Franklin, NH

Tucked into central New Hampshire where the Pemigewasset and Winnipesaukee rivers meet, Franklin is an easygoing community of around 9,000 people. Water is at the heart of the city's appeal. Webster Lake provides sandy beaches and quiet boating through the warmer months, while the Franklin Falls area offers miles of wooded trails for hiking and mountain biking. You get the peace of a smaller town alongside quick access to Interstate 93, putting Concord and the Tilton outlets within easy reach.

ATTRUser:Magicpiano / CC BY-SA 4.0

The city grew around its riverside mills, and that industrial heritage is turning into one of its biggest assets. Today, the riverfront is buzzing with new energy thanks to Mill City Park, New England's first whitewater park. Residential streets feature a mix of charming older homes, quiet suburban lots, and waterfront properties. With relatively affordable housing and endless outdoor recreation right outside your door, Franklin is an inviting option for anyone looking to settle in central New Hampshire.