Barnstead, New Hampshire
Belknap County · Merrimack Valley

Barnstead

Where rural charm meets Lakes Region beauty in New Hampshire's heartland.

About Barnstead

Nestled in the heart of Belknap County, Barnstead is a charming rural town that perfectly embodies New Hampshire's small-town spirit. With its rolling hills, pristine lakes, and working farms, this community of nearly 5,000 residents offers a peaceful retreat from urban life while maintaining easy access to the greater Lakes Region. The town's agricultural heritage remains strong, with family farms dotting the landscape alongside newer residential developments that attract families seeking quality schools and outdoor recreation opportunities. Barnstead's natural beauty centers around Suncook Lake and numerous ponds that provide year-round recreation, from swimming and fishing in summer to ice fishing and snowmobiling in winter. The town maintains its rural character through careful planning and a strong sense of community, evident in local events like the annual Old Home Day celebration. Despite its quiet nature, Barnstead's location offers convenient access to both the White Mountains and the seacoast, making it an ideal base for exploring all that New Hampshire has to offer.

Schools & Education

Barnstead is part of the SAU 86 school district.

School District

Barnstead School District(SAU 86)

Quick Facts

Population
4,915
County
Belknap
Region
Merrimack Valley
School District
SAU 86

Local Businesses

Barnstead Auto Repair

Other

Full-service automotive repair shop serving the local community.

Route 28

Barnstead Building Supply

Shopping

Lumber yard and building supply store serving contractors and homeowners with quality materials.

Route 126, Barnstead

Barnstead Dental Care

Health & Wellness

Family dental practice providing comprehensive oral health care in a modern, comfortable setting.

Route 126, Barnstead

Barnstead Excavation

Other

Excavation, septic systems, and site preparation services.

Locke Hill Road

Barnstead General Store

Food & Drink

Historic general store serving the community since the 1800s with groceries and prepared foods.

Center Barnstead Road

Barnstead Hair Salon

Health & Wellness

Full-service hair salon providing cuts, colors, and styling.

Route 28

Barnstead Hardware

Other

Traditional hardware store with tools, supplies, and local expertise.

Main Street

Barnstead Pizza

Food & Drink

Family-owned pizzeria serving hand-tossed pizza, subs, and Italian specialties for dine-in and takeout.

Route 28, Barnstead

Barnstead Post Office

Other

USPS services and community bulletin board hub.

Main Street

Barnstead Town Library

Education

Community library offering books, programs, and internet access.

Maple Street

Barnstead Veterinary Clinic

Health & Wellness

Full-service veterinary practice caring for pets and livestock throughout the region.

Route 126, Barnstead

Country Craft Corner

Shopping

Local crafts, gifts, and handmade items from area artisans.

Center Barnstead Road

Country Crafts

Arts & Entertainment

Local artisan shop featuring handmade crafts, gifts, and seasonal decorations by area artists.

Center Barnstead Road

Country Cuts Hair Salon

Health & Wellness

Local hair salon providing cuts, styling, and beauty services in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Center Barnstead Road

Country Landscaping

Other

Landscaping and lawn care service specializing in residential and commercial property maintenance.

Suncook Valley Road

Country Quilts & More

Arts & Entertainment

Quilting supplies, classes, and custom quilting services.

Beauty Hill Road

Halfmoon Lake Marina

Outdoor Recreation

Boat rentals, storage, and marine services on Halfmoon Lake.

Halfmoon Lake Road

Lakes Region Veterinary Hospital

Health & Wellness

Complete veterinary services for pets and farm animals.

Suncook Valley Highway

Lakeside Convenience

Food & Drink

Convenience store with gas, snacks, and basic groceries.

Route 28

Locke Hill Farm

Other

Working farm offering seasonal produce, maple syrup, and farm tours.

Locke Hill Road

Maple Ridge Sugar House

Other

Maple syrup production facility offering tours and fresh syrup sales.

Province Road

Maple View Farm

Other

Dairy farm producing fresh milk and seasonal maple syrup with on-farm sales available.

Maple Street

Pine Hill Farm

Other

Working farm offering seasonal produce, maple syrup, and farm-fresh eggs directly to consumers.

Pine Hill Road

Pine Ridge Nursery

Shopping

Garden center and nursery specializing in native plants, trees, and landscaping supplies.

Pittsfield Road

Pine Tree Landscaping

Other

Landscaping and lawn care services for residential and commercial properties.

Beauty Hill Road

Suncook Bank

Other

Community bank providing personal and business banking services to local residents.

Route 28, Barnstead

Suncook Lake Campground

Outdoor Recreation

Family campground with sites, rentals, and lake access.

Suncook Valley Road

Suncook Valley Country Store

Food & Drink

Full-service country store with deli, groceries, and local products.

Main Street

Suncook Valley Realty

Other

Real estate agency specializing in rural and lakefront properties throughout the region.

Route 28, Barnstead

Town Line Convenience

Shopping

Convenience store offering gas, groceries, and daily necessities for local residents.

Route 28, Barnstead

Valley View Farm Stand

Other

Seasonal farm stand featuring local produce, flowers, and baked goods.

Suncook Valley Highway

Village Market

Food & Drink

Local market offering fresh produce, meats, and prepared foods with emphasis on local suppliers.

Center Barnstead Road

Explore the Pittsfield Area

See Pittsfield for dining, activities, outdoor recreation, local businesses, and more.

View Pittsfield Guide