Offices
14 Main Street
Newport, NH 603-863-2560
https://www.sullivancountynh.gov

Chamber of Commerce
122 North Main Street
Concord, NH 603-224-5388
https://www.biaofnh.com

Often described by visitors as the “Currier and Ives” corner of New Hampshire, the panoramic Monadnock Region encompasses the City of Keene and also Cheshire County. Cheshire and Sullivan Counties excel in a wooded countryside, alpine splendor, rolling rivers, and charming communities. Keene is the commercial and entertainment hub for Cheshire County, while residents of Sullivan County enjoy the expanded amenities in nearby Claremont.

Services
Complementing the quality system of public schools, private schools combine with exceptional choices in colleges that are close to home. The campuses of Keene State College and Franklin Pierce College join the outstanding Antioch New England Graduate School to offer a full spectrum of advanced studies and undergraduate or graduate degree programs. This region also offers state-of-the-art healthcare and social service advantages that include a regional hospital. Regardless of where you live in the county, a wide range of medical and surgical specialties are available.

Lifestyle
The housing selection throughout Cheshire and Sullivan Counties is as attractive as the terrain, from restored homes in the heart of a historic district to fine new construction on spacious country lots. Rich farmland adds a picturesque quality to the landscape and ensures farm-fresh produce. Theatre, galleries, museums, musical concerts, and fine dining are all available in the area’s more developed communities. State parks and forests abound, while geological sites like the Chesterfield Gorge complement the rich legacy of historic treasures. With its farmer’s markets, colorful festivals, and fine scenery, this region is highly desirability.

CHESHIRE COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Chesterfield
Municipal Offices
603-363-4624
https://www.nhchesterfield.com

Chamber of Commerce
603-352-1303
https://www.keenechamber.com

Nestled at the edge of the Connecticut River, Chesterfield claims a rich history and some of the county’s most fertile farmland. Not far from the town is the noted geologic site of Chesterfield Gorge. The Village of Spofford and the celebrated resort area of Spofford Lake are both located in Chesterfield. Other recreational opportunities include golfing, swimming, and tennis. Ski areas and the amenities of Keene are accessible. Interstate 91 is just six miles from home.

Dublin
Municipal Offices
603-563-8544
https://www.townofdublin.org

Chamber of Commerce
603-352-1303
https://www.keenechamber.com

Enjoying one of the highest elevations in New Hampshire at 1,439 feet, Dublin rests between two watersheds. The area shares accolades with Jaffrey as the site of Grand Monadnock, and numerous hiking and riding trails begin along the Dublin Lake shoreline. Other recreational opportunities include a private golf course and a riding stable. This former agricultural community now boasts some of the most elegant and lavish estates in the entire region, many that are situated on prime properties that command breathtaking vistas of Mount Monadnock as well as pristine Dublin Lake. This area historically attracted many artists and intellectuals as summer tourists, and the town is the home of the publisher for the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Fitzwilliam
Municipal Offices
603-585-7723
https://www.fitzwilliam-nh.gov

Chamber of Commerce
603-352-1303
https://www.keenechamber.com

Ranking among the antique capitals of the state, charming Fitzwilliam is picturesque with an attractive common crowned by an architecturally outstanding 1817 town hall. The town was home to a flourishing granite industry in its early history. Today, the town offers the quaint, charming atmosphere of a resort and retirement community filled with stately colonial homes. Recreational amenities include swimming, tennis, sports leagues, fishing, hunting, and winter sports. Rhododendron Reservation and State Park and Laurel Lake are popular destinations.

Gilsum
Municipal Offices
603-357-0320
https://www.gilsum.org

Chamber of Commerce
603-352-1303
https://www.keenechamber.com

Gilsum offers it residents the intimacy of a small-town spirit in close proximity to the amenities in Keene. The area’s long mining history is represented today by tourmaline, quartz crystals, and beryl. The annual Rock Swap draws impressive crowds including many mineral collectors. One of the most outstanding of the area’s geologic wonders is the glacial erratic of Vessel Rock. The area features interesting potholes, kames, and steep rock ledges. Residents enjoy a wealth of recreational opportunities close to home.

