Experience the Difference
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People from all over New England can recognize a part of where they grew up in the city of distinct neighborhoods, whether they came from a farming or industrial town, a seaport, or a suburb.
The signs at the border of the city announce that Haverhill is New England’s Hometown. Several years ago, the city was coined with this name because it captures the city’s diversity. People from all over New England can recognize a part of where they grew up in the city of distinct neighborhoods, whether they came from a farming or industrial town, a seaport, or a suburb.
From its oldest neighborhoods to its newest residential developments, Haverhill has pieces from all these scenes, from Rock’s Village with its maritime appeal and the farmscapes that ring the city, to the triple-deckers, the three story buildings that housed the working classes and which still stand near the center of the city. The diversity of the neighborhoods lends a small-town appeal to this city of over 60,000. At the Post Office or grocery store, people know each other by name and still have time to say hello.
Haverhill’s architecture lends itself to maintaining a small town illusion. No skyscrapers prick the sky. The tallest building in Haverhill is perhaps twelve stories tall, so it’s easy to forget that you’re in the commercial center.
The Merrimack River, which flows through the city is a wonderful recreational area. The river now accommodates many marinas along the river’s banks. Haverhill’s enviable location draws residents regularly. It’s an easy commute to almost anywhere in eastern Massachusetts and the housing stock – everything from apartments and condominiums to split-level ranches and farmhouses – is attractively affordable for young professionals and young families.
Boxford, MA
At the southernmost point of the Greater Haverhill area lays the small town of Boxford, where the colonial era is preserved and the new homes link the present with the past. A favorite event is the annual Apple Festival where the town’s agricultural roots are sustained. Horse lovers will find an abundance of stables and riding schools throughout the region. Two public libraries reside in Boxford – a luxury denied many larger towns and cities. This small town also boasts a state forest that carries its name.
Groveland, MA
This small Massachusetts town has the Merrimack River serving as its northwestern boundary. Similar to most of its neighbors, Groveland’s form of government is the town meetings. The registered voters of the town assemble annually and under a moderator’s direction utilize a hands-on type of approach with decisions concerning how tax dollars will be spent. Any ballot question can be spoken for or against, and voice votes are normally sufficient. A vote count can be requested.
Georgetown, MA
Predating all the towns in the Greater Haverhill area, Georgetown is home to a number of antique shops. Despite the growth of Massachusetts in the last decade, Georgetown has retained its individual character and its thriving downtown. A conservation fund was created in the early 1970s because of the high value residents place on open space. Lufkin’s Brook Conservation land is one beneficiary of that initiative; the 200-acre parcel encompasses forest and wetlands and is interlaced with marked trails. Georgetown also offers Georgetown Rowley State Park, which is popular for outdoor recreational use.
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Haverhill, MA
Beginning as a colonial era settlement, seaport and trading center, Haverhill has evolved into a booming metropolis. Haverhill boasts a community rich and diverse and has a population over 60,000. This city is unique in its location, accessibility and history. Within the last century, Haverhill earned an international reputation as the Queen Slipper City because such an abundance of quality shoes were produced here. Haverhill is home to a variety of shops as well as an established restaurant district.
Merrimac, MA
This town takes its name from the river that surrounds its southern boundary, but it’s unclear why they do not share the same spelling. Merrimac occupies nine square miles, most of which is residential with a typical small town of New England flair. The late nineteenth century is the historic era that left its mark on the charming red brick buildings that preserve the late 1800s and house a number of contemporary business services, retail and restaurants.
West Newbury, MA
West Newbury is located within the intersection of Routes 95 and 495 and also lays claim to a lovely section of the Merrimack River. Despite its easy access to major travel routes, West Newbury has held on to the New England charm shared by its neighbors and a few of its working farms as well. The town’s Christmas tree farm attracts buyers from all over eastern Massachusetts in the late fall, who come to pick out the perfect tree for the holiday season. Residents take advantage of the Mill Pond Area for hiking and cross-country skiing.
Atkinson, NH
This community of approximately 5000, perched as it literally is above southeastern New Hampshire and northeastern Massachusetts, overlooks the Greater Haverhill area. Founded in 1767, Atkinson’s
classic New England charm is demonstrated in historic Atkinson Academy, which was built in the late 17th century and today houses the elementary school.
Danville, NH
History is the legacy left by the early residents of this beautiful town; vestiges of the past reach out to the present in the shape of its Old Meeting House and its schoolhouse. The serenity of Danville is what attracts people to this historic town. Centrally located on Route 111 with easy access to I-93, Danville is a popular choice among newcomers.
East Kingston, NH
East Kingston can be best described as a classic New England town with rolling hills and rural colonial charm. With fewer than 1500 residents, people in this New Hampshire town greet each other by name at the general store, in the post office, and at the library. Farming and agriculture still play an important role in East Kingston.
Hampstead, NH
The National Register of Historical Places is filled with locations all over New England. One of them is in this town, which was founded in the mid-1700s. In the colonial era, meetinghouses were central to social and religious life. Hampstead has its Olde Meetinghouses, one of only six meetinghouses, that remains much the same as when it was built in 1745. No major renovations have been made, and the building is still in regular use. The historic building includes a bell that was cast by Paul Revere Jr. Also noteworthy in Hampstead is the 250-acre Conservation area with over five miles of trails and a seasonal waterfall.
Newton, NH
If recreation seems to play a major role in the make-up of many Greater Haverhill communities, it is because open space still exists in these towns and earlier generations were wise enough to secure it. One of Newton’s attractions is the Peanut Trail, a spur of the railroad that runs through the town. The track has been taken up and now the Conservation Commission maintains it as a nature trail. The track runs from Whittier Street to the town’s most southern edge where it borders Merrimac Massachusetts.
Kingston, NH
A third of Kingston’s 20 or so square miles of land is under water. That’s not bad news however; this town lends its name to a state park as well as the lake in the park, which residents with permits may use free of charge Monday through Saturday. The rest of the water is found in town lakes and ponds. This peaceful town solves at least one budgetary constraint with the time honored tradition of volunteerism. Kingston staffs its fire department with volunteers who are on call. Many area towns use them to supplement a full-time staff.
Plaistow, NH
Some may know Plaistow as a town whose population seasonally swell when the summer people come; like many New Hampshire towns, its woods, ponds and lakes attract vacationers. But the town, which shares a border with Haverhill, is home of over 7000 civic-minded year-rounded residents who were pleased when President George Bush recognized its Timberlane Regional Junior High for excellence, and who hold an annual Old Home Days celebration.
Sandown, NH
In the northwestern most corner of the Greater Haverhill area is Sandown. For many people, New Hampshire means recreation, with its lakes, ponds, rivers and mountains. This town meets those expectations, with its Seely Park. The waterfront park, with sandy and grassy areas, was a gift to the town. Also worth taking a look at is the Old Sandown Railroad Museum; the building is an old railroad depot, sold to the town’s historical society for a dollar. It houses railroad memorabilia, telegraph equipment and pieces of the town’s past including Civil War letters.
