Communities

The communities of the greater Laconia-Weirs Beach area each have their unique history, personality and lifestyle, but all derive much of their charm from the many lakes and ponds found around the region. Several communities - Alton, Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Meredith, Moultonborough and Weirs Beach - border the state's largest lake, 72-square mile Lake Winnipesaukee, which is the sixth largest natural lake completely inside U.S. borders; while Tilton, Sanbornton, Belmont and Laconia all border Lake Winnisquam.

A popular vacation destination, the greater Laconia/Weirs Beach area has much to offer visitors and residents alike: striking scenic beauty, a wealth of recreation, a rich cultural life, fascinating history, and exceptional choice in lodgings, restaurants, shopping and attractions.

Considering relocating your home and/or business to the region? The area's vibrant economy, wonderful neighborhoods and numerous business opportunities add to the area's appeal. Below you'll find brief profiles of the region's communities, along with links to individual town profiles.

Alton

is set at the southeastern tip of Lake Winnipesaukee, and has five miles of frontage along the Alton Bay shoreline. Beginning in 1850, trains and trolleys met the Mount Washington ship at the steamboat landing in Alton. Today the old railway station, once a hub of activity, is the information center for the community. Learn more about Alton.

Belmont

's history centers around the Tioga River and the mills that clustered along its banks. Its waterfronts include Winnisquam, Silver and Sargent Lakes. It's a favorite with fair-goers, too, who flock each year to the Belknap County 4-H Fairgrounds. Learn more about Belmont.

Canterbury

is perhaps best known as the site of Canterbury Shaker Village, a 694-acre National Historic Landmark, that includes 25 original Shaker buildings dating from 1792 to 1923. The town's center has its own charm: a town green with a community general store, meetinghouse, church and gazebo. Learn more about Canterbury.

Center Harbor

, the winter berth of the M/S Mount Washington, is set on Lake Winnipesaukee's northern shore, and includes several miles of shoreline along Squam Lake, too. Dairy and truck farming have long been important industries, giving the town a rural feel. Tourism is equally important, as evidenced by the fine shops, restaurants and outdoor outfitters. Learn more about Center Harbor.

Gilford

is set at the base of the Belknap Mountain range, with shoreline on Lake Winnipesaukee. Two of the region's largest recreation areas are in the town: Ellacoya State Beach, which includes a 600-foot sandy beach, and Gunstock Recreation Area, which offers skiing and camping. Learn more about Gilford.

Gilmanton

includes two village centers - Gilmanton Corner and Gilmanton Iron Works - each of which has a post office, small grocery store and its own character. Over fifty years ago, when local author Grace Metalious's novel "Peyton Place" was made into a movie, the town was used as a film location. Learn more about Gilmanton.

Holderness

and the Squam Lakes may be recognized by film buffs as the location for the movie, "On Golden Pond." The town, which is still quite rural and unspoiled, is home to a preparatory school by the same name and a renowned science center. Learn more about Holderness.

Laconia

, the only city on Lake Winnipesaukee, was once a mill town, and its downtown still reflects that early architecture. A bustling center for business and shopping, Laconia is also vibrant resort, with a host of lodgings, restaurants and attractions. Many know it for the annual motorcycle week, hosted in Laconia and the Weirs, which is part of Laconia. Learn more about Laconia.

Meredith

, located at the northwestern tip of Lake Winnipesaukee, is a lakefront village with fine dining, shopping, lodging and a variety of activities, especially boating. The former mill town has a town dock includes a walking area, park and public docking. Learn more about Meredith.

Moultonborough

has over 60 miles of frontage on Lake Winnipesaukee, and is set against a backdrop of the Ossipee Mountains. Castle in the Clouds, a 5,400-acre estate open to the public, affords spectacular views of the town and surrounding region. Learn more about Moultonborough.

Sanbornton

was once a mill town, but today is a quiet rural community. Sanbornton includes the villages of North Sanbornton and Gaza, named for the biblical land. Farming is still important, as evidenced by the many farmer's markets and farmstands. Learn more about Sanbornton.

Tilton

's first industries were a sawmill and grist mill on the banks of the Winnipesaukee River. The town is named for Charles Tilton, a descendent of the town's first settler, who gave the town a number of statues, which can still be seen around the town. Learn more about Tilton.

Weirs Beach

is part of Laconia, and has long been a center for activity on Lake Winnipesaukee. Its center includes a sandy beach, a boardwalk, public docks for several lake cruises and recreational boaters, and the station for a scenic railroad. Learn more about Weirs Beach.