Candia, New Hampshire

Candia, with a population just over 4,000, provides rural small town character in a convenient location close to the greater Manchester area and the seacoast region. Welcoming to new residents and businesses, Candia has clear plans for future economic growth but also wants to protect the wooded lots and picturesque hillsides that make it a charming country location.

Candia, first settled in 1748 as part of nearby Chester, was originally called Charmingfare, probably because of the network of bridle paths through the scenic landscape. It was separated from Chester and named Candia in 1763 by Governor Wentworth. Candia has remained a small town since it was settled, mostly as a farming community. Now, Candia has easy access to Routes 101, 27, 93 and 95; the average commute for Candia residents is only 15 minutes, making it an attractive location for workers commuting to surrounding metropolitan areas in New Hampshire. Currently, the town is mostly made up of residential neighborhoods and woodlands, with a small town center and few historical homes. In order to welcome further residential and commercial development, the town, with community support and participation, has recently rezoned several areas and has begun redesigning the downtown to support business development.

Because Candia is centrally located between Manchester and the seacoast, residents can enjoy the many cultural and sporting events, restaurants, shopping, and water recreation available within a 30-mile radius. Sports enthusiasts can golf at the Candia Woods Golf Links and several other area courses or enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing nearby. In town, Candia supports youth sporting leagues, a 6-week summer day camp for children, and a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities from snowmobiling trails to The Abe Emerson Wildlife Sanctuary. Also in Candia is Charmingfare Farm, which runs a variety of family programs and a day camp, offers hay and sleigh rides, and keeps a variety of agricultural animals.

Candia operates a central school for grades K-8 that serves about 450 students. Grades 9-12 attend Manchester Central High School on tuition paid by the town. Also located in Candia is The Jesse Remington High School, a private Christian high school serving 50 day students.

Sources:

Town of Candia

Profile of Candia