Alton’s outdoor lifestyle centers around Lake Winnipesaukee
Alton is a rural village in Belknap County tucked away at the southeastern bay of Lake Winnipesaukee. The former manufacturing and vacation destination is now an active lakeside community with numerous recreational opportunities, mountain views and small-town shops and dining. “I love it because it’s quaint, it’s safe and everybody knows everybody,” says Stacy Bailey, executive secretary for the Town of Alton. “It’s a town where, no matter where you are, you feel at home.”
The town is also notable for being home to the only FAA-authorized ice runway in the continental United States. During the winter months, recreational flyers with small planes can be seen landing and taking off along the frozen lake. Additionally, Alton Town Hall is known as one of the most haunted buildings in the state. Built in 1894, some employees have reported hearing voices and footsteps emanating from the building’s corridors late at night. “All I can say is that you notice things,” Bailey says.
Waterfront properties with lake access in Alton
The town offers a wide variety of housing options, ranging from modest cottages and Cape Cods to lakeside properties and cabins on wooded hillsides. Some homes are situated along the waterfront, boasting private docks and tall windows overlooking the lake. While most homes were built between the 1950s and the early 2000s, there are some properties from the first half of the 20th century. “This used to be a summer vacation destination for people living in Boston, so you’ve got all these beautiful old vacation homes around town,” Bailey says. Prices typically range from $300,000 to $1 million, depending on size, age and acreage. Lakeside properties can sell for much more, ranging from around $1 million to as high as $3.3 million. Properties in flood zones may require flood insurance.
Beaches, marinas and state parks abound
Alton’s waterfront location means residents enjoy easy access to activities like water skiing, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Boat ramps, docks, parks and marinas dot the shoreline. Alton Town Beach is a local favorite for summertime swimming, while Alton Bay Park has a gazebo and picnic areas on the shoreline. Community parks include Liberty Tree Park, which features tennis courts, a skate park, basketball courts and a canoe launch. Sprawling state parks and forests are also nearby, putting hiking and skiing trails within reach. Mount Major State Forest is known for its views of the lake and the surrounding mountain range.
Dockside restaurants on Alton Bay
There are a handful of restaurants located along the waterfront, including Shibley's at the Pier, which is known for its lobster rolls and fried clams. Alton’s downtown Main Street also has several eateries, including Ackerly's Grill & Galley Restaurant and Alton Village Pizza. Aroma Joe's Coffee is a favorite for pastries and espresso drinks. Groceries and everyday goods are found at Hannaford. Alton’s seasonal farmers market, Market on Main, takes place every Wednesday during the summer, featuring fresh produce, artisan vendors and food trucks.
Summer events include concerts, fireworks and craft fairs
The Alton Parks & Recreation department organizes a variety of events and programs for the community, including free concerts, outdoor paint nights and movie and trivia nights at the Gilman Library. The town’s Fourth of July celebration has fireworks, a beach bonfire and a family scavenger hunt. The Alton Old Home Week also features a variety of activities, including a 5k race, a cribbage tournament and a craft fair showcasing artisan and handmade products created by local crafters.
Students attend Alton Central and Prospect Mountain High
Students start close to home at Alton Central School, which serves kindergarten through eighth grade and has a C rating from Niche. Prospect Mountain High School is rated B-minus. The high school offers sports teams for skiing, fishing, tennis and soccer.
Alton has limited transit but easy access to major routes
Alton is a car-dependent area with limited public transportation options. New Hampshire routes 11 and 28 run through town, making commutes to other cities and townships relatively convenient. State Route 28 heads to Manchester, about 42 miles south. Portsmouth is about 38 miles away, and Boston is approximately 90 miles south via Interstate 95. The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is 50 miles south, and Concord Hospital-Franklin is 26 miles west.
