Sanbornton, New Hampshire: A Historic Lakes Region Community and Real Estate Market Overview
Sanbornton embodies all that one expects to find in an old New England town. This historic community features many original homes, churches, and gathering buildings constructed by early settlers. The rural character of the town is enhanced with stone walls, open fields, and grazing livestock. Agriculture is important to this community, as evidenced by its many small farms.
Located on the highlands between Lake Winnisquam to the east and the Pemigewasset River to the west, there are many attractive reasons to settle here. Inspiring and marvelous views can be seen in all directions. Sanbornton offers a rural lifestyle to its residents, yet its proximity to Exit 20 off I-93 offers unlimited conveniences, shopping, and restaurant choices.
A Brief History of Sanbornton, NH
Sanbornton was initially granted by Colonial Governor Wentworth in 1748 to his friend John Sanborn of Hampton, along with 59 others. Twelve of the grantees were named Sanborn. Therefore, the community was named Sanbornton. The town was later incorporated in 1770.
Sanbornton’s Location and Demographics
Sanbornton, located in Belknap County, has a population of 3,057 residents based on the 2024 census, which ranks 109th among New Hampshire’s cities and towns. The population density is very low, with only 63.3 persons per square mile of land area. The town contains 47.3 square miles of land area and 2.4 square miles of inland water area.
There are approximately 1,707 total housing units in town. The property tax rate is $12.81 per $1,000, and the total valuation of the town is $957,023,741.
Education and Community Life
Grades l-12 are part of the Winnisquam Regional School District, including Tilton, Northfield, and Sanbornton. Additionally, the Saint Bani School is an independent pre-k to 8th-grade day school founded in 1973 and enrolls approximately 150 students.
Formed in 1952, the Sanbornton Historical Society is dedicated to cataloging, preserving, and promoting the history of the town. In 1964, the society was instrumental in having the historic district established and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Outdoor Recreation and Local Attractions
Sanbornton has two town beaches. The first one is located off of Dr. True Road on Lake Winnisquam, New Hampshire’s 3rd largest lake. This lovely sandy beach has great views overlooking the 4,214-acre lake. The second beach is located off Route 132 on Hermit Lake.
The highest point in town is the summit of Hersey Mountain at 2,001 feet. Route I-93 north and south access the town via exit 22 (NH 127), providing easy access to the outlet mall, big box stores, car dealerships, and restaurants in nearby Tilton.
Sanbornton is also home to Steele Hill Resort, perched on top of Steele Hill with magnificent views of Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Winnisquam, and the White Mountains. Set amongst 500 acres of unspoiled fields and forests, Steele Hill offers:
A 9-hole golf course
Snowmobile and hiking trails
Fishing in the pond
Indoor and outdoor amenities centers with pools, hot tubs, slides, and tennis courts
Racquetball courts, a Roman spa, and exercise rooms
A hilltop restaurant and lounge offering onsite dining
For a laid-back breakfast, try the Heritage Farm Pancake House—the children will love the farm animals. You can also visit a number of farms and sugar houses producing maple syrup. The Lake House at Ferry Point is a unique lakefront bed and breakfast inn.
The Sanbornton Public Library and the Historic Bay Meeting House (circa 1910) are popular local stops. Three years ago, a new town office was constructed, and the old town office was renovated into a new Police Station, while the Fire Department took over the previous Police Station.
Many fine waterfront properties dot the extensive shoreline along Lake Winnisquam. The Den Brae Golf Course is a third-generation course that began in 1958.
Yes, Sanbornton is a quaint old New England village. The rural “old world” character has been preserved with its true country atmosphere, farms, and open field landscapes.
Sanbornton Real Estate Market Performance (2020–2025)
Let’s take a look at how the real estate market in Sanbornton has been performing over the past six years:
2020
58 single-family home sales
Median sales price: $312,500
Average sales price: $342,481
Lowest: $125,000 | Highest: $975,000
Median days on market: 10
Total sales volume: $19,863,900
2021
50 single-family home sales
Median sales price: $399,4505
Average sales price: $488,374
Lowest: $125,000 | Highest: $1,735,500
Median days on market: 7
Total sales volume: $24,418,700
2022
37 single-family home sales
Median sales price: $410,500
Average sales price: $550,316
Lowest: $189,900 | Highest: $2,020,000
Median days on market: 7
Total sales volume: $20,361,700
2023
39 single-family home sales
Median sales price: $500,000
Average sales price: $730,030
Lowest: $182,000 | Highest: $3,000,000
Median days on market: 15
Total sales volume: $28,471,200
2024
43 single-family home sales
Median sales price: $600,000
Average sales price: $786,262
Lowest: $270,000 | Highest: $4,245,000
Median days on market: 15
Total sales volume: $33,809,300
2025 (January 1 – October 15, 2025)
38 single-family home sales
Median sales price: $519,500
Average sales price: $662,415
Lowest: $204,999 | Highest: $2,100,000
Median days on market: 23
Total sales volume: $25,171,799
At present, there are only 7 active single-family homes for sale in Sanbornton, NH. The median list price is $474,900. The average list price is $567,368. The lowest listing price is $213,900, and the highest listing price is $1,200,000. Median days on the market is 50.
Living in Sanbornton, NH
In summary, Sanbornton is a lovely rural community with lots of open space and country character. Like all of the small Lakes Region communities, there is a lack of available inventory.
We at Roche Realty Group are working diligently to acquire new listings in Sanbornton because of the strong demand for rural, country living, with convenience to I-93 and all the Lakes Region activities and shopping.
I have lived in Sanbornton for 34 years, and I still feel that it is like going back in time in our picturesque town.
This article was written by Sue Locantore, REALTOR® at Roche Realty Group, located in Meredith. She can be reached at (603) 387-2529. Sales Data was pulled from PrimeMLS 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanbornton, New Hampshire
Q: Where is Sanbornton, New Hampshire located?
Sanbornton is located in Belknap County between Lake Winnisquam and the Pemigewasset River. It sits on the highlands just minutes from Exit 20 off I-93, offering rural charm and easy access to nearby shopping, restaurants, and Lakes Region attractions.
Q: What is Sanbornton, NH known for?
Sanbornton is known for its old New England charm, historic homes, stone walls, open fields, and small farms. The town maintains a rural “old world” character while being close to the conveniences of Tilton and the Lakes Region.
Q: How is the real estate market in Sanbornton, NH?
The real estate market in Sanbornton has shown strong performance over the past several years. In 2025 (as of October 15th), there were 38 single-family home sales with a median sales price of $519,500. Inventory remains low, with only seven active listings and strong demand for rural country living.
Q: What schools serve Sanbornton residents?
Sanbornton is part of the Winnisquam Regional School District, which also includes Tilton and Northfield. The town is also home to the independent Saint Bani School, which serves pre-K through 8th-grade students.
Q: What are some popular attractions and things to do in Sanbornton?
Sanbornton offers plenty of recreation, including town beaches on Lake Winnisquam and Hermit Lake, hiking at Hersey Mountain, and golf at Den Brae Golf Course. The Steele Hill Resort features pools, trails, tennis, dining, and panoramic views of the Lakes Region.
Q: Is Sanbornton, NH a good place to live?
Yes, Sanbornton is ideal for those seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty. With its strong sense of community, historic character, and easy access to I-93 and Lakes Region activities, it’s a wonderful place to call home.
