Bow, New Hampshire
Merrimack County · Merrimack Valley

Bow

Named for the Bow in the Merrimack — Where Turkey River Meets

About Bow

Bow is Concord's affluent southern neighbor, a town that consistently ranks among New Hampshire's best places to raise a family. The community of about 8,200 residents enjoys excellent schools, well-maintained roads, and a property tax base bolstered by 550 acres of commercially zoned land along the Route 3A corridor. The Bow Business Corridor mixes light industrial, warehouse, and tech companies alongside the residential neighborhoods, giving the town a strong economic foundation without sacrificing its leafy character. Bow's three public schools — elementary through high school — are part of SAU 67 and regularly post above-average test scores. The town sits right off I-93 with direct access to Concord's state government jobs, hospitals, and cultural offerings. With conservation land, community recreation programs, and a tight-knit civic culture, Bow delivers a classic New England suburb experience with genuine substance behind it.

Why Bow?

  • Top-rated Bow school district with above-average academics across all levels
  • Direct I-93 and Route 3A access to Concord, Manchester, and Boston
  • Strong commercial tax base keeps residential services well-funded
  • Conservation lands and recreation programs with a tight-knit community feel

Quick Facts

Population
8,229
County
Merrimack
Region
Merrimack Valley
School District
SAU 67

Weather in Bow

41°F

Clear

Today

53 / 32

Sat

56 / 36

Sun

59 / 37

Map

Living in Bow

What you need to know about making Bow your home.

Major Employers

New Hampshire BinderyBow School DistrictTown of BowFocus Automotive / The SaabshopAllied Insurance Agency

Schools & Education

Bow's three public schools (SAU 67) serve students K-12 and draw from a well-educated community, with the district consistently performing above state averages.

Cost of Living

Above the state average — home values around $539K reflect the desirable school district and location, and the $20.05 tax rate is on the higher side, but residents benefit from strong services.

Real Estate

$539,000 median home price

$20.05 per $1,000 property tax rate

No state income or sales tax in NH

View listings in Bow

Commute Times

80 min
Boston
45 min
Nashua
10 min
Concord
30 min
Manchester

School District

Regional district

Bow/Dunbarton School District(SAU 67)

Grades served: PreK-12

Website

Bow serves as a district hub for students from nearby towns in this district.

District towns

Bow Elementary School
K-4Elementary
Bow Memorial School
5-8Middle School
Bow High SchoolFalcons
9-12High School

Hidden Gems in Bow

Beyond the well-known attractions, Bow has spots that locals love and visitors rarely find.

Nottingcook Forest

year-round

A hidden 629-acre forest with over 5 miles of interwoven trails winding through marsh lands, glacial formations, and a secret cave detour. The Woodbury Overlook rewards hikers with sweeping views across the forest to distant mountains. Most visitors miss this local favorite despite its extensive trail network maintained by volunteers.

Hammond Nature Preserve

spring

A peaceful 143-acre preserve hiding an old sawmill site and Paul's Falls among its wooded trails. The preserve connects to Walker Forest through quiet paths that cross streams and pass through forgotten fields where stone walls hint at farming history. It's a sanctuary that feels worlds away from any main road.

Treat's Maple Farm

spring

Bruce's state-of-the-art backyard operation has been crafting wood-fired maple syrup since 1997 in what feels like a step back to 1880s production. The passionate owner provides intimate tours of his process, sharing both the chemistry and history of maple making in an experience locals treasure.

Baker Free Library

year-round

More than just a library, this community hub hosts monthly art exhibits showcasing local creativity alongside yoga classes and book clubs. The building serves as Bow's cultural heart where residents gather for everything from children's writing sessions to adult socials, creating connections beyond the books.

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