Laconia— City on the Lakes

Laconia, NH - City on the Lakes

The 17,000 resident, “City on the Lakes,” is nestled on the shores of three of New Hampshire’s desirable lakes: WinnipesaukeeWinnisquam, and Opechee.

With the picturesque Winnipesaukee River running alongside its downtown area, Laconia is a beautiful place to live and work. It is the largest city in the Lakes Region, with advantages that smaller towns often lack.

Laconia’s roots go back to a large Abenaki Indian settlement called Acquadocton Village located at the Weirs. Around 1652 the Endicott surveying party visited the area, an event commemorated by Endicott Rock at the Weirs, a local landmark. The settlement did not occur until 1746, when it was called “Meredith Bridge.” Lumber, grist mills & taverns were established. In 1823 the courthouse was built, which became the county seat. The Belknap Mill was constructed in 1823 to manufacture textiles. In 1848 the Laconia Car Company, a builder of rail, trolley & subway cars, became the cities largest employer. In 1855 Laconia was finally incorporated.

Belknap Mill, Laconia, NH
Belknap Mill, Laconia, NH

Laconia contains three main villages, downtown Laconia, Lakeport, and Weirs Beach. The former Boston & Main Railroad enters Laconia Downtown through Lakeport and along Paugus Bay to Weirs Beach. The state purchased the rails in 1975, and a tourist railroad presently operates scenic tours. Laconia Municipal Airport is located at the city limits in Gilford. A beautiful Recreational Trail called the WOW Trail links several parts of the city, Lakeport and Lake Winnisquam.

Lake Winnisquam
Lake Winnisquam

The city has a total area of 26.6 square miles, of which 20 square miles are land, and 6.5 miles are water, comprising 24.54% of the city. With a population close to 17,000, approximately 25% are Seasonal homes. Laconia’s natural resources are endowed with substantial shorelines along Lake Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam, and Opechee, with many exclusive waterfront homes and water access neighborhoods with beautiful community beaches. Three very large water access gated communities include South Down Shores, Long Bay, and Meredith Bay.

The Laconia School District SAU 30 runs Laconia public school system. Laconia High School enrolls approximately 550 students. The  Sachem athletic teams have been very competitive in all sports since 1923. The school boasts an outstanding athletic stadium built in 2013. This was part of the $16.8 million Huot Center Project and School Renovations. The Laconia Middle School, located next to Lake Opechee, was constructed in 2009. The sprawling 118,000 sqft structure enrolls approximately 415 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1. There are three public elementary schools, Elm Street, Pleasant Street, and Woodland Heights, and two parochial schools Holy Trinity Catholic and Laconia Christian Academy. Lakes Region Community College has an enrollment of approximately 730 students.

The Colonial Theatre, originally built in 1914, has undergone a $14.4 million renovation and is opening in early 2021. The project has spearheaded expansion to Laconia’s downtown scene. Additionally, the new development of the Lakeport Opera House and a new 30,000 sqft mixed-use building for businesses & residences in Lakeport Square developed by Scott Everett is another great revival in the city. The city in recent years made nice upgrades to the Weirs Beach area.

Laconia hosts the Lakes Region General Hospital, which was recently acquired by Concord Hospital, and Lakes Region Community College, which offers 28 degree and 37 certificate programs and numerous non-credit options and dual enrollment opportunities for high school students across the State.

Situated near the geographical center of New Hampshire, Laconia is the hub of the area known as the “Lakes Region” and offers year-round recreational activities. Summer recreation includes all of the water sports (boating, sailing, water skiing, swimming, yachting, fishing, jet-skiing, and wind-surfing).

Laconia Country Club Golf Course, Laconia NH
Laconia Country Club Golf Course

The Laconia Country club is an outstanding 18-hole golf course, and Laconia’s downtown offers activity, shopping, and restaurants. While you’re there, check out the Belknap Mill, which was constructed in 1823 and is the nation’s oldest unaltered brick textile mill and “New Hampshire’s official meeting house.”

