CARROLL, COOS AND GRAFTON COUNTIES

Carroll County Offices
95 Water Valley Road
Ossipee, NH 603-539-7751
https://www.carrollcountynh.net

Coos County Offices
County Farm Road
Stewartstown, NH 603-246-3321
https://www.cooscountynh.us

Grafton County Offices
3801 Dartmouth College Highway
Haverhill, NH 603-787-6941
https://www.co.grafton.nh.us

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

The three counties situated in the northern and the north-central section of New Hampshire combine to offer a wide selection of quaint villages, small towns, and alpine resorts. From the forests of the “North Country” to the mountains, lakes, and rivers of the centrally located communities, this region is unrivaled for natural beauty. The majority of residents in many towns are employed locally. Bed and breakfast inns, services, fine restaurants, and specialty shops all cater to tourism. Timber-related industry and manufacturing operations blend with home-based businesses and a growing high-tech sector that continues to gain momentum.

Services
A network of federal and state highways connect most communities in this region, which are also served by the commercial airports in Laconia, Lebanon, and even Portland, Maine. Residents enjoy access to advanced healthcare at several regional and community hospitals, while clinics ensure convenient care close to home. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is distinguished as one of New England’s premier research and academic medical centers.

Acclaimed private schools, outstanding public school districts, and a number of institutions of higher education make this region ideal for families. New Hampshire Community College, Dartmouth College in Hanover, Plymouth State College, and the College for Lifelong Learning are all possibilities for higher education.

Lifestyle
One of the greatest attractions to Carroll, Coos, and Grafton Counties is the scenic beauty of wide-open spaces and unspoiled wilderness. From the “Great North Woods” to the White Mountain area, opportunities abound for the avid angler, hunter, golfer, photographer, hiker, boat owner, canoeist, and cyclist. During the winter months, local ponds, lakes, streams, and rolling rivers combine with trails and vast expanses of woodland to encourage winter sports. Snowmobiling, sledding, skiing, ice boating and ice fishing appeal to the hearty outdoor enthusiast. If the sport turns to hunting for good bargains, the region encourages residents and visitors to explore every nook and cranny.

Quaint shops and charming retail districts are tucked away in small communities, offering one-of-a-kind merchandise, handcrafted Shaker furniture, and fine antiques. A strong year-round arts community is particularly active during the summer months, when free outdoor concerts and community festivals draw neighbors and friends together. Newcomers to this area will discover a kaleidoscope of attractive homes and settings, from the elegance of Victorian architecture to cozy riverfront bungalows or handsome custom homes on spacious lots in the country.

CARROLL COUNTY

Conway
Municipal Offices
603-447-3811
https://www.conwaynh.org

Chamber of Commerce                  
877-948-6867
https://www.visitmwv.com

Known for its unique charm, the Town of Conway is nestled in the very heart of the majestic White Mountain region. Many fine shops, inviting restaurants, and quaint bed and breakfast inns combine with amenities like a vintage movie theatre, the Conway Scenic Railroad, beautiful parks, and river beaches. Set against the scenic backdrop of Mount Washington, panoramic Conway has been listed among America’s best small towns by Smalltown USA and has also been included in the top 100 getaways in Great Towns of America.


Moultonborough
Municipal Offices
603-476-2347
https://www.moultonborough.org

Chamber of Commerce
603-279-6121
https://www.meredithcc.org

With 65 miles of pristine shoreline, the community of Moultonborough boasts a number of panoramic lakes. This area offers the advantage of one of the state’s lowest property tax structures, a fine school system and a four-season recreational wonderland for outdoor activities. Summer water sports contrast with winter sports in the nearby White Mountains. Residents and visitors are warmly greeted at the town’s quaint shops.

Ossipee
Municipal Offices
603-539-4181
https://www.ossipee.org

Chamber of Commerce
603-651-1600
https://www.ossipeevalley.org

Unspoiled woodlands, spring-fed lakes, and mountain views are part of the attraction to the county seat of Ossipee. Meandering backroads, rolling fields, and quaint old homesteads capture a page from history in this New England village. Shops that feature fine antiques and wonderful collectibles blend with recreational opportunities, good schools, and wonderful annual festivals for a warm community spirit. Biking, boating, canoeing, swimming, and hiking contrast with winter sports in the White Mountains. Low-impact industries are encouraged.

