Higgerson and Company’s Relocation Guide for Moving to the Upper Valley
Moving to the Upper Valley often begins with a simple discovery: a visit to Dartmouth College, a new position at Dartmouth Health, or a search for a place that offers both intellectual vitality and natural beauty.
Stretching along the Connecticut River where Vermont and New Hampshire meet, the Upper Valley is known for its vibrant communities, rural landscapes, and strong sense of place. Anchored by Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, the region offers a rare combination of cultural life, outdoor recreation, and close-knit small towns.
For many people relocating here, the Upper Valley represents a different pace of life—one that values community, landscape, and thoughtful living.
What Is the Upper Valley?
The Upper Valley refers to a network of towns that span both sides of the Connecticut River between Vermont and New Hampshire.
The region centers around Hanover, New Hampshire, home to Dartmouth College, and includes a range of nearby communities that share economic, cultural, and educational ties.
In addition to Hanover, some of the most well-known Upper Valley towns include:
- Norwich, Vermont
- Woodstock VT
- Quechee, Vermont
- Lyme, New Hampshire
- Lebanon, New Hampshire
Despite being divided by a state border, these communities function as a single region where residents regularly move across the river for work, schools, recreation, and daily life.
Why People Relocate to the Upper Valley
The Upper Valley attracts a diverse group of residents, many of whom arrive through connections to Dartmouth College or Dartmouth Health.
Common relocation paths include:
- Dartmouth faculty and staff
- physicians and healthcare professionals
- academic researchers
- professionals working remotely
- families seeking strong schools and outdoor access
- second-home buyers drawn to the Upper Valley’s landscape
While career opportunities often inspire moving to the Upper Valley initially, many residents choose to stay because of the region’s remarkable quality of life.
The region offers:
- access to nature and outdoor recreation
- strong schools and educational resources
- vibrant cultural programming through Dartmouth
- independent businesses and farmers markets
- small towns with strong community identities
For many newcomers, the Upper Valley offers a rare balance between intellectual energy and rural tranquility.
Choosing the Right Upper Valley Town
One of the most important decisions when relocating to the Upper Valley is choosing the community that best fits your lifestyle.
Each town offers its own rhythm and landscape.
Hanover, New Hampshire
Hanover is the center of the Upper Valley and home to Dartmouth College. The town offers a lively village atmosphere with restaurants, shops, cultural events, and academic life centered around the Dartmouth Green.
Norwich, Vermont
Located just across the Connecticut River from Hanover, Norwich combines rural beauty with a strong village center and excellent schools.
The town is known for its community culture, scenic countryside, and proximity to Dartmouth.
Lyme, New Hampshire
About fifteen minutes north of Hanover, Lyme offers a quieter rural environment with rolling farmland and historic homes surrounding its picturesque town green.
Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock is one of Vermont’s most iconic towns, known for its historic architecture, covered bridges, and vibrant village life. The town attracts both full-time residents and second-home buyers.
Lebanon, New Hampshire
Lebanon serves as a larger hub for the region and is home to Dartmouth Health. The town offers a growing downtown area and a range of housing options.
Vermont vs New Hampshire: What Buyers Should Know
Because the Upper Valley spans two states, many buyers compare living in Vermont versus New Hampshire.
Some key differences include:
New Hampshire
- no state income tax on wages
- generally higher property taxes
- towns often closer to Dartmouth College
Vermont
- state income tax applies
- often more rural landscapes
- classic Vermont village environments
In practice, many residents move easily between both states in daily life, and buyers often consider homes on both sides of the river.
Real Estate in the Upper Valley
The Upper Valley real estate market reflects the character of the region itself. Buyers will find a wide range of homes including:
- historic New England houses
- village homes near town centers
- contemporary homes in wooded settings
- country properties with acreage
- land and new construction opportunities
Because inventory can be limited in some of the most desirable towns, working with a brokerage that understands the nuances of each community can be particularly valuable.
Outdoor Life in the Upper Valley
For many residents, the landscape surrounding the Upper Valley is one of the greatest reasons to live here.
The region offers year-round outdoor recreation including:
- hiking and trail running
- mountain biking
- cross-country skiing
- alpine skiing in nearby Vermont mountains
- kayaking and paddleboarding on the Connecticut River
The Appalachian Trail even passes directly through Hanover, connecting the town to one of the country’s most iconic hiking routes.
Community and Culture
Although the Upper Valley is rural in character, it is also remarkably vibrant culturally.
Dartmouth College brings:
- an exceptional art museum
- world class theater and music performances
- lectures and public programs
- visiting scholars and artists
At the same time, local communities host farmers markets, festivals, and events that bring neighbors together throughout the year.
This blend of intellectual life and small-town community is one of the defining qualities of the Upper Valley.
Working With a Local Upper Valley Real Estate Brokerage
Relocating to a new region involves more than simply finding a house. Understanding the character of each town, the differences between Vermont and New Hampshire, and the rhythms of the local housing market can make the process far more successful.
At Higgerson & Company, we help buyers relocating to the Upper Valley explore the communities that make this region unique. Our work focuses on helping clients understand not only the properties available, but the places that make the Upper Valley such a compelling place to live.