A popular lake cruise leaves from Laconia’s famous Weirs Beach aboard the Mt. Washington cruise ship, which holds 1250 passengers and includes public and charter rides, clam-bakes, moonlight, and select theme cruises.

As for winter activities, Laconia offers proximity to skiing at Gunstock Mountain Resort, cross country trails, snowmobiling, ice skating, ice fishing, and winter hiking.

Many special events take place in and near Laconia throughout the year, including country fairs, antique car & boat shows, flea markets, regattas, water skiing competitions, arts & craft shows, and a triathlon. Laconia is home to the Laconia Muskrats of the New England Baseball League.

Motorcycle Week in Laconia NH
Motorcycle Week in Laconia NH

Laconia is host to the famous Laconia Motorcycle Week (the third-largest motorcycle rally in the nation) each June, the annual fall Pumpkin Festival and the World Champion Sled Dog races each February. Laconia is also home to the famous Weirs Beach, a hub for family entertainment with indoor arcades, miniature golf, a boardwalk, a sandy beach area, and an expansive public docking facility.

So how is the real estate market in Laconia performing:

  • In 2020 there were 275 single-family home sales. The median sales price was $279,900. The average sales price was $375,745. The lowest sales price was $68,000. The highest sales price was $1,875,000.
  • In 2020 there were 187 condominium sales. The median sales price was $236,000. The average sales price was $273,410. The lowest sales price was $74,000. The highest sales price was $867,900.
  • In 2021 for the first 4 months, 62 single-family homes sold. The median sales price was $287,999. The average sales price was $385,730. The lowest price was $118,000. The highest price was at $2,295,000. However, there are presently 50 single-family homes under contract.
  • In 2021 so far, for condominiums, there were 62 sales. The average price was $252,838. The median price was $220,000. The lowest price was at $67,000. The highest price so far was at $825,000. However, there are presently 37 condominiums under contract.
  • At the present time, there are only 27 single-family homes for sale. The average listing price is $540,566. The median listing price is $399,900. The lowest listing price is at $109,900. The highest listing price is at $1,600,000. There are 14 condominiums for sale. The average listing price is $301,728. The median listing price is $210,900. The lowest listing price is at $109,900. The highest listing price is at $849,900.

In summary, you can see why Laconia is such a desirable community to live in. The current real estate market certainly reflects that.

Frank Roche, President of Roche Realty Group, Inc. with offices in Meredith and Laconia, NH

This article was written by Frank Roche. Frank is president of Roche Realty Group with offices in Meredith and Laconia, NH, and can be reached at (603) 279-7046. Laconia sales data was compiled by a NEREN search on 05/12/2021 at 10:00 am EST and is subject to change. Please feel free to visit www.rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.

winter Snowmobile

Real Estate in a Winter Wonderland

As I drove around the other day with my kids, I was looking at some ...
Read More →
Roche Realty Group Host Annual Toys for Tots Drive, Invites Community Participation

Roche Realty Host Annual Toys for Tots Drive

As the holiday season approaches, Roche Realty Group is excited to announce the kickoff of ...
Read More →
Small Business Saturday New Hampshire

Small Business Saturday: Living Gratefully in New Hampshire

We have so many things to be thankful for here in New Hampshire: plenty of ...
Read More →
Annie Brown Joins Roche Realty Group

Annie Brown Joins Roche Realty Group

Meredith — Frank Roche, President of Roche Realty Group, Inc., with offices in Meredith and ...
Read More →
Gunstock Mountain in Gilford, NH

Gunstock Upgrades for Winter as Real Estate Shows Resilient Growth

As the leaves of New Hampshire’s forests transition from the vibrant hues of fall to ...
Read More →
Preserving New Hampshire's Lakes

Preserving New Hampshire’s Lakes: A Community Effort

With over 250 lakes and ponds throughout New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, there are unlimited outdoor ...
Read More →
Home Inspections — The Uninspected Abode: A Spine-chilling Tale of Regret and Terror!

