Canterbury is a rural town in Merrimack County just north of Concord, home to Canterbury Shaker Village, a preserved historic Shaker community turned museum. The town's farmland and forested hills give it a strong sense of place tied to its religious and agricultural history.

Canterbury Shaker Village draws visitors interested in the Shakers' communal history and craftsmanship, while the surrounding countryside offers hiking and rural scenery. The town's small size and lack of significant commercial development keep it quiet.

Housing in Canterbury tends toward larger rural lots, drawing families and retirees who want historic character and open space within a short drive of Concord. The town's strong preservation ethic is reflected in its active historical society.