Merrimack County · Merrimack Valley

Warner

Home of the New Hampshire Telephone Museum and Mount Kearsarge Summit

Part of the Concord area

About Warner

Warner sits in the heart of Merrimack County, a working town of nearly 3,000 residents that has maintained its rural character while adapting to modern needs. The community centers around practical institutions like the Town of Warner municipal services and the Kearsarge Regional School District, which serves families throughout the area. Warner Area Congregational Church anchors the town's civic life alongside other local organizations that keep residents connected. The town operates with the straightforward efficiency typical of New Hampshire communities, where town meetings still matter and neighbors know each other's names. Warner's location provides access to larger employment centers while preserving the space and pace that draws people to central New Hampshire. Residents appreciate the balance between small-town governance and reasonable access to services and opportunities in the broader Merrimack Valley region.

Why Warner?

Part of well-regarded Kearsarge Regional School District serving multiple communities
Central Merrimack County location with reasonable commutes to employment centers
Active town government with traditional New Hampshire civic engagement
Rural setting with nearly 3,000 residents providing community without crowding
Access to Merrimack Valley region amenities while maintaining small-town character

Quick Facts

Population

2,937

County

Merrimack

Region

Merrimack Valley

School District

SAU 65

Weather in Warner

39°F

Clear

Today

52 / 31

Sat

55 / 30

Sun

59 / 36

Map

Living in Warner

What you need to know about making Warner your home.

Major Employers

Town of WarnerKearsarge Regional School DistrictWarner Area Congregational Church

Schools & Education

Warner is part of the Kearsarge Regional School District (SAU 65).

Cost of Living

Housing costs reflect Warner's desirable location in central Merrimack County, with property values (est.) generally in line with similar rural New Hampshire communities. Property taxes (est.) are typical for the region, supporting local services and the school district.

Real Estate

$385,000 (est.) median home price

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

No state income or sales tax in NH

View listings in Warner

Commute Times

50 min

Keene

1 hr 45 min

Boston

25 min

Concord

45 min

Manchester

School District

Regional district

Kearsarge Regional School District(SAU 65)

Grades served: PreK-12

Website

Students attend high school in New London.

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

District towns

New London Newbury Sutton Bradford Wilmot Springfield

Warner local school (Kearsarge Regional School District)

PreK-12Elementary

Regional high school (in New London) via Kearsarge Regional School DistrictCougars

PreK-12High School

Parks & Public Spaces

Live Free & GuideRecreation Area

Hidden Gems in Warner

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

Waterloo Covered Bridge

year-round

Built in 1859, this single-lane covered bridge carries Newmarket Road over the Warner River near historic Waterloo Village. The weathered gray wooden structure with its red corrugated roof spans 84 feet and offers a peaceful spot where you can hear the gentle rush of Warner Falls just below. Stone foundations from old mills are still visible from the bridge, remnants of the once-thriving industrial village that has since faded into rural tranquility.

Dalton Covered Bridge

fall

Named after the "Widow Dalton" who lived nearby, this 1853 bridge is one of New Hampshire's oldest still in use. The unpainted wood bridge with red roof spans Joppa Road over the Warner River, featuring an exposed queenpost truss system that locals appreciate. A pine needle path downstream on the south side provides scenic views from below the bridge, especially spectacular when surrounded by bright fall foliage.

Stewart Peak

year-round

This 1,850-foot peak in the Mink Hills offers a 1.4-mile out-and-back hike that locals prefer over the crowded Mount Kearsarge trails. The summit features a large cairn with a wooden post marking the site of a former fire tower. On clear days, you can see Pat's Peak Ski Area, the Uncanoonuc Mountains, and Fort Mountain through the trees, making it a peaceful alternative for those seeking solitude and views without the tourist crowds.

Lavender Fields at Pumpkin Blossom Farm

summer

This family-owned lavender farm on nearly 14 scenic acres offers U-pick lavender in July and a rustic barn store filled with handcrafted lavender products. The property sits in an 1790 building that once served as a Civil War boarding house and art center. You can walk through the purple fields with the sweet aroma filling the air, enjoy lavender lemonade, and meet the farm's furry and feathered friends in what locals describe as a "little piece of heaven."

MainStreet BookEnds Gallery

year-round

More than just a bookstore, this family-owned gem in a historic Main Street building features floor lamps, comfortable seating, and a fireplace that invites browsing. The attached barn gallery showcases over 30 local artists and craftspeople, making it a cultural hub where locals gather for events and quiet contemplation. The shop serves what regulars claim is "the BEST coffee in town," roasted in New Hampshire, and the back area connects to Jim Mitchell Community Park for outdoor reading.