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Milford, NH

Frequently asked questions

Milford, NH

Milford is a town in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, United States, on the Souhegan River. The population was 16,131 at the 2020 census, up from 15,115 at the 2010 census. It is the retail and manufacturing center of a multi-town area known informally as the Souhegan Valley.

The town center, where 9,212 people lived at the 2020 census, is defined as the Milford census-designated place (CDP), and is located at the junction of New Hampshire routes 13 and 101A.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 25.5 square miles (66.0 km²), of which 25.4 square miles (65.8 km²) are land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km²) are water, comprising 0.22% of the town. Milford is drained by the Souhegan River, an eastward-flowing tributary of the Merrimack River. The southwestern part of town is drained by Mitchell Brook and Spaulding Brook, which flow south into Brookline and are part of the Nashua River watershed, another tributary of the Merrimack. The town's highest point is near its western border, on the summit of Boynton Hill, at 814 feet (248 m) above sea level.

Milford separated from neighboring Amherst in 1794. Like most towns named Milford in the United States, its name comes from the fact that it grew around a mill built on a ford—in this case on the Souhegan River.

Milford was once home to numerous granite quarries, which produced a stone that was used, among other things, to make the pillars for the U.S. Treasury in Washington, D.C.—pillars that can be seen on the back of the American $10 bill. Its nickname remains "The Granite Town", although only one small quarry is in operation as of 2017.

Like many New England riverside towns, Milford developed several thriving textile mills in the 19th century. That industry left New England by World War II, but Milford remains the commercial and retail center for surrounding towns. Major employers included casting company Hitchiner Manufacturing Co., a metal cable manufacturer, Hendrix Wire and Cable Inc., and a contract manufacturing solutions company, Cirtronics Corporation. In 2018, local firm Alene Candles became one of the first companies in the state to implement a "conscious leadership" program in a manufacturing production setting.

Milford is home to the Milford State Fish Hatchery. The town also holds the Souhegan Valley Boys & Girls Club, built on the former home of the now-bankrupt private theater American Stage Festival.

Milford was a stop on the Underground Railroad for escaped slaves. It was also the home of Harriet E. Wilson, who published the semi-autobiographical novel Our Nig: Or, Sketches in the Life of a Free Black in 1859, making it the first novel by an African-American woman published in the country.

Officially designated "Union Square", the Milford Oval is neither square nor oval in shape, but rather triangular. The "square" name in American parlance denotes a town common irrespective of geometry, and the "oval" name dates from the 19th century, when it was oval in shape. The Oval is the town center, with the Pillsbury Bandstand as its centerpiece and the Souhegan River as the backdrop. The Oval is formed by a modified traffic rotary in which State Highways 13 and 101A intersect, with northbound 13 and eastbound 101A passing straight through and crossing each other at a right angle with a stop sign for traffic on Route 13.

Moreover, Milford prioritizes health and wellness for its residents and is home to medical facilities like the Milford Medical Center, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Milford 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 Hampshire Hills Athletic Club, CrossFit Souhegan and Fitlab Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Milford, such as the Tucker Brook Loop and Granite Town Rail Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Milford, NH include The Dark Woods, The Hampshire Dome, and The Amato Center for Performing Arts.

Population: 16,131 (2020). Area: 25.47 sq mi (65.96 km²). Elevation: 259 ft (79 m). ZIP Code: 03055. Area code: 603.

FAQs

What is Milford, NH famous for?

The Town of Milford has a rich history. Made famous by the thriving granite industry and known as The Granite Town in the Granite State, Milford is home to manufacturing, information and service oriented businesses. The town is also a hotspot for tourism and is especially known for its antique shops and country craft stores.

Is Milford, NH a nice town?

Milford New Hampshire is a quaint New England town that is located just to the west of Amherst and Manchester.  Nestled on the Souhegan River, Milford hosts many growing industries, businesses and cultural venues. Milford is located at the intersection of Routes 101 and 101A and Route 13, offering easy access to Nashua, Wilton, Bedford, Manchester and Townsend MA, Just an hour from Boston, the seacoast and the tourist-friendly Lakes Region, Milford is a great place to live, work and play.

Is Milford, NH rural?

Milford is a suburb of Manchester with a population of 16,151. Milford is in Hillsborough County. Living in Milford offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Milford there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Milford and residents tend to lean liberal.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Milford

Milford Medical Center

Milford Parks and Recreation Department 

Hampshire Hills Athletic Club

CrossFit Souhegan 

Fitlab Fitness

Tucker Brook Loop 

Granite Town Rail Trail

The Dark Woods

The Hampshire Dome

The Amato Center for Performing Arts

Red Oak Properties

Niche

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