Best or favorite locations to live on lake

beagle · 01-03-2006, 10:45 AM

I am new to the forum, but have been reading for about a year. You all offer so much helpful information! We are looking in to buying a place up here, and I am wondering what advice you can give regarding the different areas of the lake. We would like to be in a quieter spot, but like the more open areas of water. We have seen one place that we like located on the western side of Long Island, but I worry that the water will always be pretty rough there. Any advice?

Thanks!

hazelnut · 01-03-2006, 11:41 AM

It is a real nice stretch of water over there. I think that the trade-off will be great views and sunsets. Most open water spots will be on the rough side. I am sure the place you looked at had a breakwater so your boat will be relatively protected. I guess it is going to come down to what your preference is. I am sure you really would enjoy that view though!!!

JTA · 01-03-2006, 01:28 PM

The Northeast quad of the lake is the quietest in my opinion. Lots of nice spots where you are looking. My place faces east, so I get the morning sun. I would actually prefer facing west. Long Island is a good location to travel to other spots on the lake. Good Luck!

Lakewinniboater · 01-03-2006, 03:13 PM

Hi there,

My 2 cents would be for West Alton are or Alton Bay. We have a home in Alton Bay and used to be in the West Alton area behind Sleepers.

We like it because it is fairly quiet. The bay can get busy at times.... nothing like Weirs or Meredith area though. However, our boat doesn't take a beating at our docks and the kids can swim safely, use the waverunner and water ski safely. Another big benefit for us is the Southern location. It only takes us 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Westford area door to door. Plus, we have one of the lowest tax rates on the lake. (for now anyway)

Although, we love the Long Island area too..... the drive is just that little bit more that makes it less doable. Especially, on those rare occassions that we go up and back in one day.

Good luck with your search!!!

Bear Islander · 01-03-2006, 04:01 PM

The place to be at the lake are the islands. It's a very different experience than the mainland.

However island living is not for everybody.

beagle · 01-03-2006, 04:36 PM

Thanks for the info! Yes, hazelnut, this particular home does have a breakwater dock. I grew up boating and fishing on a lake in Michigan about the size of Sunapee, so some wind and waves would be okay. My older son likes to sail (small boat) and none of us know how to water ski (yet!). I just don't want to have to deal with huge waves all the time or crazy boaters because we will be newbies! And since Long Island is bridged, there isn't a concern about getting there (I guess!). Any other thoughts?

jkjoshuatree · 01-03-2006, 04:39 PM

probably because I'm also on Bear Island. The islands are very special and unique.

It's definitely not for everyone though, as he points out. I'm actually waiting to have an article of mine published about island living on Winnipesaukee, but I'm not sure it will be out by the time you decide to buy your cottage (those damn editors-lol).

The biggest disadvantage to island living is that you can't use it 12 months a year, unless you have some type of hover-craft that is able to move over the lake when it is freezing/thawing in the winter and spring.

It must be nice to be able to drive your car to your back door at a mainland home.

Just be patient and you'll receive many responses to your questions. The people on the site are extremely helpful. Good luck!

Newbiesaukee · 01-03-2006, 04:51 PM

We live on the eastern side of Long Island. We love the location and boat traffic is not bad (relatively speaking). We are about 8 miles from route 25 and this can be long at times, the only store nearby being Jo-Jo's which is small and pricey. The distance is not a problem for us, but if you plan on driving out and about you should consider.

hazelnut · 01-03-2006, 05:31 PM

I wouldn't say you are going to have to deal with HUGE waves in that area. The prevailing winds come from the Northwest "most" of the time. The real big waves end up down towards Rattlesnake Island/The Broads/Wolfeboro area. While it can be wavy in the Long Island area it won't be the real biggies. As for traffic, being that it is such a wide open area you will see a lot of boats but they won't all be in your immediate area. You will experience some wave action due to traffic though. Sunfish sailing will be great from that area "wind-wise." There will most likely be a bit of traffic on Saturdays from 12 noon on but it should be manageable for light sailing. I really do prefer the northeastern area of the lake myself. My family used to own a home on Moultonboro Neck and now I am on Cow Island. It is substantially quiter than most of the lake and Moultonboro taxes are low. I commute from Waltham, Ma and it takes us 2 hours. I feel that it is worth the extra drive for the extra quiet.

About me: I speak from 24 years experience on the lake. I am sure there are quite a few others on this forum that can outdo that

. I used to work on one of the cruise boats on the lake and I also drove a waterski boat for a hotel on the lake. I have several close friends that own in many different places on the lake. I figured I would let you know where I was coming from because you will get lots of different opinions and it helps to know who is giving them so you can make the best choice for yourself. Obviously that is the most important thing because in the end you're the one paying the freight

Rose · 01-03-2006, 05:43 PM

I spent my first 30 summers staying in Gilford. After a four year break, my husband and I spent a week on the Tuftonboro/Wolfeboro line, and then in 2001 and 2002 we rented a seasonal site for our camper off Moultonboro Neck Road. The Neck Road is definitely my preferred area...you really feel off the beaten path, but there's still plenty to do close by.

dpg · 01-04-2006, 11:54 AM

My family (parents) own on "land" Suissevale in Moultonborough, however I dated a girl years ago (for years) who's family owned on an island. The island wasn't for me, I'll take the land home any day of the week. To each his own I guess!

