📍 Location & Geography
Meredith is a charming town located in Belknap County, New Hampshire, United States. It is situated in the heart of the Lakes Region, nestled among New Hampshire’s largest lakes: Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, Winnisquam Lake, and Waukewan Lake. The town covers a total area of 54.2 square miles, of which 39.9 square miles is land and 14.3 square miles is water, making it a popular location for water-related activities.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Meredith, New Hampshire are approximately 43.6569° N latitude and 71.5003° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Meredith is part of the Laconia, NH Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Boston-Worcester-Providence, MA-RI-NH-CT Combined Statistical Area. The town’s ZIP code is 03253.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the town of Meredith had a population of approximately 6,241 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a significant number of residents being retirees. The median age in Meredith is about 50 years. The town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of the population being of Hispanic, Asian, African American, and other ethnic backgrounds.
🏛️ History
Meredith was first known as Palmer’s Town in honor of Samuel Palmer, a teacher of surveying and navigation who laid out much of the land surrounding Lake Winnipesaukee. In 1748, it was one of the first towns to have a charter granted by the Masonian Proprietors. In 1768, the town was officially incorporated and renamed Meredith, in honor of Sir William Meredith, 3rd Baronet, an English supporter of American independence.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Meredith is surrounded by natural beauty, with its location among several large lakes and the nearby White Mountains. The town is home to several parks and nature preserves, including Prescott Park, Page Pond and Forest, and the Waukewan Highlands Community Park. These areas provide opportunities for hiking, bird watching, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The town is also committed to environmental conservation and sustainability, with initiatives to protect its water resources and maintain the quality of its natural habitats.
🏫 Education
Education in Meredith is managed by the Inter-Lakes School District. The town is served by Inter-Lakes Elementary School, Inter-Lakes Middle Tier, and Inter-Lakes High School. For higher education, residents have access to nearby institutions such as Plymouth State University and Lakes Region Community College.
🚧 Transportation
Meredith is served by U.S. Route 3 and New Hampshire Route 25, which provide direct access to other parts of the state. The town also has a public transportation service, the Meredith Trolley, which offers seasonal service to various points of interest in the town. The nearest airport is Laconia Municipal Airport, located about 8 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Meredith is known for its annual Great Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby, which attracts anglers from all over the country. The town is also home to the Meredith Sculpture Walk, a year-round outdoor exhibit of sculptures placed around town. Additionally, Meredith was the filming location for the 1981 film “On Golden Pond,” which was shot on Squam Lake.