MERRIMACK COUNTY

County Offices
333 Daniel Webster Highway
Boscawen, NH 603-796-6800
https://www.merrimackcounty.net

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

As part of the panoramic area known as the Merrimack Valley and the Capital Region, Merrimack County is also home to the state’s capital city of Concord. Most of the communities in this region are small New England towns that mirror idyllic postcard images of historic districts, town centers, and stately colonial homes. Concord complements Nashua and Manchester in offering the state’s finest urban resources. The towns in this area are experiencing rapid growth and expansion, proud of their own identity and unique sense of heritage.

Services
Merrimack County reflects the superb caliber of public education for which New Hampshire is famous. Quality public and private schools combine with a fine selection of colleges and universities close to home. Concord is home to the Franklin Pierce Law Center, with the main college campus in nearby Rindge. New residents will discover superb healthcare facilities and programs. Concord Hospital, recipient of the Business of the Year Award in Healthcare, joins the Franklin Regional Hospital in Franklin to anchor a network of skilled professionals, support facilities, and family clinics.

Lifestyle
Residents of Merrimack County can look forward to living, working, and playing in a region of unsurpassed natural beauty and rich resources. This region is just an hour’s drive from Boston, the ocean, and alpine regions with deep forests and ski resorts for four-season outdoor sports. Concord leads the way in both entertainment and culture, although the area’s smaller towns offer many outstanding programs. Local arts groups, community theatre, wonderful galleries, and summer concerts are just a few of the many cultural amenities.

Vast state parks join  lush, rolling hills and open space to provide virtually unlimited options for recreation. Boating enthusiasts will find launch areas including Merrimack River access. Bear Brook State Park is a wonderland of lakes, hills, and forests with hiking trails, play areas, archery ranges, a nature center, snowmobiling areas, museums, streams and ponds for fishing, boat launch, beach, and multi-purpose trails.

Allenstown
Municipal Offices
603-485-4276
https://www.allenstownnh.gov

Chamber of Commerce
603-224-2508
https://www.concordnhchamber.com

One of the smaller towns in the Capital Region, Allenstown is the home of the Bear Brook State Park. Just eight miles from the capital city, Allenstown offers a small-town spirit with easy access to urban amenities. Route 28 is the major local thoroughfare, although Interstate 93 is about eight miles away. In spite of the town’s modest size, the local employers blend manufacturing with services and retail shops as well as leading enterprises focused on camping activities. Bear Brook provides nearly 10,000 acres of pristine recreational land—the idyllic setting for every imaginable outdoor activity.

Andover, Danbury
Andover Offices
603-735-5332
https://www.andover-nh.gov
Danbury Offices
603-768-3313
https://www.townofdanburynh.com

Chamber of Commerce
603-524-5531
https://www.lakesregionchamber.org

The welcoming community of Andover is home to one of the region’s most respected private schools, Proctor Academy. This college-prep boarding school draws students to experiential programs that include both ocean and mountain classrooms and language studies abroad. The neighboring town of Franklin expands the urban amenities for Andover residents, who rely on Route 4 and 11 as major thoroughfares. Regional attractions include wonderful museums, the Savina Hartwell Memorial Free Concert Series, the Winnipesaukee River Trail, and canoeing on the Merrimack River. The small town of Danbury lies in close proximity to the scenic Newfound Lake area, with its cascading waterfall, unusual rock formations, pristine lake, and mountain hiking trails. Crowning the many recreational amenities in this area, Danbury is home to the Ragged Mountain downhill ski area, which is also the town’s largest employer.

Boscawen, Canterbury, Penacook
Boscawen Offices
603-753-9188
https://www.townofboscawen.org
Canterbury Offices
603-783-9955
https://www.canterbury-nh.org

Chamber of Commerce
603-224-2508
https://www.concordnhchamber.com

The towns of Boscawen and Canterbury and the suburb of Penacook neighbor the capital city of Concord. Boscawen includes the village of Gerrish and is home to the State Veterans Cemetery and Hannah Dustin Memorial. Canterbury is most well-known for its Canterbury Shaker Village historic museum, which is also a major employer. Boscawen blends a limited manufacturing sector with tranquil neighborhoods for a pleasing hometown atmosphere. Canterbury provides a residential haven. Recreational amenities range from parks and programs to outdoor adventures in lake and mountain environs. The close proximity of Concord adds a wealth of amenities.

