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Goffstown, NH

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Goffstown, NH

Goffstown is a town in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 18,577 at the 2020 census. The compact center of town, where 3,366 people resided at the 2020 census, is defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as the Goffstown census-designated place and is located at the junctions of New Hampshire routes 114 and 13. Goffstown also includes the villages of Grasmere and Pinardville. The town is home to Saint Anselm College (and its New Hampshire Institute of Politics), the Goffstown Giant Pumpkin Regatta, and was the location of the New Hampshire State Prison for Women, prior to the prison's relocation to Concord in 2018.

Goffstown is located in southern New Hampshire, in the eastern part of Hillsborough County, directly to the west of Manchester, the state's largest city. Concord, the state capital, lies 16 miles (26 km) to the north. The town center is on the Piscataquog River near the western boundary of the town, around the intersection of New Hampshire Route 13 and 114. The village of Grasmere is located in the east-central part of town, and the neighborhood of Pinardville is located in the southeastern corner of the town, essentially forming a continuous development with the adjoining city of Manchester.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Goffstown has a total area of 37.6 square miles (97.4 km²), of which 37.0 square miles (95.9 km²) are land and 0.58 square miles (1.5 km²) are water, comprising 1.57% of the town. The Uncanoonuc Mountains (uhn-kuh-NOO-nuhk) are twin peaks in the southwestern part of the town. The north peak, the highest point in Goffstown, has an elevation of 1,324 feet (404 m) above sea level, and the south peak has an elevation of 1,321 feet (403 m). The town's climate is classified as a Dfa or Dfb on the Köppen climate classification charts. Goffstown is drained by the Piscataquog River and Black Brook and lies fully within the Merrimack River watershed.

Prior to the arrival of English colonists, the area had seasonally been inhabited for thousands of years by succeeding cultures of Native Americans; its waterways had numerous fish, and the area had game.

The town was first granted as "Narragansett No. 4" in 1734 by New Hampshire and Massachusetts colonial Governor Jonathan Belcher as a Massachusetts township (the area then being disputed between the two provinces). It was one of seven townships intended for soldiers (or their heirs) who had fought in the "Narragansett War" of 1675, also known as King Philip's War. In 1735, however, some grantees "found it so poor and barren as to be altogether incapable of making settlements," and were instead granted a tract in Greenwich, Massachusetts.

The community would be called "Piscataquog Village" and "Shovestown" before being regranted by Masonian proprietor Governor Benning Wentworth in 1748 to new settlers. These included Rev. Thomas Parker of Dracut and Colonel John Goffe, for whom the town was named. He was for several years a resident of neighboring Bedford, and he was the first judge of probate in the county of Hillsborough. Goffstown was incorporated June 16, 1761. A large part of the town was originally covered with valuable timber. Lumbering and fishing were the main occupations of the early settlers. The village of Grasmere was named for Grasmere, England, home of the poets William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Health and wellness are paramount in Goffstown, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Bel-Air Nursing Home stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Goffstown 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 Planet Fitness, Strength & Fitness Training and Zoo Gym. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Goffstown, such as the Goffstown Rail Trail and Incline Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Goffstown, NH are Goffstown Historical Society, Fun City Trampoline Park Goffstown and Devriendt Farm Products.

Population: 3,127 (2023). ZIP codes: 03045, 03102. Area code: 603. Elevation: 308 ft (94 m). Area: 37.6 sq mi (97.4 km²).

FAQs

What is Goffstown, NH known for?

The town is home to Saint Anselm College (and its New Hampshire Institute of Politics), which plays a crucial role in shaping political discourse in the state. Additionally, the town hosts the quirky yet beloved Goffstown Giant Pumpkin Regatta, an annual event that draws crowds from far and wide to witness the spectacle of giant pumpkins being transformed into makeshift boats for a unique race. Furthermore, Amherst was historically home to the New Hampshire State Prison for Women until its relocation to Concord in 2018, reflecting the town's diverse historical and cultural landscape.

Is Goffstown, NH a good place to live?

Goffstown is in Hillsborough County and is one of the best places to live in New Hampshire. Living in Goffstown offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Goffstown there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals live in Goffstown and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Goffstown are highly rated.

What is the crime rate in Goffstown, NH?

With a crime rate for both violent and property crime combined of 7 per 1,000 residents, the crime rate in Goffstown is one of the lower rates in America among communities of all sizes (lower than 61% of America's communities). One's chance of becoming a victim of crime in Goffstown is one in 137. Such favorable crime statistics contribute to the overall appeal of Goffstown as a desirable place to live and raise a family.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Goffstown

Bel-Air Nursing Home 

Goffstown Parks and Recreation Department 

Planet Fitness

Strength & Fitness Training 

Zoo Gym

Goffstown Rail Trail 

Incline Trail

Goffstown Historical Society

Fun City Trampoline Park Goffstown

Devriendt Farm Products

Niche

NeighborhoodScout

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