$473,583Average Value$343Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes 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
Lori Warriner,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Middleton, NH sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Middleton, NH over the last 12 months is $452,500, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
OPEN HOUSES ALL WEEKEND- Thursday & Friday, 8/13 & 8/14, 4:30PM - 6:30PM, Saturday & Sunday, 8/15 & 8/16 11:00AM - 1:00PM. NEW PRICE! Welcome to 11 Spruce Road—a quintessential lakeside haven where the gentle rhythm of cottage living meets effortless charm. Picture starting your mornings on the picturesque farmer’s porch with a warm mug of coffee before stepping inside this beautifully updated,
Enjoy year round living with deeded access to beautiful Sunrise Lake from this sun filled, 2-3 bedroom home! Whether you're searching for your primary residence, a weekend retreat, or a place to create lasting family memories, this property offers the perfect blend of comfort and relaxation.The open concept living area creates a warm and inviting space for everyday living, while the finished
NEW CONSTRUCTION with lake access, delivering September 1. This home is built with quality and fit for spending time with friends & family at the lake. The main level centers on an open concept kitchen, dining, and living area, built for the kind of gathering that flows from room-to-room, with a large bonus room just 4 steps up from the first level over the garage. The first-floor primary suite
A brand new home is ready to be built to order! This Contemporary Split-level home, has an open concept kitchen/dining/living room and 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Allowances available to pick out your finishes and custom touches. Half basement for storage or finish yourself for more space. Drive under spacious 2 car garage situated on 7 acres! Foundation already in, ready to be framed! Ability to
Big price reduction! Sellers would really love to have your interest! The lot is a great candidate for a number of home styles, including yours! Jones Brook babbles in the back of the lot, which abuts conservation lands. The sellers did a lot of lot work before a change to their plans, so you can benefit! Much of the lot clearing has been done, along with a septic plan and perc test. This is a
Ready to build 2 acre lot in Middleton conveniently located just off of Route 153. Sale includes a state approved 3 bedroom septic design, survey and architectural plans for a 3 bedroom home. Potential for a walkout basement and/or drive under garage. Please do not walk on the lot without being accompanied by a Realtor. Buyers encourage to perform their own due diligence. Seller is a Licensed NH
Welcome to this beautifully maintained and thoughtfully updated country-chic Colonial, perfectly situated on 5 private acres in Middleton, NH. Offering 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and over three levels of finished living space, this move-in-ready home seamlessly blends timeless charm with modern updates.Step inside to an inviting open-concept first floor designed for both everyday living and
Lawa-Na McClellanKW Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty
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. The open layout seamlessly connects the
SUN RISE LAKE - MIDDLETON NH - Wake up to panoramic water views and spend your days enjoying 85 feet of privately owned frontage on beautiful Sunrise Lake. Whether you're swimming from your sandy shoreline, casting a line for bass and perch, or cruising the lake by boat, this is the kind of property where summer memories are made. Inside, the home has been thoughtfully updated to blend classic
Adam DowKW Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty/Wolfeboro
OPEN HOUSES ALL WEEKEND- Thursday & Friday, 8/13 & 8/14, 4:30PM - 6:30PM, Saturday & Sunday, 8/15 & 8/16 11:00AM - 1:00PM. NEW PRICE! Welcome to 11 Spruce Road—a quintessential lakeside haven where the gentle rhythm of cottage living meets effortless charm. Picture starting your mornings on the picturesque farmer’s porch with a warm mug of coffee before stepping inside this beautifully updated,
Discover the possibilities with this expansive 58 acre parcel consisting of Map 17 Lots 20 & 21 on Ridge Road in Middleton, NH. Offering a beautiful blend of wooded landscape and natural surroundings, this property provides the privacy and space that are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Whether you're looking for land to enjoy recreationally, invest for the future, or explore a variety of
Mark ZoellerKW Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty/Rochester
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
Escape to privacy, peace, and true off-the-grid living at 173 John Jones Road in Middleton, NH. This unique property offers the perfect blend of rustic charm, modern convenience, and outdoor freedom. Designed for those who want to get away from it all without giving up comfort, this property features push-button electric, internet access, hot and cold running water, and multiple living areas that
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