Belknap County · Lakes Region

Tilton

Gateway to the Lakes Region and the 50-Foot Memorial Arch

About Tilton

Tilton sits at the crossroads of I-93 and Route 3, making it the commercial gateway to the Lakes Region. Tanger Outlets and a busy strip of big-box retailers draw shoppers from across central New Hampshire, but step off the main road and you find a quieter community along the Winnipesaukee River with a surprisingly rich history. The Tilton Arch — a replica of a Roman triumphal arch — stands in the town's Island Park, a gift from the town's namesake industrialist Charles Tilton. The prestigious Tilton School, a private boarding school founded in 1845, occupies a leafy hilltop campus overlooking town. Lake Winnisquam's southern shore sits just minutes away, offering boat launches and waterfront access without Lake Winnipesaukee's price tag. For entertainment, locals head to Smitty's Cinema for current releases, or grab a beer at Kettlehead Brewing Company, which opened in 2017 and has become a popular gathering spot. The Winnipesaukee River runs right through town, providing a natural corridor that separates the commercial bustle from the residential neighborhoods. Island Park offers green space along the water, and the proximity to both lakes and the White Mountains makes Tilton a practical base for those who want easy highway access without sacrificing outdoor opportunities.

Why Tilton?

Direct I-93 access at Exit 20 for easy commutes to Concord, Manchester, and the Seacoast
Affordable housing with median prices well below the Lakes Region average
Tanger Outlets and major retailers provide local shopping and employment
Lake Winnisquam waterfront access without the crowds of Winnipesaukee
Tilton School adds a boarding-school campus and cultural amenities to the community

Quick Facts

Population

3,729

County

Belknap

Region

Lakes Region

School District

SAU 18

Weather in Tilton

32°F

Clear

Today

54 / 31

Sat

57 / 31

Sun

64 / 34

Map

Living in Tilton

What you need to know about making Tilton your home.

Major Employers

Tanger Outlets TiltonJ. Jill Distribution CenterMarket BasketTilton SchoolWinnisquam Regional School DistrictHome Depot / Lowe's

Schools & Education

Tilton students attend Southwick School and Winnisquam Regional Middle and High School through the Winnisquam Regional School District, with private Tilton School also offering grades 9-12.

Cost of Living

Tilton is one of the most affordable towns in the Lakes Region corridor, with home prices roughly half of what you would pay in nearby Laconia or Meredith and a moderate tax rate.

Real Estate

$380,000 median home price

$10.80 per $1,000 property tax rate

No state income or sales tax in NH

View listings in Tilton

Commute Times

90 min

Boston

25 min

Concord

10 min

Laconia

35 min

Plymouth

45 min

Manchester

School District

Regional district

Franklin/Winnisquam School District(SAU 18)

Grades served: PreK-12

Website

Students attend high school in Franklin.

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

District towns

Franklin Northfield Sanbornton Hill

Southwick School

K-4Elementary

Winnisquam Regional Middle School

5-8Middle School

Winnisquam Regional High SchoolBears

9-12High School

Tilton School

9-12High School

Parks & Public Spaces

Lochmere Country ClubRecreation Area

Hidden Gems in Tilton

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

Memorial Arch of Tilton

year-round

This massive 55-foot granite arch stands like something out of ancient Rome on a hilltop overlooking Tilton. Built in 1882 by millionaire Charles Tilton as his intended tomb, it never served that purpose and now sits majestically in a park with picnic areas. The arch offers sweeping views of the countryside and holds a time capsule in its keystone containing newspapers and coins from its construction era.

Tilton Island Park Bridge

spring

This 1881 iron truss bridge is the only surviving example of a patented Truesdell truss in the country, connecting Main Street to a peaceful island park in the middle of the Winnipesaukee River. The bridge itself is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the island features a gazebo where summer concerts are held. The combination of cast iron and wrought iron construction makes it architecturally unique.

Franklin Falls Dam Disc Golf Course

spring

This 25-hole championship disc golf course plays through one of the most varied terrains in New Hampshire, from wooded fairways to open river basin shots over the Pemigewasset River. The famous dam shots include a 1,100-foot bomber hole that challenges even experienced players. The course winds through red pine stands and offers a unique mix of technical forest holes and wide-open power shots.