Tiny Town On the Edge of Suburbia
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7/14/2021
We had the good fortune to live in Mont Vernon for a year, but ended up leaving New Hampshire. If you are considering this area, I think Mont Vernon (MV) is one of the best little towns around. The lovely, restored library is the physical and spiritual heart of the town with just the nicest librarians that go out of their way to make families feel welcome. Likewise, the General Store is quaint, useful and lovingly owned. We often commented that Village School exceeds what you expect from a small town public school.
MV feels like it's on the "edge of suburbia" where you are close enough to shops and services - assuming you are willing to drive - but truly rural areas are just as close. There is some pleasant, albeit not "destination" hiking and surprisingly pretty and quiet road biking if you choose your route carefully.
If you are coming from elsewhere, you might be surprised by the constant, loud shooting bouncing off the granite most of the year. If you'd rather not hear large caliber weapons going off most of the day, you might find yourself stuck inside several days a week.
We met several lovely, lovely people that were so generous and kind. Overall, it's a mix of conservative, reserved (e.g. don't return waves or say hello) ex-military New Englanders and their wives. It's unsurprisingly white, and few people seem to come from very far away.
The residents voted nearly 50/50 in the election, but you wouldn't know it from the signage. Months later, MAGA banners still prevail and there are Gadsen flags all over the town. As you travel around the backroads, you'll notice the occasional confederate flag too.
If you feel comfortable with all of that, then I think MV is a great choice for you. More intimate, friendlier and down-to-earth than Amherst and yet not as remote as towns North/East.
Ryan | Boulder, CO