Acworth is a quiet town of forests and farms
Acworth offers solitude in the New Hampshire countryside. Less than 900 people live in this Sullivan County town that’s nearly 40 square miles of forested land. Ross Doody, a Realtor at Century 21 Highview Realty, who grew up nearby in Charlestown, says you won’t find much in Acworth, and that’s the appeal. “It has literally one general store, which is a gas station and deli. That is a ‘last frontier’ type of deal—hunting, fishing and large parcels of land.” Agriculture is the main industry here, with farms producing maple syrup and raising cattle. A long-running general store is the heart of the community, providing groceries and community events.
A variety of home styles, from log cabins to lakefront homes
Rustic is the vibe in Acworth, where single-family homes are often log cabins hidden off winding rural roads. Cape Cods and farmhouses are also common. The town’s central village features historic Federal, Georgian and Colonial Revival dwellings, while the Crescent Lake community is sought after for its lakefront properties. Doody says buyers here are often looking for acreage. “I sold a house on Gold Road, a beautiful house on 200 acres, for like $900,000. You can have your own forest or your own gun range.” The median price for a single-family home is around $360,000, well below the national median. Most homes cost between $85,000 and $640,000. Home prices in Crescent Lake, however, are typically higher, ranging from $565,000 to $2 million. According to the First Street Foundation, Sullivan County has a moderate risk of wildfire.
Outdoor recreation includes fishing on the Connecticut River
The Federal-style United Church of Acworth has overlooked the Acworth Town Common since 1821. The green space offers a grassy field for picnics and events. Nearby, the Black North Wildlife Management Area offers hiking trails and fishing spots. Volunteers care for native plants at Grout Hill Gardens, known for its expansive collection of azaleas, rhododendrons and conifers. Water sports are a popular pastime on Crescent Lake, though the only public access point is via the Mast Landing boat ramp on Route 28. Alternatively, those who want to get out on the water can head to the Connecticut River to boat and kayak. The surrounding region offers many more activities, from skiing at Mount Sunapee Resort to racing around New Hampshire Motocross Park.
The Village Store is more than a place to buy groceries
Residents have been stopping by the Village Store in South Acworth for groceries, locally made goods and a quick meal since 1865. Owned by the Acworth Historical Society, the shop is a community-focused venture. Its annual music festival and barbecue each June is a highly anticipated community event. Doody says for all other retail needs, residents typically drive to other towns and cities. Charlestown is less than 9 miles away and offers restaurants, boutiques, a hardware store and Ralph’s Supermarket. National retailers are about 15 miles away in Claremont , also home to the full-service Valley Regional Hospital.
B- and C-rated public schools serve Acworth
Fall Mountain Regional School District, also called School Administrative Unit 60, receives a C-plus overall rating from Niche. Of the district’s eight schools, three serve Acworth: the B-rated Acworth Center School, the B-rated Vilas Middle and the C-rated Fall Mountain Regional High. The high school offers 10 varsity-level sports, including bass fishing and cross-country running.
The closest interstate is more than 10 miles away
Acworth is a car-dependent area without access to public transportation. The town’s rural roads are a mix of pavement and gravel, and drivers are warned not to rely on their GPS. State Route 123A is the main road through the community, connecting commuters to larger highways. The closest interstate, Interstate 91, is roughly 11 miles away. The capital city of Manchester , where flights take off from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, is about 65 miles away.
