Hanover, New Hampshire, is a quaint and historic town where the Ivy League meets the Appalachians.
Long regarded as a college town, this thriving city grew alongside Dartmouth College, which was established here in 1769, just eight years after the town was first constituted.
With a population of just over 12,000, Hanover has managed to maintain the charm of a small town while attracting students from across North America and beyond.
From exciting nightlife and a vibrant arts scene to outdoor activities in the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains, the town has much to offer.
It’s no surprise that Hanover has won numerous awards given its charming New England charm, friendly attitude, and abundance of attractions.
Recently, Yankee Magazine named the town the Best College Town in New Hampshire, and USA Today recognized it as one of the top 20 small college towns in the nation.
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Eleazar Wheelock, a Connecticut Congregational Minister who was passionate about education and believed that all young people should have access to education, created Dartmouth.
Among its distinguished alumni are Dr. Seuss, Robert Frost, and Nelson Rockefeller. The college is the eighth oldest in the United States.
Dartmouth has developed strong ties with its hometown for generations, and its stunning 269-acre campus on the banks of the Connecticut River is conveniently located in Hanover.
The Dartmouth Powwow, Homecoming, and the Winter Carnival are just a few of the occasions that bring town and gown together.
Campus to Community
Hanover and Dartmouth have traditionally had a cordial relationship, with many of chances for citizens and students to work together.
Because of its open campus, the public can access the college’s museums, libraries, and performances.
Hanover locals frequently support one of Dartmouth’s varsity sports teams, known as “the Big Green,” go to a performance at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, or peruse an exhibit at the Baker-Berry Library.
The Winter Carnival, a long-standing collegiate tradition that dates back to 1911, is one of the most important occasions on the calendar for both the college and the community.
This three-day student-run festival, which takes place in February, honors the snow with a variety of outdoor events like sled races, a polar bear swim, and an ice sculpting competition.
The yearly Homecoming celebration, which unites the town and school for parades, bonfires, and athletic events, encourages Dartmouth alums to return to Hanover in the fall.
The annual Dartmouth New Music Festival, a two-day festival of avant-garde music organized by the Hopkins Center for the Arts and the college’s Music Department, is another well-liked occasion.
The town gathers for a “Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade” throughout the summer to commemorate the establishment of the nation.
The festivities start downtown and end on Dartmouth Green, where locals and students socialize while taking in live performances, vintage games, touch-a-truck rides, cuisine, pony rides, and an apple pie eating competition.
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Not Only for Students
Although there are over 6,700 students at Dartmouth, Hanover isn’t simply for them. The town is an excellent place to live, work, and study by any standards.
Hanover is easily accessible, just a two-hour drive from Boston and around 10 miles from Lebanon Municipal Airport, the closest airport. Its reasonably priced and well-maintained bus services make getting around town a breeze.
With a violent crime rate 71% lower than the national average, Hanover is a fairly safe town.
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The town’s housing market is highly competitive due to its many attractions, safety, accessibility, and scenic surroundings. The median listing price of a home in January 2025 was $1.1 million, while the median selling price was $770,000.
With cold winters, mild summers, and a vibrant fall full of fall colors, Hanover boasts the quintessential New England climate. It’s the ideal playground for people of all ages, not just students.
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