Offering a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural vibrancy and scenic beauty, New Hampshire’s true charm lies in its quaint college towns.
This article will take you on a journey through the best college towns in New Hampshire, highlighting their unique features and allure. From the prestigious Dartmouth College in Hanover to the buzzing urban campuses in Manchester, New Hampshire’s college towns boast a wealth of opportunities and experiences for students and lifetime locals alike.
Epitomizing New England charm, Hanover is home to Dartmouth College, an Ivy League institution known for its stellar academics. Established in 1769, Dartmouth College boasts a picturesque campus adorned with Georgian-style architecture and lush green spaces. The town’s vibrant culture, coupled with its stunning location on the Connecticut River, makes it a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded college experience.
As you stroll through the quaint streets of Hanover, you’ll be greeted with a myriad of boutique shops, cafes and restaurants, reflecting the town’s diverse and international community. You can enjoy gourmet coffee at Dirt Cowboy Café, a beloved local hangout, or savor a hearty farm-to-table meal at the award-winning Pine.
Hanover’s proximity to the Appalachian Trail and the White Mountains provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the area’s natural beauty. Students and locals alike can be found hiking, skiing or taking leisurely walks along the Connecticut River on sunny afternoons.
Next on our journey through the best college towns in New Hampshire is Durham, home to the University of New Hampshire (UNH). UNH is a rural public research institution known for its strong programs in medical engineering, business and environmental sciences. The picturesque campus, surrounded by small-town charm, offers a perfect blend of academic rigor and opportunity for community engagement.
Durham has a vibrant yet laid-back vibe, where students can unwind after a day of classes at one of the many local eateries or take a leisurely walk along the Oyster River. For those looking to embrace the outdoors, College Woods, a 250-acre nature preserve, offers miles of hiking and biking trails just a stone’s throw away from campus.
Durham is also home to the Paul Creative Arts Center, which hosts a variety of concerts, art exhibits and theater performances throughout the year. The University’s renowned Memorial Union Building, affectionately known as ‘The MUB,’ serves as the epicenter of student life and provides ample opportunities for socializing and entertainment.
Located in southwestern New Hampshire, Keene is home to Keene State College, a liberal arts institution with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and community engagement. The college is known for its education, film production and sustainable development programs. Keene’s vibrant artistic community benefits from the stunning natural beauty of the Monadnock Region, which makes it a true haven for creative and environmentally conscious students.
The town’s historic Main Street is lined with an eclectic mix of shops, galleries and restaurants, reflecting Keene’s bohemian spirit. Students can browse through locally crafted pottery at the Hannah Grimes Marketplace, indulge in artisanal chocolates at Life is Sweet or catch a live music performance at the cozy and intimate Machina Arts.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities in Keene, with easy access to the Monadnock Region’s picturesque hiking trails, state parks and lakes. The city’s annual Monadnock Pumpkin Festival, held in October, is a testament to the strong sense of community and celebration of the region’s natural bounty.
Manchester boasts a thriving artistic community, making it an attractive choice for students seeking a more urban college experience. The city is home to several higher education institutions, including Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and the University of New Hampshire at Manchester.
SNHU is a private institution that offers an extensive range of degree programs, from liberal arts to business and technology. Its innovative online education platform has garnered international recognition, attracting students from all corners of the globe.
UNH Manchester is the urban branch of the University of New Hampshire and provides undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and community partnerships.
Downtown Manchester is a hub of activity anchored by the historic Palace Theatre, which hosts a variety of performances, from Broadway shows to concerts and comedy acts. The Currier Museum of Art, with its extensive collection of European and American artwork, offers a unique cultural experience for art enthusiasts. Foodies will find themselves in culinary heaven, as the city’s burgeoning culinary scene showcases a diverse array of global cuisines, farm-to-table restaurants and craft breweries.
For students seeking a respite from city life, Manchester’s numerous parks, like Derryfield Park and Livingston Park, provide ample green spaces for relaxation and recreation. The nearby Lake Massabesic and the Uncanoonuc Mountains offer opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing and more, allowing students to unwind and recharge in the warm embrace of Mother Nature.
Plymouth, a small town nestled between the White Mountains and the Lakes Region, is home to Plymouth State University. Known for its strong education and meteorology programs, Plymouth State University offers a close-knit academic environment that fosters a strong sense of community and encourages personal growth alongside academic enlightenment.
The historic Main Street in Plymouth is home to a variety of local shops, eateries and the iconic Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center, which hosts live music, film screenings and theatrical performances. Students can enjoy an artisan cup of coffee at Café Monte Alto or indulge in a delicious slice at the locally renowned Tenney Mountain Pizza.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Plymouth, with easy access to the White Mountains and the Lakes Region, offering next level recreational activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking and kayaking.
Find your new apartment in a New Hampshire college town
Whether you’re a prospective student, a curious traveler or a local looking to rediscover your home state, the college towns in New Hampshire offer a unique blend of academic excellence, vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty. From the Ivy League allure of Hanover to the urban appeal of Manchester, New Hampshire’s college towns are a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored. Pack your bags, lace up your boots and get ready to embark on a journey through these charming academic paradises in person to fully embrace the magic of New Hampshire’s college towns.
Source: rent.com