Hazens Neighborhood Overview
Hazens, a quiet and established residential neighborhood, is situated in the southwestern quadrant of Concord, New Hampshire. It is generally bounded by Interstate 93 to the west, South Street to the north, and extends toward the more commercialized Loudon Road corridor to the east. The area is characterized by its mature tree canopy, gently rolling topography, and a sense of suburban tranquility while remaining just minutes from downtown Concord and major transportation routes.
The neighborhood's history is tied to its namesake, Hazen Drive, a central artery running through it. Developed primarily in the mid-to-late 20th century, Hazens represents a period of steady growth for Concord as it expanded beyond its traditional core. Unlike some historic downtown neighborhoods, Hazens was planned and built with the automobile in mind, featuring winding streets, cul-de-sacs, and larger lot sizes that offer residents privacy and space.
Housing & Real Estate
The housing stock in Hazens is predominantly composed of single-family homes built from the 1960s through the 1990s. Architectural styles are varied but lean towards classic New England designs like Colonials, Capes, and Ranches, often featuring brick or wood siding. Lot sizes are generally generous, with many properties backing onto wooded areas, providing a secluded feel. The neighborhood is almost exclusively owner-occupied, with a very low percentage of multi-family or rental properties.
As a sought-after suburban neighborhood within the capital city, real estate prices in Hazens are above the Concord median. Homes typically range from the mid-$400,000s to over $600,000, with value driven by lot size, home condition, and proximity to green spaces. The market here is competitive, with homes often selling quickly due to the neighborhood's reputation for safety, stability, and its appealing family-friendly environment.
Schools & Education
Hazens is part of the Concord School District, which is well-regarded in the state. Children in the neighborhood typically attend the nearby Mill Brook School for grades K-5, which is just a short drive or bus ride away on the edge of the neighborhood. For middle school, students move on to Rundlett Middle School, and later, Concord High School, both of which offer a wide range of academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs.
In addition to the strong public system, residents have access to several private educational options in the greater Concord area, including St. John Regional School (K-8) and the Bishop Brady High School. The neighborhood's proximity to downtown also places it within easy reach of the Concord Public Library's main branch, a vital community resource for lifelong learning and programming for all ages.
Parks & Recreation
While Hazens itself is more residential, it is surrounded by excellent recreational opportunities. The neighborhood's western edge is adjacent to the vast trail network of the Oak Hill / Gatskill Municipal Forest, offering residents direct access to miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing. This extensive green space is a defining amenity for the area, providing a natural backyard for outdoor enthusiasts.
For more structured recreation, the nearby Everett Arena offers public skating and hockey, while the city's Keach Park complex, with its pools, sports fields, and playgrounds, is just a few minutes' drive away. Residents also enjoy quick access to the scenic trails at Winant Park and the recreational facilities at the Memorial Field complex, ensuring a wide variety of options for staying active in every season.
Local Dining & Shopping
Hazens is primarily a residential enclave, so daily conveniences and dining require a short trip to the nearby commercial corridors. The Loudon Road area, just to the east, is a major retail hub featuring national big-box stores, supermarkets like Market Basket and Hannaford, and a variety of chain restaurants. For a more local flavor, residents often head into downtown Concord or the historic Penacook village, both a short drive away.
The neighborhood's location provides an excellent balance of quiet living and accessibility. Within a 10-minute drive, residents can enjoy downtown Concord's vibrant restaurant scene, boutique shopping, and the Capitol Center for the Arts. For everyday needs, several plazas along South Street and Loudon Road offer pharmacies, banks, hardware stores, and a selection of casual dining spots, making errands highly convenient.
Who Lives Here
Hazens attracts a mix of professionals, established families, and long-time residents who value peace, privacy, and a strong sense of community. The demographic tends to skew towards middle-aged and older homeowners, including many empty-nesters who have raised families in the area, as well as younger families drawn by the excellent schools and safe, spacious environment. It is a neighborhood where people put down roots, resulting in stable neighborly relationships.
The community vibe is quiet, respectful, and low-key. Social interaction often revolves around neighborhood walks, casual conversations while maintaining yards, or shared interests in outdoor activities on the adjacent trails. It is an ideal neighborhood for those seeking a suburban lifestyle without being isolated, offering a retreat from the bustle while keeping the amenities of New Hampshire's capital city within easy reach.