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Alton

Alton

$887,568 Average Value
$459 Average Price per Sq Ft
17 Homes For Sale

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.

Play your best hand on the deck at Shibleys at the Pier in Alton.
Play your best hand on the deck at Shibleys at the Pier in Alton.
Alton Bay is central to many dining, shopping, and outdoor activities for all.
Alton Bay is central to many dining, shopping, and outdoor activities for all.
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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.

There are a handful of Colonial-inspired homes throughout the Alton area.
There are a handful of Colonial-inspired homes throughout the Alton area.
Certain homes in Alton will catch your eye as you walk or drive by.
Certain homes in Alton will catch your eye as you walk or drive by.
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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.

New Durham Town Beach is the favored locale for enjoying a cool dip and soaking up the sun's rays.
New Durham Town Beach is the favored locale for enjoying a cool dip and soaking up the sun's rays.
New Durham offers boating enthusiasts the perfect launch point to enjoy a full day on the sparkling waters of Merrymeeting Lake.
New Durham offers boating enthusiasts the perfect launch point to enjoy a full day on the sparkling waters of Merrymeeting Lake.
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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.

The Farmer's Kitchen, a popular diner near New Durham, serves breakfast classics from pancakes to eggs benedict.
The Farmer's Kitchen, a popular diner near New Durham, serves breakfast classics from pancakes to eggs benedict.
At Johnson's Seafood and Steak in New Durham, you'll find a welcoming atmosphere and a satisfying menu of delicious meals, perfectly complemented by a selection of local craft beers.
At Johnson's Seafood and Steak in New Durham, you'll find a welcoming atmosphere and a satisfying menu of delicious meals, perfectly complemented by a selection of local craft beers.
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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.

Say hello to local goat friends at the Alton Farmers Market.
Say hello to local goat friends at the Alton Farmers Market.
Enjoy listening to live music as you spend time browsing at the Alton Farmers Market.
Enjoy listening to live music as you spend time browsing at the Alton Farmers Market.
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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.

Prospect Mountain High School in Alton, NH.
Prospect Mountain High School in Alton, NH.
The stadium seating at Prospect Mountain High School in Alton, NH.
The stadium seating at Prospect Mountain High School in Alton, NH.
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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.

Daniel Berti
Written By
Daniel Berti
Kyle Cook
Photography Contributed By
Kyle Cook
Jacob Branchaud
Video By
Jacob Branchaud

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Alton Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$599,800
Median Sale Price
$550,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$620,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$300,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Last 12 months Home Sales
50
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
10%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$459

Area Facts

Number of Homes
1,350
Number of Homes for Sale
17
Median Year Built
1988
Months of Supply
4.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,016
On par with the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
3,382
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
761
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
816
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
41,164

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Alton Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,539
Median Age
53
Population Density
13 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
30.1%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$117,032
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$150,369

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.8%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
27.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.7%
% Population in Labor Force
64.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
73''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

17 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Alton