Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Center Harbor, NH
Considering a move to Center Harbor, NH? With a cozy population of just over 1,100, this lakeside town offers a quiet lifestyle, low crime rates (42 violent crimes per 100k), and a median home price of $420,000. Residents enjoy affordable living, short commutes around 30 minutes, and outstanding access to outdoor recreation in New Hampshire’s scenic Lakes Region. Strong public schools and a friendly pace make Center Harbor an appealing choice for families, retirees, and anyone seeking peaceful New England charm.
Demographics - Center Harbor, NH
Demographics - Center Harbor, NH
Center Harbor is a close-knit community of about 1,110 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 55.6, reflecting a mature and peaceful atmosphere. The gender balance is nearly even, and the town has a low percentage of non-English speakers, making it welcoming and easy to navigate for newcomers.
Population:
1,110
Density:
72 per sq mi
Median Age:
55.6
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
97.2%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
1.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Center Harbor, NH?
The cost of living in Center Harbor is moderately above the national average, driven by housing with a median home value of $420,000 and average rent around $1,350 per month. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also slightly higher than average, but residents benefit from low state income taxes.
Median House Value:
$420,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$670
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
110.2
Grocery:
105.0
Housing:
120.0
Utilities:
109.5
Transportation:
107.0
Health Care:
108.3
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Is Center Harbor, NH a safe place to live?
Center Harbor boasts a very low crime rate, with only 42 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 2,400 chance of experiencing such incidents. Property crime is also minimal, making this town a safe choice for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
42
Property Crimes Per 100k:
520
Crime Index:
562
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,400
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 192
Weather
What is the weather like in Center Harbor, NH year-round?
Residents experience the full range of New England seasons, with cold winters dipping to 9°F, pleasant summers reaching up to 80°F, and about 44 inches of rainfall annually. The area enjoys 58% sunny days, perfect for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
9°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Center Harbor’s households typically earn around $78,900, with a low poverty rate of 7.1% and an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. The community is highly educated, with over 96% having at least a high school diploma, and commute times average about 30 minutes.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$78,900
Family Income:
$92,000
Per Capita Income:
$41,200
Income Male:
$50,200
Income Female:
$39,800
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.1%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
29.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.1%
Bachelors or More:
38.4%
Education
How are the schools in Center Harbor, NH?
Center Harbor is served by well-regarded public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, and higher education is accessible at Plymouth State University just 19 miles away. The local schools provide a nurturing environment for students in a small-town setting.
Public Schools
Name:
Inter-Lakes Elementary School
Street:
21 Laker Lane, Meredith, NH 03253
Phone:
603-279-7968
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Inter-Lakes High School
Street:
1 Laker Lane, Meredith, NH 03253
Phone:
603-279-6162
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.0
Colleges
Name:
Plymouth State University
City:
Plymouth
State:
NH
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
4,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong, with two major hospitals nearby and nearly 95% of residents covered by insurance. With two physicians per 1,000 people, residents benefit from quality medical care and emergency services close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Lakes Region General Hospital
Address:
80 Highland St, Laconia, NH 03246
Phone:
(603) 524-3211
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Speare Memorial Hospital
Address:
16 Hospital Rd, Plymouth, NH 03264
Phone:
(603) 536-1120
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.7%
Health Care Index:
71.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Center Harbor, NH?
The housing market features a median home price of $420,000 and strong owner occupancy at over 80%. Rental properties are available with average rents of $1,350 for a two-bedroom, and the area has seen a healthy 6.4% home appreciation rate over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$420,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing are handled by the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles in Concord, offering convenient access for Center Harbor residents. The DMV provides comprehensive services and information online and by phone.
State:
New Hampshire
Department:
New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305
Phone:
1-603-227-4000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.