$460,436Average Value$364Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Rural living with vacation homes
Ninety miles northwest of Boston, Middleton is a small New Hampshire town offering rustic seclusion and waterfront homes around Sunrise Lake. "It's quiet and quaint with that small, hometown feeling," says Joe Daigle, a real estate agent with Joe Daigle Realty, who has over 17 years of experience. The town is primarily residential with a couple of parks and municipal offices, but the community stays active with social events and town hall meetings year-round. And despite its somewhat isolated location, residents have easy access to nearby communities for shopping and dining. Much of the town is surrounded by New Hampshire’s ubiquitous white pine trees, which account for a significant part of the local industry; many residents of Middleton are employed in the lumber industry or small businesses that cater to it. The town’s full-time population hovers just under 2,000 residents, but that number grows significantly when the weather warms up. In the summer, seasonal residents flock here to enjoy the water and weather. "Most of the lake houses are owned by people coming up to do some boating — enjoying the summer or just a weekend," Daigle says. "It's a sleepy area in the wintertime." And it is that sleepy nature that attracts residents who are attracted to small-town life that combines a secluded location with just enough nearby amenities to keep them entertained.
Welcome to Middleton, where the beauty of tranquil lakes and rolling hills creates a picturesque and inviting community.
Serving as a central point for outdoor activities, Sunrise Lake is a cherished part of the Middleton community.
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Lakefront homes and rustic retreats
Middleton's homes are generally a mix of farmhouse-, ranch- and cabin-inspired styles; many date to the mid- or late-20th century, but there are also custom homes built over the last 25 years. Most homes on the market are waterfront properties on Sunrise Lake, some of which have desirable additions, like decks and private docks. "Most people have their second homes in the area of the lake," Daigle says. "The year-round homes are not on the water." Homes on and near Sunrise Lake command the highest prices, ranging from small ranch-style houses starting around $365,000 to spacious custom builds approaching $900,000.
Further from the lake, secluded single-family homes sit on oversized, wooded lots with rustic features like barns, workshops and dirt-packed driveways leading to detached garages. "If you're on the water, you're not getting any privacy. But further out, there's plenty of privacy," Daigle says. Homes in these more secluded areas most often fetch between $265,000 and $520,000. There are also a handful of manufactured homes, which start at around $150,000 and go up to $450,000.
This ranch home is nestled on a quiet street in Middleton.
Perched on a quiet wooded lot, this home enjoys a prime location just off the peaceful shore of Sunrise Lake in Middleton.
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Sunrise Lake, parks and more
Although it is situated in the southern portion of Middleton, the town’s true centerpiece is Sunrise Lake. "Sunrise Lake is a beautiful lake," Daigle says. "People come here to boat, fish and swim." The 257-acre lake is popular for kayaking and canoeing, and anglers can cast their lines for largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill. While many homes have private docks, there's also a shared public beach area with picnic tables for Middleton residents and permit-holders. Middleton Park offers a playground, while King's Park is just up the road with half-court basketball and a fire pit.
For those who prefer to take advantage of the surrounding pine forests, the Moose Mountains Reservation includes the 6-mile Piper Mountain Trail, which leads to the summit with sweeping panoramic views of surrounding forests and lakes. The reservation's trails are also popular for biking and winter activities, like snowmobiling and snowshoeing; birders may spot blue jays, dark-eyed juncos and wild turkeys.
Despite being located in the southern portion of town, Sunrise Lake is the undisputed centerpiece of Middleton.
A true gem for outdoor lovers, the Middleton area offers ample opportunities for exploration on its many hiking trails.
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Shopping and dining in Alton
Those who think they might want to live in Middleton should be aware that the town’s rural quality that draws people in also means that creature comforts are not necessarily readily available. "There isn't too much in the way of shopping," Daigle says. "It could take a while to get to a supermarket." Aside from a few craftspeople and farming/construction suppliers, Middleton doesn't have much commercial activity, so residents head to nearby towns for essentials. Ten miles away, Alton has a Hannaford for groceries and a handful of mom-and-pop restaurants. To start the morning, Sweet Caroline is a bakery with hot coffee and fresh pastries, while Bayside Diner and Eatery serves up brunch favorites, like blueberry buttermilk pancakes. Ackerly's Grill & Galley offers New England seafood, including lobster bisque and fried haddock, with charming, string-lit patio dining.
The Hannaford in Alton reliably caters to the grocery needs of the Middleton community,
Sweet Caroline is a bakery with hot coffee and fresh pastries located near Middleton.
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Academic and extracurricular opportunities at Kingswood Regional High
Middleton is part of the Middleton School District and the Governor Wentworth Regional School District. Through a partnership agreement, students in Middleton can attend Kingswood Regional High School, which earns a C-plus rating from Niche, after completing their studies at the D-minus-rated Middleton Elementary School and the B-minus-rated Kingswood Regional Middle. At Kingswood Regional High, teens can explore their interests in over a dozen clubs, including astronomy, chess, and Dungeons & Dragons. Students may also take dual-enrollment courses for college credit through the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) partnership.
Middleton Elementary School is a public school in Strafford County serving students PK-6.
Kingswood Regional High School is a public high school in Strafford County.
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Seasonal celebrations and fun get-togethers
The Middleton Recreation Committee plans events for most major holidays, like the Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt or Fourth of July festivities with music, food and fireworks on Sunrise Lake. In May, dozens of artisans and vendors set up shop at the Craft Fair to sell art, gifts and more. Other crowd-pleasing get-togethers throughout the year include Candy Bar Bingo, the town-wide yard sale and the annual chili/chowder cookoff.
Getting around Middleton
Because there is no public transportation in Middleton, residents here depend entirely on their own vehicles to get around. New Hampshire Route 153 passes through town, which drivers can take to Portsmouth, 37 miles away, and Boston, 90 miles away. Huggins Hospital is 10 miles away, and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is 55 miles away.
Snow and flood risk
Middleton receives an average of 60 inches of snow annually, which can cause school delays and travel disruptions. According to FEMA statistics, homes around Sunrise Lake are in Flood Zone A, which means there is an annual 1% chance of flooding and a 26% chance of flooding during the course of a 30-year mortgage term.
Written By
Travis Rocha
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Tippett
Video By
Matthew Bloch
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Krista Lombardi,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Middleton, NH sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Middleton, NH over the last 12 months is $445,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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OPEN HOUSE-SUNDAY, MAY 17th! NOON-2:00 pm. Welcome to this lakeside retreat on beautiful Sunrise Lake! Only 1 hr to Mass border & 20 mins from Lake Winnipesaukee! This could be your next home.! This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath cottage sits near the water’s edge, offering unobstructed views of the lake. Inside, you’ll love the cozy knotty pine interior that adds warmth and rustic charm throughout.
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Perfectly positioned between the Lakes Region and the Seacoast, this rare and affordable waterfront opportunity invites you to create your own private oasis with sweat equity on Sunrise Lake. Whether you're seeking a seasonal retreat or a year round home, peaceful enjoyment awaits in every season. Spend summer days boating, jet skiing, or kayaking, and embrace winter with ice fishing and cozy
Welcome to Legacy Estates! Planning a family reunion, church retreat, friend-group adventure, or corporate offsite? This 3500 sq. ft. 5-bedroom, 4-bath ranch-style home delivers space, serenity, & good times. Set on a private pond w/its own dock & 50’ deck, find room to breathe, connect, & make memories. The shaded pergola out back is perfect for morning coffee, team talks, or drinks under the
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