What Locals Love Most About Living in New Hampshire
Nestled in southern New Hampshire just a short drive north of Boston, the charming town of Portsmouth captures a lively blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty that locals cherish year-round. Strolling through Prescott Park along the Piscataqua River offers residents a serene spot to enjoy gardens, waterfront views, and summer concerts under open skies. This harbor town’s thriving arts scene, with galleries and theaters like the historic Music Hall, provides a vibrant cultural pulse unusual for a city its size. Portsmouth’s combination of Colonial-era architecture and modern boutiques fosters a community where history feels alive and accessible, especially during crisp fall afternoons when the autumn foliage complements the city’s brick-lined streets.
Heading northwest about 50 miles from Manchester, the Kancamagus Highway slices through the White Mountain National Forest, offering an unparalleled scenic drive treasured by locals and visitors alike. This 34-mile byway is famed for its sweeping vistas, cascading waterfalls, and dense hardwood forests that blaze with fiery colors in autumn. Hiking enthusiasts often pause at the Sabbaday Falls trail, an easy half-mile walk revealing a picturesque waterfall framed by mossy rocks. The highway’s appeal lies not only in its natural beauty but also in its accessibility, drawing residents eager to embrace the changing seasons. Winter transforms the area into a snowy playground, while summer invites picnics alongside crystal-clear mountain streams.
In the heart of the Lakes Region, roughly 45 minutes north of Concord, Meredith offers a peaceful retreat on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. Locals treasure the water’s calm, ideal for paddleboarding or sailing, especially on warm summer mornings when mist rises from the lake’s surface. The Meredith Sculpture Walk integrates art and nature, featuring contemporary pieces along the waterfront, making a stroll both visually and spiritually enriching. This town’s laid-back charm and beautiful lake views create a quintessential New England experience, where community events often center around the lake, fostering a deep connection between residents and their environment.
Further north, about a two-hour drive from Nashua, the Franconia Notch State Park stands as a beacon for outdoor lovers who prize rugged mountain terrain and iconic landmarks. The park’s Flume Gorge is a must-explore natural attraction, where visitors follow a boardwalk through a narrow granite canyon featuring waterfalls and towering walls. This easy-to-moderate trail offers a close-up encounter with New Hampshire’s geology that locals appreciate for its dramatic scenery and family-friendly accessibility. In winter, the park becomes a hub for skiing and snowshoeing, with Cannon Mountain’s slopes drawing those who enjoy adrenaline alongside breathtaking alpine views.
Just northeast of Concord lies the charming village of Canterbury, known for the Canterbury Shaker Village museum. This living history site offers a rare glimpse into the Shaker way of life, with original buildings and daily demonstrations of traditional crafts like broom-making and weaving. Locals respect the village as a sanctuary of simplicity and craftsmanship, reflecting values of communal living and innovation in early American history. The museum’s tranquil farmstead setting invites visitors to wander peaceful gardens and orchards, particularly enchanting in spring when apple blossoms burst into bloom.
In southwestern New Hampshire, about 40 minutes from Keene, the Monadnock Region centers on Mount Monadnock itself, one of the most climbed mountains in the world. Its 3,165-foot summit is accessible via several trails, with the White Dot Trail providing a moderately challenging 3.3-mile ascent rewarded by panoramic views of the Connecticut River Valley and beyond. Residents often speak fondly of this mountain’s accessibility and spiritual significance, as the summit’s open ledges offer sweeping vistas and a sense of solitude despite the crowds. Early morning hikes in summer yield cool breezes and the chance to spot peregrine falcons, one of the park’s natural highlights.
Down in the southeastern corner of the state, less than an hour from Boston, the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge near Greenland is a cherished spot for bird watchers and nature lovers. This tidal estuary supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including osprey and bald eagles, which locals delight in observing from the refuge’s boardwalks and observation towers. The refuge’s salt marshes and mudflats provide a unique coastal ecosystem distinct from the mountain and forested areas more common inland. Spring and fall migrations turn the area into a bustling aviary, making it a special seasonal treasure for those who relish quiet moments amid vibrant wildlife activity.