Concord Apartments and Rentals

Despite being both the capital of New Hampshire and the county seat of Merrimack County, Concord still has a small-town feel. Those in the market for Concord apartments for rent may appreciate the opportunity to live in an urban setting without much of the hustle and bustle typically associated with urban life.

The Concord area was first settled in 1659 and was named Penacook. By 1733, the year of its incorporation, the town was called Rumford, and in 1765, its name was changed to Concord. The city's central location made it an ideal choice for the state capital, and it was officially designated as such in 1808. The original State House, built in 1818, is still in use today, making it the oldest in continuous use in the country.

Concord is inhabited by more than 42,000 people, but despite its growth, it has managed to maintain a small-town community atmosphere, thanks largely to its numerous tight-knit precincts. Each of its 10 wards is represented by its own city councilor and features parks, schools, swimming pools and more. Neighborhood block parties are a common occurrence in many areas of Concord.

Historically, Concord was known for its granite quarrying industry - the city even supplied granite for the U.S. Library of Congress. Today, it is home to a diverse cross-section of industries, including retail, healthcare and government. Its largest employers include the state of New Hampshire, Concord Hospital, the Steeplegate Mall and Genesis Healthcare.

The Concord School District is one of the highest quality public education systems in the state, and is comprised of seven elementary schools, two middle schools, three high schools and nine private/parochial institutions - including the Christa McAuliffe School, named after the local teacher who died in the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Older students enjoy a range of further education options, including Granite State College, Hesser College and the New Hampshire Technical Institute. Concord is also home to the University of New Hampshire School of Law's Franklin Pierce Center for Intellectual Property, named after Franklin Pierce, 14th President of the United States, who lived in the area.

According to City-Data.com's March 2012 cost of living index, the cost of living in Concord is higher than in many other areas of the country - 114.7, compared to the national average of 100. The median gross rent of apartments in Concord is $930, the U.S. Census Bureau states.

One of Concord's major employers, the Steeplegate Mall, is central New Hampshire's primary retail destination. The 500,000 square foot mall features stores such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Old Navy and RadioShack.

If history is more your thing, head to the Canterbury Shaker Village and you might feel like you've been transported 200 years back in time. Take a guided tour of the 25 original buildings on the site, explore the area's nature trails and watch crafts being made in the Shaker tradition.

Avid golfers should head to the Beaver Meadow Golf Course, while nature enthusiasts have a bevy of hiking trails from which to choose.

Concord residents can take part in several annual events, including the summertime Market Days Festival, the Halloween Howl and Midnight Merriment, which officially kicks off the winter shopping season.

To find a Concord apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.