A small town scene in Peterborough NH, with a stone bridge, a church with a steeple, and a historic brick building with columns and an American flag in front. Trees without leaves are in the background under a clear blue sky.

Peterborough, NH

ABOUT THE TOWN

There is so much more to this charming town than first meets the eye.

Nestled in Hillsborough County in southern New Hampshire, this captivating town is home to just over 6,000 full-time residents. Known for its rich history and vibrant community, Peterborough is a place where the past and the present intertwine seamlessly. From its historic downtown area to its commitment to progress and resilience, Peterborough is a small town with a big heart, offering a unique blend of New England charm and forward-thinking spirit. In the warmer months, the town swells with visitors from major metropolitan areas when they escape to their summer homes, but the town resonates with a vibe of art and community all year.

Top photo credit: @peterborough.nh

This town is best for:

Outdoor Adventures

Small Town Lifestyle

Arts Community

Outdoor patio of a bakery and pub with closed umbrellas, flower beds, a black metal bench, wet sidewalk, brick and wooden buildings, and a blue flag. Peterborough NH

Pop. 6,418

+.74% Increase

Low 12° - High 80°

Exceptional Downtown, less reliable in outskirts

IS THIS YOUR MOXIETOWN?

Does this town check your boxes?

  • This town is a delightful getaway, offering a blend of arts, culture, retail, and outdoor beauty. Its picturesque downtown is filled with unique shops, trendy coffee shops, and various dining options. The walkable town is compact and set as a hub of outdoor activity, with opportunities for hiking, swimming, and boating. It's also home to the MacDowell, a renowned artist residency, making it a regional hub for arts and culture. Just a short drive from Boston, Peterborough is the perfect destination for a quaint weekend away or woven into your New England tour.

  • The creative vibe runs strong here with the impressive MAXT Makerspace located right outside downtown. Industrial and office space is located in the surrounding area for new ventures, and fiber is readily available. There are young entrepreneurs creating a vibrant, innovative culture. Retail entrepreneurs would find a close, supportive community - but you have to be ready to weather seasonality.

    Fiber and broadband are stronger than the state and national average if you are close to town. Remote workers that favor co-working space will have to be a little flexible as there are none that we could find. However, the town has a large library that offers various rooms you can reserve. Of course, we still love a good coffee shop. Digital Nomads have a nice variety of short-term rentals, but remember to book early for the high summer season. Access to Boston is a plus.

  • This town is so warm and inviting. Housing choices are broad and affordable, considering the general area. The schooling ranks in the top 20% of the state, and private and homeschool options may serve your family. About 21% of the households have school-aged children, and this area is also very attractive to empty-nesters and retirees.

    If you love cold weather in the winter and being surrounded by the arts, we think this hamlet-sized town could be for you. We met several singles when we visited, and they could not say enough about the warmth of the community. Many of the singles grew up in the area and have returned, but not all. The median age in this town is 51, a bit older than the US average, and not surprisingly a higher wealth index. There is a lot going on in this town to keep you busy while building your community

Interior of a vintage shop or antique store with various decorative items, including a large canvas with a detailed black-and-white drawing of a cat, potted plants, an old wooden window frame, and framed botanical prints or diagrams on the wall.

THE UNIQUE MAGIC INGREDIENTS

SPARKS & Vibes

A white note with black text reading 'The Peterborough Vibe' and red text reading 'Our Town', pinned with a gold pushpin.

The way we see it, SPARKS are the places, events, activities that you remember about a MoxieTown, the ones that set them apart, the ones they are known for, & make a lasting impression.

Vibes , on the other hand, are that all-over feeling you get from a place, its unique ambiance.

Peterborough is often said to be the quintessential, New England, town, and is known as the inspiration for Thorton Wilders play, "Our Town " and we like the way that captures the vibe of Peterborough. There aren't enough words to capture the impact of the arts and creative culture, but Our Town seems to come closest.

MAXT Makerspace | Incubating creatives

MAXT Makerspace | Incubating creatives

MacDowell | Renowned artist residency

MacDowell | Renowned artist residency

Charming Village | Shops and Eateries

Charming Village | Shops and Eateries

Contoocook River | Runs right through town, with natures splendor all year

Contoocook River | Runs right through town, with natures splendor all year

The Downtown Scene 

With red brick buildings and flower boxes lining sidewalks, Peterborough's charming downtown centers on Main Street and is home to cool coffee and bookshops, welcoming boutiques of apparel, antiques, home goods, and excellent eateries. Don't miss the European bakery, handmade gifts, a sweet macaroon, or catching a film at the historic Peterborough Community Theater off Depot Square.

BLOGS ABOUT THIS MOXIETOWN

Stories, Tales, & Secrets

 
READ MORE ABOUT PETERBOROUGH
 

 Found Around Town

Take a look at our Stories to find more about these treasures in and around town.


Our Quick Takes & Not-To-Miss Highlights.

Whether you’re staying or just stopping by, you don’t want to miss these. There are many adventures to be had and much local flair to experience!

  • Peterborough offers an impressive array of dining options for a small town, from the funky yet affordable Harlow's Pub, serving ultimate comfort food to upscale spots like The Water House and The Pearl. Cooperhill, an Irish pub featuring the deepest selection of whiskey in the state, is where you can find a perfectly poured Guinness and some live music. Twelve Pine and Aesop's Tables are popular local spots for fresh, homemade fare, while the Bagel Mill is a go-to for coffee and quick bites, and we are just getting started.

