Concord, NH offers historic landmarks like the country's oldest working state house and President Franklin Pierce's home, a strong local arts scene anchored by the Capitol Center for the Arts and Currier Museum of Art, and easy access to White Mountain scenic drives and Seacoast day trips. Combined with low housing costs and no sales tax, it's one of the best places to retire in New England.

Concord, NH offers a rich mix of things to do, from touring the oldest active state house in the US and visiting President Franklin Pierce's former home to apple picking at Carter Hill Orchard, catching art films at Red River Theater, and exploring miles of walking trails. As New Hampshire's capital city, Concord combines small-town charm with big-city amenities, making it one of the best places to retire in New England.

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A Brief History of Concord, NH

Concord's story stretches back thousands of years. The area's first inhabitants were the Abenaki people, who called the region Pennacook, meaning "bottom of a hill," drawn by the Merrimack River's abundant salmon and sturgeon. The settlement passed through several names before being incorporated as Concord in 1765.

In the 1790s, a Shaker community formed just outside the city in Canterbury. Canterbury Shaker Village still stands today, offering a fascinating window into early New England communal life. After Samuel Blodget opened a canal and lock system in 1807, river trade flourished, connecting Concord to Boston and establishing the city as a regional commerce hub.

Concord later gained national recognition for two industries: granite quarrying and carriage making. The famous "Concord Coach," modeled after the coronation coach of King George III, became the gold standard of American stagecoach design, used widely across the frontier West. Several original coaches are on display at the Museum of New Hampshire History.

By the 19th century, Concord had become an important railroad hub and, ultimately, New Hampshire's permanent state capital.

Historic Sites Worth Visiting in Concord, NH

New Hampshire State House

Construction of the New Hampshire State House was completed in 1819 using locally quarried granite. It holds the distinction of being the oldest state house in the country where the legislature still meets in its original chambers. The building has been expanded twice, with a dome added in 1866 and a third story and West Wing completed in 1910. Tours are available and well worth an afternoon.

The Pierce Manse

The former home of President Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, is open to the public from mid-June through Columbus Day weekend each year. Maintained by the non-profit Pierce Brigade, the Manse offers a well-preserved look at mid-19th-century life in Concord.

New Hampshire State Library

One of the oldest institutions of its kind in the country, the New Hampshire State Library traces its origins to 1717. The current building, constructed in 1895 from native granite, is a beautiful space for an afternoon of exploration or quiet reading.

Canterbury Shaker Village

Located just outside Concord, this living history museum preserves 18th- and 19th-century Shaker buildings and traditions, offering guided tours, demonstrations, and a fascinating look at one of America's most distinctive religious communities.

Arts, Entertainment & Local Favorites

Capitol Center for the Arts

Opened in 1927, the Capitol Center for the Arts is Concord's premier performance venue. With 1,304 seats and a full technical setup for Broadway-caliber productions, it hosts everything from touring musicals and pop concerts to community performances and international shows.

McGowan Fine Art

Whether you're looking to add a new piece to your home, find a gift, or simply discover a local artist's work, McGowan Fine Art is a gem of a gallery right in downtown Concord. Keep an eye out for their special events, which pair great art with good conversation.

Currier Museum of Art

The Currier Museum of Art offers rotating exhibitions, special events like its annual Holiday Extravaganza, and art classes for all ages. It's an easy choice for a grandkids' visit or a date night, and art lovers can also book a Zimmerman House tour through the museum.

The Place Studio & Gallery

For a more hands-on art experience, The Place is an independent studio offering classes in decoupage, ceramic painting, canvas painting, and more, for every skill level. It's also a popular spot for small group gatherings and parties centered around a shared art project.

Tad's Place at Havenwood Heritage Heights

Residents don't have to leave campus to enjoy the arts. Tad's Place is Havenwood Heritage Heights' own cultural arts center, hosting performances, guest speakers, art openings, fashion shows, and more throughout the year.

