THE LAKES REGION NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE
Lakes region Communities
ALTON
Alton is situated at the southern tip of Lake Winnipesaukee with convenient, easy access from Route 11 and 28. Boating is a large draw here, but winter sport enthusiasts will also find plenty of fun at Gunstock Ski area, just 15 minutes down the road.
WOLFEBORO
This historic, quaint town likes to call itself ‘The Oldest Summer Resort in America.’ The idyllic downtown is dotted with ice cream parlors, shops, and restaurants. In addition to water sports, residents and visitors enjoy bike trails, groomed cross country ski trails, and a small, yet active intown ski hill with rope tow. Gunstock Ski Area is accessible in about 35 minutes, while the journey to Attitash takes around an 1 hour and 15 minutes. In addition to Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro also borders Crescent Lake, Rust Pond, and Lake Wentworth.
TUFTONBORO
Tuftonboro, located on northeast shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, offers a more rural, small town feel. You’ll find both lake and farm properties—each boasting scenic mountain views.
MOULTONBOROUGH
Moultonborough is the largest community in the Lakes Region with 65 miles of shorefront on Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, and Lake Kanasatka. While it also has a rural feel, you can also enjoy great restaurants and popular attractions like the ‘Castle in the Clouds,’ an estate perched on top of the Ossipee Mountains. If you’re looking for waterfront property, don’t miss looking in Moultonborough–which also benefits from some of the region’s lowest taxes.
CENTER HARBOR
Center Harbor sits between Lake Winnipesaukee and Squam Lake. While more mileage borders Squam Lake, the harbor is located in Lake Winnipesaukee. Though skiing is a bit further (1.5 hrs), you’ll find two golf courses within 20 minutes.
MEREDITH
Situated on the western shores of Lake Winnipsaukee, one side of town borders Meredith Bay, while to the west you’ll find Lake Waukewan. This small town feels bustling in the summer with boaters docking to enjoy the restaurants and shops in downtown or the recently renovated Mills Falls Marketplace.
LACONIA
Laconia has frontage on Lake Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam, and Opechee. It’s also the largest town by population in The Lakes Region. Laconia’s Weir Beach draws many families to the area with attractions like arcades, restaurants, waterslides, and a drive-in movie theater. Classic, popular annual events like the Motorcycle Rally & Race Week or World Championship Dog Sled Race are held in Laconia.
Gilford
Gilford is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in The Lakes Region. It’s home to Gunstock ski are; several yacht clubs and marinas; and two of the nicest beaches in the area, Gilford town beach and Ellacoya State Park; and a popular outdoor concert venue, the Bank of NH Pavillion.
ashland
Ashland is located on southern side of Little Squam. There’s a small downtown where residents and visitors can eat or get groceries, but most major shopping is found a few miles north in Plymouth.
HOLDERNESS
Holderness is set at the foot of the White Mountains and borders Squam Lake. Here, you can boat between Little and Big Squam Lake through the Squam Lake Channel. The Squam Lake Science Center is a fun family activity with exhibits where native animals like black bears, mountains lions, bobcats, and more, reside.
SANDWICH
This laidback, quaint town is located in the Sandwich Mountain Range and borders Squam Lake. A big draw is the supremely popular Sandwich Fair held here each fall.
NEWFOUND LAKE
BRISTOL
Bristol is located at the south end of Newfound Lake. Drive about 15 minutes of Interstate 93 to arrive to Bristol town center, a small area with restaurants, shopping, and a grocery store. The rural community is a bit further from the action, yet still close enough to fully enjoy all the attractions of the Lakes Region.
ALExandria
Along the western shoreline of Newfound Lake, you’ll find Alexandria–home to Wellington State Park, Welton Falls State Forrest, Cardigan State Park, and the hiking trails of Mount Cardigan. It’s primarily a residential community, but it has a great beach and some waterfront properties.
hebron
On the northwest corner of Newfound Lake lies Hebron, a tiny town with a population of around 600.
bridgewater
Running along the eastern shore of Newfound Lake is Bridgewater. You won’t find much commercial activity here, but if a laidback, quiet lifestyle is what you seek, you may be in luck!