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The Ivy League meets the Applachians in the charming and historic town of Hanover, New Hampshire. This vibrant community has long been known as a college town, growing alongside Dartmouth College which was founded here in 1769—just eight years after the town was officially chartered. Home to just over 12,000 residents, Hanover has retained its small town feel while welcoming students from all over North America and beyond.

The town has lots to offer, from outdoor recreation in the stunning Appalachian Mountains to lively nightlife and a dynamic arts scene. With its quaint New England charm, welcoming atmosphere, and plentiful attractions, it’s no wonder Hanover is an award-winner. The town was recently nominated by USA Today as one of the 20 best small college towns in the country and named Best College Town in New Hampshire by Yankee Magazine.

A Brief History of Darmouth

Dartmouth was founded by Eleazar Wheelock, a Congregational Minister from Connecticut with a passion for education and a belief that all young people should be given the opportunity to learn. The college is the ninth oldest university in the United States and counts Nelson Rockefeller, Robert Frost, and Dr Seuss among its esteemed alumni.

The college’s beautiful 269-acre campus on the banks of the Connecticut River is centrally located in Hanover and Dartmouth has fostered deep links with its home community over the centuries. Many events bring town and gown together, including the Winter Carnival, Homecoming, and the Dartmouth Powwow.

From Campus to Community

Dartmouth has always enjoyed a warm relationship with Hanover, with many opportunities for collaboration between students and residents. The college has an open campus, making its museums, libraries, and performances available to the public. It’s not unusual to find Hanover residents cheering on one of Dartmouth’s varsity athletic teams, nicknamed ‘the Big Green’, attending a show at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, or browsing an exhibit at the Baker-Berry Library.

One of the biggest events on the college and community calendar is the Winter Carnival, a longstanding college tradition which first began in 1911. Taking place in February, this three-day, student-run festival celebrates the snow with a range of outdoor activities including an ice sculpture contest, a polar bear swim, and sled races.

In the fall, Dartmouth alumni are encouraged to return to Hanover for the annual Homecoming event which brings the town and the campus together for parades, bonfires, and sporting events. Another popular event is the annual Dartmouth New Music Festival, a two-day celebration of cutting-edge music hosted by the college’s Music Department and the Hopkins Center for the Arts.

In summer, the community comes together to celebrate the country’s founding with an ‘Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade’. The celebration begins downtown and finishes on Dartmouth Green where students and residents mingle and enjoy live entertainment, classic games, touch-a-truck, food, pony rides, and an apple pie eating contest.

Things to do in Hanover

Outdoor Recreation

Located in the lush Upper Valley, Hanover is a hit with nature-lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Beautiful in any season, the town is part of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and offers easy access to over 50 miles of hiking trails created and maintained by the Dartmouth Outing Club.

The Upper Valley Trail Alliance oversees a large network of trails around the area, suitable for both hikers and bikers, so visitors can explore the peaks of the nearby White Mountains and other scenic spots. You can also get out on the water, taking a canoe, kayak, paddleboard or boat trip to enjoy the calm waters of the Connecticut River.

In the winter, Hanover is a skier's paradise with beginner-friendly hills at area resorts such as the Dartmouth Skiway or Whaleback Mountain. If downhill skiing isn't your vibe, hit the snowy trails of Hanover for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at spots like Balch Hill Natural Area and Mink Brook Nature Preserve. You’ll also find beautiful cross-country trails at Oak Hill Outdoor Center.

Arts and Entertainment

There’s no shortage of cultural events and entertainment in Hanover, thanks to the busy schedule at the Hopkins Center for the Arts—Dartmouth’s hub of performing arts and film. Known locally as ‘the Hop,’ the center has regular theatre performances, music concerts, and film screenings.

You can also catch a movie at Nugget Theaters in downtown Hanover. This historic venue was founded by Dartmouth students in 1916. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1944 but moved to new premises in 1951 and has kept its vintage look and feel while offering modern films on its four screens.

Located on the Dartmouth campus but open to the public and free to enter is the Hood Museum of Art. It home to one of the oldest and largest university art collections in the country. The collection, which comprises 65,000 pieces, covers a range of historical periods and cultures.

Nightlife

Hanover may be a small town, but there’s plenty of life downtown after sunset. Murphy’s on the Green is a local favorite with residents and students alike, offering upscale dining amid a lively gastro pub scene.

If you’re looking for live entertainment, tasty food, and a busy bar, head for the Sawtooth Kitchen Bar and Stage which hosts regular comedy nights, karaoke, and local musicians while serving up delicious meals and craft beers.

Catch a game and grab some bar snacks at Dunk’s Sports Bar and Grill, a well known hangout on the Hanover bar scene with handcrafted cocktails and a rotating beer menu.

Not Just For Students

Dartmouth may be home to around 6,700 students, but Hanover isn’t just for these residents. By any metric, the town is a great place to study, live, and work.

Easily accessible, Hanover is approximately 10 miles from the nearest airport, Lebanon Municipal Airport, and a two-hour drive from Boston. It’s also very easy to get around town thanks to its well-maintained and affordable bus routes. Hanover is a very safe town, with a violent crime rate 71% less than the national average.

Given its safety, accessibility, many attractions, and picturesque setting, the town’s housing market is quite competitive. In January 2025, the median home sold price was $770,000 and the median listing price was $1.1 million.

Hanover has the classic New England climate with snowy winters, warm summers, and a very colorful fall bursting with autumnal hues. It’s the perfect playground not just for students but those at any stage of life.

Shared History, Future Adventures

With over two centuries of shared history, it’s almost impossible to separate Dartmouth College from its home town of Hanover. The two are a thriving example of how an academic institution can contribute to its local community for the benefit of both.

Catch a cutting-edge arts exhibition, take a polar swim, hike the New England scenery, or enjoy a lively night downtown. There are so many adventures to discover in Hanover. Whether you’re a student exploring your options for the next phase of life, thinking about becoming a resident, or just looking for a small town getaway, this vibrant village is well worth the trip.