Claremont NH

Claremont – Tucked away in the scenic Connecticut River Valley, Claremont, New Hampshire, offers small-town charm with a rich industrial past and vibrant community spirit. Whether you're admiring the historic mill buildings along the Sugar River, hiking nearby trails with mountain views, or enjoying a cozy café downtown, Claremont greets you with a mix of heritage, nature, and neighborly warmth that makes you feel right at home.

• Population: ~12,900
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; snowy winters, colorful fall foliage, warm summers (average temps between 15°F in winter and 80°F in summer).
• Places To Visit: Moody Park, Arrowhead Recreation Area, Claremont Opera House, the historic downtown district, and Sugar River Rail Trail.
• Top Activities: Skiing at Arrowhead, kayaking along the river, cheering at local performances, exploring antique shops, and attending seasonal festivals.
• Famous Food: East Coast-style pizza at Ramunto’s, hearty sandwiches from The Hitching Post, and homemade desserts at Dusty's Café.

Claremont, NH may be a small city, but it plays a big role in the regional economy of western New Hampshire. This former mill town has reinvented itself through healthcare expansion, light manufacturing, and technology. With a community-focused lifestyle and cost of living below the national average, Claremont offers rewarding career options across several industries.

Top 5 Jobs in Claremont, NH

Claremont, New Hampshire may be a small city, but it’s full of charm, hidden gems, and cozy spots that make it a great place for students to kick back and enjoy some downtime. Whether you’re looking to grab a bite with friends, spend time outdoors, or just unwind after classes, Claremont offers a relaxing vibe that students will appreciate.

Moody Park – This park is a local favorite for a reason. With wooded trails, open fields, a playground, and picnic areas, it’s perfect for a casual hangout or a peaceful walk. Come here to clear your head, read a book under a tree, or play some frisbee with friends.

The Common Man Restaurant – A cozy and rustic place to enjoy hearty meals or just hang out in the lounge area. Their mac and cheese is a must-try, and the friendly atmosphere makes it a great spot for group dinners or low-key date nights.

Revolution Cantina – If you’re in the mood for tacos and good vibes, this local favorite has you covered. With live music, trivia nights, and festive décor, it’s a fun place to meet up with classmates after school or on the weekend.

Claremont Escape Room – If you’re looking for a little excitement, gather your crew and take on the mind-bending challenges of Claremont’s very own escape room. It’s a great team-building activity and a refreshing change from the usual hangouts.

Arrowhead Recreation Area – During the winter months, this local ski and tubing hill is a blast for students looking to enjoy the snow without breaking the bank. In warmer seasons, it’s a great place to hike or mountain bike with scenic views that make it worth the visit.

Tremont Square Cinema – A small-town movie theater with big-time heart. Grab some popcorn, catch the latest flick, and zone out for a few hours. Movie nights here are perfect for when you just need to escape the stress of schoolwork.

The Ink Factory – Part coffee shop, part community art space, The Ink Factory is a hidden gem for students who love coffee, creativity, and good conversation. With occasional live performances and rotating art exhibits, it’s an inspiring spot to study or meet up with friends.

Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, low-key hangouts, or fun weekend vibes, Claremont has a little something for everyone. For students, it offers a peaceful pace of life with just enough entertainment to keep things interesting—and that’s part of what makes it so easy to love.

Claremont, NH, is a small yet vibrant community with a rich educational heritage. While it may not host large research universities, its location near the Upper Valley and Western New Hampshire provides residents with access to top public and private colleges and universities in the region. Many of these schools offer quality programs and a supportive learning environment ideal for traditional and nontraditional students alike.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Claremont, NH

River Valley Community College – Located right in Claremont, River Valley offers affordable two-year degree and certificate programs in nursing, healthcare, business, and the trades. The college is known for its small class sizes, experienced faculty, and seamless transfer pathways to four-year universities.

Plymouth State University – About an hour’s drive from Claremont, Plymouth State is a well-respected public university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, business, science, and the arts. Its community-oriented campus and innovative curriculum appeal to many New Hampshire students.

Keene State College – Situated in nearby Keene, this public liberal arts college is part of the University System of New Hampshire. Keene State is recognized for its programs in education, safety studies, and film, as well as a supportive campus environment.

Dartmouth College (Publicly affiliated programs) – While Dartmouth itself is private, many of its community and extension programs are open to the public and support residents of Claremont and the Upper Valley, including continuing education and professional development opportunities.

