BELKNAP COUNTY

County Offices
34 County Drive
Laconia, NH 603-527-5400
https://www.belknapcounty.org

Chamber of Commerce
122 North Main Street
Concord, NH 603-224-5388
https://www.biaofnh.com

Belknap County lies in the heart of New Hampshire’s beautiful Lakes Region in Central New Hampshire, a paradise of lakefront villages, small towns, and scenic splendor. Laconia serves as the region’s major urban center, providing the smaller municipalities and rural countryside with greater opportunities for employment, shopping, healthcare, and services.

The focal point of recreational activity and tourism in Central New Hampshire is Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest of the bodies of water that grace the county. Smaller lakes and bays add to the scenic splendor and possibilities for shoreline property. With a water surface area of 72 square miles and more than 240 islands, Lake Winnipesaukee and expansive Weirs Beach with its charming boardwalk invite family fun and exploration at every turn.

Services
Lakes Region General Hospital ensures quality healthcare close to home. From its status as a community hospital, this acute-care, multi-faceted institution now offers a comprehensive, state-of-the-art network of healthcare facilities and services for Lakes Region residents. The array of medical and surgical specialties combine with therapies, wellness education, outreach programs, and support groups to meet every need.

Modern, well-equipped neighborhood and regional schools provide a first-rate education, while New Hampton offers a respected private school with boarding options. Opportunities for higher education that are located within a reasonable distance from home range from community colleges and vocational or technical schools to major universities in nearby New Hampshire or the metropolitan area of eastern Massachusetts. This region is also convenient to Boston’s exceptional cluster of leading colleges and universities. Most of these communities are also less than an hour’s drive away from the University of New Hampshire-Manchester, commonly referred to as simply UNHM.

Lifestyle
Central New Hampshire and Belknap County provide virtually unlimited access to outdoor activities and first-rate cultural events throughout the four seasons. Many family-oriented attractions and facilities combine with fine restaurants, the sandy shoreline of Weirs Beach, lush parks, and historical Endicott Rock Monument. Stroll down the boardwalk and take in views of Weirs Bay, Stonedam Island, Ossippe Mountains, the Sandwich Mountain range, or stunning Mt. Chocorua. The abundance of lakes, streams, bays, islands, wooded retreats, and alpine vistas opens the door to virtually any sport or adventure.

Arcades, boat cruises, railroad rides, waterslides, family game centers, antiques shopping, and wonderful restaurants combine with galleries, musical concerts, and the performing arts. Special events cover all interests, from powerboat races and boat shows to arts and craft fairs or fishing derbies. Rich in history and developed as a resort area in the 1800s, the Lakes Region is rich in history. The elegance of turn-of-the-century Victorian buildings blends with new construction and modern subdivisions or country estates. Within this picturesque region, every community provides a rare quality of life and yet maintains its own unique flavor.

Alton, Belmont, Gilmanton
Alton Offices
603-875-2161
https://www.alton.nh.gov
Belmont Offices                              
603-267-8300
http://www.belmontnh.org
Gilmanton Offices                          
603-267-6700
https://www.gilmantonnh.org

Chamber of Commerce
603-524-5531
http://www.lakesregionchamber.org

Alton, Belmont, and Gilmanton are lovely small towns where new residents will find everything from cozy waterfront cottages to handsome new subdivisions on wooded lots that offer the very finest of country living.  Meadowbrook Farm in Gilford serves as the cultural center, filling the calendar with concerts and special events. Alton Bay links to beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee.

Laconia, Gilford
Laconia Offices
603-527-1270
https://www.laconianh.gov
Gilford Offices
603-527-4700
https://www.gilfordnh.org

Chamber of Commerce                  
603-524-5531
http://www.lakesregionchamber.org

The county seat of Laconia balances government offices, light manufacturing, and high-tech industries with a solid base of professionals and service industries. The former manufacturing center now thrives on tourism, with a bustling downtown retail district and amenities that cater to visitors. Near Laconia is the small town of Gilford, balancing limited business and industry with quiet neighborhoods shaded by grand trees. One notable landmark in Gilford is the historic Kimball’s Castle. Recreational opportunities range from local parks and sports leagues to outdoor adventures.

Meredith, Barnstead, Center Harbor
Meredith Offices
603-279-4538
https://www.meredithnh.org
Barnstead Offices                           
603-269-4071
https://www.barnstead.org
Center Harbor Offices                    
603-253-4561
https://www.centerharbornh.org

Chamber of Commerce
603-279-6121
https://www.meredithcc.org

Because of its strategic location on two major northern routes, Meredith is known as the “latchkey to the White Mountains.” The quaint Main Street district features a medley of antique shops, specialty stores, and diners. Even one of the former mills has been transformed into a marketplace and inn complex. A quaint lakeside village on the northern end of Lake Winnipesaukke, Center Harbor is known for breathtaking scenery and tranquility. As the “stepping stone” to the Lakes Region, Barnstead claims the advantage of picturesque local lakes that encourage relaxation and outdoor activities including water sports.

New Hampton, Sanbornton, Tilton
New Hampton Offices
603-744-3559
http://www.new-hampton.nh.us
Sanbornton Offices                        
603-286-4043
https://www.sanborntonnh.org
Tilton Offices                                  
603-286-4521
http://www.tiltonnh.org

Chamber of Commerce                  
603-524-5531
http://www.lakesregionchamber.org

The small New England towns of New Hampton, Sanbornton, and Tilton are all rich in history and civic pride. Regional amenities include a recreation center, miles of multi-purpose trails, and the Savina Hartwell summer concert series. The urban resources of Manchester, including a major airport, are just 40 miles away. New Hampton has several lakes within its boundaries, as well as the Pemigewasset River. Most famous for its quality schools, New Hampton is also home to a highly respected private day and boarding school. Sanbornton and Tilton enjoy a thriving economy with businesses that include factory outlets, major retailers, and a variety of manufacturing companies. The result is a highly balanced region.

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