The Uninspected Home: A Spine-chilling Tale of Regret and Terror!

One night, not many years ago, in a quaint, somber town nestled amidst the haunting ...
Read More →
Interest Rates

Interest Rates Impacted by Treasury Yields

It looks like the national picture for housing stats has not improved in recent months; ...
Read More →
Local Housing Crisis: Challenges and Solutions

Local Housing Crisis: Challenges and Solutions

Our communities are facing a shortage of both residential and commercial properties, a scenario that’s ...
Read More →
Fall Splendor In New Hampshire

Fall Splendor in New Hampshire

New Hampshire in the fall is akin to stepping into a live canvas painting — ...
Read More →
Samoset Condominiums on Lake Winnipesaukee

Condominium Sales Surge in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region!

As we start entering October’s bright fall colors, I thought I’d take a look at ...
Read More →
Empowering your offer

Empower Your Offer in a Sizzling Real Estate Market!

As a seasoned real estate professional, I often consider the market conditions to keep myself, ...
Read More →
Reviews of New Hampshire's Lakes Region

Reviews of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region

We’ve had a great summer in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, and we’re approaching the brilliant ...
Read More →
Waterfont Sales Activity Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

Waterfront Sales Activity in the Lakes Region

As we head into September, I have compiled data and insight into what is happening ...
Read More →
Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day Weekend in The Lakes Region

Labor Day Weekend has arrived, and the weather forecast for the Lakes Region looks fantastic, ...
Read More →
Interest Rates

The Mortgage Interest Rate Dilemma

This past week, we saw an increase in mortgage rates following a rise in bond ...
Read More →
Best State To Live In — New Hampshire at #3

New Hampshire 3rd Best State To Live In!

WalletHub just released its rankings of the best state to live in for 2023. It’s ...
Read More →
City/Town Comparison can make the research process easier

City/Town Comparison For Your Move

Some studies place moving to a new location as one of the top ten most ...
Read More →
New Hampshire Real Estate Lacks Inventory

New Hampshire Real Estate Inventory Crisis

A Multifaceted Analysis of Rising Interest Rates and Beyond New Hampshire is currently facing a ...
Read More →
Peaks of New England

Exploring the Peaks of New England

In my younger years in school, I always loved geography. Living in New Hampshire, there ...
Read More →
Climate Exodus: Insurance Companies Seeking Refuge from High-Risk Sates

Climate Exodus: Insurers’ Fleeing High-Risk States

Flooding, Forest Fires, Heat Waves, Tornados, oh my! The recent stretch of weather has certainly ...
Read More →
Real Estate News Headlines - Lakes Region NH

Real Estate Tidbits to Consider

Here are a few real estate tidbits I’ve pulled to keep you up to speed ...
Read More →
Roche Realty Group Sells out Lakeside at Paugus Bay

Roche Realty Group — 6 Months in Review

Closed sales for the first 6 months of 2023 have been impressive at Roche Realty ...
Read More →
Newfound Lake

Lakes Region Waterfront Sales Activity 6 Month Comparison

Below you will find data and insight into what is happening in sales activity on ...
Read More →
Buying Land

Buying Land in New Hampshire — Comprehensive Guide

New Hampshire, also known as the Granite State, offers a diverse landscape that includes picturesque ...
Read More →
Weirs Beach: A Tale of History, Community, and Natural Beauty

Weirs Beach: A Tale of History, Community, and Natural Beauty

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the oldest bike week in the country, let’s ...
Read More →
First Five Months of Lakes Region Real Estate

Five Months of Lakes Region Real Estate Activity

The month of May’s real estate statistics just came out for New Hampshire, and it ...
Read More →
A bird's eye view of Long Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee

South Down Shores and Long Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee — Its History

When construction started in 1981, Laconia’s South Down Farm offered a picturesque setting for condominium ...
Read More →
Memorial Day — rows of gravestones with flags in military cemetery

Memorial Day Weekend Arrives in the Lakes Region!

