$899,253Average Value$453Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
A pristine harbor town that was Whittier’s muse
A small town of about 1,000 people in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, Center Harbor is the kind of sought-after community that acts as a peaceful getaway for visitors and a lifelong dream for residents. “I always said that I would retire to a little public library overlooking the water, and that’s exactly what I did,” says Linda Verge, Director of James E. Nichols Memorial Library. “When I walk out the library door at 5 o’clock, I can hear the church bells pealing from Center Harbor Congregational Church a couple of doors down. The town is very special and pristine, like a step back in time.” A quiet, slow-paced atmosphere coupled with serene views of Lake Winnipesaukee and White Mountain are why John Greenleaf Whittier felt compelled to write a poem about Center Harbor. Whitter’s poetic sentiment can be seen on a boulder outside of the Center Harbor Gazebo in the downtown area, where the library, supermarket and a few local restaurants are located. Fittingly, Whittier Highway is the two-lane road through the town’s center, and U.S. Route 3 weaves around the more rural sections of the community and connects residents to the city of Laconia about 15 miles south.
Whether your in the mountains or on the lake, Center Harbor offers the best one could ask for.
Be sure to read this famous boulder poem before traveling back home in Center Harbor.
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Life on Lake Winnipesaukee and Squam Lake shores
Center Harbor attracts lifelong residents and seasonal visitors alike, thanks to the abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities surrounding this small town. “We're one of the Lakes Region towns that swells in the summertime with visitors,” Verge says. The eastern border kisses the shores of the glacial Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest and deepest lake in the state. While known for its salmon and trout fishing, people enjoy their summers swimming and boating on this lake. Center Harbor residents have private access to their own beach, but the public and popular Weirs Beach is about 10 miles south on U.S. Route 3. The north side of town opens to several scenic bays and coves that lead to the spring-fed Squam Lake, the state’s second-largest lake. Just north of Squam Lake, White Mountain National Forest provides 1,200 miles of hiking trails, 400 miles of snowmobile trails and 23 campgrounds. In addition to offering something for every season, this mountain has one of the highest peaks in the New England area, making it a go-to stop for travelers. More sought-after hiking destinations nearby include Belknap Mountain and Mount Major, located about 20 miles south of Center Harbor.
Leave the motors at home and enjoy a morning kayak in Center Harbor on Lake Winnepesaukee.
You can enjoy a swim in Squam Lake even on a cloudy day in Center Harbor.
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Secluded mountain chalets and lakefront contemporary cabins
Homes in Center Harbor reflect the lifestyle of the town, from mountain chalets with picturesque vistas to waterfront properties with private docks. Architectural styles include Farmhouse-inspired, colonial influences and contemporary builds, some houses tucked in the woods with long driveways on multiple acres and others providing direct or walking access to one of the surrounding lakes. Typically ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet in size, homes in Center Harbor are priced anywhere between $825,000 and $3 million.
Center Harbor has a decent amount of larger homes that offer a bit more privacy.
Many residents of Center Harbor live by the lake and love the lifestyle it offers.
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Beloved local dining options along Whittier Highway
Many of Center Harbor’s shops and diners can be found along Whittier Highway, or New Hampshire Route 25, which runs along the town’s center. On the north end of this downtown area, Lemongrass Restaurant & Sake Bar serves Thai cuisine. A half mile down the two-lane highway, Center Harbor Diner is the local spot for classic American breakfast food. A few blocks from there, Gusto Italian Cafe is a counter-serve Italian bakery and deli with a produce market that sells wine. Another half mile down Whittier, Canoe Restaurant & Tavern offers upscale tavern food and beers on tap in a rustic boathouse atmosphere. For convenient grocery runs in Center Harbor, there’s E.M. Heath Supermarket.
Gusto Cafe is a favorite among many living in Center Habor.
Be sure to finish your coffee before finishing your breakfast at the Center Harbor Diner.
