Hanover, New Hampshire
Grafton County · Dartmouth/Sunapee

Hanover

Where Ivy League excellence meets quintessential New England charm in the heart of the Upper Valley.

Population11,870
CountyGrafton
RegionDartmouth/Sunapee

About Hanover

Nestled in the Connecticut River Valley, Hanover stands as one of New Hampshire's most distinguished communities, forever intertwined with the prestigious Dartmouth College that has called this place home since 1769. The town's tree-lined streets radiate an unmistakable collegiate energy, where ivy-covered buildings blend seamlessly with charming New England architecture, creating a vibrant atmosphere that attracts students, families, and visitors from around the world. The iconic Dartmouth Green serves as the town's beating heart, hosting everything from commencement ceremonies to farmers markets, while the surrounding hills offer a stunning backdrop of natural beauty. Beyond its academic prestige, Hanover has cultivated a sophisticated yet welcoming culture that celebrates both intellectual pursuits and outdoor adventure. The town's location along the Connecticut River and proximity to the White Mountains provides endless recreational opportunities, while its thriving downtown district offers world-class dining, shopping, and cultural attractions that rival much larger cities. This unique blend of small-town charm and cosmopolitan amenities, combined with a strong sense of community and environmental stewardship, makes Hanover a truly exceptional place to live, work, and explore.

Why Hanover?

  • Home to Dartmouth College, one of the nation's most prestigious Ivy League institutions
  • Vibrant downtown with exceptional dining, shopping, and cultural offerings
  • Prime location in the Connecticut River Valley with easy access to outdoor recreation
  • Strong sense of community with year-round festivals and events
  • Excellent schools and family-friendly neighborhoods with small-town safety

Also covering

This page also covers smaller towns near Hanover:

Quick Facts

Population
11,870
County
Grafton
Region
Dartmouth/Sunapee
School District
SAU 70

Real Estate

Median Home Price
$600,000
Property Taxes
NH has no income or sales tax

Property taxes fund local services and schools

View Listings in Hanover

Things To Do

Dartmouth College Campus Tour

year-round

Explore the historic ivy-covered buildings and beautiful campus of this prestigious institution. The Dartmouth Green and Baker-Berry Library are particularly stunning architectural highlights.

Hopkins Center for the Arts

year-round

Attend world-class performances, concerts, and exhibitions at this renowned cultural venue. The center hosts everything from Broadway shows to avant-garde art installations throughout the year.

Montshire Museum of Science

year-round

Engage with hands-on science exhibits and explore nature trails at this family-friendly museum. The outdoor Science Park features water exhibits and beautiful views of the Connecticut River.

Connecticut River Kayaking

summer

Paddle the scenic Connecticut River with gentle currents perfect for all skill levels. The river offers beautiful views of both New Hampshire and Vermont countryside.

Dartmouth Winter Carnival

winter

Experience this legendary winter celebration featuring ice sculptures, ski jumping, and traditional college festivities. The carnival has been a beloved tradition since 1911 and draws visitors from across New England.

Occom Pond Ice Skating

winter

Enjoy outdoor ice skating on this picturesque campus pond surrounded by snow-covered trees. The pond offers a magical winter experience right in the heart of Hanover.

Outdoor Recreation

Appalachian Trail

spring-fall

Access this famous long-distance trail directly from Hanover, with the trail crossing right through town. The section heading north offers beautiful views and connects to numerous other hiking opportunities.

Connecticut River Greenway

year-round

Cycle along this scenic paved path that follows the Connecticut River for miles. The flat terrain makes it perfect for families and offers beautiful river and mountain views.

Moose Mountain

year-round

Hike to the summit for panoramic views of the Connecticut River Valley. This moderate trail offers rewarding vistas and is accessible year-round for hiking or snowshoeing.

Ledyard Canoe Club

spring-fall

Launch kayaks and canoes from this historic Dartmouth facility on the Connecticut River. The club offers rentals and access to calm river paddling with scenic mountain backdrops.

Oak Hill Ski Area

winter

Enjoy downhill skiing at this small, family-friendly mountain just minutes from downtown. The area offers affordable skiing with a classic New England atmosphere.

