Four Peaceful Places to Search for Waterfront Homes in New Hampshire

Living on the water is a dream for many families, and thanks to the state’s diverse natural landscape, searching for waterfront homes in New Hampshire doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Other lakeside or seaside hotspots may come with tradeoffs, like crowding, traffic, or loud tourists, but in New Hampshire, it’s still possible to find the perfect property and carve out your slice of serene. Here are four areas in New Hampshire our real estate agents and relocation professionals recommend when deciding where to center your search for a waterfront property in NH.

The New Hampshire Seacoast

Southeast New Hampshire is home to 13 miles of coastline that takes you through bustling Hampton Beach, boasting arcades, dining options, and a historic boardwalk, through the cultural richness of the city of Portsmouth, and follows Old Route 1 along rocky beaches, stately mansions, and family cottages all the way up to the Maine border. Sink your toes into the sand at popular Jenness Beach in Rye, catch a wave in the state’s best surfing spot along “The Wall” in North Hampton, or explore maritime culture harkening back to Colonial times at Strawbery Banke and Odiorne Point State Park. The housing market is competitive here, but a real estate professional focused on this robust area will know which towns are best to center your search.

The Lakes Region

Many searching for waterfront homes in New Hampshire think of the state’s Lakes Region, where you’ll find the largest and most popular of its 944 lakes and waterways, which also include ponds, reservoirs and rivers. Nestled among mountains and formed by glaciers, it’s the go-to location for fishing, swimming, boating, and taking in the New England seasons. While each body of water has its unique aspects and landmarks, one can’t go wrong lakefront property and house hunting in the area. The Lakes Region is comprised of:

• Newfound Lake – 183 feet deep and known as the purest fresh water in the state, fed by eight underground springs. Newfound Lake is accessed by the towns of Bridgewater and Bristol.
• Squam Lake – site of 1981’s On Golden Pond, family-friendly, with a large nature center, many hiking trails, and all the amenities a vacationer or permanent resident would want, without the crowds you might find at other vacation spots. Access Squam Lake waterfront homes via the town of Holderness.
• Ossipee Lake – offers gorgeous views and is located in the towns of Ossipee and Freedom. It’s is a popular vacation site and offers numerous condo, cabin, and lake house developments, many of which have private beaches.
• Sunapee Lake – fed by underground springs, this clean lake is surrounded by the towns of Sunapee, Newbury, and New London. It is a popular vacation area a favorite for fishermen and wildlife seekers. Its seven white sandy beach areas include Mount Sunapee State Park, watched over by Mount Sunapee, a popular winter recreation hotspot. The lake is also an occasional starting point for regional Iron Man Triathlon events and The Lake Sunapee Yacht Club is home to 23 starboats, which compete in the Sunapee Starboat Regatta, the largest unsanctioned sailing event in the U.S.
• Lake Winnipesaukee – this famed lake is New Hampshire’s largest at 71 square miles, and contains at least 258 islands, many of which have homes and small communities on them. Its name means “beautiful water in a high place” and is one of the most popular waterfront areas year-round. The 1872 steamship Mount Washington still sails, celebrating the century-long tradition of recreation and relaxation. Access Lake Winnipesaukee by sea plane at the state-owned public-use base at Alton Bay, or via the bordering towns of Laconia, Weirs Beach, Meredith, Center Harbor, Moultonborough, Melvin Village, Wolfeboro, Alton, and Tuftonboro.
• Lake Winnisquam – accessible by the towns of Sanbornton, Belmont, Laconia, Tilton, and Meredith, and is a dialed-back version of nearby Lake Winnipesaukee. The fourth-largest lake in the state, homes on its islands and waterfront are great options for golfers, boaters, and those who like to be near outlet shopping and major chain restaurants and shops. Have a look for yourself via webcam (weather permitting).

The North Country

North of the White Mountains, New Hampshire’s North Country (also known as the Great North Woods Region) is unfiltered New Hampshire. You’ll find luxury hotels and unpretentious fishing camps at the dozens of lakes and ponds scattered through this beautiful area of the state. Hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, ATV and snowmobile riding, and moose sightings happen year-round. A bit quieter than other areas with waterfront homes in New Hampshire – but more affordable overall – the North Country is a favorite of NH natives and the smart folks who know the extra hour of drive north of the Lakes Region is well worth it.

Southern New Hampshire

Don’t let the cluster of the state’s larger towns and cities deter you. A short drive down a dirt road may reveal a secluded property or even community clustered around a small lake or large pond. They offer the amenities as some of the more traditional waterfront areas without the influx of tourism-related fanfare. Take a look at Canobie Lake in Salem, which is only a few miles from the highway and home to Canobie Lake Park, an amusement park built in 1902, or Baboosic Lake, where year-round waterfront residential properties are nestled within quiet, upscale neighborhoods.

With all these options, it can be overwhelming to narrow down the search. That’s why having a real estate agent who specializes in New Hampshire waterfront properties, lake houses and beach cottages is a necessity. Much of the appeal for waterfront homes in NH is that they’re a bit off the beaten path, so don’t be afraid to ask for help to find the hidden gem and your new peaceful waterfront retreat. And if you’re ready to get started on your New Hampshire waterfront hunt, simply visit Verani.com/new-hampshire-homes-for-sale and narrow your search for ‘Waterfront Property.’