Merrimack Valley Region

Merrimack Valley: An Overview

The Merrimack Valley is defined by the state’s three largest cities – Manchester, Nashua, and the capital city of Concord. Home to 30% of the state’s population, the region blends urban energy with community-driven neighborhoods set against a landscape of winding rivers, broad valleys, and forested hills. The Merrimack Valley is an economic engine, serving as a hub for major manufacturing firms and a growing concentration of tech companies, both of which fuel a strong workforce and a resilient economy. Manchester, in particular, is rapidly becoming a global leader in regenerative medicine and biofabrication, further strengthening the region’s position as a center of innovation.

Major Municipalities:

Manchester | Nashua | Concord

Regional Stats

Municipalities

Major Airport

45%

Home Ownership

99.7%

with Broadband

430,000

Approximate Residents

Counties

Regional Culture

The Merrimack Valley carries a deep cultural heritage shaped by its industrial roots, colonial history, and long-standing role as the heart of New Hampshire’s civic life. Once a powerhouse of textile mills and river-driven industry, the region has evolved into a blend of historic mill cities, vibrant downtowns, and diverse neighborhoods that reflect generations of growth and change. Culture is celebrated here, where four historic theatres, nine museums, countless historic sites and dozens of annual festivals nod to the vibrancy of life in the Merrimack Valley.