VAST Snowmobile Trails

winter

Access extensive snowmobile trail networks that connect through the greater Hanover area. These well-maintained trails offer scenic rides through forests and open fields.

Pine Park

summer

Cool off at this popular swimming spot with a sandy beach on the Connecticut River. The park offers picnic areas and is a favorite gathering place for locals during summer months.

NEMBA Mountain Bike Trails

spring-fall

Ride single-track trails maintained by the New England Mountain Bike Association in nearby areas. These trails offer varying difficulty levels through beautiful forest terrain.

Dining & Entertainment

Hanover Inn Dining Room

Experience fine dining at this elegant hotel restaurant overlooking the Dartmouth Green. The menu features contemporary American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients and an extensive wine list.

Lou's Restaurant

Enjoy classic American comfort food at this beloved local institution that's been serving the community since 1947. The bakery counter offers fresh pastries and the atmosphere is quintessentially New England.

Murphy's on the Green

Gather at this popular tavern known for its lively atmosphere and pub fare. It's a favorite spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy drinks and casual dining near the Dartmouth campus.

King Arthur Flour Bakery & Cafe

Savor fresh-baked goods and coffee at this outpost of the famous Vermont baking company. The cafe offers sandwiches, soups, and an impressive selection of artisanal breads and pastries.

Ramunto's Brick Oven Pizza

Taste authentic brick oven pizza made with fresh ingredients and creative toppings. This local favorite offers a casual atmosphere perfect for families and students alike.

Local Businesses

Ben & Jerry's

Food & Drink

Popular ice cream shop serving Vermont's famous frozen treats in the heart of downtown. A favorite stop for students, families, and visitors seeking premium ice cream and local atmosphere.

7 South Main Street

Campion Cycles

Outdoor Recreation

Full-service bicycle shop offering sales, rentals, and repairs for all types of cycling needs. Popular with both recreational cyclists and serious mountain bikers exploring area trails.

18 Allen Street

CVS Pharmacy

Shopping

Full-service pharmacy and convenience store providing prescriptions, health products, and daily essentials. Conveniently located to serve both college and local community needs.

9 South Main Street

Dartmouth Coach

Other

Bus service providing transportation between Hanover and Boston Logan Airport, as well as other regional destinations. Essential service for college students and community members.

35 South Main Street

Dartmouth Outdoor Rentals

Outdoor Recreation

Equipment rental service offering everything from camping gear to winter sports equipment for outdoor adventures.

Robinson Hall, Dartmouth College

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Health & Wellness

Leading regional medical center providing comprehensive healthcare services. The facility serves as a major teaching hospital affiliated with Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine.

1 Medical Center Drive

Eastman Dental Care

Health & Wellness

Family dental practice providing comprehensive oral health services. The practice emphasizes preventive care and modern dental techniques.

7 Allen Street

Everything But Anchovies

Food & Drink

Gourmet food store and deli offering specialty items, prepared foods, and catering services. Popular with both locals and visitors for unique culinary finds.

4 Allen Street

Hanover Chiropractic Center

Health & Wellness

Chiropractic practice offering comprehensive spine and wellness care. The center serves athletes, students, and community members with modern treatment approaches.

14 School Street

Hanover Co-op Food Stores

Other

Community-owned natural foods cooperative offering organic produce, local products, and sustainable goods. Known for supporting local farmers and providing high-quality groceries to the Upper Valley.

45 South Park Street

Hanover Country Club

Outdoor Recreation

Private golf club featuring an 18-hole championship course with stunning mountain views. The club also offers dining, tennis, and social activities for members.

50 Rope Ferry Road

Hanover Hardware

Other

Local hardware store providing tools, supplies, and expert advice for home improvement projects. Family-owned business serving the community's practical needs.

49 Lebanon Street

Hanover Inn

Other

Historic luxury hotel overlooking the Dartmouth Green, offering elegant accommodations and event spaces. The inn has been welcoming guests since 1780.

2 East Wheelock Street

Hanover Inn Dartmouth

Services

Historic luxury hotel on the Dartmouth Green offering elegant accommodations and dining in the heart of campus.

2 East Wheelock Street

Hanover Strings

Shopping

Specialized music shop focusing on string instruments, sales, rentals, and expert repairs. Serves musicians throughout the Upper Valley with quality instruments and knowledgeable service.

