Alton is a town in Belknap County, in the Laconia metropolitan area. The town was settled in the middle 1770s, mainly by farmers, because the highland areas provided less frost. Merchants then filled the lowlands of the region. Alton Bay sits at the southeastern tip of Lake Winnipesaukee, where a narrow finger extends down from the main body of the lake.
Location
Alton Bay and environs is wedged between Routes 28 and 11. New Durham is the nearest town (3 miles). Stafford, Wolfeboro, Barnstead and Farmington are all approximately 10 miles from Alton. Pittsfield is 12 miles southwest of Alton. The closest major city is Manchester, which is 36 miles to the southwest.
Airports
Pease International Tradeport, in Portsmouth, and Manchester airport, are both 39 miles from Alton. Portland International Jetport, in Maine, is 65 miles away.
Terrain
The elevation of Alton is 563 feet. The town has a total land area of 82.2 square miles, 19 miles of which are water. 23% of the total area of Alton is water. Alton is located beside Lake Winnipesaukee, drained by the Merrymeeting River. Mount Major, in Mount Major State Forest, has an elevation of 1,780 feet and is the highest point in town.
Population
The estimate population of Alton in July 2004 was 4,962. Eighty-eight percent of the adult residents have completed high school, and 27% have earned either a bachelor’s, graduate or professional degree.
Jobs
Since the mid-1800s, tourism has been the principal business in this area. Recreation is the second form of income for the entire state of New Hampshire, after manufacturing.
The average commute to work for Alton residents is 31 minutes.
Colleges/Universities
The colleges and universities nearest to Alton, with over 2000 students are:
The University of New Hampshire-Main Campus, New Hampshire College, Plymouth State College, Northern Essex Community College, Saint Josephs College and the University of New England, both in Maine, and Merrimack College, in North Andover, Massachusetts.
Housing
The average selling prices for homes in Alton is $452,824. There are investment properties available in the upper $200,000 range.
Homes with mountain and lake views, classic New England colonial style homes, and grand estates with acreage on the waterfront are popular in Alton.
Parks/Sports/Recreation/Golf
Mount Major (and Mount Major State Forest) to the north of town, have breathtaking views of the region from its summit at 1,780 feet. It is a wonderful place to hike or bike ride. Alton Bay State Forest is also nearby.
Lake Winnipesaukee is the scenic highlight of this beautiful region, providing endless enjoyment and recreational activities such as picnicking, swimming, boating, and fishing.
White water rafting in the plentiful rivers of this area is popular in New Hampshire.
Special Attractions/Events
The Town of Alton Bay has a boat launch, public beach, and a bandstand on the water. There are many community events hosted here throughout the summer, including Old Home Week, and a barbershop concert.
In 1872, the steamer Mount Washington was launched on Alton Bay, the first side-wheeler and largest vessel on Lake Winnipesaukee, which is the largest lake in New Hampshire. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire in 1939, but a replacement ship was found, and also christened Mount Washington. Today, it still carries summer tourists between stops on the lake.
Interesting Facts about Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee means "beautiful water in high place". A second interpretation from Indian folklore is "The smile of the great spirit".
Lake Winnipesaukee has seen six mapped shipwrecks.
Lake Winnipesaukee has 55,685 acres of water, 240 miles of shoreline, and 625 billion gallons of water.
Lake Winnipesaukee has 270 islands; the largest is 750 acres.
The elevation of Lake Winnipesaukee is 504 feet above sea level; its deepest point is 187 feet but the average depth is 43 feet.
Lake Winnipesaukee freezes over between late December and early January.
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