Red River Theater

For a more intimate arts experience, the Red River Theater screens independent and art house films across its three screens. A favorite among locals, it's an ideal spot for a relaxed afternoon out.

Granite State Candy Shoppe

In operation since 1927 and still family-owned, the Granite State Candy Shoppe is a beloved Concord institution. Whether you're a longtime local or a first-time visitor, it's a stop worth making.

New Hampshire's Covered Bridges

New Hampshire still has 54 covered bridges standing strong across the state, many within easy reach of Concord. A scenic day drive to visit several of these historic structures is a quintessential New Hampshire experience.

Concord Antique Gallery

For those who enjoy browsing for unique finds, the Concord Antique Gallery is packed wall-to-wall with a wide variety of merchandise. A favorite among residents and visitors alike, it's a great way to spend a weekend afternoon.

Concord, NH Outdoor Activities & Natural Attractions

Waterfalls

Concord is home to two accessible waterfalls, Sewalls Falls and Garvin Falls, both easy to visit without venturing far. For a more ambitious outing, Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park is about an hour away and well worth the trip.

Carter Hill Orchard

Operating since the 1700s, Carter Hill Orchard offers apple picking each fall harvest season along with a growing variety of apple cultivars. Set against the backdrop of New Hampshire's legendary autumn foliage, it's a classic seasonal outing.

Parks and Walking Trails

Concord maintains an excellent network of parks suited to all activity levels. A few highlights:

For a deeper look at Concord's best nature walks, bird watching spots, and trail options, see our post: Best Bird & Nature Walks in Concord, NH.

Day Trips & Scenic Drives Beyond Concord

Concord's central location makes it a convenient home base for exploring the rest of New Hampshire, whether you're planning a family outing or joining a community outdoor adventure club. A few favorites worth the drive:

Kancamagus Highway

One of New England's classic scenic drives, the Kancamagus Highway cuts through the White Mountain National Forest and is lined with overlooks, hiking trails, fishing spots, and a visitor's center. For a short stretch of the legs after the drive, Sabbaday Falls Trail offers an easy walk to a waterfall.

Great Gulf Wilderness Trail

Also within the White Mountain National Forest, this trail offers striking views in every season, with fall foliage and late-spring wildflowers among the highlights. Pinkham Notch makes a good stop for a scenic walk along the trail.

Conway Scenic Railroad

This heritage railway runs from North Conway to Fabyan with views of the White Mountains along the way. A dining car is available for lunch, and onboard commentary points out landmarks throughout the ride.

Portsmouth Harbor Cruises

For a day on the water, Portsmouth Harbor cruises offer views of lighthouses and historic bridges along the Atlantic coast, with guided commentary on the harbor's history. Many visitors pair the outing with a coastal seafood lunch in town.

Isles of Shoals

A short ferry ride from Portsmouth brings you to the Isles of Shoals, home to several historic lighthouses. The islands are a good spot for a short walk or, for anglers, a day of fishing.

Prescott Park

Also in Portsmouth, Prescott Park offers scenic gardens, mountain views, and quaint bridges. Outdoor theater performances and summer movie nights make it worth timing your visit around the park's event calendar.

What Makes Concord a Great Place to Retire

With a population of around 42,500, Concord strikes an ideal balance, offering the amenities of a capital city without the pace of a major metro area. Housing costs remain among the lowest compared to other New Hampshire cities, and the state's lack of a sales tax is a bonus for residents and visitors alike.

New Hampshire's four seasons are part of what makes life here special. Fall foliage draws visitors from across the region, winters offer skiing, snowshoeing, and bird watching, and summers open up hundreds of miles of trails and beaches including Hampton Beach State Park on the seacoast.

At Havenwood Heritage Heights, we're proud to call Concord home. As one of only three CARF-accredited continuing care retirement communities in New Hampshire, we offer residents a vibrant, maintenance-free lifestyle with convenient access to everything this remarkable city, and the rest of the state, has to offer, from the State House steps to the trails along the Merrimack River.

Interested in learning more about life at our Concord retirement community? Contact our team to schedule a tour.