This New Hampshire Town Is One Of The Most Peaceful Places To Live In The Country

Life in New Hampshire's small towns is often quiet and uneventful. It's a way of life that many choose to get away from the busy pace of the state's larger cities. While these towns may not have the same amenities as the cities, that's part of the point — live life at a slower pace. Having lived in big cities, I much prefer the quieter pace, and this Lakes Region locale is one of the most peaceful towns in NH.

Incorporated in 1727, Gilmanton was originally known as Gilmantown. The name is derived from the Gilman family who had received land grants here.

The 455-acre Crystal Lake is located within the town. It is the headwaters for the Suncook River and is fed by runoff from the nearby Belknap Mountains.

Gilmanton Iron Works is a village located near the eastern end of the town.

The popular novel Peyton Place, later made into a feature film, was rumored to have been based on Gilmanton.

Gilmanton Academy, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, is a historic school building that was constructed in 1894.

Named for Isaac Smith, the town's first minister, the Smith Meeting House is an historic church built in 1840.

Built around 1826, the Centre Congregational Church on Province Road is one of the area's best preserved late Federal-period buildings.

With a bucolic New England feel, Gilmanton is a fine representation of the most peaceful towns in NH. I often travel through Gilmanton and it's one of the most pleasant parts of the drive. To learn more, visit the Town of Gilmanton's official website and follow the Town of Gilmanton on Facebook.

The Granite State has many quaint towns and villages nestled into its countryside. Here are a couple of towns that were home to famous people and seven more that capture the picturesque beauty of the state.