If you’re dreaming of a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle, New England offers an abundance of secluded neighborhoods perfect for peaceful living. Nestled among rolling hills, dense forests, and picturesque landscapes, these hidden gems provide a serene escape without sacrificing the charm and character of the region.
From quaint villages tucked in verdant valleys to mountain communities with breathtaking views, discover ten of New England’s most tranquil neighborhoods where solitude and nature go hand in hand.
10. Stow Village, Stow, Maine
Stow Village is a peaceful rural community located in the small town of Stow, Maine, with a population of approximately 800 residents. The area offers a serene atmosphere, surrounded by lush forests and mountains, perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Residents enjoy the tranquility of the White Mountain National Forest nearby, which provides ample space for exploration. The village has a slow-paced lifestyle, with few businesses, mostly focused on agriculture and small local services.
What makes Stow Village secluded is its remote location, tucked away in the western corner of Maine, with limited access to urban centers. The combination of natural beauty and a lack of development makes it an ideal location for those seeking peaceful living in nature.
Where is Stow Village, Stow, Maine?
Stow Village is located in western Maine, close to the New Hampshire border. The area’s seclusion comes from its location in the foothills of the White Mountains, which creates a natural boundary from nearby towns and cities.
To reach Stow Village, take Route 113 and follow it into the village—this scenic, less-traveled road enhances the sense of seclusion while providing access to the quiet community.
9. Weston, Vermont
Weston, Vermont, is a picturesque town with a population of about 600 residents. Surrounded by the Green Mountains, Weston offers a tranquil escape with a strong sense of community. Visitors and residents enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing in nearby rivers and lakes.
The town is also known for its historic sites, including the Vermont Country Store, which draws tourists seeking a taste of traditional New England. Its main industries include agriculture, small-scale local businesses, and tourism, with few modern commercial establishments.
Weston’s secluded nature comes from its remote location in rural Vermont, far from busy cities and surrounded by forests and mountains.
Where is Weston, Vermont?
Weston is located in the southeastern part of Vermont, nestled within the Green Mountains. The town’s secluded charm comes from its distance from larger urban centers and its setting in a narrow valley, making it less accessible and less crowded.
To reach Weston, travelers can take Vermont Route 100 or Route 155, winding through scenic rural roads, ensuring a quiet drive into the heart of this peaceful town. The drive itself enhances the town’s seclusion, with limited traffic and few commercial distractions along the way.
8. Middletown Springs, Vermont
Middletown Springs, with a population of around 700 people, offers a calm, rural environment with scenic landscapes perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The town provides a variety of recreational activities like hiking and wildlife watching, especially in the nearby forests and around the town’s ponds.
Agriculture is a significant industry, and there are also small local businesses catering to the residents’ needs. The town maintains a quiet lifestyle, with a limited number of stores and services.
Its seclusion is emphasized by its location on a narrow road network and the surrounding hills, which keep the area insulated from heavy traffic and urban development. This peacefulness attracts those who want to enjoy Vermont’s natural beauty without the distractions of more populous areas.
Where is Middletown Springs, Vermont?
Middletown Springs is located in southwestern Vermont, bordered by the Taconic Mountains and rolling farmland. Its seclusion is enhanced by the surrounding hills and forests that make it feel insulated from the larger cities, like Rutland, which is about 25 miles away.
To get to Middletown Springs, take Route 140 or Route 133, traveling through winding roads that lead to this quiet rural town. The secluded nature of the roads and the lack of major highways help maintain the town’s peaceful atmosphere.
7. Dummerston, Vermont
Dummerston, Vermont, has a population of just over 1,000 residents, offering a small-town atmosphere with rural charm. The town provides access to various outdoor activities, including hiking along Whetstone Brook, as well as opportunities for fishing and camping.
Agriculture is a key industry, with many local farms and orchards, along with small businesses that serve the local community. Dummerston is relatively secluded, with its location in a hilly, forested area and its distance from urban areas such as Brattleboro.
The limited commercial development and quiet country roads contribute to its serene atmosphere. The town attracts people seeking a slower pace of life and an escape into nature.
Where is Dummerston, Vermont?
Dummerston is located in the southern part of Vermont, just outside of Brattleboro, in Windham County. Its secluded nature comes from its location in a hilly region, surrounded by woods and open farmland, which keeps it separated from the hustle and bustle of nearby towns.
To reach Dummerston, drivers take Route 30 from Brattleboro, winding through picturesque countryside with minimal commercial development along the way. The journey emphasizes the town’s peaceful, rural character and its distance from larger cities.
6. Monkton, Vermont
Monkton, Vermont, is a peaceful rural town with a population of about 1,600 people, offering a calm lifestyle away from the bustling cities. The town is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the nearby Monkton Pond.
Farming is the primary industry, with many local farms producing dairy and other agricultural products, alongside a small number of local businesses. Monkton is secluded due to its location in the rural Champlain Valley, surrounded by forests and farmland.
The town’s lack of commercial development and its position far from major urban areas contribute to its serene and peaceful atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for those who value a quieter pace of life and access to natural beauty.
Where is Monkton, Vermont?
Monkton is located in the western part of Vermont, along the border of the Champlain Valley. Its seclusion is due to the surrounding farmland and forests, which keep the town removed from larger cities like Burlington, which is about 15 miles to the north.
