Concord is the county seat of Merrimack County and the capital city of the state of New Hampshire. At the 2020 U.S. Census, Concord had a population of 43,975, making it one of the largest cities in the state behind Manchester and Nashua. Real estate in Concord, New Hampshire, has been on a good streak, with more people moving into the city.
The History of Concord
Concord was initially settled many years ago by the Pennacook, a group of Abenaki Native Americans. The Concord area was first settled in 1659, making it one of the oldest urban centers in the country. In 1725, the Province of Massachusetts Bay allocated the Concord area as the Plantation of Pennacook. Between 1725 and 1727, the area was settled by army general Captain Ebenezer Eastman and a few others from the town of Haverhill, Massachusetts. In February 1734, Concord was incorporated as Rumford in honour of Governor Benning Wentworth.
This came after a deadly border dispute between Rumford and the neighbouring town of Bow. Concord’s name was meant to show the new harmony and peaceful existence between the two fighting towns. Concord grew in prominence throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, given its strategic location. Many buildings were constructed around this time, with many of the existing up to today — they are found on the northern end of Main Street.
A few years after the American Revolution, the city’s geographical location made it an ideal place to become the state’s capital city. The 1819 State House is found in Concord, and it is the oldest capitol in the United States. This is where the state’s legislative assembly meet to deliberate government affairs. In the 21st century, Concord continued to develop, becoming a financial hub in the New Hampshire region and beyond.
Concord Geographic Location
The United States Census Bureau indicates that Concord seats a total area of 67.2 square miles. Of this area, 64.1 square miles are land, and 3.3 square miles is water. Water makes up 4.85% of Concord’s area. The city is drained by River Merrimack, flowing from the north. Pennacook Lake is the largest lake in Concord and is also its primary source of water. The lake is found in the western part of the city. Oak Hill is the high point in Concord at 860 feet above sea level.
The hill is also a popular site for photography, given the spectacular view of Concord from this point. The city’s downtown is situated on a low terrace on the eastern side of the Merrimack River. It has residential neighborhoods that extend southwards towards the neighbouring town of Bow. It is one of the areas with expensive real estate for sale in Concord, New Hampshire.
Demographics & Industry in Concord
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Concord had a population of 43,975. The city’s population density was 265.6 people per square kilometer. In the 2010 United States Census, Concord had a population of 40,679 and 10,064 families. There were also 18,855 housing units at an average density of 113.0 housing units per square kilometer. The city’s racial makeup in the 2020 census was 84.4% White, 5.0% African American or Black, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 1.1% Native American, and 1.9% from other races. 5.0% of the population were people of Latino or Hispanic origin.
In the 2010 census, Concord had 17,595 households, out of which 28.6% had children aged under 18 years living there. 41.4% were married couples living together, and 11.7% had female householders with no husbands present. 42.8% of the households were non-families, with 33.6% made up of individuals. Individuals aged above 65 years were in 12.1% of the households in Concord. The average household size in the city was 2.25, with the family size being 2.95.
Concord has a steady economy thanks to the thriving local industries. The city has some of the best manufacturing companies, given its close proximity to raw materials. It also has several companies that employ thousands of individuals. In 2020, Concord Hospital was the highest private employer with around 3000 employees. Many employment opportunities make it ideal to invest in real in Concord, New Hampshire.
Arts & Entertainment in Concord
Concord has a lot to offer when it comes to arts and entertainment. It has several entertainment facilities that guarantee a good time in the city. On Main Street, you will find numerous outlets like art galleries, independent booksellers, a performing arts center, and one independent movie theater. One of the most popular art galleries in the city is the League of NH Craftsmen, a top organization that focuses on New Hampshire artists. The works done in this facility are sold and promoted by the League organization.
Most of the artwork comes from local artists, with some imported from neighbouring states. Therefore, if you are a fan of art galleries and exhibitions, Concord has a lot to offer. Besides, if you like performance arts, the Red River Theatres in the city’s downtown is the place to be. This facility hosts various live performances in music, dance, and art exhibitions. The presence of high-class facilities and numerous entertainment options makes it profitable to buy real estate for sale in Concord, New Hampshire.
Things To Do in Concord
Concord is one of the largest cities in New Hampshire, and there is a lot you can see and do in the city. One of the best places to be in the Red River Theatre found within the city. This is no extra cinema because it is one of the top attractions in the city. The theatre was opened in 2007 after the local community came together and raised funds for the project. It took seven years to complete the project, making it one of the most complex structures in Concord. This state-of-the-art facility has three screens and costs around $1.8 million to build.
Another great place to be in the New Hampshire State House, one of the oldest buildings in the United States. It is the state capitol building for the New Hampshire state government. It is home to the Governor, Executive Council, and General Courts. Having been in existence since 1819, this building is the oldest state house still in use — the legislature occupies its original chambers. The structure is also home to the largest legislative body in the United States. It has grounds covering 11,000 square meters. The fact that it has no gate is very exciting, with locals calling it “the people’s house.”
You should also visit the Concord Antique Gallery. It is the largest antique shop in the city, with over 150 different dealers selling their merchandise. It covers 10,000 square feet and is known for some of the best and most affordable pieces in New Hampshire. If you are interested in getting rear antiques, this is the place to be. You will also be treated to some of the best foods in the city due to the presence of restaurants nearby.
For those looking to have great outdoor adventures, the Oak Hill Trail is an ideal spot. You can stretch your legs and keep yourself fit on this trail. Oak Hill is the most popular hiking trail in Concord. The trail is 3.9 miles long and has an elevation of about 700 feet. In winter, the Oak Hill Trail is an ideal place for snowshoeing. There is a stand you can rent snowshoes during winter. The city has a lot to offer, whether it is having fun outdoors or exploring exhibitions at art galleries. This increases the demand for real estate for sale in Concord, New Hampshire.
Schools in Concord
The Concord School District manages all public schools within the city. However, the schools within the Pennacook area of Concord are managed by the Merrimack Valley School District. Concord High School is the only high school within the Concord School District and has about 2,500 students.
Rundlett Middle School is the only middle school in the Concord School District and has around 1,500 students. Elementary schools in the Concord School District underwent a major re-configuration in 2012, with three new schools opening up and replacing older ones. Elementary schools in Concord serve up to 1,750 pupils.
Some of the schools in the Merrimack Valley School District include Merrimack Middle School and Merrimack Valley High School, which are adjacent to each other. The two schools are also close to the Pennacook Elementary School and Rolfe Park, just south of the village. Concord has several institutions of higher learning operating within the city. Even though most of them are branches of other universities and colleges based elsewhere, they will provide a great learning experience.
Conclusion
Concord is a great place to settle in New Hampshire. Investing in real estate in Concord, New Hampshire, has the potential to be profitable, given the rapidly growing population. The thriving economy is also a catalyst for the city’s development. Concord has a lot to offer, be it exciting local amenities or historical landmarks to explore. The city’s rich history and captivating culture make it a good place to live and invest. Those with school-going children will also have great schools to choose from.
