10 Biggest Cities in New Hampshire: How Well Do You Know The Granite State?

New Hampshire boasts an estimated population of just over 1.3 million in 2014. While it doesn’t feature major cities the size of New York or Los Angeles, its biggest cities each offer unique dynamics and fascinating characteristics.

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Here are the 10 biggest cities and towns in New Hampshire, according to City-Data.com, and their attributes:  

10. Portsmouth

Portsmouth, New Hampshire contained an estimated 21, 440 residents in 2013 and is the nation's third oldest city. A historic city with a strong cultural past, it is also home to many Portsmouth Naval Shipyard workers who can easily commute across the Piscataqua River to Maine. 

9. Derry

Derry is the fourth largest community in New Hampshire, with just over 33,000 people. Settled initially by Scottish immigrants, it was the site for the first domesticated potatoes grown in North America. While primarily an agricultural community, Derry is now a thriving community whose primary employers include schools and medical centers.  

8. Keene

Keene features a 2013 population of 23,419 and a sustainable small town feel. It is the county seat of Cheshire County and gains college town status as the location of Keene State College. 

7. Merrimack

While defined as a town, Merrimack, New Hampshire consists of four villages: Reeds Ferry, Souhegan Village, Thorntons Ferry, and South Merrimack. All combine for a population count at 25,494. While they are all considered part of Merrimack, each has its own post office, school system, and retail stores.

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6. Salem

The town of Salem offers an enviable mix of urban and rural living. With business and recreation opportunities aplenty, it is a desirable community for its 28,776 residents.  

5. Rochester

Rochester is a city with diverse recreation opportunities from its opera house to a skate park. With a current population just under 30,000, it features an active downtown and accessible transportation options.

4. Dover

Dover is the oldest community as well as one of the biggest cities in New Hampshire. It offers a vibrant place to work, live, and play, whether the preference is to enjoy the seacoast sports or study history. It barely edged out Rochester in 2013 with a population of 30,510.

3. Concord

Concord is a busy place. It is the capital of New Hampshire and the county seat of Merrimack County. Golf courses, community theater, and hiking trails are just a few of the amenities offered to the city's population of 42,419.

2. Nashua

The second biggest city in New Hampshire is home to 87,137 residents and was once ranked 94 in Money Magazine's 2010 top 100 places to live. It offers a vibrant business community, excellent schools, and a high quality of life that make it a great place to live and visit.

1. Manchester

The population estimate in 2013 for Manchester, New Hampshire was 110,378, making it the largest city in New Hampshire. Manchester is a diverse city with many economic opportunities as well as great recreation through winter and summer outdoor opportunities, minor league sports, museums, or the arts.  

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