Haverhill blends riverfront charm with outdoor recreation
Along the Connecticut River at the Vermont state line, Haverhill, New Hampshire, is a town rich in historic charm, vibrant community spirit and abundant outdoor recreation. Founded in 1763, Haverhill played a pivotal role in early transportation as the terminal town of the Coös Turnpike, a vital land route stretching from Portsmouth to the North Country that once carried goods and travelers across the state. Today, the town is composed of five distinct districts, each contributing to its unique character and sense of place. “Woodsville has a little history as the railroad town on the river that’s become a commercial hub of Haverhill, while Mountain Lakes is a planned community that a lot of out-of-towners love,” says local Realtor Stanley Davis of Davis Realty. “But overall, Haverhill is a lovely community for people looking for a slower pace.”
Housing ranges from log cabins to vernacular village homes
Though Haverhill has a mostly rural setting, the town’s districts have densely populated pockets that create a more tight-knit community feel. The town’s residential streets pare down and narrow to country roads that lead to more remote homes. Though traditional New England-style homes are the most common architectural style throughout the five districts, each village has its own housing mix and prices vary greatly. Farmhouses, mountain cottages and rustic log homes pepper the rural areas, while classic Cape Cods and vernacular Victorian-influenced homes line the more closely clustered village streets. Generally, prices range between $100,000 and $600,000, though outliers can cost up to $925,000. In Mountain Lakes, an independent district and planned community of Haverhill, homes are priced from $165,000 to $565,000. Parcels of land are also for sale for those who want custom construction. Some villages have additional fees and maintenance costs.
White Mountain views and river access shape outdoor life
Haverhill residents have access to many natural spaces and outdoor recreational outlets in the surrounding area. “The nice part is the town borders the White Mountain National Forest,” Davis says, “so not only are there lots of nice views, but there are a lot of popular hikes like Black Mountain that give you panoramic views of the White Mountains, the village of North Haverhill and the entire Upper Valley.” The Connecticut River provides opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, trout fishing and boating. Riverside parks like Bedell Bridge State Park and Woodsville Community River Access Point offer waterside recreation as well as boat launches for non-motorized vessels. Railroad Park is popular among children because of its open spaces, wooden train replica and red caboose. Inland, scenic trails with picturesque overlooks include Upper Valley Trails and Black Mountain State Forest trailhead.
Outdoor recreation is a particular focus in the Mountain Lakes district, where amenities play a central role in drawing people to the planned community. Natural spaces like the Upper and Lower Mountain Lakes offer many recreational opportunities like boating and swimming. Common green areas include walking trails and multiple beaches, while other amenities include a lodge and tennis courts.
Public schools earn average ratings but offer strong athletics
Students are zoned to attend schools within the Haverhill Cooperative School District, which receives a C-minus grade from Niche. Kids may begin their education at Woodsville Elementary School, which serves prekindergarten through third grade and earns a C. For fourth through eighth grade, students can advance to Haverhill Cooperative Middle School, which has a C-plus rating. Woodsville High School gets a C and has a strong score for its athletic programs. Home of the Engineers, Woodsville High offers a variety of varsity and junior varsity sports teams, including Alpine skiing, baseball, softball, basketball, and track and field.
Most restaurants and stores are clustered in Woodsville
Residents have a few options for dining and shopping depending on where they’re located within Haverhill. Most of the town’s commercial establishments cluster within Woodsville, where local pubs and fast-food restaurants mingle among homes along Route 302. Favorites for dining include Village Pizza for a classic slice, as well as Iron Rail Pub & Grill and Shiloh’s Restaurant, a family-style diner. A handful of chains like Dunkin’ and McDonald’s provide convenient fast-food options. Locals go to Shaw’s and Walmart Supercenter for groceries and other essentials. National retailers and big-box stores are in Lebanon, about 40 miles south.
Most travel by car with access to Route 302 and Interstate 91
Residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation. U.S. Route 302 is a major thoroughfare that connects Haverhill to Montpelier, Vermont, to the west and Portland, Maine to the east. State Route 10 links south along the Connecticut River to Lebanon and beyond. Locals also enjoy proximity to Interstate 91, a major highway in the area. Boston Logan International Airport is the closest international airport, about 146 miles away. Cottage Hospital in Woodsville is the nearest medical center.
![Christina von Claparede-Crola]()
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
