Canaan, New Hampshire
Located a few miles west of New Hampshire’s central Lakes Region lies Canaan, NH, a small town of less than 3700 residents. Canaan sits about 15 miles east of Vermont in Mascoma Valley surrounded by rolling foothills and, in the distance, the majestic peaks of the White Mountains. Scenic and refreshing at every turn, Canaan, NH, is one of the state’s most beautiful communities.
Canaan was first chartered in 1761 by Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth twenty years after New Hampshire became its own state. Many of the first grantees failed to become permanent settlers, so the land was re-granted eight years later in 1769. The town is thought to have taken its name from settlers who had come from Canaan, Connecticut, but may have simply been named after the biblical city of the same name. The town would be officially incorporated in 1770 by then-Governor John Wentworth.
The Mascoma Valley, in which Canaan resides, is a fertile one and farms soon appeared all over Canaan. By 1847 the railroad had made it to Canaan, bringing with it trade and even tourism – word of the stunning New Hampshire countryside spread quickly. Though its history was tumultuous at times, Canaan showed its true colors when it became a stop on the Underground Railroad in the mid 1860’s.
Today Canaan is a quiet, out-of-the-way bedroom community that still retains its stunning views and natural beauty. Canaan has little commercial or industrial business in town, preferring instead to stay residential in nature. The nearest large town would be Lebanon, NH, only about 12 miles away near the Vermont border. Canaan itself offers plenty to do, particularly if you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. Hiking, boating and fishing are probably the most popular pastimes in the area. Lake Winnipesaukee resides about 40 miles east, while the White Mountains, easily seen from Canaan, can be reached inside a half hour.
Canaan, NH, is a part of SAU #62 and a member of the Mascoma Valley Regional School District, which includes the nearby towns of Enfield, Dorchester, Grafton and Orange. Canaan students from kindergarten age through the fourth grade are educated at the Canaan Elementary School, from the fifth grade through the eighth grade at the Indian River School, while the remaining students attend the Mascoma Valley Regional High School. All three schools are located in Canaan.
There’s no doubt that Canaan is a great town in which to live. Homes available here move quickly, so it’s important to have someone on your side that understands the real estate market in New Hampshire. That person is Jim Miller of Bean Group. Call Jim right now at (603) 801-3987. Jim is experienced, knowledgeable and wants to help you into the perfect home in the perfect community. Call today to see just how easy it can be to become a part of the growing New Hampshire family.
Canaan Elementary School (k-4)
(603) 523-4312
Indian River School (5-8)
(603) 632-4357
Mascoma Valley Regional High School (9-12)
(603) 632-4308
