Living in Berlin

Berlin is a former paper-mill city in Coos County, tucked into the Androscoggin River valley at the edge of the White Mountains and the North Country. The city's economy and identity were built around pulp and paper production for more than a century, with mill smokestacks still visible along the riverfront. Since the mills' decline, Berlin has leaned into outdoor recreation, anchored by the Presidential Rail Trail, nearby snowmobile trails, and access to the Great North Woods. The Nansen Wilderness Ski Jump and proximity to Mount Washington draw outdoor enthusiasts despite the city's economic struggles. Berlin offers some of the most affordable housing in the state, a legacy of population decline following the mills' closure. The city continues working to diversify its economy through tourism and outdoor recreation, while many residents commute for work or rely on smaller local employers.