Winni · 01-06-2006, 02:47 PM

We've lived at the top of Alton Bay, on the southern point of Young's Cove for over 16 years now. We live here full time. Our work commutes have always been more than an hour, but we think it is a great place to live. Some of the advantages are being on the west side of the Bay, you don't get the direct boat traffic that comes straight up from the marinas at the southern tip and head right out by Little Mark Island. It can be very rough out in the Broads, but quite in the Bay, or vice versa. We can look out and see which direction we want to go for the day. The sunrises are fantastic over the hill or Broads, depending on the time of year. The sunsets are pink and purple spreading over the hills in front of us. We are across from a boys' camp, so there are few other homes cluttering up the opposite shore view. There is great wildlife and there are wonderful neighbors. The land behind us is protected because it is owned by a group of people and has the old railroad beds. We are off the beaten path, yet can get out to Rt. 11 quickly. It doesn't take much to get to the mountains, the ocean, and Boston, Durham, Wolfeboro or Plymouth for a little culture. There are many good restaurants in easy access. Alton is doing a good job of keeping business expansion in the existing town and down near the circle, so we can still feel like we're in the woods, which we really are. Each of us has different but great views. As far as I'm concerned, if there is a heaven, I'm already living there. And, there are even homes currently for sale nearby...but not ours. I plan to have them carry me out of here when I die or bury me in the back yard. This is home forever as far as I'm concerned; I just love it.

01-03-2006, 10:45 AM	#1
beagle Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 175 Thanks: 183 Thanked 25 Times in 21 Posts	Best or favorite locations to live on lake I am new to the forum, but have been reading for about a year. You all offer so much helpful information! We are looking in to buying a place up here, and I am wondering what advice you can give regarding the different areas of the lake. We would like to be in a quieter spot, but like the more open areas of water. We have seen one place that we like located on the western side of Long Island, but I worry that the water will always be pretty rough there. Any advice? Thanks!

01-03-2006, 11:41 AM	#2
hazelnut Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,348 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 508 Thanked 462 Times in 162 Posts	Great Sunsets It is a real nice stretch of water over there. I think that the trade-off will be great views and sunsets. Most open water spots will be on the rough side. I am sure the place you looked at had a breakwater so your boat will be relatively protected. I guess it is going to come down to what your preference is. I am sure you really would enjoy that view though!!!

01-03-2006, 01:28 PM	#3
JTA Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Fort Pierce, Florida Posts: 233 Thanks: 34 Thanked 25 Times in 21 Posts	Best? The Northeast quad of the lake is the quietest in my opinion. Lots of nice spots where you are looking. My place faces east, so I get the morning sun. I would actually prefer facing west. Long Island is a good location to travel to other spots on the lake. Good Luck!

01-03-2006, 03:13 PM	#4
Lakewinniboater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Westford, MA and Alton Bay, NH Posts: 225 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	My 2 cents Hi there, My 2 cents would be for West Alton are or Alton Bay. We have a home in Alton Bay and used to be in the West Alton area behind Sleepers. We like it because it is fairly quiet. The bay can get busy at times.... nothing like Weirs or Meredith area though. However, our boat doesn't take a beating at our docks and the kids can swim safely, use the waverunner and water ski safely. Another big benefit for us is the Southern location. It only takes us 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Westford area door to door. Plus, we have one of the lowest tax rates on the lake. (for now anyway) Although, we love the Long Island area too..... the drive is just that little bit more that makes it less doable. Especially, on those rare occassions that we go up and back in one day. Good luck with your search!!! __________________ Wendy "Wasn't Me!"

01-03-2006, 04:39 PM	#7
jkjoshuatree Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bear Island Posts: 642 Thanks: 349 Thanked 145 Times in 77 Posts	I agree with Bear Islander... probably because I'm also on Bear Island. The islands are very special and unique. It's definitely not for everyone though, as he points out. I'm actually waiting to have an article of mine published about island living on Winnipesaukee, but I'm not sure it will be out by the time you decide to buy your cottage (those damn editors-lol). The biggest disadvantage to island living is that you can't use it 12 months a year, unless you have some type of hover-craft that is able to move over the lake when it is freezing/thawing in the winter and spring. It must be nice to be able to drive your car to your back door at a mainland home. Just be patient and you'll receive many responses to your questions. The people on the site are extremely helpful. Good luck! __________________ Dream out loud.

