9 Of The Most Welcoming Towns In New Hampshire
As one of the original American colonies, New Hampshire is rich in history and American civic pride. A part of New England, it draws visitors from the region and the country to its mountains, rocky Atlantic coast, and photo-perfect little towns. Here are some New Hampshire towns that especially stand out for travelers who want to visit friendly communities and have a real New England experience.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth sits at the mouth of the Piscataqua River and is one of the most walkable towns in the state. Green spaces make those walks pleasant in every season, and the Portsmouth Farmers Market adds energy during warmer months. The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire provides guided and self-guided walks that share the history of African Americans in the region.
In winter, visitors can still explore shops, cafés, and restaurants on foot. Since Portsmouth is a port city, it offers cruises, ferries to the Isles of Shoals, deep-sea fishing, whale watching, paddleboarding, kayaking, and public beaches. The retired USS Albacore submarine, now a museum, gives visitors a look at past naval innovation. The compact layout of the town makes it simple for newcomers to feel comfortable and settled as they move through daily life alongside locals.
Meredith
Meredith brings together lakeside views and classic New England atmosphere, creating a place that feels friendly and familiar to visitors. The town is known for strong community involvement, drawing many retirees who value an active local culture. The Meredith Sculpture Walk, which includes more than 30 rotating outdoor installations in Hesky Park and Scenic Park, reflects that sense of shared purpose. Visitors can explore it through guided or self-guided tours.
In summer, Meredith becomes a favorite destination for outdoor activity. The town sits beside Lake Winnipesaukee, and Meredith Bay offers hotels, shops, and dining for travelers. Public beaches on Lake Winnipesaukee and nearby Lake Waukewan provide swimming areas, picnic spots, and open views of the surrounding hills. Meredith Community Forest and other conservation lands lie just minutes from downtown, giving visitors quick access to hiking, wildlife watching, and winter snowshoeing. Meredith’s combination of natural surroundings and community-centered spaces gives travelers a comfortable place to relax and explore.
Exeter
Exeter is a walkable town known for its history and for being home to Phillips Exeter Academy, which brings visitors from across the world. The presence of the school makes Exeter accustomed to newcomers and gives the town a steady, welcoming atmosphere.
Along the Squamscott River, Swasey Parkway serves as a gathering space with summer concerts and the annual Powder Keg Beer and Chili Festival. Exeter Town Hall remains a popular backdrop for photographs and hosts plays, meetings, and community events beneath the well-known Statue of Lady Justice. Golfers can enjoy the nine-hole course at the Exeter Country Club, and history enthusiasts can explore the Exeter Historical Society, which houses a museum, library, and local Civil War memorial. The Society’s digital walking tour offers visitors an easy way to learn the town’s story as they walk through it.
Hancock
Hancock offers a window into early American life. Settled in 1764 and named after John Hancock, the town contains well-preserved structures that speak to its long history. The Hancock Village Historic District includes several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, along with stately homes that give the town center a traditional, grounded character.
Visitors can explore the Historical Society, see local artwork at the library, or learn about conservation at the Harris Center. The Hancock Inn, the oldest inn and tavern in New Hampshire, provides lodging and meals with a sense of continuity that reflects its long past. The Town Common is a pleasant place to rest, with a gazebo and summer concerts that bring people together. A monument honoring soldiers of the French and Indian War stands nearby. Even the approach to town from Greenfield passes through a historic covered bridge, setting the tone before visitors enter Hancock.
Hanover
Hanover, home to Dartmouth University, has a lively environment shaped by its diverse academic community. The town is frequently listed among the best places to live in the country, offering a mix of cultural activity and outdoor access that appeals to travelers.
Main Street is part of the Appalachian Trail, allowing hikers to pass directly through the town center. The Connecticut River is close by, with canoe and kayak rentals available from the Ledyard Canoe Club. The Hanover Conservancy highlights a different self-guided trail each month, and the Upper Valley Trails Alliance lists additional local options. Mountain biking routes maintained by the Upper Valley Mountain Bike Association give riders multiple choices, while winter visitors can reach downhill and cross-country ski areas within an hour.
Hanover also hosts frequent community events. Seasonal gatherings like “Celebrate the Season in Downtown Hanover” bring residents and visitors together for lights, music, and family activities. The Hanover Inn and Hopkins Center support additional programs throughout the year. Travelers often visit The Jewel of India or Still North Books and Bar for meals or drinks, and many choose the Hanover Inn Dartmouth for lodging.
Concord
Concord, the state capital, offers cultural activities within a manageable and friendly downtown. A major renovation of Main Street has improved sidewalks, storefronts, and gathering areas, making it pleasant for walking. Restaurants, cafés, hotels, and theaters line the streets, and the Capitol Center for the Arts hosts comedy shows, films, and touring productions.
The New Hampshire State House, still in continuous use, offers public tours that explore its role in the state’s history. Its gold dome and classical columns make it one of the most easily recognized buildings in New Hampshire. Travelers interested in science often visit the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, which presents exhibits on aviation and space exploration along with a planetarium, observatory, and a vintage aircraft.
Milford
Milford is known for its antique shops and food, but it has a deeper story rooted in local and national history. The town once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, and Bicentennial Park displays a statue of Harriet E. Wilson, the first African American woman to publish a novel in the United States. The Revere Bell in Town Hall, cast by Paul Revere, still announces the time each hour. On the Milford-Hollis border lies Monson, a preserved former settlement turned into a 2,000-acre historic park with trails, forests, and a small museum.
The Milford Oval functions as the center of town life, hosting concerts, festivals, and gatherings. The Milford Pumpkin Festival attracts large crowds with live music, a haunted trail, pumpkin contests, tastings, and activities for all ages. The town’s antiquing district includes the New Hampshire Antique Co-op, which displays pieces dating back to the Civil War, and Robin’s Eggs, a shop offering furniture that ranges from historic to newly refurbished.
Keene
Keene sits in the Connecticut River Valley and serves as the seat of Cheshire County. Once shaped by mills and railroads, it has grown into a center for the arts. Public art projects and creative organizations support local talent, while MoCo Arts offers classes in dance, theater, and other arts for young people. Downtown studios provide affordable space for working artists, and several festivals bring energy to the community throughout the year, including the Pumpkin Festival, the Monadnock International Film Festival, and the Keene Music Festival. The presence of Keene State College adds to the activity in town.
Outdoor travelers will find many trails within Keene and even more within an hour’s drive. Granite Gorge Mountain Park is a nearby winter destination for skiers, and additional ski areas offer more options. Keene’s combination of culture, outdoor access, and community involvement makes it an inviting place to visit.
Dover
Dover, founded in 1623, is the oldest permanent settlement in New Hampshire. Its renovated mill buildings now house museums, shops, and organizations that highlight local history. The Woodman Museum displays artifacts from the region, while Garrison Hill Tower provides far-reaching views of the White Mountains and the Isles of Shoals.
Dover is particularly appealing for families. The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire offers hands-on exhibits and seasonal programs, including a concert series and Apple Harvest Day. The Cocheco Arts Festival fills Henry Law Park with performances all summer long. Since the Cocheco River flows through the center of town, visitors can also enjoy convenient access to kayaking and fishing.
A Reason to Go
New Hampshire’s small towns offer a mixture of natural surroundings, local history, and friendly communities. Whether someone is drawn to mountains, coastlines, cultural festivals, or quiet town centers, these communities introduce visitors to the state’s welcoming personality. With easygoing residents and steady year-round activity, New Hampshire provides a comfortable place for travelers to explore and enjoy.