Granite State College – With hybrid and online learning options accessible from Claremont, Granite State College (now part of the University of New Hampshire) is designed for adult learners and transfer students. The college features programs in business, technology, healthcare, and education.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Claremont, NH (Nearby)

Dartmouth College – Located just 30 minutes away in Hanover, Dartmouth is an Ivy League university known for excellence in liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. It offers world-class faculty, research opportunities, and a close-knit campus community.

Colby-Sawyer College – Only a short drive from Claremont, Colby-Sawyer is a private liberal arts college in New London. It is renowned for its programs in nursing, health sciences, environmental studies, and business, with a strong focus on experiential learning.

Lebanon College (Closed, but historic influence) – Though no longer operating, Lebanon College, formerly in nearby Lebanon, NH, provided decades of accessible private education and left a legacy in the region’s higher education history.

Kimball Union Academy (Prep School with College Bridge Programs) – Located in Meriden, just outside Claremont, Kimball Union Academy is a private preparatory school offering partnerships with colleges in the area, giving advanced students early access to college-level coursework.

Proctor Academy (With College Guidance) – While primarily a private high school, Proctor Academy in Andover offers extensive college counseling and dual enrollment opportunities with regional colleges, supporting Claremont residents aiming for selective universities.

Claremont’s location within the academic heart of Western New Hampshire means students and lifelong learners enjoy strong opportunities for higher education—both public and private—without needing to move far from home. Whether starting with community college, learning online, or aiming for the Ivy League, Claremont is a supportive place to begin your educational journey.

Claremont, New Hampshire may be a small city, but it offers students access to solid educational opportunities through both its public and private high schools. These schools strive to provide strong academic programs, personalized attention, and extracurricular options that help young learners grow into confident, successful adults.

Top Public High Schools In Claremont, NH

• Stevens High School – As the main public high school in Claremont, Stevens High has a proud tradition dating back to the mid-1800s. It offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career-tech programs, and a strong focus on community service and real-world experience.
• Fall Mountain Regional High School – Located nearby in Langdon, this school serves several towns around Claremont, including students from Saxtons River and Charlestown. It offers robust academic and arts programs and is known for a strong sense of school pride.
• Lebanon High School – While not in Claremont proper, many families in the nearby area consider Lebanon High due to its high standardized test scores and competitive athletic programs. It’s well-respected for its strong emphasis on STEM and college preparation.
• Newport Middle High School – Situated in nearby Newport, this school provides a well-rounded education in a supportive environment. With smaller class sizes and close-knit teacher relationships, Newport High fosters growth beyond academics.
• Kearsarge Regional High School – Around 30 minutes from Claremont, this public school is known for academic achievement and strong athletic programs. It serves students from several area towns and places a strong emphasis on college and career readiness.

Top Private High Schools In Claremont, NH

• St. Mary’s Catholic School – Although primarily a K–8 institution, St. Mary’s offers a nurturing, faith-based foundation. High school students in the area frequently begin here before transitioning to private or public high schools nearby. Families often regard it highly for its strong community and academic preparation.
• Thetford Academy (Thetford, VT) – Located about 45 minutes from Claremont, this private school has a public mission. As the oldest secondary school in Vermont, it offers a liberal arts education with a focus on character development and sustainability. Many students from the Claremont area attend via tuition agreements.
• Kimball Union Academy (Meriden, NH) – Just a short drive from Claremont, KUA is one of the most prestigious private boarding and day schools in New Hampshire. Known for outstanding academics, small class sizes, and strong arts and athletics, it's a top choice for families looking for high-quality private education.
• Crossroads Academy (Lyme, NH) – A private day school known for its classical learning approach. Though primarily K–8, Crossroads often partners with excellent prep high schools, and many of its graduates go on to top-tier high schools and universities.
• White Mountain School (Bethlehem, NH) – A bit of a drive from Claremont, but worth considering for its boarding experience and progressive academic model. The school is known for integrating environmental sustainability and outdoor education into its curriculum, giving students hands-on learning opportunities.

Students in and around Claremont, New Hampshire, have a mix of public and private school options that support both academic and personal growth. Whether you're looking for a supportive local school or a prestigious private academy, this region offers opportunities that align with a variety of learning styles and goals. Parents and students alike can feel confident that quality education is within reach in this charming New England community.

Claremont, New Hampshire is a small city nestled in the beautiful Upper Valley region, known for its charming New England atmosphere, scenic views of the Sugar River, and a tight-knit community. While it doesn't host any major professional sports teams like you'd find in large metropolitan areas, Claremont and the surrounding region do have a deep appreciation for sports—especially at the semi-professional, collegiate, and community levels.

