New Hampshire’s capital and the seat of Merrimack County
Nearly 45,000 people have settled into the suburban neighborhoods of Concord. Though it’s New Hampshire’s capital city, the area has a slower pace and a more small-town feel than urban hubs like Manchester, under 20 miles south. This once-industrial town manufactured Abbot-Downing Company stagecoaches. Now, it’s full of lawyers, government officials and doctors, as the city is home to the state’s only law school, the gold-domed New Hampshire State House and the Concord Hospital.
Professionals initially come to Concord for job opportunities but stay to start a family. “You can get to the Lakes Region, the White Mountains and Boston within an hour and a half and then be back home before the day is over,” says Barbara Ruedig with Ruedig Realty, who has been a broker in the area for 35 years. “It’s a great community-driven place to raise your kids, with plenty of stuff to do.”
Access to the Lakes Region, White Mountains and city-owned parks
Though the Lakes Region and White Mountains are popular year-round recreation destinations, the city offers plenty of parks within its boundaries. Nature trails meander through state forests and along the Merrimack River. Fishers and boaters can hit the Merrimack, the Penacook Lake and Turtle Pond. White Park features a variety of courts and fields, along with an ice-skating rink and playground. “The Friends of White Park organization and the community in general help maintain the area and put on events,” Ruedig says. “People really care about their outdoor spaces here.” Rollins Park is a main gathering spot in the South End that has similar amenities to White Park, as well as an event gazebo and the city’s largest public pool. New Hampshire is known for its top-tier apple picking, and Carter Hill Orchard serves up cider, donuts and fresh produce out of their country store.
Supporting local businesses on Main Street
Lines of red brick buildings and angled parking spots border the pedestrian friendly Main Street. Space is mostly reserved for independently owned businesses, boutiques and restaurants on Main, in order to keep large-scale commercial development out of this historic stretch. Residents can start their morning at cafes, like Teatotaller and The Works, and stop by Mexican favorites, Dos Amigos and Margaritas at night. For dessert, the Granite State Candy Shoppe has concocted sweet treats like toffee and fudge since 1927. Big-box shopping and fast-food chains can be found at the Capitol Shopping Center off Storrs Street, the Fort Eddy Plaza or along Loudon Road in the Concord Heights neighborhood.
From Victorian-era estates to large lots in the West and South ends
Homebuyers will find a mix of urban condos downtown and larger single-family builds in neighborhoods like East Concord, the West End and the South End. Townhouses and 55-plus communities are also sprinkled throughout the city, and many of the large Victorian-era estates west of Main Street have been converted into multifamily units. Single-family architecture most often consists of ranch-style homes, colonials and Capes, though new traditional houses have joined the market in previous decades. The median single-family home price is $471,000, and condos sell between $100,000 and $400,000.
City-wide festivals, outdoor markets and activities at the Capitol Center for the Arts
Residents gather for both small, neighborhood block parties and larger-scale events. Vendors flood Main Street during seasonal farmers markets and the Market Days Festival, an annual attraction with live music, mini parades and Sidewalk Sales. The Sunflower Festival is a newer tradition along the Merrimack River, where vendors sell sunflower products and folks can admire blooming fields. For creative activities year-round, the Capitol Center for the Arts hosts plays, concerts and film viewings. The center also throws interactive events, such as swing dance classes and author Q&A sessions.
Two school districts in Concord
The Concord School District scores a B-minus on Niche. Penacook, the northern sector of Concord, is served by the Merrimack School District, which also has a B-minus grade. Private high schools nearby include St. Paul’s, which earns an A-plus, and Bishop Brady, with a B-plus. Trinity Christian School and Concord Christian Academy are B-rated kindergarten through 12th grade options.
While the main University of New Hampshire campus is about 34 miles away in Durham, its law school operates out of Concord. New Hampshire Technical Institute – Concord’s Community College offers over 80 degree and certificate programs.
Transportation options around Merrimack County
Most commuters get around by car, and interstates 93 and 89 provide convenient routes into surrounding cities. U.S. Route 3 and I-93 both head into Boston, under 70 miles southeast. Concord Area Transit buses stop throughout the city, as well. Private flights take off from Concord Municipal Airport, and the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport offers commercial flight services, about 23 miles south.
A recent decrease in crime and Concord snow protocol
According to the Concord Police Department’s Annual Crime Report, total crimes against both persons and property slightly decreased between 2022 and 2023.
The city begins preparing for severe winter weather over the summer. Crews plow sidewalks and streets, and parking bans may be issued in emergency situations. Homeowners are required to remove snow from their properties without obstructing roads, sidewalks and fire hydrants.
