Carroll County · Lakes Region

Ossipee

Where Ancient Volcanoes Formed a Perfect Ring of Mountains

About Ossipee

Ossipee sprawls across 75 square miles of lakes, mountains, and pine barrens in the heart of Carroll County, serving as the county seat and a commercial crossroads for the eastern Lakes Region. Ossipee Lake — the state's sixth largest — dominates the northern part of town with miles of undeveloped shoreline, while the Ossipee Pine Barrens preserve protects 2,000 acres of rare pitch-pine woodland where blueberries grow wild and whip-poor-wills sing at dusk. The village of Center Ossipee along Route 16 buzzes with local shops, restaurants, and the Carroll County courthouse, giving the town a working center that many rural communities lack. The circular Ossipee Mountains — remnants of an ancient volcanic ring dike — rise dramatically to the west, offering hiking and backcountry exploring. This is a town where you can paddle a pristine lake in the morning, pick blueberries in the pine barrens by afternoon, and grab dinner at a local spot in the village by evening.

Why Ossipee?

Ossipee Lake — the sixth-largest lake in NH with undeveloped shoreline and clean water
Ossipee Pine Barrens — 2,000 acres of rare ecological habitat with trails and wild blueberries
Carroll County seat with courthouse, shops, and services along the Route 16 corridor
Low property tax rate at $11.60 per $1,000
Gateway location between the Lakes Region and the White Mountains

Quick Facts

Population

4,571

County

Carroll

Region

Lakes Region

School District

SAU 49

Weather in Ossipee

39°F

Partly Cloudy

Today

55 / 35

Fri

49 / 28

Sat

52 / 29

Map

Living in Ossipee

What you need to know about making Ossipee your home.

Major Employers

Carroll County GovernmentGovernor Wentworth Regional School DistrictHannaford SupermarketOssipee AggregatesIndian Mound Hardware

Schools & Education

Ossipee students attend the local K-6 school, then move to Kingswood Regional Middle and High Schools in Wolfeboro through the Governor Wentworth Regional School District (SAU 49).

Cost of Living

With a median home price around $425,000 and one of the lowest tax rates in Carroll County, Ossipee offers affordable lakefront and mountain living compared to nearby Wolfeboro or Conway.

Real Estate

$425,000 median home price

$11.60 per $1,000 property tax rate

No state income or sales tax in NH

View listings in Ossipee

Commute Times

25 min

Conway

35 min

Laconia

40 min

Rochester

15 min

Wolfeboro

75 min

Portland ME

School District

Regional district

Governor Wentworth Regional School District(SAU 49)

Grades served: PreK-12

Website

Students attend high school in Wolfeboro.

Ossipee serves as a district hub for students from nearby towns in this district.

District towns

Wolfeboro Tuftonboro Effingham Brookfield New Durham

Ossipee Central School

K-6Elementary

Kingswood Regional Middle School

7-8Middle School

Kingswood Regional High SchoolKnights

9-12High School

Parks & Public Spaces

Constitution Park OssipeeTown Park

Ossipee Recreation DepartmentTown Park

Hidden Gems in Ossipee

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

Conservation Trail Boardwalk

year-round

A hidden 0.2-mile boardwalk trail through wetlands ending at Ossipee Lake's southeastern shore with spectacular views of Mount Chocorua. The path winds through blueberry bushes and offers what locals call the best mountain view in the area. The small parking area off Conservation Trail Road keeps this spot relatively unknown to casual visitors.

Sap House Meadery

year-round

A tiny award-winning craft meadery tucked away in Center Ossipee village that's easily missed if you blink driving through. The owners use foraged local ingredients like elderberry and spruce tips to create unique honey wines. The cozy tasting room offers free samples and the passionate staff will debate philosophy while crafting mead cocktails.

Mill Pond

summer

A peaceful local swimming and fishing hole that's primarily known to kids and seniors but open to all. This small wooded pond features a dock and pocket park perfect for reading or picnics. It's where locals hold the annual youth fishing derby and offers a quiet escape from the tourist spots.

Dan Hole River Mill Ruins

year-round

Stone foundation remains of an old mill line both sides of Dan Hole River where Thurley Road crosses this little brook. These forgotten ruins speak to the area's 19th century mill history when mountain families brought grain here to be ground. The scenic spot is backed by views of the Ossipee Mountains.

Grant Hall Museum

summer

A tiny local history museum housed in the former Grant's Store, moved from its original location when the railroad shifted Center Ossipee's center. This volunteer-run gem displays local textiles, Civil War artifacts, and President Grover Cleveland's fishing boat. Open only three days a week in summer, it's a true locals' secret.