📍 Location & Geography
Candia is a charming town located in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. The town is predominantly rural and is situated in the southeastern part of the state. It is bounded by Deerfield to the north, Hooksett to the west, Auburn and Chester to the south, and Raymond to the east. Candia covers an area of 30.6 square miles, with 0.2 square miles being water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Candia, New Hampshire, are approximately 43°04′31″N latitude and 71°17′32″W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Candia is part of the New England region of the northeastern United States. It falls within the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town covers a total area of 30.6 square miles, of which 30.4 square miles is land and 0.2 square miles is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As per the United States Census Bureau data of 2010, Candia had a population of approximately 3,909 residents. The town’s population is predominantly White, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in Candia is around 40 years.
🏛️ History
Candia was originally part of Chester and was known as “Charmingfare” due to its many scenic vistas. It was incorporated as a separate town by colonial Governor Benning Wentworth on June 17, 1763. The name “Candia” was proposed by one of the town’s leading citizens who had trade relations with the island of Candia, now known as Crete, in Greece.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Candia is known for its beautiful rural landscapes and natural attractions. The town is home to Bear Brook State Park, the largest developed state park in New Hampshire, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Candia also features several bodies of water, including Tower Hill Pond and Island Pond.
🏫 Education
Education in Candia is overseen by the Candia School District. The town is home to the Henry W. Moore School, which serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade. High school students in Candia typically attend high school in the neighboring town of Hooksett, at either Pinkerton Academy or Manchester High School Central, as part of a tuition agreement.
🚧 Transportation
Candia is served by New Hampshire Route 101, a major east-west highway in southern New Hampshire that provides access to Manchester and the Seacoast Region. The nearest airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, located approximately 15 miles west of Candia.
📜 Trivia & Events
Candia is home to the Fitts Museum, a local history museum housed in a historic 1830s schoolhouse. The town also hosts several community events throughout the year, including the Old Home Day Celebration and the Candia Fall Festival. The Candia Vineyards, an award-winning winery, is another popular attraction in the town.