Gorham, NH

Set at the northern base of the Presidential Range, Gorham is a classic New Hampshire mountain town of about 2,700 residents. It originally grew around a major 19th-century rail line connecting Montreal to the coast, quickly becoming the primary jumping-off point for visitors exploring Mount Washington and Pinkham Notch. That history is still present in the town layout and local railroad museum, and the area continues to draw travelers, hikers, and skiers throughout the year.

ATTRJon Platek / CC BY-SA 3.0

For newcomers, Gorham offers a friendly, down-to-earth place to live with immediate access to the outdoors. Moose Brook State Park sits just west of town for quick weekend swims, camping, and trail runs, while the surrounding rivers and national forest land offer great fishing and snowmobiling. Main Street features everyday essentials, local diners, and a steady community rhythm that feels distinct from the busier tourist hubs further south in the White Mountains.