Scenic Bartlett is a vacation destination with outdoor recreation
Bartlett, 97 miles from Concord, New Hampshire, is within the nature-rich slopes of the White Mountains. Much like Conway, 14 miles away, the area is a vacation destination, boasting a theme park, ski resorts and hiking trails. “Bartlett, and other areas of Mount Washington Valley are destinations, more resort areas, not a place people live year-round,” says Angela Smith, an owner and realtor with Lakefront Living Realty-The Smith Group. Smith has been working in the industry since 2021. “One thing about Bartlett is it’s a year-round resort area; the only times it's not busy there are November and March, which is mud season.” Bartlett has some full-time residents, but most homes are secondary residences purchased by vacationers who enjoy the community's scenic views and rich outdoor recreation.
Hiking, skiing and snowmobiling in the White Mountains
The Attitash Mountain Resort is a seasonal ski area in Bartlett that offers ski trails for all levels, rental lodges, restaurants and retailers. “The skiing and snowmobile trails are the other big things in Bartlett,” says Smith. Attitash has guided snowmobile tours and rentals, and many trails within the White Mountains allow snowmobiles during the winter. Diana's Bath is within the White Mountain National Forest, near the base of Mount Attitash. The bath is a series of waterfalls feeding into a brook, where visitors can swim. More hiking is in Merriman State Forest, on the other side of US Route 302. The forest is known for its wildlife and scenic views. For a less outdoorsy activity, the Linderhof Country Club is a private 9-hole course, with a clubhouse, restaurant, pool and tennis courts.
Single-family homes, townhouses and condos sit on expansive lots
Large, forested areas surround homes bordering winding roadways. Most houses are on expansive lots. Areas are organized into subdivisions, and most houses are in the cottage, National or Minimal Traditional style. Those in the Christmas Mountain subdivision have a signature look. They have red shutters and almost a Tudor-style color scheme; they look like Swiss Mountain homes, says Smith.
Townhouses and condos range from $200,000 to $675,000. Single-family homes range in price from $200,000 to $850,000, while larger homes range from $1 million to $2 million. Houses on Christmas Mountain may have additional HOA fees. Many residences in Bartlett are on public water but have a septic system.
Environmental concerns in Bartlett
New Hampshire has mud season between March and May, where frozen ground thaws, saturating the soil with water. During this time, many refrain from hiking and other outdoor excursions.
The Saco River runs through parts of Bartlett and may rise during heavy rainfall or snowmelt runoff in the spring. This can be a concern for those living in the flatter, valley area of the community. “Bartlett is a little more elevated than Conway; most of it is elevated enough to avoid flooding, though snow runoff can affect certain areas,” says Smith.
Seasonal events in Story Land
Story Land, just off state Route 16, is a fairytale-themed amusement park established in 1954. The park has grown since its opening and now has a water park with slides and a splash pad. During the fall, the park hosts Happy Hauntings, an event series on weekends from mid-September through October featuring Halloween-themed activities such as a Trick-or-Treat Trail and exclusive shows. Across from the park is Living Shores Aquarium, offering touch pools and educational exhibits.
Shopping and dining in Bartlett
“We go to the White Mountain Cider Company every year when we go up there; they make their own cider,” says Smith. The rustic restaurant serves American fare and has a market for to-go meals, sandwiches, cider donuts and other specialty foods along US Route 302. Further down the road is Red Parka Steakhouse & Pub, which offers hearty American meals, craft cocktails and live bands on Fridays and Saturdays. Near the steakhouse is Grant’s Shop ‘n Save for groceries. The more secluded Sunrise Shack is a rustic, wood-sided building off the White Mountain Highway serving hearty breakfasts and lunches. Alpine Tavern at The Wentworth, 7 miles away, is an upscale eatery with a fashionably rustic interior offering heart modern-American meals for breakfast and dinner.
Students attend school in Barlett and Conway
The School Administrative Unit #9 serves the area and oversees the Bartlett School District. Children may attend Josiah Bartlett Elementary for kindergarten through eighth grade, which gets a C-plus from Niche. Students continue to Kennett High in the Conway School District, which receives a C-plus. High school students may attend programs at the Mount Washington Valley Career & Technical Center, which offers technical and career programs, along with an extended learning opportunities program that has students research and present on a particular subject they’re interested in.
Commuters head to Conway
Bartlett residents either work from home or in hospitality in Bartlett or Conway, 14 miles away. Using Interstate 93, Concord is 97 miles away. MaineHealth Memorial Hospital is 9 miles away in Conway, and the Portland International Jetport in Maine is 67 miles away. The Union Congregational Church is along Main Street.
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Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
