Canterbury spans 44 square miles in central New Hampshire, with a population of about 2,350 residents spread across rural roads and wooded properties. The town is home to Canterbury Shaker Village, a historic site that preserves the legacy of the religious community that lived here for nearly two centuries. Most of the town consists of residential properties on larger lots, with Canterbury Elementary School serving younger students before they transition to the Belmont/Shaker Regional School District. The town operates on a traditional New England town meeting form of government, with residents gathering annually to vote on the budget and local issues. Much of Canterbury's landscape remains forested, with the Merrimack River forming part of the town's eastern boundary. The community maintains a rural character while being within reasonable driving distance of Concord and the broader Merrimack Valley region.

Why Canterbury?

Large residential lots and rural setting with forest and open space
Canterbury Shaker Village provides unique historical and cultural amenities
Part of Belmont/Shaker Regional School District with solid educational options
Traditional New England town meeting governance and community involvement
Reasonable access to Concord while maintaining rural character

Quick Facts

Population

2,352

County

Merrimack

Region

Merrimack Valley

School District

SAU 80

Weather in Canterbury

75°F

Clear

Today

87 / 70

Fri

88 / 70

Sat

80 / 63

Map

Living in Canterbury

What you need to know about making Canterbury your home.

Major Employers

Town of CanterburyCanterbury Elementary SchoolShaker Village

Schools & Education

Canterbury is part of the Belmont/Shaker Regional School District (SAU 80).

Cost of Living

Housing costs tend to reflect the rural setting and larger lot sizes typical in this part of Merrimack County (est.). Property taxes are generally in line with other New Hampshire communities of similar size and character.

Real Estate

$425,000 (est.) median home price

$22.50 per $1,000 (est.) property tax rate

No state income or sales tax in NH

View listings in Canterbury

Commute Times

1 hr 45 min

Boston

20 min

Concord

25 min

Laconia

35 min

Manchester

School District

Regional district

Belmont/Shaker Regional School District(SAU 80)

Grades served: PreK-12

Website

Students attend high school in Belmont.

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

District towns

Belmont

Canterbury local school (Belmont/Shaker Regional School District)

PreK-12Elementary

Regional high school (in Belmont) via Belmont/Shaker Regional School DistrictRed Raiders

PreK-12High School

Parks & Public Spaces

Muchyedo BanksTown Park

Hidden Gems in Canterbury

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

Canterbury Shaker Village Nature Trails

year-round

While most visitors focus on the buildings and tours, the Village has an extensive network of lesser-known nature trails that wind through 694 acres of preserved forests, meadows, and along mill ponds. These trails pass by remnants of the Shakers' elaborate mill system, old dam sites, and offer glimpses into the working landscape that sustained the community for 200 years. The trails are free and accessible from dawn to dusk year-round, providing a peaceful escape that most tourists miss.

Canterbury Village Cemetery

year-round

Located in the heart of Canterbury village on Center Road, this historic cemetery sits directly across from the Community United Church of Christ and the Canterbury Country Store. It's a peaceful spot with old headstones and mature trees that locals often walk through as a shortcut or quiet place to reflect. The cemetery provides a glimpse into Canterbury's early settlement history and offers a different perspective on the village center that most visitors driving through miss.