Bow
Municipal Offices
603-228-3900
https://bownh.gov

Chamber of Commerce
603-224-2508
https://www.concordnhchamber.com

Ideally located approximately one hour from Boston, the Atlantic coastline, and the White Mountains, Bow also provides a quick and easy five-mile trip to the urban amenities of Concord. Metropolitan Manchester is just 20 miles away from Bow. Harmonizing with the area’s quiet residential neighborhoods, the community also supports a cluster of small businesses and several manufacturers. The local parks department provides activities throughout the four seasons, including ski programs at Pats Peak. Tennis, bridge, a family arts series, field trips, dance, music lessons, field trips, and other programs are available for quality leisure time.

Bradford
Municipal Offices
603-938-5900
https://www.bradfordnh.org

Chamber of Commerce
http://kearsargechamber.org

The scenic town of Bradford is located at the intersection of Routes 103 and 114, serving as the gateway to the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region. Nestled between panoramic mountains and sparkling lakes, Bradford excels in small-town charm. In addition to close proximity to three state parks and ski areas, the town sprawls over 35 square miles to offer beaches and waterfront recreation. Fishing and camping areas, snowmobile trails, and youth sports are also available locally. Less than 2,000 residents call Bradford home, but the area is popular as a vacation getaway with local inns accommodating visitors in true country style.


Chichester, Pittsfield
Chichester Offices
603-798-5350
https://www.chichesternh.org
Pittsfield Offices                             
603-435-6773
https://www.pittsfieldnh.gov

Chamber of Commerce                  
603-224-2508
https://www.concordnhchamber.com

The welcoming small towns of Chichester and Pittsfield both provide charming New England village settings in close proximity to the cultural,  entertainment, and employment advantages of the capital city of Concord. Chichester balances quiet neighborhoods with limited manufacturing, services, and retail development. Long known as the “Gem of the Suncook Valley,” the historic small town of Pittsfield remains one of the loveliest in all of New Hampshire. The community rests along the Suncook River, with a granite archway bridging the river along Main Street. Churches with white spires and charming homes blend with a scattering of local employers for a pleasing hometown setting.

Concord
Municipal Offices
603-225-8610
http://concordnh.gov

Chamber of Commerce
603-224-2508
https://www.concordnhchamber.com

Known for its quality of life, Concord proudly calls itself “The Heart of Healthy New Hampshire. The capital city offers a highly balanced community that has been consistently recognized as one of the most desirable in the Northeast in terms of a residential haven and place of employment. Both cultural and educational resources are among the region’s finest, from the celebrated Capitol Center for the Arts to the historic Concord City Auditorium. Residents can enjoy diverse attractions from a world-class motor speedway to the State House Hall of Flags or an evening of performing arts. Close proximity to Merrimack River and some of New England’s most pristine rural environments complement the services available within commercial districts by offering superb opportunities for recreation and outdoor sports. The city neighborhoods are attractive, friendly, and comfortable. Concord is divided into wards or sections that foster the close-knit spirit. Residents of each ward share facilities like schools, parks, swimming pools, and festivities that include block parties.

Dunbarton
Municipal Offices
603-774-3540
https://www.dunbartonnh.org

Chamber of Commerce
603-224-2508
https://www.concordnhchamber.com

Dunbarton is graced by the natural beauty of five ponds, including Gorham Pond that covers more than 100 acres. Nearly 200 prime acres of conservation easement combines with 100 acres of conservation property, 475 acres of town forest, and 1,187 acres of federal land to create lush open space and unspoiled landscape. Dunbarton offers a small-town atmosphere and close community spirit in close proximity to many urban amenities and first-rate outdoor recreation.

Epsom
Municipal Offices
603-736-9002
https://www.epsomnh.org

Chamber of Commerce
603-224-2508
https://www.concordnhchamber.com

Serving as a comfortable bedroom community for many commuters, Epsom offers a small-town atmosphere just minutes from Concord and Manchester. Residents enjoy many fine recreational facilities and amenities close to home, from local parks to youth sports teams. Outdoor adventure is also close at hand in state parks and natural areas from ocean shoreline to lakes, rivers, streams, and forests. Camping, fishing, hunting, and winter sports are available near Epsom. Nearby Concord offers a community and technical college as well as the closest major hospital. Limited commercial activity in this area adds convenience and livability.

Franklin
Municipal Offices
603-934-3900
https://www.franklinnh.org

Chamber of Commerce
603-524-5531
https://www.lakesregionchamber.org

Reaching into the Lakes Region, Franklin is just four miles from Interstate 93. Franklin Regional Hospital serves as one of the largest employers, joining a diverse mix of businesses and industries that thrive in Franklin for a strong local tax base. However, more than half of the residents are commuters to large urban employment centers. Nearby Laconia provides the closest commercial airport as well as the nearest community/technical college. Recreational amenities are diverse and well developed.

