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Laconia, NH

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Laconia, NH

Laconia is a city in Belknap County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 16,871 at the 2020 census, up from 15,951 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Belknap County. Laconia, situated between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam, includes the villages of Lakeport and Weirs Beach. Each June, the city hosts Laconia Motorcycle Week, also more simply known as "Bike Week", one of the country's largest rallies.

Laconia is located northwest of the geographic center of Belknap County. The city lies at the center of New Hampshire's Lakes Region, and all or part of four major bodies of water lie within its limits: Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Winnisquam, Opechee Bay and Paugus Bay (sometimes counted as an arm of Winnipesaukee, but historically a separate body of water).

Laconia contains three main villages. Downtown Laconia, where the Belknap County Courthouse is located, can be found in the southern tip of the city, along the Winnipesaukee River between Opechee Bay to the north and Lake Winnisquam to the southwest. Lakeport, located between Opeechee Bay and Paugus Bay, is near the geographic center of the city. Weirs Beach, around the channel connecting Paugus Bay with Lake Winnipesaukee, lies at the northern edge of the city.

U.S. Route 3 passes through parts of the city, bypassing downtown but passing through Weirs Beach. New Hampshire Route 11 bypasses the city in a concurrency with US 3. The two highways lead southwest from Laconia to Tilton and Franklin. New Hampshire Route 11A represents the old routes 11 and 3 through downtown as Court Street and Union Avenue, but then turns east on Gilford Avenue to lead to Gilford and West Alton. New Hampshire Route 106 runs north-south through downtown, leading south to Concord and north to Meredith. New Hampshire Route 107 leads southeast from downtown towards Gilmanton and Pittsfield. Route 107 turns north in downtown and follows Union Avenue (former Route 3) to a junction with US 3 near the north end of the Laconia Bypass. US 3 continues north along the east shore of Paugus Bay, through Weirs Beach and into Meredith. Route 11 leads east from the Laconia Bypass past Glendale and into Alton. New Hampshire Route 11B leads east from Weirs Beach into Gilford.

The former Boston and Maine Railroad White Mountain Branch, originally built as the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad, enters Laconia at the Belmont town line near Lake Winnisquam and runs north through the city, through Lakeport and along Paugus Bay to Weirs Beach and Meredith. Purchased by the State of New Hampshire in 1975, the tracks are actively used for freight purposes by the New England Southern Railroad and for tourist train service by the Plymouth & Lincoln Railroad between Meredith and Lakeport, with occasional service out of Laconia. The line is also a vital active link to the National rail network for the tourist operator to ship and receive equipment for their own use and also to perform contract work at the railroad's Lincoln repair shops. Laconia Municipal Airport is located just east of the city limits in Gilford.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 26.1 square miles (67.6 km²), of which 19.8 square miles (51.4 km²) are land and 6.3 square miles (16.2 km²) are water, comprising 23.93% of the city. Laconia is drained by the Winnipesaukee River. It is bounded in the southwest by Lake Winnisquam, and by Lake Winnipesaukee in the northeast. Laconia lies fully within the Merrimack River watershed. The highest point in Laconia is a 960-foot (290 m) hill in the northern part of the city, west of Paugus Bay's Pickerel Cove and just east of Route 106.

Health and wellness are integral to the lifestyle in Laconia, with the city offering a range of amenities and activities to promote well-being. Concord Hospital is a cornerstone of the community, providing comprehensive healthcare services to residents. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Laconia Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Downtown Gym, Fit Focus and Studio 151 Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Laconia, such as the WOW and Winni Trail and Sewer Line and Backbone Loop. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Laconia, NH are Winnipesaukee Pier, American Classic Arcade Museum, Ahern State Park, and Endicott Rock State Historic Site.

Population: 17,310 (2024). ZIP codes: 03246, 03247. Area code(s): 603. Elevation: 502 ft (153 m). Area: 26.08 sq mi (67.55 km²).

FAQs

Is Laconia, NH a nice place to live?

Laconia is in Belknap County. Living in Laconia offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many young professionals and retirees live in Laconia and residents tend to lean liberal.

What is Laconia, NH known for?

Each June, the city hosts Laconia Motorcycle Week, also more simply known as "Bike Week", one of the country's largest rallies. Aside from that, Laconia is home to the Winnipesaukee Muskrats of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL). The franchise began play in 2010 at Robbie Mills Field in Laconia. Each winter, the city hosts the Laconia World Championship Sled Dog Derby.

What is the ethnicity of Laconia, NH?

Laconia is a city located in Belknap County New Hampshire. Laconia is currently growing at a rate of 0.5% annually and its population has increased by 2.04% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 16,883 in 2020. The racial composition of Laconia was White: 93.23%, Other race: 2.56%, Two or more races: 1.85%, Black or African American: 1.17%, Asian: 1.11%, and Native American: 0.08%.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Laconia

Concord Hospital 

Laconia Parks and Recreation Department 

Downtown Gym

Fit Focus 

Studio 151 Fitness

WOW and Winni Trail 

Sewer Line and Backbone Loop

Winnipesaukee Pier

American Classic Arcade Museum

Ahern State Park

Endicott Rock State Historic Site

Niche

World Population Review

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