Like other small state capitals, Concord retains its informal atmosphere and easy access to all branches of state government. It is headquarters to most of the state's nonprofit and charitable organizations and trade associations, including the NH Historical Society with its newly expanded museum.
Crime rates are much below national averages.
White collar employment, especially government service and insurance, is gradually replacing the older printing and quarrying trades. Consequently, Concord is somewhat insulated from extremes of the business cycle. Although surrounded by picture-postcard New England towns, Concord is not isolated. Concord is also only one hour and 15 minutes by express bus from downtown Boston, and one hour from New Hampshire's seacoast, White Mountains and the state's Lakes Region. Montreal and New York City are each about five hours away by car.