Shaker history and outdoor adventure shape life in Enfield
Mountain-hugged lakes anchor the small town of Enfield. The Grafton County community was originally a Shaker settlement in the 18th century, a heritage that can be explored at the town’s preserved Shaker village, where grand stone buildings were once surrounded by thousands of acres of farmland. Enfield became a thriving mill town during the 20th century. Today, tourism is a large part of the economy, with people visiting in the summer and fall seasons for bed-and-breakfast stays and outdoor recreation. About 4,600 people live in Enfield year-round, enjoying the community’s natural beauty and small-town atmosphere. “It’s got a real hometown community feel to it. People feel very connected to each other here,” says Kate Minshall, the director of the Enfield Public Library.
A mix of single-family homes, condos and townhouses near Mascoma Lake
Lakefront and lakeview properties are sought-after in Enfield, as the town features two lakes and several large ponds. “Some of the homes on the lakes are second homes for people in Massachusetts and Connecticut,” Minshall says. The community also offers mountain views and homes hidden among trees or spaced out along country roads. Architecture is diverse, ranging from small New England-style cottages and Cape Cods to larger Colonial Revivals and custom, log cabin-inspired contemporary designs. Historic farmhouses, American Foursquares and Victorians dot downtown.
The median price for a single-family home in Enfield is around $600,000, well above the national median. Most homes fall between $300,000 and $800,000. However, waterfront properties, which typically start around $600,000, can exceed $1.5 million. Townhouses start at around $275,000 and can top $300,000, while condos range from $230,000 to $410,000. Potential buyers should note that properties along lakes and waterways rest within flood hazard areas.
Outdoor adventures include sailing and snow skiing
With lakes, trails and parks, Enfield offers year-round recreation. Sailing is a popular pastime on Mascoma Lake, where the Dartmouth Yacht Club teaches sailing classes and camps throughout the summer. The Northern Rail Trail follows the shoreline for scenic hikes and bike rides. Town parks include the expansive Shaker Recreation Park, which serves as the starting and finishing line of the annual Shaker 7 Road Race, and Huse Memorial Park, a small green space along Main Street with a playground, basketball court and the Enfield Community Building. Whaleback Mountain is the local destination for winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding. Nearby, Montcalm Golf Club has an 18-hole course that’s open to the public. Several wildlife management areas are within the town’s limits, offering undeveloped land for hunting and fishing. The surrounding region offers more natural areas to explore, including Cardigan Mountain State Park.
Shopping and dining options in downtown Enfield
Residents and tourists mix as they pop in and out of businesses along Main Street, Enfield’s historic downtown stretch. This serpentine two-lane road with intermittent patches of red-brick sidewalks features the local library and historic landmarks as well as boutiques, a few restaurants and a brewery. Carpenter’s Cup Coffee is the morning stop for a latte and breakfast, while burgers and gyros are on the menu at Kitchen 56. Two local markets offer groceries. On Macacoma Lake, the Baited Hook serves seafood steps from the water. More restaurants and national retailers are nearby in Lebanon , which has a bustling commercial corridor along North Plainfield Road, around 10 miles from Enfield, as well as a vibrant downtown anchored by a historic opera house. The city is also home to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, one of two hospitals serving the region.
A small school district with an Ivy League college nearby
The Mascoma Valley Regional School District earns a C-plus overall rating from Niche. Students in Enfield can attend the B-rated Enfield Village School, the C-plus-rated Indian River School and the C-rated Mascoma Valley Regional High. The high school offers a range of interest-based clubs, including an audio-visual technology club that produces documentaries, podcasts and live streams, and is heavily involved in the school’s theatrical productions.
The private and esteemed Dartmouth College is nearby in Hanover . The Ivy League school is ranked No. 15, tying with the University of California – Los Angeles, on U.S. News & World Report’s Best National Universities list for 2025.
A fall festival celebrating Enfield’s agricultural past
The annual Shaker Harvest Festival at the historic Shaker village site is held in late September. The one-day event features family-friendly fall activities, from horse-drawn wagon rides and craft making to press-your-own cider and butter churning. There are also many agricultural demonstrations, including sheep herding and honey harvesting. Food trucks and live music add to the festival atmosphere.
Key highways in the Upper Valley
Most residents drive to get around Enfield and much of Grafton County. Commuters have access to Interstate 89 and U.S. Route 4 to reach destinations such as downtown Lebanon, less than 7 miles away, and Concord, around 60 miles away. Advance Transit’s Enfield-Canaan Commuter route stops in town, providing some access to public transportation. Cape Air offers daily flights out of Lebanon Airport to Boston , Massachusetts and White Plains , New York. More diverse flight options are available at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, which is roughly an 80-mile drive from Enfield.