Harrisville
Municipal Offices
603-827-5546
https://harrisvillenh.org

Chamber of Commerce
603-352-1303
https://www.keenechamber.com

Distinguished as one of the youngest towns in Cheshire County, Harrisville was incorporated in 1870. The town’s namesake, Milan Harris, once ran several stone and brick mills that relied on the abundant water power of nearby lakes. The Harris mills were actually productive until 1970. Essentially rural, this manufacturing village is now a designated historic district. Several of the buildings in this quiet, quaint community have been preserved and protected by an active historic organization. Capturing Harrisville’s picturesque village atmosphere on canvas is a popular challenge for artists. Route 101 is only three miles from town, adding to the convenience of life in a quintessential New England setting.

Hinsdale
Municipal Offices
603-336-5719
https://www.town.hinsdale.nh.us

Chamber of Commerce
603-352-1303
https://www.keenechamber.com

Situated beside the Connecticut River, Hinsdale harmonizes farmland with thriving industries for a healthy economy. Local attractions include a museum and several historic sites, the greyhound racing thrills at Hinsdale Raceway, and the deep woods of Wantastiquet State Forest. Interstate 91 is just eight miles from town for efficient links to regional destinations. Students of all ages can look forward to options for higher education close to home, including community colleges in both Nashua and Claremont and four-year institutions that include Keene State College. Recreational amenities are exceptional, from organized sports to a wealth of outdoor adventures.

Jaffrey
Municipal Offices
603-532-7445
https://www.townofjaffrey.com

Chamber of Commerce
603-532-4549
https://www.jaffreychamber.com

Majestic Mount Monadnock towers above Jaffrey, a scenic backdrop for the historic district that showcases a medley of stately homes as well as the 1775 Town House. Summer visitors and vacationers have been flocking to the breathtaking Jaffrey region since the 1800s. In fact, Mount Monadnock is second only to Mount Fuji in Japan as the “most climbed mountain” in the world. Three sparkling lakes combine with vast acres of state parkland, rolling countryside, and village greens. The regional economy blends hospitality services with thriving companies and small businesses.

Keene
Municipal Offices
603-352-0133
https://keenenh.gov

Chamber of Commerce
603-352-1303
https://www.keenechamber.com

Cosmopolitan yet filled with quaint reminders of yesterday, Keene combines global business with a rich heritage. The diverse economy blends high-tech and traditional manufacturing. Keene State College adds to the quality of life intellectually as well as culturally. Aficionados of the arts will enjoy year-round events and performances, many of them set in the KSC Redfern Arts Center. The nonprofit Colonial Theatre also offers movies, concerts, and special events. The town provides many recreational programs, and the Monadnock Region is a paradise for outdoor adventure.

Marlborough
Municipal Offices
603-876-3751
https://www.marlboroughnh.org

Chamber of Commerce
603-352-1303
https://www.keenechamber.com

Marlborough was once famous as the location of a leading granite industry. Stone from local quarries was used to build many fine Boston buildings and the beautiful Holy Cross College structures in Worcester, MA. Many of the historic structures within the town showcase fine stone and masonry craftsmanship today. Modern Marlboro is characterized as a tranquil and attractive residential suburban community that enjoys close proximity to the wide array of amenities in Keene. Residents of this picturesque region enjoy a backdrop of lovely rolling hills and breathtaking vistas of Mount Monadnock. Marlborough has always attracted tourists and vacationers to its charming setting.

Rindge
Municipal Offices
603-899-5181
https://www.rindgenh.org

Chamber of Commerce
603-475-9165
https://www.rindgechamber.org

Cradled in the scenic panoramic Monadnock Region, Rindge is just across the border from Massachusetts. Common pastimes for residents and visitors include sightseeing, recreation, and shopping. The beauty of the environment blends with its historic heritage and commercial accessibility to create an idyllic atmosphere. Four villages sprang up along the shores of Contoocook Lake, each one proud of its splendid ponds and lakes, hills and forest, and majestic views. Rindge became an educational center when Franklin Pierce College was founded in 1962. It is also home to the Cathedral of the Pines.

Swanzey
Municipal Offices
603-352-7411
https://www.swanzeynh.gov

Chamber of Commerce
603-352-1303
https://www.keenechamber.com

Situated along the banks of the Ashuelot River, Swanzey harmonizes farmland with thriving family businesses that often span the generations. Three covered bridges add to the town’s rustic charm, inviting the title of “New Hampshire’s Covered Bridge Capital.” Swanzey is the former home of Denman Thompson, who gained national recognition on the stage. Residents celebrate their famous native son through a reproduction of his melodrama each summer at an outdoor amphitheater. The expanded amenities that are available in Keene are just five miles away from  home for a convenient lifestyle.

