Small Towns You Should Know About in NH
One of the things we love about New Hampshire is its rural feel. Not far from our most urban, southern area of the state are small towns we think are worth exploring.
Campton has a population of approximately 3,300 year-round residents. Because of its scenic Grafton County location at the foot of the White Mountains, the town also is a vacation destination and popular spot for second homes. Students attend the local elementary school through grade eight, then Plymouth Regional High School. Campton is where you’ll find the second longest covered bridge in the state, Blair Bridge. This town celebrated its 250th birthday last year.
Over in Sullivan County, the town of Washington has a smaller population of about 1,000. Settled in 1776, the town takes its name from a Revolutionary general who would become president. Twenty-six lakes and ponds make up 4.26% of Washington’s total 47.6 square miles.
Looking for things to do here? Hunting, fishing — including the annual ice fishing derby — hiking, camping, and boating are just a few activities the town supports. Local artists and craftsmen display and sell their wares in the Washington Area Artisans Open Studios.
Fewer than 3,000 people live in Mont Vernon. This small town also is associated with George Washington; Mont Vernon is named after the president’s home, but local historical accounts are unclear why the U in “Mount” was left out of the spelling. Despite its close proximity to the cities of Nashua and Manchester, Mont Vernon retains the small town community atmosphere. Two major celebrations bring the town together every year: Lamson Farm Day in the fall is a nod to Mont Vernon’s agricultural past, and the Mont Vernon Spring Gala celebrates the blossoming of the season after a long winter.
If the seacoast is more your scene, then check out Greenland. This community just south of Portsmouth is a great option for fast access to beaches, highways and larger towns or cities without giving up the benefits of small town life. More people seem to be discovering Greenland’s appeal — the population is approaching 3,700.
The rest of New England revolves around Dunbarton. Well, not really, but in 2008, Boston University researchers used the center of gravity, or “centroid” method of calculation, to determine that the center of New England is in Dunbarton. Revolutionary War general John Stark lived in Dunbarton, and you’ll see many landmarks bearing his name. Like many small towns, Dunbarton benefits from a regional school district. In a previous post, we explored what that means for residents who want to live in an affordable town while taking advantage of quality schools nearby.
Let us show you what Dunbarton has to offer! Contact us for a tour of our new home community.