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When you think of high-end ski areas in the United States, you probably think of wealthy areas like Aspen and Vail. But the charming, quiet town of New Hampshire’s Waterville Valley has seen some of the biggest increases in alpine real estate prices in recent years.
A new report from Realtor.com says the New England enclave has seen a shocking jump in home prices since the pandemic. During this time, property prices have increased by a whopping 121%, and the median home price is approximately 25% higher than the national average. For context, as of November 2023, the median home price in the United States was $408,732. “These are kids who grew up skiing here,” Waterville Valley Realty agent Mike Aronson told the real estate portal. “Now, with remote work, they are coming back here to live.”
Located within New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest, Waterville Valley has long been a big draw for homebuyers looking for a hillside location. This town’s picturesque ski resort, a two-hour drive from Boston, was founded by the late Olympic ski athlete Tom Corcoran in the 1960s. It now features 52 spectacular trails and 265 acres of alpine terrain. “Like many ski areas, we have become a four-season destination,” Aronson added.
According to the New Hampshire Housing Market Report, average home prices across the state rose 36% between 2020 and 2022. And as of 2023, the median home price reached $449,799. The town of Holderness, not far from Waterville Valley, has real estate prices in the $4 million to $7 million range along scenic Scomb Lake. Currently, the most expensive home in the area is 158 Cromwell Point Road, which measures 4,134 square feet and has four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The $7 million spread sits on nearly four wooded acres and features a wine cellar, U-shaped boat launch and stone patio.
Nearby, 80 Mooney Points is listed for just under $4.5 million. The 2,409-square-foot waterfront cottage features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a renovated kitchen, and a screened porch. With lots of exposed beams and wood paneling, it looks like it came straight out of a 1981 drama. At the Golden Pond, Starring Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn. Well, it might also have something to do with the fact that the movie was actually shot on the same lake!