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Center Harbor’s quiet coves and tree-canopied trails
Where the town center reaches the water, Center Harbor Town Beach is a resident-only sandy beach on Lake Winnipesaukee. Across town on the west side, Chamberlain-Reynolds Beach Cove offers hiking trails and calm kayaking coves on Squam Lake. Also on the west side, Fogg Hill Conservation Area provides quiet and woodsy trails around Bear Pond. Close by, Waukewan Golf Club has an 18-hole golf course that’s open to the public. To the north, Proctor Preserve features an almost 2-mile loop that follows a brook, and nearby, Red Hill Summit is a trail that leads to an old fire tower. Back in town on Main Street, the historic Nichols Memorial Library has been operating in the same building since 1910. “Right outside the library, there’s a band that plays every Friday night during the summer months,” Verge says. Highly anticipated in the community, the annual Fourth of July Celebration also happens across the street from the library. The festivities begin with the Annual Footrace on Main Street, followed by a parade and a concert in the gazebo, ending with a fireworks display over the bay.
Journey through the woods to one of many beautiful coves along Squam Lake in Center Harbor.
Dive in and cool off as you swim in Lake Winnepausakee at the Center Harbor Town Beach.
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Less than 1,000 students in the Inter-Lakes School District
The Inter-Lakes School District serves students living in the Center Harbor, Meredith, and Sandwich communities. Inter-Lakes Elementary is a kindergarten through sixth-grade school with a B-minus grade from Niche. Inter-Lakes Middle School, also graded a B-minus, is in the same building as Inter-Lakes High School, which Niche grades a C-plus. The high school boasts a well-accomplished robotics team called the Lakerbots, and the Varsity girls volleyball team won the state championship for the 2023 season.
Inter-Lakes Elementary School has an overall grade of B- on Niche.
The Inter-Lakes Middle High School mascot are the Lakers.
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Cruising in and out on U.S. Route 3
Along with Whittier Highway weaving around the eastside shoreline, U.S. Route 3 is the major thoroughfare that cuts through the center of town and leads Center Harbor residents to the city of Laconia less than 15 miles south. This highway offers one Concord Coach Line bus stop, and it connects to Interstate 93 about 10 miles to the west.
Experience the best of both worlds with the mountains and lakes in Center Harbor.
Your new home in Center Harbor could literally be steps from the lake.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brendan Connolly,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Center Harbor Town Beach
Center Harbor Tennis Courts
Center Harbor Ballpark
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Center Harbor
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Center Harbor, Holderness sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Center Harbor, Holderness over the last 12 months is $1,030,141, down 23% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step Into Lakeside Living in Historic Center Harbor. Just steps from the heart of Center Harbor, this charming 6-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers both history and income potential. Built in 1787, the 2,401 sq ft residence combines authentic character with modern updates for comfortable living. Enjoy the convenience of walking just 0.04 miles to the town beach, where you'll find a sandy beach,
Carly HowieKW Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty/Meredith
Residents of 10 Skywatch, Center Harbor, have access to a sandy town beach, boat launch, playground, swim raft and basketball court on Lake Winnipesaukee, as well as rare access to Squam Lake and boat launch. For golf enthusiasts the 18 hole Waukewan Golf Course is minutes down the road.This 4-bedroom home is ideally situated on a 5.32-acre lot in a premier location with easy access to downtown
Danielle McIntoshColdwell Banker Realty Center Harbor NH
Don't miss this rare chance to build your dream lakefront retreat with approvals and a stunning year-round custom design already in place. Nestled on the quiet northern shore of Lake Waukewan, this exceptional property offers a perfect blend of seclusion and adventure. Unlike busier lakes nearby, Waukewan provides a peaceful setting where kayaks, sailboats, and powerboats coexist in harmony with
Beautiful Squam Lake home with guest house. Sleeps 12. No pets Very private with gorgeous views, 2 decks,2 docks and sandy bottom shore-line. Walking distance to Chamberlain Forest. THIS IS A WEEKLY VACATION RENTAL ONLY!
Weekly vacation rental. Known as #Camp Squog", this quintessential Squam Lake cottage has been the destination of many fishermen and summer vacationers alike since the turn of the 20th century. The cottage is set right at the water's edge and features nice views out to Mouse Island and Dog Cove. Pricing includes fees & taxes. Excludes a $500 security deposit. R&M license #061384
Two-bedroom cottage with screened porch right by the water's edge. Nice privacy and views down Dog Cove on Big Squam Lake. Perfect spot for a relaxing and memorable vacation at the lake. Price includes taxes and fees. Excludes a $500 security deposit. R&M license #061384
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brendan Connolly,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
949
Median Age
57
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
17.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
36.1%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$88,541
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$105,773
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.9%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
39.8%
Advanced Degrees
15.3%
% Population in Labor Force
57.8%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
81''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
18/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
