The Best College Town In New Hampshire
The Ivy League meets the Appalachians in the charming and historic town of Hanover, New Hampshire. This vibrant community has long been known as a college town, growing alongside Dartmouth College which was founded here in 1769, just eight years after the town was officially chartered. Home to just over 12,000 residents, Hanover has retained its small town feel while welcoming students from all over North America and beyond.
The town has lots to offer, from outdoor recreation in the stunning Appalachian Mountains to lively nightlife and a dynamic arts scene. With its quaint New England charm, it’s no wonder Hanover is an award-winner. The town was recently nominated by USA Today as one of the 20 best small college towns in the country and named Best College Town in New Hampshire by Yankee Magazine.
A Brief History of Dartmouth
Dartmouth was founded by Eleazar Wheelock, a Congregational Minister from Connecticut with a passion for education and a belief that all young people should be given the opportunity to learn. The college is the ninth oldest university in the United States and counts Nelson Rockefeller, Robert Frost, and Dr Seuss among its esteemed alumni.
The college’s beautiful 269-acre campus on the banks of the Connecticut River is centrally located in Hanover and Dartmouth has fostered deep links with its home community over the centuries. Many events bring town and gown together, including the Winter Carnival, Homecoming, and the Dartmouth Powwow.
From Campus to Community
Dartmouth has always enjoyed a warm relationship with Hanover, with many opportunities for collaboration between students and residents. The college has an open campus, making its museums, libraries, and performances available to the public. It’s not unusual to find Hanover residents cheering on one of Dartmouth’s varsity athletic teams, nicknamed ‘the Big Green’, attending a show at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, or browsing an exhibit at the Baker-Berry Library.
One of the biggest events on the college and community calendar is the Winter Carnival, a longstanding college tradition which first began in 1911. Taking place in February, this three-day, student-run festival celebrates the snow with a range of outdoor activities including an ice sculpture contest, a polar bear swim, and sled races.
In the fall, Dartmouth alumni are encouraged to return to Hanover for the annual Homecoming event which brings the town and the campus together for parades, bonfires, and sporting events. Another popular event is the annual Dartmouth New Music Festival, a two-day celebration of cutting-edge music hosted by the college’s Music Department and the Hopkins Center for the Arts.
In summer, the community comes together to celebrate the country’s founding with an ‘Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade’. The celebration begins downtown and finishes on Dartmouth Green where students and residents mingle and enjoy live entertainment, classic games, touch-a-truck, food, pony rides, and an apple pie eating contest.
Things to do in Hanover
Outdoor Recreation
Nestled in the beautiful Upper Valley, Hanover is a charming destination that delights nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike. Throughout the year, the town's scenic beauty shines, being part of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and providing easy access to more than 50 miles of hiking trails maintained by the Dartmouth Outing Club. The Upper Valley Trail Alliance manages an extensive network of trails perfect for both hikers and bikers, inviting visitors to explore the stunning White Mountains and other breathtaking spots. For water adventures, you can enjoy a peaceful canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or boat trip on the tranquil Connecticut River. In winter, Hanover transforms into a skier's paradise with gentle slopes at nearby resorts like the Dartmouth Skiway or Whaleback Mountain. If downhill skiing isn't your thing, you can indulge in snowshoeing and cross-country skiing along the scenic trails of Balch Hill Natural Area, Mink Brook Nature Preserve, and Oak Hill Outdoor Center. There's truly something for everyone to enjoy year-round.
Arts and Entertainment
There’s no shortage of cultural events and entertainment in Hanover, thanks to the busy schedule at the Hopkins Center for the Arts—Dartmouth’s hub of performing arts and film. Known locally as ‘the Hop,’ the center has regular theatre performances, music concerts, and film screenings.
You can also catch a movie at Nugget Theaters in downtown Hanover. This historic venue was founded by Dartmouth students in 1916. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1944 but moved to new premises in 1951 and has kept its vintage look and feel while offering modern films on its four screens.
Located on the Dartmouth campus but open to the public and free to enter is the Hood Museum of Art. It is home to one of the oldest and largest university art collections in the country. The collection, which comprises 65,000 pieces, covers a range of historical periods and cultures.
Nightlife
Hanover might be a small town, but its downtown truly comes alive after sunset! Murphy’s on the Green is a beloved spot for both locals and students, offering a delightful mix of upscale dining in the midst of a lively gastropub atmosphere. If you’re in the mood for some live entertainment, great food, and a vibrant bar scene, be sure to check out the Sawtooth Kitchen Bar and Stage. They regularly host comedy nights, karaoke, and local musicians, all while serving delicious meals and refreshing craft beers. For sports fans, Dunk’s Sports Bar and Grill is the perfect place to catch a game and enjoy some tasty bar snacks. It’s a well-loved gathering spot on the Hanover scene, known for its handcrafted cocktails and ever-changing beer selection.
Not Just For Students
Dartmouth is home to about 6,700 students, but Hanover truly welcomes everyone beyond the campus. Whether you're here to study, live, or work, you'll find that this charming town is a fantastic place to call home.
Located conveniently, Hanover is just around 10 miles from Lebanon Municipal Airport and only a two-hour drive from Boston. Getting around town is a breeze with its well-maintained and affordable bus routes. Plus, Hanover is known for its safety, with a violent crime rate that's 71% lower than the national average, making it a comfortable place for all.
Thanks to its safety, easy accessibility, plenty of attractions, and lovely scenic views, the housing market here can be quite lively. As of January 2025, the median home sold price was $770,000, and the median listing price was $1.1 million.
Hanover enjoys a classic New England climate, with snowy winters, warm summers, and a stunning fall filled with vibrant autumnal colors. It’s truly a wonderful playground for people at any stage of life.
Shared History, Future Adventures
With over two centuries of shared history, it’s almost impossible to separate Dartmouth College from its home town of Hanover. The two are a thriving example of how an academic institution can contribute to its local community for the benefit of both.
Catch a cutting-edge arts exhibition, take a polar swim, hike the New England scenery, or enjoy a lively night downtown. There are so many adventures to discover in Hanover. Whether you’re a student exploring your options for the next phase of life, thinking about becoming a resident, or just looking for a small town getaway, this vibrant village is well worth the trip.
