Affectionately known as the City on the Lakes, Laconia is the seat of Belknap County and nestled in the New Hampshire Lakes region. With approximately 17,000 permanent residents, this small city is a hub for outdoor tourism. "I’ve been watching Laconia grow since 2018. Laconia offers a mix of tourism and year-round residents, with great communities like Southbound Shores and the Weirs Beach district,” says Dakota Coburn, a local Realtor and team leader for the Coburn Collective. “The city has been on an upward trend for the last five years, with big investors moving in, fixing up homes and investing in downtown and the Lakeport area. Laconia is a huge hub for the Lakes Region, it’s the biggest town here, and plenty of people are taking notice.” The economy is bolstered by its tourism, as well as healthcare, and one of the area’s top employers is Lakes Region General Hospital. Historic sites and proximity to Lake Winnipesaukee attract visitors during the warmer months, while residents enjoy quieter winters playing games at the Fun Spot arcade, skiing or visiting maple sugar houses.
Beach goers at the Endicott Rock Park Beach at Weirs Beach in Laconia, NH.
The Lakes Region Hospital or Concord Hospital is known as one of Laconia's largest employers.
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Getting outdoors all year long in Laconia
The Weirs Beach district on Lake Winnipesaukee draws thousands of tourists to its shores annually. “Weirs Beach has a blast-from-the-past retro feel to it, but they’ve done a lot to update older buildings and the arcades, and modern restaurants are moving in,” Coburn says. Whether boating, fishing, swimming or just enjoying the lively atmosphere, tourists and locals can always find something to do. Open all year, Gunstock Mountain Resort has skiing in winter and mountain biking trails, ziplining and hiking in summer. When it's cold outside, residents go ice fishing, snowmobiling or head inside to play at the Fun Spot arcade. Guinness World Records named it the world’s largest arcade back in 2008, and it still holds the title today. Fun Spot includes over 600 retro and modern games, a mini golf course, a bowling alley and a restaurant.
Spend a day on the slopes at Gunstock Mountain Resort near Laconia.
Funspot Arcade in Laconia has one of the largest game collections in the world.
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Downtown Laconia, the Colonial Theatre and local attractions
Laconia’s downtown offers a variety of shopping and dining experiences to cater to diverse tastes, budgets and interests. "There’s been a lot of positive growth in local businesses,” Coburn says. “Wayfarer Coffee has expanded with two locations and brought a more upscale vibe to the area. The Local Eatery and Trillium Farm to Table are phenomenal, and Koung’s Sushi Mart is a great tucked away, hidden little spot. I almost wish it wouldn’t become too popular, but I really want them to thrive and succeed,” Coburn says. Residents also choose John’s Roast Beef for quality sandwiches, and Coburn himself is a fan of Bernini’s Italian. For those who enjoy plays and performances, educational events and art exhibits, the Colonial Theatre and the Belknap Mill Museum are popular attractions downtown. For longer shopping trips, people head to the stores at Belknap Mall just a short drive away, or to the Tanger Outlets in Tilton. Mill Falls Marketplace has specialty shops and boutiques with locally made crafts and gifts.
Be sure to keep an eye on the events calendar for any upcoming performances at the Colonial Theatre in Laconia.
The Belknap Mill Museum is a historic landmark sitting in downtown Laconia.
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Rev up for Laconia Motorcycle Week
The city is also famous for its Laconia Motorcycle Week, one of the world’s oldest motorcycle rallies. The event dates back to 1916 when the first group of riders made their trek to the city up Route 3. Today, the event includes stunt shows, races with the Loudon Classic and demos from major motorcycle manufacturers like Harley-Davidson and Yamaha. Live music, food vendors and thousands of motorcycles to view are all part of the fun.
Lakeside properties, downtown living and country club communities
Lakeside properties near Weirs Beach offer incredible views and access to Lake Winnipesaukee. Its lively atmosphere during the warmer months comes from guests staying at nearby hotels. "The housing market is thriving, with many fixer-upper homes being flipped or renovated, especially around the hospital and in the downtown area just off Pleasant Street, where you’ll find beautiful old colonial homes. There are also a lot of waterfront properties on Winnisquam and Opechee," Coburn says. The median single family home price in the city is around $490,000, which is lower than in nearby Gilford, Meredith and Sanbornton. Locals can live in the Laconia Country Club residential community, or head farther out to get away from the tourist traffic. "While opportunities for first-time buyers are getting harder to find, there’s still a balanced market. Some buyer price points are being pushed out toward Belmont and Tilton, but Laconia’s market continues to boom," Coburn says. Condos and townhouses help homebuyers live the downtown lifestyle but on a tighter budget.
Many Colonial and Raise-Ranch homes with private access to the water sit along Lake Winnipesaukee near Laconia.
You'll find there are many historic Victorian and Colonia-era homes located near downtown Laconia.
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Laconia School District programs and Lakes Region Community College
Laconia School District, which is graded an overall C-minus on Niche, is comprised of five schools. Its three elementary schools and Laconia Middle School are all rated a C-minus, while Laconia High School is graded a C. Lakes Region Community College has hands-on training programs and academic classes for post-high school students and adults looking to change careers or learn something new.
Laconia Middle School has a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1.
Laconia High School has an overall grade of C on Niche.
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Commutes on Route 3 and Interstate 93
Route 3, also known as Daniel Webster Highway, is the area’s major thoroughfare, which connects to nearby towns like Meredith, Tilton and Concord, the state capital. It also runs through downtown, so traffic can be heavy. About 10 miles west of Laconia is Interstate 93, which can take drivers all the way to Boston. The Laconia Municipal Airport mainly supports small private flights, and public transportation is quite limited. Most residents rely on their own vehicles to get around.
Crime in Laconia
According to the crime statistics on the Laconia Police Department site, offenses for violent crime in 2023 increased from the previous year, but offenses for property crime and theft decreased.
Connie's journey in real estate began in 2010 when she navigated the complexities of bank-owned properties. This formative experience instilled in her a deep understanding of the market, resilience, what the lenders were looking for, and meticulous attention to detail. However, Connie's true passion lies in fostering connections and guiding individuals through one of life's most significant decisions—buying or selling a home. Thus, she transitioned to traditional real estate, where she spent years honing her skills in working with buyers and sellers.In 2015, driven by a desire to build a collaborative and supportive environment, Connie opened her own brokerage. With a focus on organic growth, she meticulously built a team of several talented agents, fostering a culture that prioritizes both professional excellence and personal well-being. Connie's story exemplifies dedication, vision, and a commitment to building a life filled with professional success and personal fulfillment. Her passion for real estate is evident in her unwavering commitment to her clients, her team, and the growth of her brokerage.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