Even without big-league franchises calling Claremont home, residents still passionately support nearby teams and take pride in a strong local sports culture. Here's a look at how sports thrive in and around this vibrant New Hampshire city.

Baseball – New Hampshire Fisher Cats (MiLB)

• New Hampshire Fisher Cats – Based in Manchester, just about an hour's drive from Claremont, the Fisher Cats are a Double-A affiliated team of the Toronto Blue Jays. They play in the Eastern League and offer affordable, family-friendly entertainment. Delta Dental Stadium, their home ballpark, has a loyal fan base and regularly draws crowds from all over the state, including Claremont residents.

Hockey – Manchester Monarchs (Until 2019)

• Manchester Monarchs – While the Monarchs stopped operations in 2019, their legacy still resonates in New Hampshire hockey history. Initially, they were the AHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, and later continued as part of the ECHL. Claremont hockey fans often made the drive to Manchester to watch competitive hockey action at SNHU Arena. These games created lifelong memories and helped shape youth interest in the sport throughout the region.

Football – New England Patriots (NFL)

• New England Patriots – While Claremont doesn't have its own football franchise, the town is passionately devoted to the Patriots. Based in Foxborough, MA, the team is a little over two hours away and commands a strong fan base across New England. With legendary players like Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and Julian Edelman, along with six Super Bowl titles under their belt, the Pats are a Sunday staple in many Claremont households.

Basketball – Boston Celtics (NBA)

• Boston Celtics – One of the most storied franchises in NBA history, the Celtics boast an impressive 17 NBA championships, tying them with the Lakers. From Bill Russell and Larry Bird to Jayson Tatum today, the team has generations of fans in Claremont cheering them on. Boston may be a few hours southeast, but the Celtics’ green pride runs strong all across New Hampshire.

Hockey – Boston Bruins (NHL)

• Boston Bruins – Another fan favorite in Claremont, the Bruins are among the Original Six teams of the NHL and have a storied legacy that includes six Stanley Cup victories. Their physical, gritty style matches the hardworking spirit of New Hampshire residents. Local fans love keeping up with stars like David Pastrňák and Brad Marchand.

Soccer – New England Revolution (MLS)

• New England Revolution – Based in the same stadium as the Patriots, Gillette Stadium, the Revolution have been gaining popularity in recent years. With the rising interest in soccer across the U.S., many young sports fans in Claremont follow the Revs closely and even travel to matches for the lively atmosphere and competitive play.

While Claremont, NH may not have big-league teams within city limits, its location makes it easy for sports fans to support nearby clubs and franchises across New England. From minor league baseball to NHL action and the NFL dynasty in Foxborough, professional sports are still very much a part of life here—in spirit, in tradition, and in passionate fan support.

Claremont, New Hampshire might be a small city, but it’s full of interesting history and hidden gems that make it truly special. From its mill-town roots to scenic landmarks, there’s a lot more to this city than meets the eye. Here are 10 fun facts about Claremont, NH:

1. Birthplace of an Industry Giant – William H. Roebling, son of the Brooklyn Bridge designer and a key figure in its completion, was born in Claremont in 1837.
2. Historic Opera House – The Claremont Opera House opened in 1897 and still hosts concerts, plays, and events today. It’s inside the city hall, making Claremont one of the few places with such a unique dual-purpose building.
3. A Mill Town Legacy – In the 19th century, Claremont boomed thanks to its textile and machinery mills along the Sugar River. The mills' brick buildings still define the city’s downtown vibe.
4. Steven Tyler Connection – Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler spent part of his early life in nearby Sunapee and later performed frequently in the Claremont area before making it big.
5. Covered Bridge Charm – Just outside town, the Cornish–Windsor Covered Bridge is one of the longest wooden covered bridges in the United States—and Claremont locals love to claim a piece of its charm.
6. Moody Park Magic – Donated in 1916, Moody Park offers scenic trails, panoramic overlooks, and picnic spaces—perfect for year-round adventures.
7. It’s Got Its Own Dam – The Claremont Dam, built for flood control and water management, also gives the Sugar River a dramatic look as it flows through town.
8. Small but Spirited – Claremont celebrates its community spirit with events like the Claremont Fall Festival and Chili Cook-Off that bring locals and visitors together every year.
9. Made in Claremont – One of the city’s largest employers, Claremont Flock, produces specialty textiles used in clothing and furniture found around the world!
10. Tracks of History – Amtrak’s Vermonter Line goes right through Claremont. It's one of the few small cities in New Hampshire with a passenger rail stop, making it a unique travel hub.