Tamworth, Madison, Sandwich, Effingham
Tamworth Offices
603-323-7525
https://www.tamworthnh.org
Madison Offices
603-367-4332
https://www.madison-nh.org
Sandwich Offices
603-284-7701
https://www.sandwichnh.org
Effingham Offices
603-539-7770
https://www.effinghamnh.net

Chamber of Commerce
603-651-1600
https://www.ossipeevalley.org

Several picturesque Ossipee Valley towns are nestled along the White Mountain foothills, each one claiming a distinctive personality and amenities, from an active arts council and a professional theater in Tamworth to the fine handcrafts found in Sandwich. Many local residents tend to be self-employed or own small businesses. The “Sandwich Wilderness” is famous for its multi-purpose recreational trails, while the “Madison Boulder” is a fascinating natural feature left behind by a melting glacier. Tourism plays a prominent role in this area, from popular resorts and ski areas to bed and breakfast inns.

Wakefield
Municipal Offices
603-522-6205
https://www.wakefieldnh.com

Chamber of Commerce
603-833-9129
http://greaterwakefieldchamber.org

Just two hours away from Boston, Wakefield provides a centralized New England location. Residents enjoy the tranquility of unspoiled natural beauty. The scenic Maine seacoast, sparkling lakes, and the majesty of the White Mountains are a few of the possibilities for quick and easy weekend getaways. Outdoor sports such as boating, golfing, tennis, biking, hiking, swimming, snowmobiling, and camping combine with shopping in quaint stores or visiting museums for quality leisure hours. East Wakefield is home to several of the area’s dozen lakes and a golf course, while Sanbornville draws visitors to its downtown district.

Wolfeboro
Municipal Offices
603-569-5328
https://www.wolfeboronh.us

Chamber of Commerce
603-569-2200
https://www.wolfeborochamber.com

This quintessential New England town claims the title of “the oldest summer resort in America.” The community is also well known for the respected private school of Brewster Academy. Wolfeboro offers new residents a small-town atmosphere in close proximity to pristine lakes, rivers, trails, and woodlands. The summer months are ideal for a full range of water sports including kayaking, scuba diving, sailing, fishing, water-skiing, and swimming. Golf courses and miles of trails for hiking and biking encourage outdoor enthusiasts to take advantage of all but the coldest season—the time for every imaginable winter sport. The charming village setting includes a quaint retail district with delightful shops.

COOS COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Berlin
Municipal Offices
603-752-7532
https://www.berlinnh.gov

Chamber of Commerce
603-752-6060
https://www.androscogginvalleychamber.com

Recognized as one of the nation’s first resort towns, historic Berlin serves as a regional hub for healthcare and education. Berlin residents and those living in nearby towns enjoy convenient access to medical services at Androscoggin Valley Hospital. Home to a vocational/technical college, Berlin also claims a center for the College for Lifelong Learning that is part of the University System of New Hampshire. Attractions like the North Forest Heritage Park, fine museums, and first-rate cultural activities combine with opportunities for recreation in lush local parks or the vast acres of surrounding pristine woodlands with sparkling lakes and rushing streams.

Lancaster, Whitefield
Lancaster Offices
603-788-3391
https://www.lancasternh.org
Whitefield Offices
603-837-9871
https://www.whitefieldnh.org

Chamber of Commerce
877-788-2530
https://www.northerngatewaychamber.org

Lancaster is a small town with thriving businesses that enjoy healthy traffic flow. At the same time, residents can walk a block to take a refreshing canoe ride or toss in a fishing line. The segment of the Heritage Trail near Lancaster provides a relaxing hike to a beaver dam with Kilkenny Mountain vistas. Many residents are employed locally with Weeks Memorial Hospital being the largest local employer. Nearby Whitefield offers a general aviation facility and the regional school district office.

GRAFTON COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Bristol
Municipal Offices
603-744-3354
https://www.townofbristolnh.org

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

Secluded without a sense of isolation, the small town of Bristol offers a quality of life that is often depicted in idyllic New England photographs. Situated in the foothills of the White Mountains, residents enjoy a quick commute to many of the region’s finest attractions. Newfound Lake, just one mile from home, is rated as one of the most pure bodies of fresh water in the entire world and offers a recreational paradise. Within the community are old-fashioned celebrations, arts and crafts, and family oriented events. Explore Ruggles Mine and the Polar Caves or golf, play tennis, ski, and boat.

