Alstead, New Hampshire
Tucked in the rolling hills of southwestern New Hampshire lies Alstead, a small community of about 2100 people. Set about ten miles north of the college town Keene, Alstead is home to little business focusing instead on quiet neighborhoods, family interests and traditional New England values.
Initially created as part of a barrier intended to repel attacks from Native Americans, Alstead was first chartered in 1735 by Colonial Massachusetts Governor Jonathan Belcher. After New Hampshire became its own province, many towns were re-granted, Alstead being one of them. Dubbed “Newton” by New Hampshire’s Governor Benning Wentworth in 1752, the town was finally incorporated as Alstead in 1763. The town takes its name from Johann Heinrich Alsted, a man who had compiled a popular encyclopedia that was in use when Governor Wentworth attended college at Harvard.
Alstead was the site of the state’s first paper mill, powered by the Cold River. Though several small mills sprung up on the surrounding tributaries, Alstead was primarily, and still is, an agricultural community. Many residents, however, see their small town as more of a bedroom community since most of the population work in other nearby towns.
Alstead is situated just ten miles north of Keene, New Hampshire, an active state college community. With a large student population, Keene has much to offer in the way of entertainment, shopping, dining and just about anything else you might desire – all just down the road from Alstead. But living in Alstead is more about living in the tranquility of the New Hampshire countryside than traveling for entertainment. The Great North Woods and the White Mountain National Forest are both only an hour or so from Alstead and lend to a great day of sightseeing and creating special memories with your family. There’s a little something for everyone in New Hampshire, and none of it is very difficult to find.
Alstead is a member of School Administrative Unit #60 and a part of the Fall Mountain Regional School District, along with Acworth, Charlestown, Langdon, and Walpole. Alstead has its own elementary school and (district) middle school but high school-age children in Alstead attend the Fall Mountain Regional High School in neighboring Langdon, NH. There are no current plans to expand the school system within Alstead.
Peace and quiet, friendly neighbors, a great school system – what more could you ask for in a small New Hampshire town? If you do have more to ask, your first call should be to Jim Miller Bean Group at (603) 801-3987. Jim has all the answers to any of the questions you may have surrounding the wonderful communities within the Granite State. Jim is here to help you find the perfect home in the perfect community and he won’t stop until you are completely satisfied. Call him today and find out why New Hampshire is the fastest-growing state in New England.
Alstead Primary School (k-5)
(603) 835-2482
Vilas Middle School (6-8)
(603) 835-6351
Fall Mountain Regional High School (9-12)
(603) 835-6318