Manchester is the state's commercial and industrial leader, as well as its largest city and the home of nearly 10 percent of its population. Today it is home to a melting pot of high tech companies, banks, business services enterprises, retailers, manufacturers and health care professionals. Commerce is just one part of Manchester's appeal. The city is also the focal point of the state's cultural community and home to many of the region's eight colleges and universities. Cultural institutions such as the Currier Gallery of Art and Palace Theatre join with the new Verizon Wireless Arena and outdoor concert venues to attract world-class performers and exhibits to the city. Performances, exhibits, classes, workshops and lectures are offered to the general public at many of the area's institutions of higher education.

Like much of southeastern New Hampshire, Bedford has grown quickly since World War II: The 2000 population of 18,274 was more than eight times the 1950 population of 2,176. Every decade has seen a substantial rate of growth, ranging from 33 percent between 1980-1990 to a 67 percent increase between 1950-1960. The 2004 Census estimate for Bedford was 20,480 residents, which ranked 13th among New Hampshire's incorporated cities and towns.

Politically, Bedford votes solid Republican, not having elected a Democrat to the state legislature since 1932. While it is one of the more politically conservative towns in the state, it also votes overwhelmingly to support the school budget each year at the town election.

Hooksett sits along the Merrimack River, just north of Manchester. Residents of Hooksett enjoy the peace of living among the natural beauty of New England. And because Hooksett is conveniently located between the state's largest city, Manchester, and the state's capital, Concord, everything one would need is nearby.

Hooksett's proximity to the Merrimack River and Bear Brook State Park, one of the largest state parks in NH, provide numerous opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing and biking. The rolling hills of southern New Hampshire lend themselves to scenic drives as well. Hooksett maintains four parks within town limits and sponsors the Hooksett Youth Athletic Association (includes baseball, softball, soccer, football and basketball)

Hooksett provides quick access to both Concord and Manchester via US 3, Highway 3A, and the F.E. Everett Turnpike.

Although the first settlers were here before the third decade of the 18th century was complete, it was not recognized as a political entity until more than a century later. It was a part of Old Chester, and its story is the story of that town until the division took place in 1845.

Incorporated in 1727, the town was one of several formed to ease population pressures on the Seacoast. The town's name comes from its establishment along an arch, or "bow", in the Merrimack River. The first census, taken in 1790, reported 568 residents. Bow is the birthplace of Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910), founder of the Church of Christ, Scientist.

Goffstown is on the Piscataquog River, at the base of the Unacanoonuc Mountains. The community was named for Col. John Goffe, settler. The population was 16,929 at the 2000 census. Goffstown includes the villages of Grasmere and Pinardville.

Candia was once part of Chester and known as Charmingfare, probably because of the many bridle paths or "parades" through pleasant scenery. Settled about 1743, it was incorporated in 1763 and named Candia by Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth, possibly in memory of his sea travels following graduation from Harvard. Candia was the name of the principal city of Crete. The population was 3,911 at the 2000 census. Part of Bear Brook State Park is in the northwest, and Charmingfare Farm is a children's zoo and petting farm near the center of the town.

Incorporated in 1722, Chester once included Candia, set off in 1763. First called "the chestnut country," it may have been the first of the settlement grants by Massachusetts selected for expansion of growing populations in the seacoast. The name may be derived from Cheshire, Chester being the county seat of Cheshire in England. Earl of Chester is a title held by the Prince of Wales.