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Concord, NH

Frequently asked questions

Concord, NH

Concord is the capital city of the U.S. state of New Hampshire and the seat of Merrimack County. As of the 2020 census the population was 43,976, making it the 3rd most populous city in New Hampshire after Manchester and Nashua.

The area was first settled by Europeans in 1659. On January 17, 1725, the Province of Massachusetts Bay granted the Concord area as the Plantation of Penacook, and it was incorporated on February 9, 1734 as the Town of Rumford. Governor Benning Wentworth gave the city its current name in 1765 following a boundary dispute with the neighboring town of Bow; the name was meant to signify the new harmony between the two towns. In 1808, Concord was named the official seat of state government, and the State House was completed in 1819; it remains the oldest U.S. state capitol wherein the legislature meets in its original chambers.

Concord is entirely within the Merrimack River watershed and the city is centered on the river. The Merrimack runs from northwest to southeast through the city. The city's eastern boundary is formed by the Soucook River, which separates Concord from the town of Pembroke. The Turkey River passes through the southwestern quarter of the city. The city consists of its downtown, including the North End and South End neighborhoods, along with the four villages of Penacook, Concord Heights, East Concord, and West Concord. Penacook sits along the Contoocook River, just before it flows into the Merrimack.

As of 2020, the top employer in the city was the State of New Hampshire, and the largest private employer was Concord Hospital. Concord is home to the University of New Hampshire School of Law, New Hampshire's only law school; St. Paul's School, a private preparatory school; NHTI, a two-year community college; the New Hampshire Police Academy; and the New Hampshire Fire Academy. Concord's Old North Cemetery is the final resting place of Franklin Pierce, 14th President of the United States.

Interstate 89 and Interstate 93 are the two main interstate highways serving the city, and general aviation access is via Concord Municipal Airport. The nearest airport with commercial air service is Manchester–Boston Regional Airport, 23 miles (37 km) to the south. There has been no passenger rail service to Concord since 1981. Historically, the Boston and Maine Railroad served the city.

Concord is located in south-central New Hampshire at 43°12′24″N 71°32′17″W (43.2070, −71.5371). It is 38 miles (61 km) north of the Massachusetts border, 40 miles (64 km) west of the Maine border, 54 miles (87 km) east of the Vermont border, and 170 miles (270 km) south of the Canadian border at Pittsburg.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 67.2 square miles (174.0 km²). 64.0 square miles (165.7 km²) of it are land and 3.2 square miles (8.4 km²) of it are water, comprising 4.81% of the city. Concord is drained by the Merrimack River. Penacook Lake, the largest lake in the city and its main source of water, is in the west. The highest point in Concord is 860 feet (260 m) above sea level on Oak Hill, just west of the hill's 970-foot (300 m) summit in neighboring Loudon.

Concord lies fully within the Merrimack River watershed and is centered on the river, which runs from northwest to southeast through the city. Downtown is located on a low terrace to the west of the river, with residential neighborhoods climbing hills to the west and extending southwards towards the town of Bow. To the east of the Merrimack, atop a 100-foot (30 m) bluff, is a flat, sandy plain known as Concord Heights, which has seen most of the city's commercial development since 1960. The eastern boundary of Concord (with the town of Pembroke) is formed by the Soucook River, a tributary of the Merrimack. The Turkey River winds through the southwestern quarter of the city, passing through the campus of St. Paul's School before entering the Merrimack River in Bow. In the northern part of the city, the Contoocook River enters the Merrimack at the village of Penacook. Concord is 16 miles (26 km) north of Manchester, New Hampshire's largest city, and 66 miles (106 km) north of Boston.

Concord, NH  places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with various facilities and programs dedicated to promoting well-being. The Concord Hospital is a leading healthcare provider in the region, offering a wide range of medical services to residents. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Concord Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Capital Fitness Center, 2 Home Fitness and Thrive Group Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Concord, such as the Swope Loop and Sewalls Falls Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Concord, NH are Capitol Center for the Arts, McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, and Carter Hill Orchard.

Population: 44,629 (2023). ZIP codes: 03301, 03302, 03303, 03305. Area code: 603. Elevation: 272 ft (83 m). Area: 67.19 sq mi (174.02 km²).

FAQs

Why is Concord, New Hampshire famous?

New Hampshire continues its strong tie to history with its first-in-the-nation primary status, which makes Concord a must-stop destination for presidential hopefuls. Through the 19th century, Concord became famous for its carriages and stagecoaches, which can still be seen as an emblem throughout the city. As a result, Concord remains not only a hub of political activity but also a living testament to its historical roots in transportation and innovation.

Is Concord, NH a good place to live?

Concord NH is a good place to live. The city has a scenic and peaceful suburban environment with lots of job opportunities, and shorter commuting time. The city also boasts of a cost of living and crime rate that is lower than the national average. More so, Concord has a booming job market which makes it appealing to people of all lifestyles. Moving to Concord can be a great idea if you’d love to live in a city that's just within an hour to Boston.

Is Concord, NH expensive to live in?

According to Bestplaces.net, Concord has a cost of living index of just 95.8, which is lower than the US average of 100, and the New Hampshire average of 105.4. You’ll pay a bit more for groceries (105.2), utilities (120.2) and housing (100.3) than you would in the rest of the United States. However, you’ll pay less for healthcare (86.5) and transportation (71.4). Overall, Concord is a very affordable place to live – particularly for new homeowners and retirees.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Concord

Concord Hospital 

Concord Parks and Recreation Department 

Capital Fitness Center

2 Home Fitness 

Thrive Group Fitness

Swope Loop 

Sewalls Falls Trail

Capitol Center for the Arts

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

Carter Hill Orchard

Mover Junction

Visit Concord

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