  • Peterborough is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Miller State Park offers hiking with breathtaking views atop Pack Monadnock. For water lovers, the Contoocook River is perfect for kayaking and fishing. Cyclists and walkers enjoy the scenic trails of the Monadnock Region Rail Trail. In the winter, Crotched Mountain Ski and Ride is less than 30 minutes away. Year round, the town's parks, like the Peterborough Rotary Wilder Park, provide serene spots for picnics and just relaxing.

  • Visitors can enjoy a stay at Riverhouse by Weekender or enjoy the quaint charm of Little River Bed and Breakfast. Cranberry Meadow Farm offers a luxurious, serene escape for a romantic stay, while Our Town Inn, a local guest house for two, adds a touch of local history. There are a wide variety of short-term rentals found on Airbnb for a more extended stay. Each place offers a distinct experience for visitors to this small town.

  • Exceptional fiber and broadband access make this town a standout. This, along with a welcoming city government and growing creative class, makes it a town to consider for a new venture. Just know that the town has been around a long time and the way it keeps is village scale charm is strict zoning and architectural controls.

  • It would be hard to say that the MacDowell (formerly the MacDowell Colony) does not define the arts culture in this town. A renowned artist residency, the MacDowell has been the birth place to many creative endeavors by its talented fellows. Locally in town, The Peterborough Players offer professional theater performances, while the Mariposa Museum showcases global cultures. The town is also known for its annual events like the Children and the Arts Festival and the Thing in the Spring music and arts festival. This festival is said to be a one of a kind event so plan now to attend. Every fall, the Monadnock Art Studio Tour invites visitors to explore local artists' studios through out the area, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s vast creative community. Did we mention live music? Look no further than The Town House that features the Peterborough Concert Series, all year long!

  • he town of Peterborough has a culture of community and welcome. With a broad variety of housing available both for rent and for sale, you should be able to find a place that meets your dreams. 63% of the homes are owner-occupied, with single-family homes, condominiums, and apartments available.

 
 
 

Find Your Way Around Peterborough, NH.

Sometimes you just need to know how close it is.

  • Boston MA- 73 miles

  • Boston Logan International Airport - 75 miles

  • Monadnock Community Hospital - intown

  • University of New Hampshire 0 50 miles

    Franklin Pierce University - 12 miles

  • Fenway Park - 75 miles

  • Dublin Lake 7.5 miles

    Hampton Beach - 50 miles

    Contoocook River - through town

  • Mall of New Hampshire 30 miles

SIT BACK AND SCROLL THROUGH THESE PICTURESQUE MOXIETOWNS

Follow along for some MoxieTown magic.

Tech does not have to mean glass towers, parking decks, and badge access. In a small town, it can mean a founder with a laptop, a mentor around the corner, a class at night, and a community that knows their name. Beaufort, South Carolina is one exa

A sweet slice of life in Peterborough

Exterior of an antique shop with a blue 'OPEN' flag, a white door, and vintage decorative items outside.

Exterior of an antique shop with a blue 'OPEN' flag, a white door, and vintage decorative items outside.

A porch filled with potted plants and hanging flower baskets, including purple, white, and yellow blooms, with a wooden bench and striped patio chairs.

A porch filled with potted plants and hanging flower baskets, including purple, white, and yellow blooms, with a wooden bench and striped patio chairs.

Outdoor patio with tables, chairs, and umbrellas outside a brick building with flower boxes and signs indicating a restaurant and pub.

Outdoor patio with tables, chairs, and umbrellas outside a brick building with flower boxes and signs indicating a restaurant and pub.

Front of a small storefront called 'Sweet! Macaron' with outdoor seating and flower boxes, on a rainy day.

Front of a small storefront called 'Sweet! Macaron' with outdoor seating and flower boxes, on a rainy day.

A small town street scene at dusk, with cars parked and driving, historic buildings, a church with a green dome and a weather vane, and leafless trees.

A small town street scene at dusk, with cars parked and driving, historic buildings, a church with a green dome and a weather vane, and leafless trees.

Inside a cafe, a woman is placing an order at the counter decorated with signs and a display case with baked goods. A young girl in a pink coat and hat stands in front, while another woman sits at a table nearby.

Inside a cafe, a woman is placing an order at the counter decorated with signs and a display case with baked goods. A young girl in a pink coat and hat stands in front, while another woman sits at a table nearby.

Find Your Tribe

Location is everything when you’re moving somewhere new, but so are the people! While of course, these stats can’t begin to represent these unique individuals and their social dynamics, they can provide you with a snapshot of the remarkable tapestry of personalities.

Education

This is a great place to get an overview of the educational offerings of a community. We know each family is unique and each child has their own perfect fit - so check out the many options in this town here.

How we look at demographics, other than education choices

We are looking at small towns everywhere and, so that our fellow small-town fans can really compare “apples to apples” as closely as possible, we use a 3-mile radius for most all of our demographics, 1 mile if we are talking specifically about what is within walking distance to the heart of town. Because when you are talking about who lives in a town - you don’t really care about who provides their water or where they pay their taxes.

Household Income & Median Home Value

$102,975
2023 Median Household Income
142
2023 USA Index


$428,308
2023 Median Home Value
139
2023 USA Index

Indexes

An index is a way to measure and compare different values using a common standard. Think of it as a scale or a ruler that helps you understand how different things measure up against a standard or average of what is found in the US. 100 is the baseline representing the US overall.

Median Age - 130
Wealth - 160
Diversity - 19
Total Crime - 86