8 Most Neighborly Towns In New Hampshire

New Hampshire is full of neighborly small towns that make its scenery and history even more enjoyable. Outdoor enthusiasts from all over the state gather at beautiful places like Echo Lake State Park. In towns like Littleton, classic local establishments such as the Littleton Diner add even more small-town charm. These eight towns are among the friendliest destinations in New Hampshire.

North Conway

The village of North Conway is particularly known as the entry to nearby Mt. Washington. Consequently, there is no shortage of fun to be had for those in town if you love the outdoors. Echo Lake State Park is just next door. The walking trail around Echo Lake is popular among those seeking peaceful outdoor time, offering views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Friends out for a longer walk can travel along the trails to Cathedral Ledge State Park for a spectacular view of the Saco River Valley. Those hoping to stay off their feet can instead spend the day aboard the local rail line at the Conway Scenic Railroad. The railroad is a community favorite, as it hosts special holiday events, like the Easter Bunny Express, when families can enjoy views of the valley. At the same time, children get to meet the Easter Bunny. Just a block down the road, the North Conway Community Center brings neighbors together through its many programs, ranging from youth and adult exercise programs to Tai Chi classes and sewing events.

Littleton

Those living in Littleton enjoy a peaceful time along the Moore Reservoir. For more outdoor adventures, friends and family often head to the Crazy Horse Family Campground for fun times walking the nature trails, enjoying arts and crafts, or heading onto the reservoir for a day of fishing and boating. In town, The Loading Dock is popular thanks to its live events, from psychedelic Latin music to jazz nights and comedy shows. The Loading Dock is right along Main Street, which sits against the Ammonoosuc River. Main Street not only offers lovely views of the river but also access to popular spots like the Littleton Diner, which serves pancakes and waffles. Just nearby is the Riverwalk Covered Bridge, a quaint, picture-perfect spot that spans the river and offers peaceful afternoons.

Meredith

Yet another incredible destination along the water is Meredith. Locals have no shortage of things to do in the area. It's not uncommon to see friends and family head to Leavitt Park and its beaches for a day on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. This is a popular spot for kayakers heading out onto the water. However, many people simply come to enjoy an afternoon picnic and time along the shores. Further south, Chemung State Forest sits on the shores of Lake Winnisquam and offers 385 acres of forest and extensive shoreline for birdwatching. Residents do not even have to leave town to enjoy the water, with Swasey Park sitting on the banks of Lake Waukewan. Swasey Park is a smaller, 7-acre park near Main Street, where guests can pick up pizza at Giuseppe's Pizzeria & Ristorante or take photos of unique structures at the Meredith Sculpture Walk.

Exeter

Exeter is a lovely spot in New Hampshire with the Squamscott River passing directly through town. Residents enjoy walking along the river on Swasey Parkway or circling the adjacent Clemson Pond on the walking trail. Friends and neighbors gather further south along the river at Gilman Park for games of baseball and basketball, while fish-loving neighbors set out onto the water through the convenient boat ramp. Also along the river, the American Independence Museum hosts one of the year's most popular events. A 1721 house that focuses on the Revolutionary War, the museum hosts the annual American Independence Festival, featuring a live reading of the Declaration of Independence, live music, colonial games, and actors in colonial-era costumes. It is a family-friendly event that draws people together from throughout town.

Sugar Hill

The small town of Sugar Hill stays active, in part, thanks to the efforts of the Sugar Hill Historical Museum. The adjacent Carolina Crapo Building serves as a community center that hosts a number of events and services. From practical activities like meetings of the improvement association to education series led by scientists in the region, neighbors stay connected through the museum and the Crapo building. Of course, the Historical Museum is open to anyone who wants to learn more about the region's history. The museum actually began as a bicentennial project led by local Sugar Hill residents, demonstrating the enthusiasm locals have for their town. Continuing down the road, residents can enjoy time outdoors at the Herbert G. Whipple Nature Park. The park is yet another product of the community, which today is home to native wildlife and nesting birds. It is easy to access the park. Just set your car behind Polly's Pancake Parlor, a Sugar Hill institution for over 85 years. Have yourself a stack of pancakes, catch up with neighbors, then head out to enjoy a day in the nature park.

Wolfeboro

The town of Wolfeboro has the unique reputation of being "The Oldest Summer Resort in America," and not surprisingly, there is plenty in the area that draws neighbors together. The Wolfeboro Area Farmers Market runs throughout half the year. Guests can find locally grown food, fresh-caught fish from the sea, and live music and food trucks, making the market a popular place to be. Active residents and visitors can head to nearby Wentworth State Park to spend time along Lake Wentworth. The lake's a popular draw and one of the main reasons people visit, offering opportunities to picnic, swim, or go fishing. Those who do not want to travel outside of town can enjoy waterside views of Wolfeboro Bay from Cate Park. The park sits along Main Street and popular local spots like Downtown Grille Café, a relaxing spot to enjoy soup or sandwiches while watching the nearby bay.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a lovely destination along the Piscataqua River that celebrates its neighborly spirit. A great way to connect with the community is through the popular Prescott Park Arts Festival. Held at Prescott Park along the Piscataqua River, the event features live theatre performances, a concert series, movie nights, and other events that bring neighbors together. Throughout the year, though, the park and the entire stretch along the river draw people together. Bow Street runs near the park along Old Harbor and features the Seacoast Repertory Theatre. This nonprofit theater presents musicals and plays, as well as special programs for senior citizens. Not far away, riverside dining can be found at places like Surf Portsmouth, which serves unique twists on traditional seafood. With so much to do along the river, Portsmouth's population can regularly be found celebrating bright summer days along the waterside.

Jackson

Jackson shows its neighborly spirit every year during Return of the Pumpkin People, which is an easy way to become familiar with the town. As residents and tourists walk the streets of Jackson, they can admire the Pumpkin People displayed at sites such as the Jackson Public Library and the Jackson Fire Department. Guests will find themselves traveling along Main Street, where they can pop into the Wildcat Inn and Tavern for some American cuisine inside of a traditional country inn. Neighbors also come together for community events throughout the year thanks to the efforts of the Whitney Community Center, which hosts events ranging from helping families pay for college to teaching about how the local bear population is managed.

If you are looking for a friendly state that draws the community together, New Hampshire fits the bill. Residents gather for annual events such as the American Independence Festival and the Prescott Park Arts Festival. There are also plenty of things that are perfect for families and their neighbors, like holiday celebrations aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad. In order to find neighborly destinations to travel to, make one of these eight New Hampshire towns your next destination.