Former paper mill town in New Hampshire’s North Country
Deep in New Hampshire’s North Country is Berlin, a small mountain community of just under 10,000. It grew rapidly through the early 20th century as a center for paper mills and lumbering. Surrounded by the White Mountains along the Androscoggin River, Berlin attracted French Canadian, Russian and Scandinavian immigrants looking for work. But the industry slowly declined until the last pulp mill closed in 2006, taking many of the area's jobs with it. Since then, Berlin's had to evolve. Two prisons opened in the 2000s, recouping some of the jobs lost by the paper industry’s exit, and the area has also become a destination for cross-country skiing and riding all-terrain vehicles in the surrounding wilderness.
From the sky, Berlin's scenic beauty unfolds with winding rivers, mountain backdrops and a town rich in history.
A statue of a moose can be found as you enter the town of Berlin, testament to the regions most popular wild animal.
Welcome to Berlin, a city steeped in rich history.
An aerial view of the town of Berlin with a wide variety of multifamily housing options available.
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20th-century homes and newly converted apartments
Homes in Berlin branch off the river, surrounded by the rolling green mountains. Residential streets follow a grid pattern, and most houses were built in the early 20th century. Properties include farmhouses, traditional multi- and single-family homes, and ranch-style houses. The median home price in Berlin is around $185,000, less than half the national median. Multifamily properties in need of extensive renovations typically sell for under $100,000, while renovated, 100-year-old houses can fetch over $250,000. Although there is not much new construction in Berlin, the former Brown Elementary School, which closed in 2019 due to declining student enrollment, was converted into an apartment building, reopening in 2024 with 20 new units, 15 of which are designated for affordable housing. “They had a waiting list for people wanting these apartments,” says Sue Solar, Realtor at A House to Home Realty in Berlin.
Multifamily homes in Berlin offer charm, space, and mountain views, ideal for community living in the North Country.
Berlin's multifamily homes blend history and practicality, providing cozy living in a scenic New England setting.
In the town of Berlin, you can find plenty of multifamily housing options to suit every budget.
Nestled in the mountains, Berlin's single-family homes offer charm, space and stunning views.
Quiet streets, cozy homes, and breathtaking views, Berlin's single-family homes embrace true New England living.
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ATV trails at Jericho Mountain State Park attract tourists and second-home buyers
Jericho Mountain State Park spans about 7,500 acres on the border of Berlin, offering a range of activities in the North Country including camping, fishing, skiing and, most notably, ATV riding. All-terrain vehicle riders come from around the region to explore the park's 1,000 miles of trails. “It’s been very popular and helped to bring back the city that had declined. It’s becoming a tourist destination,” Solar says. She notes that ATVing has become so popular that many people have purchased second homes in Berlin to access the trails. “If you have residence in Berlin, you can ride your ATV from your house on any city streets to get to the trails,” she says. Each year in August, Berlin and neighboring towns host the Journey to Jericho ATV Weekend. The region welcomes riders to check out the trails before enjoying festivities like Downtown Berlin’s Block Party and the ATV Torchlit Parade. The festivities even include a drive-through “Blessing of the ATVs” by priests at St. Anne’s Church.
Jericho Mountain State Park in Berlin offers miles of hiking, ATV, and snowmobile trails.
Mount Washington isn't to far from Berlin where you can find Snowcat adventures up to the top of the state's highest mountain.
The Nansen Ski Jump in Berlin, built in 1936, was the world's largest ski jump at the time.
Carve through fresh powder at Wildcat Mountain, where epic slopes and stunning mountain views await.
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Local shops on Berlin’s Main Street
Berlin’s Main Street District has several locally owned shops and restaurants just off the Androscoggin River. Popular picks include Exile Burrito and The Hydro Tavern, which serves American classics like burgers and Canadian dishes like poutine. Main Street also has a Family Dollar, and a Walmart can be found about 3 miles south in Gorham.
People out enjoying the snowy weather in the nearby town of Conway.
Downtown Berlin has a quaint Main Street with historic shopfronts that blends small-town warmth with a rich industrial past.
A mural in Downtown Berlin created by a local artist depicts the towns industrial roots.
