Pembroke

Old brick mill buildings and an archetypal New England clock tower reside on Suncook’s Main Street, accompanying the small-town businesses and restaurants below. “It’s a very close-knit, sleepy town. Not a lot is going on, but there’s enough to make you want to be there,” says Real Estate Associate, Sophia Weeks with RE/MAX, who has 20 years of experience in the area. About 7 miles southeast of Concord, the neighborhood joins the towns of Pembroke and Allentown, where the Suncook River feeds into the Merrimack. Sandwiched between state forests and nature preserves, residents can utilize the bountiful outdoor recreation while remaining within 20 minutes of the state capital’s amenities. Bear Brook State Park serves as a major attraction just east of Suncook. From archery and camping to kayaking and mountain biking, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite type of recreation here. Miles of trails await at other surrounding forests, like Nottingcook, Bow Town and Knox. While visitors come from all over the state to utilize these massive parks, Suncook also has popular spots within its boundaries. The Suncook River Campground offers designated tent or RV areas, along with vintage campers available for booking with unique themes, including 1960’s Flamingo Pink or a Candy Apple Red Shasta. Visitors can float or kayak down the river or go for guided hikes, before returning to grounds fully stocked with bathrooms and shower facilities. Suncook’s Memorial Park provides the space for walks under towering trees, a boat launch and a playground. Here, residents can use the athletic facilities, which include volleyball and basketball courts, a horseshoe pit and a Little League diamond. Every summer, beginning at Memorial Field, residents can participate in the Pembroke and Allenstown Old Home Day celebration. “Old Home Day consists of a parade, the school band performs, there’s face paint, raffles and vendors. It’s a very patriot event that celebrates the locals and the community,” Weeks says. Keeping with its small-town atmosphere, Suncook is intentionally void of commercial areas and big-box stores. “While you may not do your big shopping trip for the whole week in Suncook, everything you need for everyday life can be found here,” Weeks says. Adjacent to the neighborhood’s Rite Aid, Sully’s serves as the small, local grocer that sells all the essentials and has been recognized for its fresh, quality meats. Hooksett, just south, has the nearest Target, Walmart and Shaw’s. The area on Main Street near the Pembroke Clock Tower makes up Suncook’s small downtown district, with small shops like florists and a vintage store, along with mom-and-pop restaurants. Spots including Famous Village Pizza, directly under the clock, and Jacques Pastry Shop are housed in red brick buildings, many of which feature arched windows. “Jacques is top notch. For example, if you need a wedding cake, there’s no need to go into Boston or a bigger city – you can get it right in town,” Weeks says. Suncook’s housing market consists of single-family homes, multi-family units, condos and apartments above downtown businesses. Capes, colonials and ranch styles account for most of the area’s architecture, and single-family prices most often fall between $300,000 and $500,000. “Suncook is very low on inventory, and with high interest rates, bidding wars are common,” Weeks says. Houses are typically connected by sidewalks and have private parking in driveways or garages. Somewhat of a landmark in town, the old mill buildings overlooking the river have been converted into condominiums and feature rustic, exposed brick interiors and modern utilities. Condo rents can climb up to $3,000 per month here depending on number of bedrooms, while the price to buy tends to linger around the $200,000 range. Depending on home address, students may attend elementary and middle school in either Pembroke or Allentown before all coming together to Pembroke Academy for grades nine through 12. Families north of the Suncook River may send their elementary-aged children to Pembroke Hill School, which earns a C grade on Niche, and then Three Rivers School, which scores a C-plus. Students south of the river may head to Allenstown Elementary, then Armand R. Dupont for middle school, which both earn C-plus grades, as well. Pembroke Academy scores a C and has a graduation rate of over 90%. Without public transportation operating in Suncook, residents rely heavily on cars. Route 3 cuts through the eastern sector of the neighborhood, providing convenient rides into both Concord and Manchester. Locals can access health care via Route 3 at Concord Hospital, just about 9 miles northeast. The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport also sits under 20 miles south via Interstate 293, which runs west of the Merrimack River.