Marlow is the prototype of a Yankee rural village — a largely undisturbed agricultural community on the northern edge of Cheshire County where the white church steeple, Odd Fellows Hall, Town Hall, and lily pond compose one of the region's most photographed scenes. Huntley Mountain rises nearly 2,000 feet in the northeast corner, and Honey Brook State Forest provides miles of backcountry for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Glacial marks score the landscape, and mineral hunters still prospect in these hills. Artisan studios dot the back roads, making Marlow a quiet destination for art lovers who appreciate the detour. With fewer than 800 residents, everyone pitches in at town meeting, and the rhythm of life follows the seasons more than the clock.

Why Marlow?

One of New Hampshire's most photographed village centers
Honey Brook State Forest for hiking and snowmobiling
Thriving artisan community and studios
Genuine rural New England living under 800 residents
Close to Keene for shopping and services

Quick Facts

Population

776

County

Cheshire

Region

Monadnock Region

School District

SAU 29

Weather in Marlow

72°F

Partly Cloudy

Today

84 / 56

Thu

83 / 64

Fri

87 / 65

Map

Living in Marlow

What you need to know about making Marlow your home.

Major Employers

John D. Perkins Sr. AcademyTown of MarlowLocal artisan studios

Schools & Education

Young students attend the small John D. Perkins Sr. Academy in town, which emphasizes sustainability, then move to Keene's middle and high schools for grades 7-12.

Cost of Living

Home prices are below the state median, but the relatively high property tax rate reflects the cost of maintaining services in a very small town.

Real Estate

$350,000 median home price

$31.00 per $1,000 property tax rate

No state income or sales tax in NH

View listings in Marlow

Commute Times

20 min

Keene

65 min

Nashua

65 min

Concord

40 min

Brattleboro VT

School District

Regional district

Keene School District(SAU 29)

Grades served: PreK-12

Website

Students attend high school in Keene.

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

District towns

Keene Chesterfield Westmoreland Marlborough Harrisville Nelson

John D. Perkins Sr. Academy

K-6Elementary

Keene Middle School

7-8Middle School

Keene High SchoolBlackbirds

9-12High School

Hidden Gems in Marlow

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

Bald Mountain Preserve

spring

A 2.8-mile network of hiking trails on 2,037 feet of elevation that locals know better than the crowded state parks. The wildflower displays in spring are spectacular, with painted trilliums, purple trilliums, and blue bead lilies carpeting the forest floor. Rocky ledges offer views, though the summit is wooded, and there's a small rock climbing area that draws enthusiasts.

Sand Pond

summer

One of New Hampshire's cleanest lakes, this secluded 100-foot-deep pond has been a local swimming and fishing favorite for generations. Crystal clear water perfect for kayaking and swimming, with loons returning every year. The pond has a rich history dating back to the 1800s with old cottage foundations still visible along the shores.

Early Settlers Cemetery

year-round

A haunting reminder of Marlow's first residents, this small cemetery holds unmarked graves from the 1700s. The town erected a memorial stone in 1887 that reads 'Within this enclosure in unknown graves rest many of the first settlers OF MARLOW.' It's a quiet place for reflection that most visitors never discover, tucked away from the main village.