Grafton County NH Economic Development Council - Quality of Life...
Grafton County Economic Development Council
Fall Foliage

In the News...

July 17, 2008

2008 Nominations Sought!

The GCEDC is pleased to accept nominations for the second annual 'Grafton County Business of the Year' award.

This is the second year that the GCEDC will offer a business such recognition. Last year’s award went to Canaan Hardware. That company was nominated by local residents impressed by the management’s ability to weather new and strong competition as well as their concern for local aesthetics when they moved to a highly visible location adjacent to Canaan’s village common.

Nominated businesses for this year’s award should be able to show high standards of excellence in three areas: care for their community, commitment to their employees, and a history of corporate success. There are no restrictions on the size of the business, its payroll, or geographic location within Grafton County. Businesses are encouraged to self-nominate and all nominations are due by August 22, 2008

Nomination criteria and forms can be found here or by contacting the GCEDC toll free at 1-888-535-0002. The award will be presented to the successful business during the GCEDC’s Annual Meeting in September.

Quality of Life...

For statistics relating to the Cost of Living in New Hampshire as well as other labor market statistics check out the U.S. Department of Labor’s website www.bls.gov For the overall style of living in New Hampshire be sure to check out the New Hampshire Living website at www.nhliving.com

Interstate 93 connect much of eastern Grafton County

Quick, No Hassle Commutes

Tired of spending too much time in your daily commute? Come to Grafton County and enjoy east access to the workplace. County workers have a mere 19.5 minute mean travel time to work. As a comparison, here are the commute times elsewhere:

► New Hampshire (State): 25.0 minutes 
► Massachusetts (State): 27.0 minutes 
► Boston-Cambridge-Quincy Metropolitan area: 28.6 minutes 
► Boston-Worchester-Manchester MA-CT-NH-ME 28.1 minutes 
(source: US Census Bureau, 2005)

Lower Housing Costs

Lower Housing Costs

Grafton County boasts lower median housing values than other areas of New England.  The median value of a Grafton County home is $196,900. As a comparison, here are the median home values elsewhere:

► New Hampshire (State): $240,100 
► Massachusetts (State): $361,500 
► Boston-Cambridge-Quincy Metropolitan area: $394,800 
► Boston-Worchester-Manchester MA-CT-NH-ME: $371,800 
(source: US Census Bureau, 2005)

Skiing in Beautiful Grafton County!

Amazing Outdoor Activities

Your employees and their families will love living in Grafton County!
►  Experience Grafton County’s National Forest: Most of the White Mountains National Forest lies within Grafton County. If you lived here you’d have immediate access to amazing scenic drives, spectacular vistas, and top-notch hiking trails.   
► Enjoy Grafton County’s State Parks: New Hampshire has conserved some of the most beautiful lands in the northeast. These fully accessible properties are found in State Parks, beaches, and campgrounds. You and your family will have hundreds of opportunities to hike, boat, swim, bike, hunt, and fish. All in your backyard! Franconia Notch State Park, Bedell Bridge State Park,  Wellington State Park , Cardigan State Park.  For more information on these public lands, check out the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation.  
► Learn to fly cast or kayak at LL Bean’s “Walk On Adventures” classes in Lebanon.  
► Ski at some of the northeast's best slopes: Cannon Mountain, Waterville Valley, Loon Mountain, Tenney Mountain, Whaleback, and the Dartmouth Skiway. 
► You can hike and enjoy the great outdoors.  Appalachian Mountain Club has a myriad of trails, lodges, and huts within Grafton County and nearby.
For more exciting activities, go to New Hampshire’s Travel Division.

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon

Easily Access to Top Quality Health Care

Grafton County has several conveniently located hospitals for you and your family.

► Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital
     Serving the Lebanon (southwestern Grafton County) area
► Cottage Hospital
    Serving the Haverhill (northwestern Grafton County) area
► Dartmouth/Hitchcock Medical Center
    Serving all New Hampshire (located in Lebanon)
► Linwood Medical Center
    Serving the Lincoln (east-central Grafton County) area
► Littleton Regional Hospital
    Serving the Littleton (northern Grafton County) area
► Speare Memorial Hospital
    Serving the Plymouth (southeastern Grafton County) area