Sales data and small-town charm: A look at Sanbornton’s market

Sanbornton embodies all one expects to find in an old New England town. This historic community features many original homes, churches, and gathering buildings constructed by early settlers. The rural character of the town is enhanced with stone walls, open fields, and grazing livestock.

Agriculture is important to this community, as evidenced by its many small farms. Located on the highlands between Lake Winnisquam to the east and the Pemigewasset River to the west, there are many attractive reasons to settle here. Inspiring and marvelous views can be seen in all directions. Sanbornton offers a rural lifestyle to its residents, yet its proximity to Exit 20 off I-93 offers unlimited conveniences, shopping, and restaurant choices.

Sanbornton was initially granted by Colonial Governor Wentworth in 1748 to his friend John Sanborn, of Hampton, along with 59 others. Twelve of the grantees were named Sanborn. Therefore, the community was named Sanbornton. The town was later incorporated in 1770.

Sanbornton, located in Belknap County, has a population of 3,057 residents based on the 2024 census, which ranks 109 among New Hampshire’s cities and towns. The population density is very low, with only 63.3 persons per square mile of land area. The town contains 47.3 square miles of land area and 2.4 square miles of inland water area. There are approximately 1,707 total housing units in town. The property tax rate is $12.81 per $1,000. The total valuation of the town is $957,023,741

Grades l-12 are part of the Winnisquam Regional School District, including Tilton, Northfield, and Sanbornton. Additionally, the Saint Bani School is an independent pre-K to eighth-grade day school founded in 1973 and enrolls approximately 150 students.

Formed in 1952, the Sanbornton Historical Society is dedicated to cataloging, preserving, and promoting the history of the town. In 1964, the society was instrumental in having the historic district established and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Sanbornton has two town beaches. The first one is located off of Dr. True Road on Lake Winnisquam, New Hampshire’s third largest lake. This lovely sandy beach has great views overlooking the 4,214-acre lake. The second one is located off Route 132 on Hermit Lake. The highest point in town is the summit of Hersey Mountain at 2,001 feet. Route I-93 north and south access the town via exit 22 (NH 127), providing easy access to the outlet mall, big box stores, car dealerships, and restaurants in Tilton.

Sanbornton is home to Steele Hill Resort, perched on top of Steele Hill with magnificent views of Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Winnisquam, and the White Mountains. Set among 500 acres of unspoiled fields and forests, there’s a nine-hole golf course, snowmobile and hiking trails, fishing in the pond, and a spectacular indoor amenities center with pools, hot tubs, slides, plus outdoor pools, tennis, racquetball courts, a Roman spa, and exercise rooms. The hilltop restaurant and lounge offer onsite dining.

For a laid-back breakfast, try the Heritage Farm Pancake House; the children will love the farm animals, or visit a number of farms and sugar houses producing maple syrup. The Lake House at Ferry Point is a unique lakefront bed and breakfast inn. The Sanbornton Public Library and the Historic Bay Meeting House, circa 1910, are popular stops.

Three years ago, a new town office was constructed, the old town office was renovated into a new police station, and the fire department took over the previous police station. Many fine waterfront properties dot the extensive shoreline along Lake Winnisquam. The Den Brae Golf Course is a third-generation course that began in 1958. Yes, Sanbornton is a quaint old New England Village. The rural “old world” character has been preserved with its true country atmosphere, farms, and open field landscapes.

Let’s take a look at how the real estate market has been performing over the past six years in Sanbornton:

In 2020, there were 58 single-family home sales. The median sales price was $312,500. The average sales price was $342,481. The lowest sales price was $125,000. The highest sales price was $975,000. Median days on the market was 10. Total sales volume was $19.8 million.

In 2021, there were 50 single-family home sales. The median sales price was $399,4505. The average sales price was $488,374. The lowest sales price was $125,000. The highest sales price was $1.7 million. Median days on the market were seven. Total sales volume was $24.4 million.

In 2022, there were 37 single-family home sales. The median sales price was $410,500. The average sales price was $550,316. The lowest sales price was $189,900. The highest sales price was $2 million. Median days on the market were seven. Total sales volume was $20.3 million.

In 2023, there were 39 single-family home sales. The median sales price was $500,000. The average sales price was $730,030. The lowest sales price was $182,000. The highest sales price was $3 million. Median days on the market was 15. Total sales volume was $28.4 million.

In 2024, there were 43 single-family home sales. The median sales price was $600,000. The average sales price was $786,262. The lowest sales price was $270,000. The highest sales price was $4.2 million. Median days on the market was 15. Total sales volume was $33.8 million.

So far in 2025, there have been 38 single-family home sales. The median sales price was $519,500. The average sales price was $662,415. The lowest sales price was $204,999. The highest sales price was $2.1 million. Median days on the market was 23. Total sales volume was $25.1 million.

At present, there are seven active single-family homes for sale. The median list price is $474,900. The average list price is $567,368. The lowest listing price is $213,900. The highest listing price is $1.2 million. Median days on the market is 50.

Sanbornton is a lovely rural community with lots of open space and country character. Like all of the small Lakes Region communities, there is a lack of available inventory. We at Roche Realty Group are working diligently to acquire new listings in Sanbornton because of the strong demand for rural, country living, with convenience to I-93 and all the Lakes Region activities and shopping. I have lived in Sanbornton for 34 years, and I still feel that it is like going back in time in our picturesque town.

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This article was written by Sue Locantore. Sue is a Realtor at Roche Realty Group located in Meredith and can be reached at 603-387-2529. Sales data was pulled from PrimeMLS and is subject to change. Visit rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.