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.
1/4
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.
1/5
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/2
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
Jaime Durell,
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Motivated Seller — Bring Your Vision! Looking for space for an extended family or simply dreaming of a place to truly call home? This beautiful and grand colonial offers 4+ bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, providing room to grow, gather, and create lasting memories. Perfectly located near downtown, the Community College, the Federal and State Prisons, the hospital, and multiple medical centers and
Waterfront Property on Bean Brook! If you are looking for a rental property, this one is listed on Air-BnB. Also, a 5 star review! Totally renovated all new plumbing, heating, electrical and more. Step into this beautifully 2-bedroom home and instantly feel at ease. Sold fully furnished—right down to the linens and home goods—it’s truly move-in ready. Set on a lovely .40-acre lot with 174 feet of
Escape to the top of the town and discover this adorable 2-bedroom bungalow, perfectly perched on a quiet dead-end street with sweeping mountain views. Set on a spacious lot, this home offers privacy, serenity, and room to roam. The oversized 2-car detached garage is a dream for snowmobile and ATV lovers, while the vinyl siding, metal roof, and on-demand heating system ensure low-maintenance
This is the One!!!Calling all investorsWelcome to 387 Norway St, located in a beautiful neighborhood of Berlin NH.This immaculate 3-unit Victorian has been completely upgraded and renovated.The Owner, a retired builder has finished all the work for you.With a very long and strong rental history this property is producing dividends.Choose to use one of the units as your own
Nestled on a quiet dead-end street, this charming and well-maintained 1952 home sits on a generous 100' x 100' lot, offering the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and year-round recreation. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the direct access to snowmobile and ATV trails, including over 1,000 miles of Ride the Wild trails—making adventure just steps from your door. The home is also conveniently
Schedule your showing today! This rare Jericho Gateway property blends home comfort with powerful commercial and investment potential.For Buyers: Live where others vacation. A spacious 3-bedroom home (2 bedrooms plus a Primary Suite with full bath), 2 additional bathrooms, radiant floors, and an unfinished block fireplace with pellet insert. Situated on 2 acres directly across from Jericho
Double corner lot on .36 acres featuring three beds, one bath. New roof and driveway within the past 2 years. The main level flows effortlessly from kitchen to dining room to living room. Ascend to the second level from the foyer and enjoy an extra wide staircase for easy moving. All three beds and bath await on level two, with attic access in the main hallway. The room above the recently
Spacious 2 unit property offers great potential for both owner occupants and investors. 1st unit features 2 bedrooms with ample closet space, a generously sized kitchen with a large island, dining room and livingroom, perfect for entertaining and a full laundry room with washer and dryer hook-ups for added convenience. 2nd unit also features 2 bedrooms and is currently occupied, providing
Maria Aristegui-BurkeRE/MAX Northern Edge Realty LLC
Located in close proximity to ATV/Snowmachine trails, public parks, Sinibaldi's restaurant and minutes from downtown, this 3 unit building boasts appeal for both investors and potential owner occupied buyers! This multi family building also provides a newer oil furnace approximately 6 years old, full basement and more. Units 1 and 2 are currently rented. Unit 3 would require a second means of
Currently set up as a 2-unit property offering great flexibility for owner-occupants or investors alike, with the potential to easily convert back into a single-family home if desired! The first-floor unit features 2 bedrooms, first-floor laundry, and a spacious living room perfect for gathering and entertaining. The second-floor unit offers a cozy 1-bedroom layout. Enjoy relaxing and unwinding
New Price seller said sell!!!! It's time for a new owner! Sit on your enclosed porch with a coffee and be stunned by the Mountain views to include Mt. Washington and Wildcat Ski area. 1/4-acre lot offers plenty of parking for trailers, side by sides etc. Leave from the home on your ATV and the snowmobile trail is not far away. Vinyl replacement windows, wood siding and newer laminate flooring are
Property Id: 2337759Interested? Apply on our website Any questions please call our office at 1 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment for rent in Berlin, NH for $1000 per month located at 97 Main St.2nd floor, no elevator.Heat is included, AC is also available.Tenant is responsible for paying electricity. Washer and dryer hookups in the apartment.Dishwasher
Property Id: 1601922Interested? Apply on our website:Any questions please call our office at 2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment in Berlin NH for $1150 per monthHeat and hot water included, tenant pays electricity 3rd floor (no elevator)Off-street parkingWasher and dryer in building Pet friendly (2 pet max, 40lb weight limit)
Property Id: 1122666Fully furnished 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment on the first floor of a duplex in Berlin, NH available for a 1 year lease. Shorter term negotiable.This apartment has been recently renovated. The following utilities are included: heat (oil heat), hot water, water/sewer, internet, and Philo TV streaming service. Trash removal is provided by the city. Electricity
Property Id: 1440775Interested? Apply on our website: Questions please call our office at 2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment for rent in Berlin, NH for $1075 per monthWasher and dryer hookups in unitPrivate closed in porch Second floor, no elevatorPet friendly (40 lb weight limit, 2 pets max)
Property Id: 2457369Interested? Apply on our website: Any questions please call our office at .3 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment in Berlin, NH for $1415 per month.Second floor, no elevator.Heat and hot water is included, tenant pays electricity.Washer and dryer hookups in unit.Pet friendly, restrictions apply (2 pets max, 40 lb weight limit, additional $25 per pet per
Cozy 3-Bedroom Single-Family Home for Rent – 246 East Mason St, Berlin, NH Available now! This charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath single-family home offers approximately 950 square feet of comfortable living space in a convenient Berlin neighborhood. Built in 1920, this classic country-style home provides a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for individuals, couples, or small families looking for
Recently refreshed, two bedroom apartment on the second floor. Includes Heat, water source. Washer / Dryer hook ups. Off street parking. Large attached storage Shed room. Private porch. No smoking, one year lease, first months rent and security deposit required for move in.
adorable two family house with two 2bedroom units. Heat included second floor unit in a great neighborhood. Beautiful backyard also a first floor unit two bedroom available as well. Larger unit that one is 1250 a month please contact me for any.
Large 1st-floor, 2-bedroom apt with all appliances, including a washer and dryer. Full private basement, heat and water included. Large grass yard with plenty of off-street parking. Great neighborhood. $1450 a month. No smoking.
adorable two family house with two 2bedroom units. Heat included second floor unit in a great neighborhood. Beautiful backyard also a first floor unit two bedroom available as well. Larger unit that one is 1250 a month please contact me for any.
Spacious Renovated 3-Bedroom First Floor Apartment – 138 Emery St (Showing will be Tuesday 26th after 9am till Friday 29th stop be and grab an application)Beautiful newly updated 3-bedroom first floor apartment available at 138 Emery St! This bright and spacious unit features modern upgrades throughout, including a fully renovated bathroom with stylish tile flooring, a Bluetooth speaker
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
