Sunapee, New Hampshire
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| Sunapee, New Hampshire | |
|---|---|
| Name | Sunapee, New Hampshire |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | New Hampshire |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Sullivan |
| Leader title | Select Board |
| Leader name | Christopher H. Maggiore (Chair), Michael J. O'Neil, John P. Beaulieu |
| Area total km2 | 95.0 |
| Area land km2 | 87.8 |
| Area water km2 | 7.2 |
| Population total | 3634 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 43, 23, 15, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 03782 |
| Area code | 603 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 33-74900 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0873734 |
| Website | www.townofsunapee.org |
Sunapee, New Hampshire. Sunapee is a picturesque New England town situated on the western shore of its namesake Lake Sunapee within Sullivan County, New Hampshire. The community is renowned as a four-season resort destination, anchored by the Mount Sunapee Resort and its historic harbor village. Incorporated in 1781, the town's economy and culture are deeply intertwined with the natural beauty of the lake and surrounding White Mountains.
History
The area was originally part of a New Hampshire land grant known as Saville, granted by Governor Benning Wentworth in 1768. Early settlement was slow, but the town was incorporated in 1781 and renamed for the Abenaki word for "goose lake," referencing Lake Sunapee. The arrival of the Boston and Maine Railroad in the late 19th century transformed the community, facilitating the growth of tourism as wealthy families from Boston and New York City built grand summer estates. Notable historical figures include John L. Sullivan, the famed boxer who had a summer home here, and Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the renowned sculptor who maintained a studio nearby in Cornish, New Hampshire. The Mount Sunapee Resort began operations in 1948, further cementing the town's recreational identity.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 95.0 square kilometers, of which 87.8 square kilometers is land and 7.2 square kilometers is water, primarily consisting of Lake Sunapee. The town is bordered by Newbury to the east, across the lake, and by Goshen and Springfield to the west. The dominant physical feature is the 2,743-foot Mount Sunapee, a monadnock within the Sunapee Mountains subrange. Major water bodies include Lake Sunapee and the headwaters of the Sugar River, which flows westward toward Claremont, New Hampshire.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 3,634 people residing in the town. The population density was approximately 41.4 persons per square kilometer. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations identifying as Asian and Hispanic or Latino. The median household income has historically been above the average for New Hampshire, reflecting its status as a resort and second-home community. A significant portion of the housing stock consists of seasonal or vacation homes.
Economy
The economy is heavily oriented toward tourism and recreation, centered on the Mount Sunapee Resort for alpine skiing and the Lake Sunapee region for summer boating and festivals. The Sunapee Harbor area features numerous shops, restaurants, and marinas. Other significant employers include Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, which draws commuters to the region, and various small businesses in hospitality and retail. The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen holds its annual Sunapee Craft Fair at the resort, one of the oldest and largest craft fairs in the United States.
Government and infrastructure
Sunapee operates under the New England town meeting form of government, led by a three-member Board of Selectmen. The town is part of the New Hampshire House of Representatives district for Sullivan County, District 8. For education, it is within School Administrative Unit 85 and is home to the Sunapee Middle High School. Critical infrastructure includes the Sunapee Fire Department, the Sunapee Police Department, and the Sunapee Rescue Squad. The town is served by state routes including Route 11 and Route 103, and maintains a public water system and transfer station.
Culture and recreation
Cultural life revolves around the lake and mountains. Key attractions include the Mount Sunapee Resort for skiing and the Lake Sunapee Historical Society museum. Summer features the Sunapee Regatta and concerts by the Lake Sunapee Region Visiting Nurse Association at the harbor bandstand. The John Hay National Wildlife Refuge on nearby Lake Sunapee's Ledges Island offers ecological preserves. Outdoor activities abound, from hiking the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway to boating and fishing on Lake Sunapee, which is also home to the Lake Sunapee Yacht Club. The New London Barn Playhouse in neighboring New London, New Hampshire provides professional summer theater.
Category:Towns in Sullivan County, New Hampshire Category:Towns in New Hampshire Category:Populated places on Lake Sunapee