Henniker
Municipal Offices
603-428-3221
https://www.henniker.org

Chamber of Commerce
603-224-2508
https://www.concordnhchamber.com

Home to the private institution of New England College, Henniker offers a lovely community nestled in an area of spectacular natural beauty. Just 15 miles from Concord, the picturesque village encompasses the beauty of surrounding hills and mountains as well as the Contoocook River, which runs through the center of town and flows beside the college campus. The prime location of the community ensures a wealth of recreational opportunity, from cross-country ski trails on the campus to downhill skiing at Pats Peak. Other pastimes are camping, fishing, hunting, canoeing, photography, hiking, nature study, biking, golfing, and tennis. Several industries and businesses call the area home.

Hooksett
Municipal Offices
603-485-8471
https://www.hooksett.org

Chamber of Commerce
603-666-6600
https://www.manchester-chamber.org

With the largest city in the state to the south and the capital city of Concord just eight miles north, Hooksett enjoys an ideal location. The close proximity of Interstate 93 ensures transportation efficiencies. The obvious advantages blend with the town’s considerable charm to distinguish Hooksett as one of fastest-growing cities in the Greater Manchester area. North Manchester extends its commercial district into Hooksett to offer even more shopping centers, restaurants, and service establishments. The demand for quality housing has spurred dozens of new residential projects and fine master-planned communities for a full range of housing.

Hopkinton
Municipal Offices
603-746-3170
https://www.hopkinton-nh.gov

Chamber of Commerce
603-224-2508
https://www.concordnhchamber.com

Graced by beauty and charm, Hopkinton is a community with a strong sense of history.  Civic and interest groups abound, enabling new residents to become acquainted easily and take an active role in community affairs. Because the town was derived from three small villages, the name of Contoocook is still associated with the commercial center along the river’s edge. The town is located just west of the capital city of Concord. Interstate 89 provides convenience for  Hopkinton commuters.

Loudon
Municipal Offices
603-798-4541
https://www.loudonnh.org

Chamber of Commerce
603-224-2508
https://www.concordnhchamber.com

Located eight miles from Concord and 25 miles from Manchester, Loudon is one of the state’s fastest growing areas. The town is nestled in the bend of the Soucook River, giving it an ideal location between the scenic Lakes Region, the Atlantic shoreline, and the New Hampshire capital city of Concord. Integrating experience gained in decades of agricultural activity, Loudon uses land responsibly in order to preserve the pristine atmosphere and rural character of its heritage in the face of change and expansion. Convenient and attractive commercial development caters to the needs of a growing community. The recreational amenities are exceptional.

New London
Municipal Offices
603-526-4821
https://www.nl-nh.com

Chamber of Commerce
603-526-6575
https://lakesunapeeregionchamber.com

Healthcare and education are important themes in the attraction to New London, home to New London Hospital and Colby-Sawyer College. These leading institutions also serve as two of the area’s largest employers. This lovely college town set in central New Hampshire offers a wide range of housing in tranquil neighborhoods as well as fine country manors on spacious lots. The community is nestled in the Lake Sunapee region of the state—which serves as an attractive resort destination—so recreational activities are outstanding. Several lakes are available for water sports, and cross-country skiing has become a popular pastime.

Northfield
Municipal Offices
603-286-7039
https://www.northfieldnh.org

Chamber of Commerce                  
603-224-2508
https://www.concordnhchamber.com

Ideally located off Interstate 93, the town of Northfield is 35 miles away from the world-class advantages of Manchester. Several manufacturing firms are also at home in Northfield, providing opportunities for local employment. However, the majority of residents are commuters who take advantage of Northfield’s more moderately priced housing and small-town setting. Concord and Laconia both provide higher education at two-year community and technical colleges, while Colby-Sawyer College and Plymouth State College provide convenient choices for four-year degree programs and graduate studies. Lush local parks, fishing, hunting, boating, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing are just a few of the quality options for recreation.

Pembroke
Municipal Offices
603-485-4747
https://www.pembroke-nh.com

Chamber of Commerce
603-224-2508
https://www.concordnhchamber.com

Just 14 miles from Manchester and only eight miles from Concord, the small town of Pembroke is an historical community that is surrounded by three rivers: the Soucook, the Merrimack, and the Suncook. The early history of the town is reflected in the various mills of its town center. A wide variety of businesses now occupy historic 19th century buildings along the quaint tree-lined streets. Rambling, traditional New England homes grace the town’s main access corridor of Route 3, while the substantial commercial and industrial strip for Pembroke is located along Route 106. The center and northern sections of the town are sparsely developed, home to sprawling homes and a pristine woodland environment. The Atlantic Ocean, the many attractions of Portsmouth, and the charming towns of South Maine are just 40 miles to the east. The breathtaking White Mountains are just a 45-mile drive away.