01-03-2006, 04:01 PM	#5
Bear Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bear Island Posts: 1,764 Thanks: 32 Thanked 441 Times in 207 Posts	The place to be at the lake are the islands. It's a very different experience than the mainland. However island living is not for everybody.

01-03-2006, 04:36 PM	#6
beagle Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 175 Thanks: 183 Thanked 25 Times in 21 Posts	Thanks for the info! Yes, hazelnut, this particular home does have a breakwater dock. I grew up boating and fishing on a lake in Michigan about the size of Sunapee, so some wind and waves would be okay. My older son likes to sail (small boat) and none of us know how to water ski (yet!). I just don't want to have to deal with huge waves all the time or crazy boaters because we will be newbies! And since Long Island is bridged, there isn't a concern about getting there (I guess!). Any other thoughts?

01-03-2006, 04:51 PM	#8
Newbiesaukee Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Coral Gables, winter; Long Island, summer Posts: 1,353 Thanks: 945 Thanked 573 Times in 298 Posts	We live on the eastern side of Long Island. We love the location and boat traffic is not bad (relatively speaking). We are about 8 miles from route 25 and this can be long at times, the only store nearby being Jo-Jo's which is small and pricey. The distance is not a problem for us, but if you plan on driving out and about you should consider.

01-03-2006, 05:31 PM	#9
hazelnut Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,348 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 508 Thanked 462 Times in 162 Posts	waves I wouldn't say you are going to have to deal with HUGE waves in that area. The prevailing winds come from the Northwest "most" of the time. The real big waves end up down towards Rattlesnake Island/The Broads/Wolfeboro area. While it can be wavy in the Long Island area it won't be the real biggies. As for traffic, being that it is such a wide open area you will see a lot of boats but they won't all be in your immediate area. You will experience some wave action due to traffic though. Sunfish sailing will be great from that area "wind-wise." There will most likely be a bit of traffic on Saturdays from 12 noon on but it should be manageable for light sailing. I really do prefer the northeastern area of the lake myself. My family used to own a home on Moultonboro Neck and now I am on Cow Island. It is substantially quiter than most of the lake and Moultonboro taxes are low. I commute from Waltham, Ma and it takes us 2 hours. I feel that it is worth the extra drive for the extra quiet. About me: I speak from 24 years experience on the lake. I am sure there are quite a few others on this forum that can outdo that. I used to work on one of the cruise boats on the lake and I also drove a waterski boat for a hotel on the lake. I have several close friends that own in many different places on the lake. I figured I would let you know where I was coming from because you will get lots of different opinions and it helps to know who is giving them so you can make the best choice for yourself. Obviously that is the most important thing because in the end you're the one paying the freight

01-03-2006, 05:43 PM	#10
Rose Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 498 Thanks: 62 Thanked 71 Times in 32 Posts	Good choice I spent my first 30 summers staying in Gilford. After a four year break, my husband and I spent a week on the Tuftonboro/Wolfeboro line, and then in 2001 and 2002 we rented a seasonal site for our camper off Moultonboro Neck Road. The Neck Road is definitely my preferred area...you really feel off the beaten path, but there's still plenty to do close by.

01-04-2006, 11:54 AM	#11
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,591 Thanks: 150 Thanked 229 Times in 166 Posts	My family (parents) own on "land" Suissevale in Moultonborough, however I dated a girl years ago (for years) who's family owned on an island. The island wasn't for me, I'll take the land home any day of the week. To each his own I guess!

01-06-2006, 02:47 PM	#12
Winni Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 104 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Love Young's Cove We've lived at the top of Alton Bay, on the southern point of Young's Cove for over 16 years now. We live here full time. Our work commutes have always been more than an hour, but we think it is a great place to live. Some of the advantages are being on the west side of the Bay, you don't get the direct boat traffic that comes straight up from the marinas at the southern tip and head right out by Little Mark Island. It can be very rough out in the Broads, but quite in the Bay, or vice versa. We can look out and see which direction we want to go for the day. The sunrises are fantastic over the hill or Broads, depending on the time of year. The sunsets are pink and purple spreading over the hills in front of us. We are across from a boys' camp, so there are few other homes cluttering up the opposite shore view. There is great wildlife and there are wonderful neighbors. The land behind us is protected because it is owned by a group of people and has the old railroad beds. We are off the beaten path, yet can get out to Rt. 11 quickly. It doesn't take much to get to the mountains, the ocean, and Boston, Durham, Wolfeboro or Plymouth for a little culture. There are many good restaurants in easy access. Alton is doing a good job of keeping business expansion in the existing town and down near the circle, so we can still feel like we're in the woods, which we really are. Each of us has different but great views. As far as I'm concerned, if there is a heaven, I'm already living there. And, there are even homes currently for sale nearby...but not ours. I plan to have them carry me out of here when I die or bury me in the back yard. This is home forever as far as I'm concerned; I just love it.