Enfield
Municipal Offices
603-632-5026
https://www.enfield.nh.us

Chamber of Commerce
603-448-1203
https://www.uppervalleybusinessalliance.com

Home of the Enfield Shaker Museum and shops that sell handcrafted Shaker furniture, Enfield offers all the old-world charm of country auctions, craft fairs, church bazaars, and festivities. Those who appreciate the beauty of nature can hike through the deep woods, ski in White Mountain resorts, or  fish in the crystal clear lakes, streams, and rivers. Lush parks are ideal for picnics, hiking, and biking. In addition to Mascoma and Crystal Lakes, Lake Winnipesaukee and its famous Weirs Beach and boardwalk are just a short drive from home. Fine homes and good schools enhance the New England setting for a superb quality of life.

Hanover, Canaan
Hanover Offices
603-643-0742
https://www.hanovernh.org
Canaan Offices
603-523-4501
https://www.canaannh.org

Chamber of Commerce
603-448-1203
https://www.uppervalleybusinessalliance.com

Ideally situated near Interstates 89 and 91, Hanover offers a beautiful residential haven with a college-town atmosphere. Dartmouth College is the centerpiece of the town, while surrounding residential neighborhoods are graced by the scenic waterfront. Hanover supports a traditional business district. At the same time, the town enjoys the backdrop of the countryside, with Hanover Center and Etna being more rural sections of town. Bordering Hanover just 15 minutes from Dartmouth is the small town of Canaan, the home of the highly respected, prestigious Cardigan Mountain School.

Haverhill
Municipal Offices
603-787-6800
https://www.haverhill-nh.com

Chamber of Commerce
802-518-0030
https://www.cohase.org

Serving as the county seat and located three miles from Interstate 91, Haverhill is home to Cottage Hospital and an airport. Other leading employers include companies in lumber and printing. The recreational opportunities are abundant in town and throughout the White Mountain region, particularly in Bedell Bridge State Park and Kinder Forest. Plymouth State College in Berlin and also Centers for the College for Lifelong Learning are available close to home for higher education opportunities.

Lebanon
Municipal Offices
603-448-4220
https://lebanonnh.gov

Chamber of Commerce
603-448-1203
https://www.uppervalleybusinessalliance.com

Author Norman Crampton distinguished Lebanon as Number 3 on the list of the “100 Best Small Towns in America,” which was no surprise to the town’s proud leaders and local residents. Bustling Lebanon is the central service hub for the entire Upper Valley. The community combines the peace and tranquility of a rural haven with all the amenities and services you would expect from a larger and more highly developed city, including healthcare facilities and major transportation routes for quick and easy access to daily conveniences. The city claims a naturally beautiful terrain—not only traversed by the rolling Mascoma and Connecticut rivers—but graced by a unique “undulating” quality formed by ridges.

Littleton
Municipal Offices
603-444-3996
https://www.townoflittleton.org

Chamber of Commerce
603-444-6561
https://www.littletonareachamber.com

Named as one of the “Best 10 Small Towns in America,” Littleton is the hub of the area north of Franconia Notch, an expanse of majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and true Yankee hospitality. Situated on the banks of the scenic Ammonoosuc River, Littleton is convenient to a wealth of outdoor activities from fishing at Moore Dam Lake to skiing in the White Mountains. A quaint downtown district, excellent schools, a center for the College for Lifelong Learning, and beautiful homes in varying architectural styles add to the quality of life. Nearby Bethlehem is known for its fine golf courses and variety of antique shops.

Plymouth
Municipal Offices
603-536-1731
https://www.plymouth-nh.org

Chamber of Commerce
603-726-3804
https://centralnh.org/?v=7516fd43adaa

The small but vibrant and well-balanced college town of Plymouth is the proud home of Plymouth State College and a regional high school known for its National Merit Scholars, championship athletics, and many drama awards. Students have opportunities for advanced placement courses through the college, which is part of New Hampshire’s University System. The town is also home to a regional acute-care hospital. In addition to its outstanding quality of life and attractive housing selection, Plymouth provides close proximity to New Hampshire’s popular recreational areas in state parks, forests, and beaches as well as the Lakes Region.