Troy
Municipal Offices
603-242-7722
https://www.troy-nh.us

Chamber of Commerce
603-352-1303
https://www.keenechamber.com

The quaint New England town of Troy is nestled at the base of Mount Monadnock. This small township was made up of parts of Marlborough, Fitzwilliam, Swanzey, and Richmond in the mid-1800s. Around that time, Troy Mills began producing blankets for horses, a business that drove the local economy for a century. In fact, the business only ceased operations in 2002. Today, the giant mill on Monadnock Street houses two smaller spin-off textile operations. The town hall that was built circa 1813 near the rail-fenced common once served as the village meeting house. Residents of Troy enjoy the beauty of nearby mountain vistas. Routes 12 and 124 provide local access, although Route 101 is only three miles away.

Walpole
Municipal Offices
603-756-3672
https://www.walpolenh.us

Chamber of Commerce
603-352-1303
https://www.keenechamber.com

Quiet beauty and historic charm abound in Walpole. Over the decades, agricultural activity and poultry enterprises have helped the community grow and prosper. Walpole offers small-town amenities such as the summer band concerts on the lush green common. Diverse companies flourish in the town, and key attractions include the Hooper Institute Museum and the Hooper Golf Club.

Westmoreland
Municipal Offices
603-399-4471
https://westmorelandnh.com

Chamber of Commerce
603-352-1303
https://www.keenechamber.com

Boasting rich agricultural roots, the beautiful community of Westmoreland is situated to command superb views of the Connecticut River Valley. In addition to the fertile soil and lush greenery in this area, the town takes particular pride in the beauty of the Park Hill Meeting House, a church that remains one of the most exceptional in all of New England. The structure was built in 1762 and moved to its present site by oxen in 1779. Modern Westmoreland is characterized as a pleasant suburban community in close proximity to the amenities in neighboring Keene. State Routes 12 and 63 provide links to major thoroughfares. Interstate 91 is three miles away. Recreational opportunities include tennis courts, athletic programs and sports leagues, multi-purpose trails for hiking and biking, and winter sports.

Winchester
Municipal Offices
603-239-4951
https://www.winchester-nh.gov

Chamber of Commerce
603-543-1296
https://www.greaterclaremontnh.org

Winchester has managed to preserve much of its agricultural heritage while developing small industries and those related to harvesting lumber and wood-related manufacturing. Local historic sites include covered bridges and the Sheridan House Museum. Pisgah State Park and nearby Forest Lake are ideal for outdoor adventures. Newcomers will find miles of trails for hiking and biking and idyllic settings for camping, fishing, and boating or swimming.

SULLIVAN COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Charlestown
Municipal Offices
603-826-4400
https://www.charlestown-nh.gov

Chamber of Commerce
603-352-1303
https://www.keenechamber.com

The bustling and prosperous river town of Charlestown boasts a village street lined with elegant old homes, a Gothic Revival church circa 1842, and an Episcopal church designed by Richard Upjohn in 1863. The community capitalizes on its heritage with a reproduction of the town’s historic fort, displays, exhibits, craft demonstrations, and pioneer-style houses. Just two miles from Interstate 91, Charlestown is convenient to regional services and amenities that include performing art centers.

Claremont
Municipal Offices
603-542-7026
https://www.claremontnh.com

Chamber of Commerce
603-543-1296
https://www.greaterclaremontnh.org

Situated along the Connecticut River, Claremont is a hub for communities in a 30-mile radius. Commuter rail and access to Interstate 91 offer unique advantages. Skiing, golfing, boating, hiking, and hang gliding are just a few of the many popular leisure activities. The cultural highlights include a magnificently restored Opera House that showcases world-class productions.  Dartmouth College with its fine cultural and educational resources is nearby.

Newport
Municipal Offices
603-863-1877
https://www.newportnh.gov

Chamber of Commerce
603-863-1510
https://www.newportnhchamber.org

Balancing residential neighborhoods with a thriving industrial sector, the Newport area provides the charm and intimacy of a small town with access to first-rate amenities. Nearby Claremont provides many services including a community college. Dartmouth College is nearby for expanded enrichment. Recreational opportunities that are close to home include golf courses, lush parks, and tennis courts.