Cornish spans both sides of the Connecticut River in Sullivan County, with a population of about 1,640 residents. The town is home to Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, which preserves the studio and gardens of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and draws visitors year-round. The Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge connects the community to Vermont across the river. The town operates under a traditional New England town meeting form of government and maintains its own elementary school as part of the Cornish School District. Rural roads wind through a landscape of working farms, forests, and residential properties, with many homes offering views of the Connecticut River valley. The community has maintained its agricultural character while accommodating residents who commute to the Upper Valley for work.

Why Cornish?

Home to Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park with sculpture gardens
Historic Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge connects to Vermont
Connecticut River frontage and valley views
Rural setting with working farms and forest land
Access to Upper Valley employment while maintaining small-town character

Quick Facts

Population

1,640

County

Sullivan

Region

Dartmouth–Lake Sunapee

School District

SAU 100

Weather in Cornish

74°F

Clear

Today

87 / 69

Fri

87 / 70

Sat

78 / 60

Map

Living in Cornish

What you need to know about making Cornish your home.

Major Employers

Town of CornishCornish Elementary SchoolSaint-Gaudens National Historical Park

Schools & Education

Cornish is part of the Cornish School District (SAU 100).

Cost of Living

Housing costs are moderate for the Upper Valley region, with property taxes typical for Sullivan County (est.). The rural location offers more affordable options than nearby Hanover or Lebanon.

Real Estate

$285,000 (est.) median home price

$18.50 per $1,000 (est.) property tax rate

No state income or sales tax in NH

View listings in Cornish

Commute Times

2 hr 30 min

Boston

1 hr 15 min

Concord

30 min

Hanover

25 min

Lebanon

20 min

Claremont

School District

School district

Cornish School District(SAU 100)

Grades served: PreK-12

Cornish local school (Cornish School District)

PreK-12Elementary

Regional high school via Cornish School District

PreK-12High School

Hidden Gems in Cornish

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

Blow-Me-Down Brook Swimming Hole

summer

A refreshing local swimming hole formed by a dam at the corner of Leavitt Hill Road and School Street. The water pools behind the old dam create a natural swimming area that's been enjoyed by locals for decades. There's no lifeguard, but the spot offers both sun and shade for relaxing, and you might share the water with ducks and other wildlife during your visit.

Blow-Me-Down Covered Bridge

year-round

One of Cornish's most hidden covered bridges, tucked away in the woods near Squag City. Built in 1877 by James Tasker, this 85-foot bridge spans a dramatic gorge carved by Blow-Me-Down Brook. The weathered structure feels almost like nature placed it there among the trees - you have to be determined to find it as it's at the end of a rough track off Route 12A.

Blacksmith Shop Covered Bridge

year-round

A tiny, weathered gem nestled among trees that you'll miss if you blink. This pedestrian-only bridge from 1881 sits about 50 feet off Town House Road in a peaceful setting where Mill Brook flows underneath. It's so small and naturally weathered that it almost seems to blend into the landscape, making it a favorite discovery for those who stumble upon it.

Dingleton Hill Covered Bridge

year-round

Built in 1882 by James Tasker, this 78-foot bridge has a unique story - it was assembled in a schoolyard and then transported to its current location over Mill Brook. The farmers who used it would occasionally repair it themselves. Now restored and limited to passenger cars only, it sits at the foot of Dingleton Hill in a quiet rural setting that feels untouched by time.