The long-anticipated Memorial Day weekend has arrived after a long winter, and the Lakes Region ...
Read More →
Unlike the dandelions new listings aren't popping up in the Lakes Region

Will Listings Start Bloom Like Dandelions?

Will Real Estate Listings Bloom Like Dandelions? During my rides around the Lakes Region, I’ve ...
Read More →
boat launch

Public Boat Launches in the Lakes Region

New Hampshire’s Lakes Region is a paradise for boating enthusiasts and we are now entering ...
Read More →
Real Estate Scams

Real Estate Scams to Be Aware of

One of my Realtors® received a call today from a gentleman purporting to be the ...
Read More →
Brant Point Lighthouse, Nantucket overlooking the ocean

From the Lakes Region to Nantucket

I spent a few days on Nantucket Island this past week for a quick getaway. ...
Read More →
Lakes Region Real Estate Is Still Hot

Lakes Region Real Estate Market is Sizzling

The real estate market in the Lakes Region and the state of New Hampshire is ...
Read More →
Lake Winnipesaukee Kayak

Buying a Lake House — Where to Start?

Owning a waterfront home in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region is a treasured experience. For many ...
Read More →
Home improvements

Home Improvements Before You Sell

One question I commonly get asked is, “What type of projects or improvements should I ...
Read More →
Single-Family units are down

How’s the Lakes Region Market Looking?

We’ve already passed the first quarter of 2023 for real estate sales in New Hampshire’s ...
Read More →
Moving into new home young happy couple celebrating toast Champagne

Buying a Home? Follow These Tips & Tricks

Spring has officially arrived and launches the beginning of our spring selling season for real ...
Read More →
Marketing

How Marketing Real Estate Has Evolved

Back in the year 2000, the world was at the beginning stages of a major ...
Read More →
Mount Washington, New Hampshire

New Hampshire — 30 Reasons to Move Here!

With lakes, beaches, mountains, forests, rivers, and the ocean for people who enjoy the outdoors, ...
Read More →
New Hampshire Ski Resort

Ski Resorts in New Hampshire Are Ready for Spring Skiing!

It’s been a good week, and mother nature hit our region with a blanket of ...
Read More →
Market Trends

Real Estate Market Trends to Follow

I’ve been pulling up some current research on the real estate market on a national, ...
Read More →
Carol Mattice

Roche Realty Group Welcomes Carol Mattice

Meredith — Frank Roche, President of Roche Realty Group, Inc, with offices in Meredith and ...
Read More →
Kevin Shaw - Roche Realty Group

Kevin Shaw of Roche Realty Group is Top Producer for 2022

Laconia— Frank Roche, president of Roche Realty Group with offices in Meredith and Laconia, recently announced ...
Read More →
Lisa Lewis

Lisa Lewis Joins Roche Realty Group

Meredith — Frank Roche, President of Roche Realty Group, Inc, with offices in Meredith and ...
Read More →
Wanda Keenan

Wanda Keenan Joins Roche Realty Group

Meredith— Frank Roche, President of Roche Realty Group, Inc. with offices in Meredith and Laconia, ...
Read More →
Land for sale

Buy Land in New Hampshire — They’re Not Making it Anymore

The science is in and the more trees a state has, the happier and less ...
Read More →
The Price of Real Estate

Did The Price of Real Estate Increase in Your Town?

Everyone’s always interested to see how their real estate values have performed over the past ...
Read More →
Laid off employee in recession

Are We Headed into a Recession?

It’s pretty big news lately; Microsoft, Amazon, and other tech companies have laid off more ...
Read More →
Price Reduced

2022 vs. 2021 — Is The Lakes Region’s Frenzied Market Over?

It’s that time of year to provide all of you with an update on real ...
Read More →

Leave a Comment