Register to Search All MLS Listings
Quick Searches
Peterborough NH Adult Living
Peterborough NH Affordable Housing
Peterborough NH Antique Homes
Peterborough NH Colonial Homes
Peterborough NH Contemporary Homes
Peterborough NH Farm Properties
Peterborough NH Foreclosures & Short Sales
Peterborough NH Horse Properties
Peterborough NH New Construction
Peterborough NH Single Level Living
Peterborough NH Townhouse Condos
Peterborough NH Water View Properties
Peterborough NH Water Front Properties
Community Information By State
Arizona
Colorado
Connecticut
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
New York
Rhode Island
Vermont
Our Peterborough, NH real estate website provides a wealth of information for home buyers and home sellers. Below, you will find information on the history and culture of the community as well as links to more detailed information such as demographics and schools. You may view a virtual tour, search homes for sale, access information on different types of properties such as condos, farms, foreclosures, and vacation homes. We also offer valuable reference materials for home buyers and home sellers. This website will give you everything you need to buy or sell a home in Peterborough, NH.
Peterborough NH Community Profile & History
Peterborough, New Hampshire is an idyllic rural community at the heart of southwestern New Hampshire's Monadnock region. Originally a mill town, Peterborough has always been a major site for New Hampshire business and industry. The first settlers of Peterborough were farmers who came in 1739. For over 50 years, the center of town was located along what is now called Old Street Road. Around 1800 the center of activity in Peterborough shifted from Old Street Road to the current center of town at the confluence of the Contoocook and Nubanusit Rivers.
At that time agriculture was in economic decline and textile mills were rapidly taking its place. Among the first mills in town was Samuel Mitchell’s grist mill on the Nubanusit River at the intersection of today’s Main and Elm Streets. The Bell Factory, the second cotton mill in New England, was built on River Street in 1810. In 1813, the Phoenix Factory was built on the present-day site of the Guernsey Professional Building, along with a mill for carding work in South Peterborough at Noone’s Falls. The construction of these factories and others in such a short time and their demand for workers had a profound effect on the town; many homes were built as a result. While most of these mills have disappeared over the years, Peterborough is proud of its industrial heritage.
Despite their mistrust of the Old World form of government, many settlers fought in the King’s army during the French and Indian Wars, losing more citizens per capita than in any subsequent conflict. When the Revolution came, settlers also served from the early battle at Bunker Hill. Peterborough’s Old Street Road Cemetery is the final resting place of most Revolutionary War veterans, including William Diamond, the drummer boy of Lexington, who chose to move to Peterborough in 1795 and establish his family there among the hills.
In the 1850’s, churches were opened to abolitionist speakers such as Frederick Douglass, and many homes formed a link to the Underground Railroad. The statue in front of the old GAR Hall on Grove Street was erected to commemorate those who fought in the Civil War.
The Arts found fertile ground in the beauty of the region. With the establishment of the MacDowell Colony by Edward and Marian MaDowell, Peterborough came to have connections directly to Boston, New York, and the world. The MacDowell Colony is now America’s largest artist colony; its centennial celebrated in 2007. The Peterborough Players' Theatre was established in 1933. In 1937, Thornton Wilder wrote ""Our Town"" during his stay at the MacDowell Colony. This play was first shown at the Players' Theatre, and Peterborough is blessed to have James Whitmore perform in the play each year.
Modern-day Peterborough features a historical society and a bustling downtown with a wide array of art museums and shops. The town is proud of its schools, parks and town-owned lands. Peterborough also has countless beautiful views, lakes, hills and valleys that can be enjoyed at one of their State Parks.
Peterborough is home to several prominent businesses, including New Hampshire Ball Bearing, Peterborough Basket Factory, the Monadnock Community Hospital, Eastern Mountain Sports, RiverMead Retirement Community, Millard Group, SDE, Harborside, and many others. But the most important asset of Peterborough, above all of this, is the people who live there. They are the true gems. And they are what Peterborough is all about!
Peterborough New Hampshire Community Information
Peterborough NH Community Demographics and Local Resources
Peterborough NH Request a Market Analysis on My Home
Peterborough NH Schools
Peterborough NH Area Newspaper
Peterborough NH Real Estate Information
Peterborough NH Condominiums
Peterborough NH Farms
Peterborough NH Foreclosures and Short Sales
Peterborough NH Land for Sale
Peterborough NH Real Estate and Homes for Sale
Peterborough NH Retirement and Adult Living Communities
Peterborough NH Vacation Homes
Home Buyer Resources
Adjustable Rate Mortgages
Buyer Agency
Home Buyer's Guide
Home Inspection
Home Mortgage Insurance
How to Buy Your First Home
HUD Homes
Low Down Payments
Home Seller Resources
Fixing Up Your Home
For Sale By Owner
Home Seller's Guide
Maximizing the Sale
What to Ask Your REALTOR