15 Lebanon Street

Hanover Veterinary Clinic

Other

Full-service animal hospital providing comprehensive veterinary care for pets and farm animals in the Upper Valley.

9 Centerra Parkway

Hypertherm

Other

Global manufacturer of plasma cutting systems and consumables. The company is headquartered nearby and provides high-tech manufacturing jobs to the region.

21 Great Hollow Road

Kilton Public Library

Education

Community library offering books, digital resources, and programming for all ages. The library serves as an important cultural and educational hub.

80 Main Street

Ledyard Canoe Club

Outdoor Recreation

Historic boat club offering canoe and kayak rentals on the Connecticut River. Founded by Dartmouth students in 1920, it provides equipment and expertise for river adventures.

9 Rope Ferry Road

Ledyard National Bank

Other

Community bank providing personal and business banking services to the Upper Valley region. Founded in 1991, it maintains strong local ties and community involvement.

41 South Main Street

Nugget Theaters

Arts & Entertainment

Historic movie theater showing current releases and art films in an intimate setting. This beloved local cinema has been entertaining Hanover residents since 1916.

5 South Main Street

Outdoor Gear Exchange

Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor equipment store offering gear for hiking, camping, skiing, and other adventures. The shop provides both new and used equipment along with expert advice.

46 South Main Street

Peter Christian's Tavern

Food & Drink

Cozy tavern atmosphere serving hearty American fare and craft beers in a historic building near campus.

39 South Main Street

Pompanoosuc Mills

Shopping

Vermont-based furniture company specializing in handcrafted solid wood furniture. The showroom features American-made pieces built to last generations.

1 Mill Street

Simon Pearce

Shopping

Renowned glassblowing workshop and retail store featuring handcrafted glassware and pottery. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique pieces made on-site.

1760 Main Street

Simon Pearce Restaurant

Food & Drink

Upscale restaurant featuring contemporary American cuisine with handcrafted glassware in nearby Quechee.

1760 Quechee Main Street

The Bookstore at Dartmouth

Shopping

Large independent bookstore serving the college and community with extensive academic and general interest selections.

33 South Main Street

Upper Valley Food Coop

Shopping

Member-owned cooperative grocery store emphasizing local, organic, and sustainable food products. Strong community focus with educational programs and local partnerships.

193 North Main Street

Water Street Bookstore

Shopping

Independent bookstore featuring carefully curated selections of literature, academic texts, and local interest books. A beloved gathering place for book lovers and the literary community.

26 South Main Street

Zimmerman's Hardware

Other

Traditional hardware store offering tools, supplies, and expert advice for home improvement projects. A local institution known for knowledgeable staff and hard-to-find items.

42 South Main Street

Living in Hanover

What you need to know about making Hanover your home.

Schools & Education

Hanover is served by SAU 70, known for its exceptional academic standards and strong community support, consistently ranking among New Hampshire's top school districts.

Cost of Living

Hanover's housing market reflects its desirability and proximity to Dartmouth College, with median home prices significantly above the New Hampshire average, typically ranging from $600,000 to over $1 million for single-family homes. Property taxes are relatively high but support excellent schools and town services, while the rental market is competitive due to student and faculty demand. The overall cost of living is elevated compared to other New Hampshire communities, but residents benefit from walkability, cultural amenities, and strong property values that make it a sound long-term investment.

Major Employers

Dartmouth CollegeDartmouth-Hitchcock Medical CenterHypertherm Inc.Hanover Co-op Food StoresDartmouth CoachTown of Hanover

Commute Times

135 min
Boston
15 min
White River Junction, VT
10 min
Lebanon, NH
75 min
Concord, NH
90 min
Burlington, VT

School Directory

Ray Elementary School

ElementaryGrades K-2

Bernice A. Ray School

ElementaryGrades 3-5

Frances C. Richmond Middle School

Middle SchoolGrades 6-8

Hanover High School

Marauders · Division II
High SchoolGrades 9-12

Dartmouth College

College/UniversityGrades Undergraduate & Graduate

Cardigan Mountain School

PrivateGrades 6-9

School District Hub

Hanover School District(SAU 70)

Hanover serves as the regional school district hub for 1 surrounding town:

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