Enfield is a town in Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 4,618 at the 2000 census. Enfield includes the villages of Enfield, Enfield Center, Upper Shaker Village, Lower Shaker Village and Lockehaven.

The primary settlement in town, where over 36% of the population resides, is defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as the Enfield census-designated place (CDP) and includes the main village of Enfield, centered around U.S. Route 4 and the inlet of the Mascoma River into Mascoma Lake.

History

The town was incorporated in 1761 by Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth. First named "Enfield" by settlers from Enfield, Connecticut, the town was renamed "Relhan" in 1766 to honor Dr. Anthony Relhan (ca. 1715-1776). The doctor was a promoter of sea-bathing as a curative, making Brighton, England, a fashionable resort. Following the American Revolution, the New Hampshire town was renamed "Enfield" in 1784.

The first European settlers in town were Jonathan Paddleford and family who arrived, after the successful conclusion of the French and Indian War, between 1765 and 1772.

On the southwest shore of Mascoma Lake is Enfield Shaker Village, once a utopian religious community of Shakers, renowned for simple and functional architecture and furniture. Established in 1793 and called "Chosen Vale", the village was subdivided into several "Families", with men and women leading pious, celibate and industrious lives. Although the genders shared dormitories, like Enfield's "Great Stone Dwelling" built between 1837-1841, the sexes used separate doors and stairways. They practiced ecstatic singing and dancing, an expression of their worship, which earned them the appellation: "Shaking Quakers", or "Shakers".

Several trades operated at the village, from agriculture and packaging of seeds, to manufacture of brooms, brushes, spinning-wheels and furniture. To speed delivery of products to the railroad across Mascoma Lake, in 1849 the community erected "Shaker Bridge".

The Shaker movement crested in the 1840s, with 19 "societies" scattered from Maine to Kentucky and west to Indiana. But growing employment opportunities created by the Industrial Revolution, as near as the mill town of Lebanon, enticed away potential and practicing church members. Others grew disaffected with celibacy, self-abnegation, and communal ownership of property. Indeed, Mary Marshall Dyer, once a member of the Enfield church, became an outspoken Anti-Shaker. Eventually the village would close and, in 1927, be sold to the La Salette Brotherhood of Montreal, a Catholic order noted for its Christmas display. In 1986, Enfield Shaker Village was established as a museum.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 43.1 square miles (112 km2), of which 40.2 sq mi (104 km2) is land and 2.8 sq mi (7.3 km2) is water, comprising 6.61% of the town. Enfield is drained by the Mascoma River. Mascoma Lake, in the west, represents Enfield's lowest elevation at 751 feet (229 m) above sea level. The highest elevation is over 2,100 ft (640 m) at the summit of Prospect Hill, overlooking Halfmile Pond. Crystal Lake is in the east. Enfield lies fully within the Connecticut River watershed.

The village area of the town, defined as a census-designated place (CDP), has a total area of 2.3 square miles (6.0 km2), of which 0.1 sq mi (0.26 km2) (2.55%) is water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 4,618 people, 1,975 households, and 1,291 families residing in the town. The population density was 114.7 people per square mile (44.3/km²). There were 2,372 housing units at an average density of 22.8 persons/km² (58.9 persons/sq mi). The racial makeup of the town was 97.94% White, 0.15% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.74% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.17% from other races, and 0.89% from two or more races. 0.74% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,975 households out of which 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples living together, 7.5% have a woman whose husband does not live with her, and 34.6% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.78.

In the town the population was spread out with 21.8% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 33.6% from 25 to 44, 26.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 95.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $47,990, and the median income for a family was $53,631. Males had a median income of $33,139 versus $27,177 for females. The per capita income for the town was $23,054. 5.0% of the population and 3.2% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 4.3% are under the age of 18 and 5.6% are 65 or older.

Town center

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,698 people, 757 households, and 449 families residing in the central settlement, or CDP. The population density was 742.9 people per square mile (286.3/km²). There were 792 housing units at an average density of 133.5 persons/km² (346.5 persons/sq mi). The racial makeup of the town was 97.76% White, 0.18% African American, 0.12% Native American, 1.06% Asian, 0.18% from other races, and 0.71% from two or more races. 0.94% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 757 households out of which 27.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% were married couples living together, 10.4% have a woman whose husband does not live with her, and 40.6% were non-families. 32.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.79.

In the CDP the population was spread out with 22.4% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 87.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.8 males.

The median income for a household is $35,595, and the median income for a family was $46,198. Males had a median income of $36,000 versus $28,365 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,963. 7.2% of the population and 6.1% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 5.8% are under the age of 18 and 8.2% are 65 or older.

