Belknap County · Merrimack Valley

Barnstead

Home to the Connected Suncook Lakes

Part of the Pittsfield area

About Barnstead

Barnstead is a rural town in Belknap County that maintains its agricultural character while serving as a bedroom community for the Lakes Region and southern New Hampshire. The town encompasses several villages including Center Barnstead and Barnstead Parade, with much of its landscape defined by working farms, forest land, and the Suncook River valley. Local governance operates through traditional New England town meeting, and residents value the community's quiet, small-town atmosphere while benefiting from reasonable access to Concord, Rochester, and the Seacoast region. The town's economy relies heavily on agriculture, small businesses, and residents who commute to jobs in larger nearby cities. Barnstead has preserved much of its rural character through local zoning and the presence of active farms, while still providing essential services and maintaining its infrastructure for a growing population of families seeking affordable country living within commuting distance of employment centers.

Why Barnstead?

Affordable rural living with lower housing costs than urban areas
Strong agricultural community with active local farms
Traditional New England town meeting governance
Reasonable commute to Concord, Rochester, and Seacoast jobs
Quiet, family-friendly environment with low crime rates

Quick Facts

Population

4,915

County

Belknap

Region

Merrimack Valley

School District

SAU 86

Weather in Barnstead

35°F

Clear

Today

50 / 20

Wed

42 / 32

Thu

49 / 33

Map

Living in Barnstead

What you need to know about making Barnstead your home.

Major Employers

Town of BarnsteadBarnstead Elementary SchoolLocke Hill FarmBarnstead Country Store

Schools & Education

Barnstead students attend the local elementary school through grade 8, then typically attend Prospect Mountain High School in Alton as part of SAU 86. The district serves several rural communities in the region.

Cost of Living

Housing costs in Barnstead are generally more affordable than in the Lakes Region resort towns or closer-in suburbs, making it attractive to families and first-time buyers. Property taxes are moderate for New Hampshire, reflecting the town's rural character and efficient municipal services.

Real Estate

$285,000 median home price

$18.75 per $1,000 property tax rate

No state income or sales tax in NH

View listings in Barnstead

Commute Times

35 min

Concord

20 min

Laconia

25 min

Rochester

45 min

Manchester

55 min

Portsmouth

School District

School district

Barnstead School District(SAU 86)

Grades served: PreK-12

Website

Barnstead Elementary School

K-8Elementary

Parks & Public Spaces

Barnstead Parks And RecTown Park

Hidden Gems in Barnstead

Beyond the well-known attractions, Barnstead has spots that locals love and visitors rarely find.

Barnstead Parade Historic Lock-Up

year-round

A tiny 1888 stone jail that once held 'tramps' and vagrants for exactly one night, tucked between the Town Hall and fire station. This perfectly preserved piece of Americana tells the story of when transients were simply given shelter overnight rather than lengthy imprisonment. The restored building feels like stepping into a Wild West movie, but with New England sensibilities.

Barnstead Parade Grounds and 1924 Bandstand

spring

A 1.3-acre town common that served as military drilling grounds from 1796 through WWI, now home to a charming octagonal wooden bandstand built in 1924. This is where New Hampshire militias once marched off to the Civil War and WWI, and where locals still gather for concerts and parades. The vintage colonial homes surrounding the grounds create a perfect time-capsule New England scene.

Sticks & Stones Farm

summer

A working 93-acre family farm that's pioneered hydroponic growing in New Hampshire and handcrafts unique stone products from materials found on the property. You can see Belted Galloway cattle, Belgian draft horses, and watch innovative horizontal hydroponic systems in action. The Comtois family built everything from scratch, including their home, creating a authentic self-sufficient New Hampshire farm experience.