Only 30 minutes away, the town of Conway offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants and plenty of outdoor opportunities.
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Two prisons and a hospital in Berlin offer employment opportunities
For full-time residents, Berlin has several employment opportunities. Among them are the Federal Correctional Institution and the Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility. “The prisons were really pushed by Berlin, because they were trying to create jobs for the area after the mill lost a lot of jobs,” Solar says. “It has provided more diversity for the community. Correctional officers come from all over the country.” Androscoggin Valley Hospital is a small hospital on the eastern side of Berlin. In 2019, it opened The Doorway at AVH, a federally funded opioid addiction treatment center serving the region. Solar notes that the Walmart in town and retailers in North Conway, about 35 miles south, are also common employers. State Route 16 goes through Berlin and connects drivers with other major roads to larger New Hampshire cities such as Manchester, 130 miles south, and the state capital of Concord, 115 miles south. Portland International Jetport, about 95 miles southeast, is among several airports offering commercial flights within a two-hour drive of Berlin.
Berlin Public Schools and White Mountains Community College
Niche gives Berlin Public Schools an overall grade of C-plus. The system has two schools, starting with Berlin Elementary and continuing to Berlin Middle High School. White Mountains Community College offers 42 programs designed to prepare students for the workforce or four-year universities, including early childhood education, criminal justice, welding and accounting.
The Berlin Elementary School in Berlin serves grades K-5.
The Berlin Middle School, located next to the Berlin Elementary School, serves grades 6-8.
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Cold winters with regular snowfall
Berlin is about 60 miles south of the Canadian border. Summers are mild, but temperatures rarely break freezing in the winter, and snow is very common. “Every town has multiple snowplows that go through,” Solar says. Although roads are regularly cleared, most drivers also have dedicated winter tires. “Since I’m a Realtor, I have studded snow tires for when you need that extra bit up driveways, even though I have four-wheel drive,” Solar says.
Low crime counts in Berlin
Crime is uncommon in Berlin. According to FBI statistics, the Berlin Police Department reported a total of 13 violent crimes and 91 property crimes in 2023, the lowest number since at least 2011.
Written By
Faith Wakefield
Photography Contributed By
Todd Beltz
Video By
Ruo Zheng
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Chip Hornbeek,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Berlin, NH sell after 83 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Berlin, NH over the last 12 months is $198,250, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Situated in Berlin, New Hampshire, a city known for its outdoor recreational activities. Right on Rt. 110, close to the White Mountains and various hiking trails, minutes from the Technical College, schools. Part of a small, tight-knit community with local amenities. Easily accessible leave this property on your ATV's, 3 miles from Jericho Lake. Nearby healthcare facilities, restaurants and
Located in close proximity to ATV/Snowmachine trails, public parks, Sinibaldi's restaurant and minutes from downtown, these 3 units building boasts appeal for both investors and potential owner-occupied buyers! Don't miss out on the potential of this building. Sellers have some rehab supplies included with the sale. This multifamily building has a full basement and more. All 3 units are
This Victorian home is a true classic, come admire the beauty packed with charm and personality! A 3 Bedroom home completely furnished. With a three-season enclosed porch a wonderful addition—perfect for gathering with family, enjoying game nights, or simply unwinding with a cup of tea. With a spacious yard for your all your family entertainment and/or your children. Close proximity to the
This Victorian home is a true classic, come admire the beauty packed with charm and personality! A 3 Bedroom home completely furnished. With a three-season enclosed porch a wonderful addition—perfect for gathering with family, enjoying game nights, or simply unwinding with a cup of tea. With a spacious yard for your all your family entertainment and/or your children. Close proximity to the
Property Id: 1403552Interested? Apply on our website:Any questions please call our office at 1 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment in Berlin NH for $900 per monthHeat and hot water included, tenant pays electricity 1st floor Off-street parkingWasher and dryer hookupsPet friendly (2 pet max, 40lb weight limit)
Property Id: 1643563Interested? Apply on our website: Any questions please call our office at 1 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment in Berlin NH for $ 950 per monthTenant pays electricity (heat runs off electricity)Washer and dryer hookupsDishwasherSecure access buildingPet friendly (2 pets max, 50 lb weight limit)
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