Sites of interest

• Enfield Shaker Museum
• Shaker Historic Trail, Enfield

Enfield NH  Home $1,295,000.00 Mascoma Lakefront. Amazing south-facing contemporary home totally updated in 2007 has 120 feet on the lake with an extensive dock system, decks and patios. This well thought out home reflects quality and attention to detail throughout including a state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen, top-of-the-line ap ... Read More! Enfield NH  Home $895,000.00 Mascoma Lake Waterfront. New 3-bedroom contemporary home with separate guest house with great/bedroom situated on 90 ft. of frontage on the water. Detail, floor plan, quality finishes include maple and bamboo floors, tumble stone bathrooms, state-of-the-art kitchen opens onto an open deck. The mas ... Read More! Enfield NH  Home $699,000.00 Crystal Lake A rare find! Private setting on 3.96 acres with the charm of yesteryear, plus a modern kitchen-dining room, newer laundry room and bath. Two car garage, plus guest sleeping quarters with its own bath. Screened in side porch, glassed in front porch. Storage building, campfire pit raspbe ... Read More! Enfield NH  LAND $599,000.00 Very unique parcel, very private tranquil setting, beautiful views of the lake, great spot for your new home, or enough land for a family compound. 482'+/- of waterfront, long road frontage on two roads. Crystal Lake is 364+/- Acres, clean lake, come relax on the shore and see what waterfront living ... Read More! Enfield NH  Home $599,000.00 Very Private. Crystal Lake is a 364+/- acre lake with clean, clear water, nesting loons, great for swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing or just listening to the rippling water against the shore. Come check out this rare one of a kind lots 12.6 +/- acres. not taxed individually this is a portion of t ... Read More! Enfield NH  Home $599,000.00 A great opportunity to own a contemporary post and beam home on beautiful Mascoma Lake! Over half an acre of quiet private setting abuts a well landscaped common area and sandy beach. 1st floor Master Bedroom with bathroom opens to the deck and lake views. Features include cathedral ceilings, Ver ... Read More! Enfield NH  Home $599,000.00 New Hampshire Lakefront in Summer; Skiing in Winter! It¿s all here! Knock-out water views, adjacent dock, in historic Shaker Village, minutes from Dartmouth and the Hanover culture, local airport, world-class DHMC hospital, Killington Skyetram in less than an hour (several smaller ski areas even c ... Read More! Enfield NH  LAND $559,000.00 MUCH POTENTIAL FOR POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT/SUBDIVISION! Or keep as horse or dairy farm.Historic in-town Enfield farm on 18 acres with fine 1850 house, large barn, rental mfg. home. Near Mascoma Lake and Dartmouth College. Public water and sewer. ... Read More! Enfield NH  Home $559,000.00 Gorgeous, gorgeous land - 18 acres - right in the center of Enfield near Dartmouth College! Horse lovers, developers, farmers? This is a VERY SPECIAL property! With town water and sewer, the land offers potential for subdivision and/or development but is, with its fenced, level fields and exquisite ... Read More! Enfield NH  Home $545,000.00 BUY NOW and be at the lake for the SUMMER!!!! 163 feet of private waterfront, boathouse, shed, 2 car garage with full attic space. A beautiful home--with plenty of features; granite counter-tops,2 fireplaces--one in MasterBR.woodstove in finished basement,plenty of decks and a great view of the lak ... Read More! Enfield NH  Home $539,000.00 Fieldstone Ridge Residential Development- a planned community. The foundation is in for the "Burke" design. Get a jump start this spring and customize this gracious open concept home w/ all the necessary conveniences on the main level. The walk-out level has 2 guest suites & family rm. Views of Card ... Read More! Enfield NH  Home $532,500.00 Fieldstone Ridge Residential Development-to be built the "Burke" design offers a gracious open concept, one level living including master suite & beautiful 15x15 sunroom. Sun filled lower walkout level. Rural setting w/ pretty views. Driveway snow removal, lawn care & landscaping provided by associa ... Read More! Enfield NH  Home $510,000.00 - ... Read More! Enfield NH  Home $475,000.00 Antique Shaker built Federal. Fully restored w/amazing wide pine floors & hand hewn beams. Lrg. sunny rooms with surprising open floor plan. Gracious living room w/fireplace, eat in kitchen w/ 2 pantrys, family room and office. 3 Story post & beam barn with 8 box stalls,tack rooms & storage for 1500 ... Read More! Enfield NH  Home $450,000.00 Mascoma Lake Waterfront! Unobstructed views of the Lake. Extensive dock system, large private decks with electric awnings. A well-maintained home that has many updates, a spacious open floor plan, and a family room with windows galore to enjoy the views of the Lake. Come have a look! ... Read More! Enfield NH  COM $449,000.00 RARE BUSINESS LOCATION, VERY DESIRABLE 3+-ACRES WITH EXISTING BUILDINGS, A WELL ESTABLISHED BUSINESS CORNER IN ENFIELD NH.WITH THE BANK,POST OFFICE,HARDWARE STORE,CHURCHES, AND OTHER LOCALLY OWNED SUCCESSFUL BUSINESES AS NEIGHBORS. ... Read More! Enfield NH  Home $449,000.00 HIGH END CONSTRUCTION IN THIS MASCOMA LAKE COMMUNITY. PROF. LANDSCAPING. A WRAP AROUND PORCH TO WELCOME YOU INSIDE. HARDWOOD FLOORS. SUN FILLED ROOMS. TOP OF THE LINE KITCHEN W/GRANITE COUNTERS, SS APPLIANCES, FIREPLACED LIVING ROOM, MASTER SUITE W/DEN & FP, DBLE MARBLE SHOWER & SOAKING TUB. DOCK. $ ... Read More! Enfield NH  Home $439,000.00 Outstanding 3-bedroom contemporary with beautiful views of Mascoma Lake and steps to sandy beach and dock. Nicely appointed kitchen with corian counters, dining and living room with fireplace that opens onto a nice porch overlooking the lake. There is a large master bedroom with a fireplace and vi ... Read More! Enfield NH  Home $425,000.00 Listen to the loons and enjoy the beautiful sunsets from the terrace or deck overlooking your 70 ft of private Crystal Lake waterfront. With the new aluminum dock your boat will be within steps of your waterfront home. this solidly built 2 bedroom, 2 bath property provides the perfect spot for year ... Read More! Enfield NH  Home $399,500.00 Beautiful direct water frontage on Crystal Lake with western exposure!!!! Wonderful sunsets!!!! Great sandy swimming area and boat dock. Enjoy all your favorite water activities that Crystal Lake has to offer. Enclosed porch looking out to the lake.Cathedral ceiling living room,knotty pine interior, ... Read More! Enfield NH  COM $395,000.00 Approved snad and gravel pit by Enfield Planning Board. Requires State of NH D.E.S. permit to expand pit area. ... Read More!