Your Guide to Buying a Home in Milford, NH

Buying a Home in Milford, New Hampshire

Milford is located in Hillsborough County

Population: 12,157 The Town of Milford has a rich history. Separated from Amherst and established as an independent town in 1794, Milford was a prime stop on the Underground Railroad. Located in southern New Hampshire on the banks of the Souhegan River, the town is named after the River's shallow Mill Ford, so called after the many mills at this location in the eighteenth century. Milford is still a favorable spot for business. Made famous by the thriving granite industry and known as The Granite Town in the Granite State, Milford is home to manufacturing, information and service oriented businesses. The town is also a hotspot for tourism and is especially known for its antique shops and country craft stores. The town is easily accessible off of I-93 and is adjacent to the city of Nashua, NH.

Native American settlements existed along the Souhegan River until 1696. The area known as Milford used to be their main crossing because of a shallow place in the river. When the first mills were built years ago, the ford became known as Mill Ford, and hence the present town name.

Incorporated in 1794, Milford was at first a farming town. As the Souhegan River was dammed, grist mills and saw mills were erected and one of New Hampshire's earliest textile mills started up in 1810. With the arrival of the railroad in the 1850's, the granite industry boomed and the population rose to 3,700. The town became known as the "Granite Town" as NH granite was supplied for New York City sky scrapers, government buildings in Washington and for building projects throughout the country.

Today, opportunity and industry abound in this traditional New England town. Milford is an important commercial and employment center for the smaller surrounding communities. Centrally located at the junction of Route 101 and Route 101A, Milford is home to a number of manufacturing firms including one of the largest area employers, Hitchiner Manufacturing Company, Inc. Within Milford's boundaries are ample opportunities for further economic development.

Milford serves as a hub of activity, boasting two major shopping plazas, many convenient retail centers, auto dealerships, fast food chains, restaurants, a health and fitness center, the American Stage Festival, and local parks.

For all its industrial activity, Milford combines a strong economic base with historical small town charm. Union Square is the center and heart of Milford. The classic oval and bandstand are surrounded by small shops and restaurants. During the summer, free concerts are held Downtown every Wednesday night.

The original town hall, built in 1870, was recently renovated and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The renovations were completed through grants, voted tax dollars and private donations. This project and others are an example of the civic pride Milford residents and businesses have in the town.

The downtown area continues to be enhanced and improved through grass root initiatives, town support and the formation of the Milford Downtown Ongoing Improvement Team.

Milford is also home to the American Stage Festival which provides professional summer stock theater. Community athletic fields and the town Parks and Recreation Department ensures there programs available for people of all ages to enjoy. Other annual community events include: The Keyes Art Show, The Pumpkin Festival, The High Hopes Hot Air Balloon Festival and The Souhegan Valley Business Exposition.

The hustle and bustle of Union Square, combined with the traditional down-home residents of Milford, paints a Norman Rockwell- like portrait of small town New England.

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Milford Statistics

Population (1993): 12,157

Land Area: 25.9 sq. mi.

Population Density: 455.4 persons/sq. mi.

Government: Town meeting, five person Board of Selectmen

Tax Rate (1993): $22.99 per thousand (if applied to 100% of value)

Housing:(Realtors) (1994 average) single family home average selling price $115,656; 2 bedroom condo selling price $60,200. Rents $700 per month.

Income: (1990 per capita): $16,547 (1987 per capita): $13,081

Resident Labor Force (1993): 6,730 # Mfg (1992): 38 # of Non mfg(1992): 287

Employees Working in Milford (1992): 4,745 (1,658 Mfg.)

Major Employers (Local Company Sites): Hitchiner Manufacturing Co., Hendrix Wire & Cable, Norton Company. Fragrance Innovations, Grason-Stadler, Permattach Diamond Tool, Airmar Technology. PC Connections

Public Schools: 1 elementary school (R-4). 1 middle (5-8), 1 senior high (9- 1 2): vocational programs. School to Work Programs

Private Schools: Liberty Christian Fellowship & Academy (K-8)

Services: Municipal water and sewer. private garbage collection: drop-off recycling center; cable TV

Local Newspaper: Milford Cabinet, Nashua Telegraph

Recreation: Town owned parks include Keyes Memorial Park with swimming pool. 4 tennis courts and playing fields: Milford Community Athletic Association Fields; summer concerts and annual art shows at Milford Oval; professional summer-stock theater; hiking trails along the Souhegan River. Mayflower Hill and Burns Hill; Milford Fish Hatchery; Milford Historical Society; many Clubs and Organizations

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