To reach Monkton, take Route 7 and turn onto smaller local roads that lead to the town center, creating a peaceful, scenic drive with minimal traffic. The quiet roads and rural surroundings enhance Monkton’s seclusion and natural charm.
5. Lincoln, New Hampshire
Lincoln, New Hampshire, has a population of just over 1,500 residents and is nestled in the White Mountains, offering both a quiet lifestyle and an abundance of outdoor activities. Hiking, skiing, and sightseeing in the nearby Franconia Notch State Park are popular pastimes, along with swimming and fishing in local lakes.
The town’s economy relies on tourism, particularly in the winter months, with small businesses providing services to visitors. Lincoln is secluded due to its mountain setting, which provides a natural buffer from other towns and creates a peaceful, quiet environment.
Its remoteness and reliance on tourism help maintain its charm, keeping it far from the noise and crowds of more developed areas. Residents appreciate the tranquil atmosphere and the ability to connect with nature year-round.
Where is Lincoln, New Hampshire?
Lincoln is located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, in the northern part of the state. Its seclusion comes from the surrounding mountain ranges, which limit the town’s accessibility and make it feel insulated from larger urban centers.
To reach Lincoln, take Interstate 93, which winds through the Franconia Notch, offering dramatic mountain views and a sense of isolation as you approach the town. The roads into Lincoln emphasize the town’s peaceful, secluded nature, offering a scenic, less-traveled route for those seeking quiet and natural beauty.
4. Ashland, New Hampshire
Ashland, New Hampshire, is a small town with a population of around 2,000 residents, known for its proximity to the beautiful Squam Lake and surrounding natural areas. The town offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, boating, and fishing.
Its economy is based on a mix of tourism, agriculture, and small businesses. Ashland’s seclusion comes from its location away from major highways and its position along the shores of Squam Lake, surrounded by forests and protected lands.
The town maintains a quiet, rural lifestyle with limited commercial development, making it perfect for those seeking peaceful living. Its serene environment is perfect for nature lovers who enjoy a slower pace of life.
Where is Ashland, New Hampshire?
Ashland is located in central New Hampshire, nestled between the Lakes Region and the White Mountains. The town’s secluded nature is due to its location on the quieter side of Squam Lake and its distance from major cities like Concord and Laconia.
To reach Ashland, take Route 3 from Plymouth or Interstate 93, then follow smaller roads leading into the town, which offers a peaceful drive through the woods and lakes. The roads remain relatively undeveloped, enhancing the town’s peaceful and secluded character.
3. Sutton, New Hampshire
Sutton, New Hampshire, is a small, rural town with a population of around 2,500 residents, offering a quiet lifestyle surrounded by forests and lakes. The town is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Its economy is centered around agriculture and small local businesses, with a few services catering to the town’s residents. Sutton’s seclusion is enhanced by its rural location, nestled in the hills of central New Hampshire, far from busy highways and urban centers.
The quiet, peaceful atmosphere makes Sutton an attractive destination for those who appreciate nature and a slower pace of life.
Where is Sutton, New Hampshire?
Sutton is located in central New Hampshire, nestled in the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region. Its seclusion comes from its location among hills and forests, with few major roads leading into the town, offering a sense of isolation.
To get to Sutton, take Route 114 from New London, passing through rolling hills and scenic woodlands, which provide a tranquil drive into this peaceful community. The town’s quiet roads further emphasize its secluded, rural character.
2. Grafton Center, Grafton, Vermont
Grafton Center, located in Grafton, Vermont, is a charming village nestled in a tranquil valley. This secluded area offers homes surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests, perfect for those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle.
The town features beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture, quaint shops, and the Grafton Inn, one of the oldest operating inns in the United States. Outdoor activities include exploring nearby hiking trails, visiting the local cheese company, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the area.
With a population of around 600 residents, Grafton Center maintains a peaceful ambiance and a strong sense of community.
Where is Grafton Center, Vermont?
Grafton Center is situated in Windham County, in southeastern Vermont. Accessible via Route 121 and Route 35, the village is a short drive from larger towns like Chester and Bellows Falls. Its location in a secluded valley offers stunning landscapes and a serene environment.
To reach Grafton Center, visitors can take Interstate 91 to Exit 6, then follow Route 103 and Route 35 through picturesque countryside. The journey highlights the area’s natural beauty, making it a delightful destination for those seeking tranquility.
1. Eastman Community, Grantham, New Hampshire
The Eastman Community in Grantham, New Hampshire, is a private residential area featuring large wooded lots and lakeside homes. Residents enjoy peace and privacy amidst New Hampshire’s natural beauty, with access to amenities like a championship golf course, tennis courts, and a recreation center.
The community surrounds a pristine lake, offering opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. With approximately 1,600 residents, Eastman balances a sense of community with the tranquility of secluded living.
The abundance of nature trails and conservation areas allows residents to immerse themselves in the serene environment. Eastman provides a harmonious blend of recreational activities and peaceful living, making it a sought-after destination.
Where is Eastman Community, Grantham, New Hampshire?
Eastman is located in the town of Grantham, within Sullivan County in western New Hampshire. The community is conveniently situated near Interstate 89, providing easy access to nearby cities like Lebanon and Concord.
Its location in the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region offers residents scenic beauty and a wealth of outdoor activities. To reach Eastman, travelers can take Exit 13 off Interstate 89 and follow signs to the community entrance.
The area’s combination of accessibility and seclusion makes it an ideal spot for those seeking peaceful living without being too far from modern conveniences.
