Visitors and residents alike find that the City of Laconia has much to offer in terms of housing, employment, shopping, and year-round pleasure activities. While Laconia may be the geographical and business center of the Lakes Region, we all live in the region for the things that make New Hampshire what it is; the outdoors. And Laconia has got its share. With frontage on Lake Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam, and Opechee it is no wonder it is know as the Lake City.

You can enjoy all that the lakes have to offer including boating, sailing, water skiing, swimming, yachting, fishing, jet skiing, and wind-surfing. Maybe even scuba diving. Laconia has lots of public beaches, docking, marinas, and things that make summer well, you know, summer. You'll have to check out Weirs Beach. Visitors have been since the turn of the century. It's a little honky-tonk, but a lot of fun for everyone. Lots of arcades, restaurants, waterslides, go carts, mini golf, batting cages, and even a drive in theater. Take a cruise on the M/S Mt Washington and tour Lake Winnipesaukee in style or take a ride on the scenic railroad that departs from the boardwalk for a lakeside tour up to Meredith. Or just take a stroll on the boardwalk and take in the sights. Just don't come on Fathers Day unless you are on your motorcycle as Weirs Beach is home to the Laconia Motorcycle Rally and Race Week each June. While a little bit noisy and perhaps a little bit rowdy, this event pours boatloads of money into the local economy.

Golfing is big here as well and you can find twenty or so courses here within an hours drive. Laconia Country Club is just a few miles from downtown nestled between Lake Opechee and Lake Winnipesaukee's Paugus Bay.

There is a multitude of winter activities including skiing at the nearby Gunstock Ski Area, cross country trails, snowmobiling, ice skating, ice fishing, tobogganing, and winter hiking. Laconia also hosts the World Champion Sled Dog races each February. My two Dobermans refused to participate; I guess that really is more of a spectator event for most residents around here. Anyway, residents and visitors alike who appreciate outdoor activities have no excuse to be bored in Laconia.

You'll find that special events take place throughout the year including country fairs, antique car and boat shows, flea markets, regattas, art shows, and fireworks displays.

Laconia's downtown area has undergone extensive renovations and buzzes with activity, shopping, and restaurants. You'll find some great architecture to look at including the Belknap Mill, the Laconia Public Library, and the old train station.

The waterfront communities of South Down and Long Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee offer upscale housing choices along with a host of amenities including fabulous sandy beaches, boats slips, and dry berths. Other amenities include tennis courts, walking trails, swimming pools, club houses. Vacationers, retirees, and year-round residents alike are choosing these communities for the great value that they offer.

Laconia's popularity continues to grow. Condominium and residential housing projects continue to spring up throughout town offering a variety of residential housing options in all price ranges.

Population:	17,060 (50,000-60,000 in summers) (2005)
Area:	20.3 Sq. Mi.
Home Price Rating: Average Sales Price	$262,738 (2008) $286,494 (2007) $283,467 (2006)
Median Sales Price:	$214,950 (2008) $199,900 (2007)  $225,000 (2006)
Tax Rating:	Tax Rate: $16.97 (2008)
Laid Back Rating:
Boating Score:
In the Sticks Score:
Link to Town Profile:	http://www.nhes.state.nh.us/elmi/htmlprofiles/laconia.html
Link to Town Website:	http://www.cityoflaconianh.org/