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Trying the top The Largest Cities In New Hampshire cities on US State Largest Cities – Choose State & Number? Here are the top 10 to get you started.
1. Manchester, NH (Population: 115,474)
Manchester is New Hampshire’s largest city and a key economic, cultural, and historic hub. Located along the Merrimack River, Manchester grew rapidly in the 19th century as a major textile manufacturing center, and remnants of its mill history are still seen in the renovated mill buildings that now host tech companies, restaurants, and apartments. Today, the city’s economy has diversified into healthcare, education, and technology, with institutions like Southern New Hampshire University and Catholic Medical Center playing major roles. Manchester offers cultural attractions such as the Currier Museum of Art, which features works by Picasso and Monet, and the Palace Theatre, which hosts performances year-round. With its mix of historic heritage, modern growth, and easy access to the White Mountains and Boston, Manchester is a dynamic city that continues to evolve.
Interesting Fact: The first free public library in the U.S. was established in Manchester in 1854.
2. Nashua, NH (Population: 91,003)
Nashua, located near the Massachusetts border, is New Hampshire’s second-largest city and often ranked as one of the most livable in the country. Originally a mill town, Nashua transitioned into a technology and business hub, with several tech companies and defense contractors driving the local economy. Its downtown is vibrant, with shops, restaurants, and cultural venues like the Nashua Center for the Arts. Nashua also offers extensive outdoor opportunities, including Mine Falls Park, a 325-acre nature reserve with trails, canals, and ponds. With strong schools, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a mix of suburban and urban amenities, Nashua consistently draws residents seeking quality of life.
Interesting Fact: Nashua has twice been named the “Best Place to Live in America” by *Money* magazine.
3. Concord, NH (Population: 44,629)
Concord, the state capital of New Hampshire, blends government, history, and small-city charm. Located along the Merrimack River, Concord became prominent in the 18th century and remains central to state politics and culture. Its downtown area is lined with historic brick buildings, restaurants, and shops, with the gold-domed New Hampshire State House serving as a centerpiece. Concord is known for its cultural offerings, including the Capitol Center for the Arts, which hosts concerts, plays, and lectures. The city also has easy access to outdoor recreation in the surrounding hills and lakes, making it appealing for those who enjoy nature alongside urban amenities. Concord maintains a sense of New England tradition while supporting a growing economy in healthcare, education, and government services.
Interesting Fact: The New Hampshire State House is the oldest state capitol building in which both houses of the legislature still meet in their original chambers.
4. Derry, NH (Population: 34,248)
Derry, located in southern New Hampshire, is known for its suburban character and historical significance. Once famous for its agricultural production, particularly apples, Derry has since grown into a commuter town for those working in Boston and nearby cities. The town offers quality schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and recreational opportunities, with parks and trails connecting the community to the outdoors. Derry is also home to a strong sense of history, with several preserved buildings and museums highlighting its New England heritage. Its proximity to major highways and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport adds convenience, while still retaining a small-town feel.
Interesting Fact: Derry was once the home of astronaut Alan Shepard, the first American in space.
5. Rochester, NH (Population: 33,519)
Rochester, known as the “Lilac City,” is a growing community in southeastern New Hampshire. It has a history rooted in manufacturing and agriculture but has expanded into healthcare, retail, and education as key economic drivers. The city is recognized for its vibrant arts scene, with the Rochester Opera House and Firehouse Center providing cultural opportunities. Rochester has a charming downtown that continues to see revitalization efforts, while nearby natural areas provide access to hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Its strategic location near the Seacoast and Maine border makes it a convenient place to live while enjoying New England charm.
Interesting Fact: Rochester’s nickname, “Lilac City,” comes from its tradition of planting lilac trees, which bloom throughout the community in spring.
6. Dover, NH (Population: 33,485)
Dover is the oldest permanent settlement in New Hampshire, founded in 1623, and is now a thriving small city with a mix of history and modern growth. Located near the Seacoast, Dover has a strong economy driven by healthcare, education, and manufacturing. It is home to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, a regional medical center, and the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, a popular family attraction. Dover’s downtown is vibrant, featuring historic mills that have been repurposed into shops, restaurants, and apartments. With access to the Cochecho River, outdoor activities are plentiful, and its proximity to Portsmouth and Maine makes it ideally situated.
Interesting Fact: Dover is considered the seventh-oldest permanent settlement in the United States.
7. Salem, NH (Population: 31,549)
Salem, located along the Massachusetts border, is a growing suburban community with strong commercial and residential development. It is perhaps best known for Canobie Lake Park, a historic amusement park that has entertained visitors for over a century. Salem has a strong retail presence, anchored by the Mall at Rockingham Park, which draws shoppers from across the region. The town also offers good schools, recreational facilities, and a convenient location for commuters traveling to Boston. Salem balances entertainment, commerce, and suburban living, making it one of southern New Hampshire’s most dynamic communities.
Interesting Fact: Canobie Lake Park, founded in 1902, began as a trolley park and is now one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the country.
8. Merrimack, NH (Population: 28,916)
Merrimack, situated between Manchester and Nashua, is a suburban community with a mix of residential areas, businesses, and open spaces. Known for its quality of life and strong schools, Merrimack has attracted families and commuters alike. The town features several parks, conservation areas, and a vibrant local economy, with companies like Fidelity Investments and Anheuser-Busch operating facilities in the area. Merrimack combines convenience to larger cities with a quieter, more suburban atmosphere, making it a popular choice for residents seeking balance.
Interesting Fact: Merrimack is home to one of the nation’s Anheuser-Busch breweries, which includes the famous Budweiser Clydesdales.
9. Londonderry, NH (Population: 26,708)
Londonderry is a southern New Hampshire town known for its apple orchards, suburban neighborhoods, and community-oriented lifestyle. It has grown rapidly in recent decades, with strong schools and proximity to highways making it an attractive place for families. Despite its growth, Londonderry has retained much of its rural character through farmland and orchards that remain active. The town’s location near Manchester-Boston Regional Airport adds convenience for travel, while parks and trails provide recreation opportunities. Londonderry continues to blend tradition with modern development.
Interesting Fact: Londonderry’s apple orchards are some of the most productive in New England, with apple-picking season drawing visitors every fall.
10. Hudson, NH (Population: 25,595)
Hudson, located across the Merrimack River from Nashua, is a suburban town with a mix of residential, commercial, and natural areas. It has experienced steady growth thanks to its convenient location near the Massachusetts border, making it a popular spot for commuters. The town features good schools, community parks, and strong civic organizations, contributing to its family-friendly reputation. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Benson Park, a large recreational area with trails and picnic areas built on the site of a former zoo. Hudson’s balance of suburban living and accessibility continues to make it a desirable place to live.
Interesting Fact: Benson Park, Hudson’s most popular recreational space, was once the site of Benson’s Wild Animal Farm, a small zoo that operated until the 1980s.
