$780,681Average Value$418Average Price per Sq Ft43Homes For Sale
Outdoorsy suburban haven all year ‘round
For some, the recreational town of Gilford is a seasonal destination, but for residents, this New Hampshire lake and mountain community is a way of life. “In Gilford, you get the benefit of both the winter and the summer seasonality,” says Dakota Coburn, a Realtor with Realty One Group Next Level. “It can be quite the scene in peak season.” Warmer months offer hiking up Belknap Mountain and boating on Lake Winnipesaukee, and when the snow falls, Gunstock Mountain comes alive with ski slopes and other winter activities. While the area attracts visitors, Gilford residents have the benefit of a private-access beach that shares its name with the town. “A lot of people consider it the nicest beach in the area,” Coburn says, noting its cleanliness and quiet seclusion. And when the sun goes down, music at the outdoor amphitheater of BankNH Pavilion, located on the west side, entertains thousands each summer. Lake Shore Road weaves around Gilford, leading to the shops and restaurants in the city of Laconia less than a mile west and eventually merging into U.S. Route 3 as the main thoroughfare in and out of town.
Gilford has everything you need and a perfect place to call home.
Enjoy one of the many beaches along the Lake Winnipesaukee in Gilford.
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Summers on Belknap and winters on Gunstock
Living in Gilford means direct access to some of the most scenic and popular mountains in the state, Belknap Mountain, Mount Major and Gunstock Mountain. “The most popular trail is through Mount Major,” Coburn says. “I compare it to the Hollywood Hills because it’s the place to be seen on any given weekend.” He says that one side offers a steeper trail for a more challenging climb, while the other side of the mountain has a more kid-friendly and mellow path. “And once you get to the top, you have panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee.” While Gunstock Mountain is known for its winter recreation, from skiing and snowboarding slopes to tubing trails and an alpine coaster, there is also summer fun to be had. The resort offers Bronco four-wheeling expeditions up the mountain and a ropes course. During Laconia Bike Week, Gunstock Mountain hosts an off-roading dirt-bike race up the mountain. Gilford is also part of the Lakes Region, which attracts visitors to recreation around the largest lake in the state, Lake Winnipesaukee. In addition to the big mountain ranges and Lake Winnipesaukee, there are also several smaller lakes and marked forest trails throughout the community. A popular destination about 5 miles north of town, Weirs Beach has sandy shores, a pier and a boardwalk along the lake.
Residents and tourists visit Belknap Mountain in Gilford each year.
Gunstock Mountain offers a Bronco off the road attraction in Gilford.
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Waterfront homes at various price points
From quaint manufactured homes in seasonal communities to island properties off the lakeshore, Gilford has options for most price points. “There’s a really eclectic variety in Gilford,” Coburn says. “There are mobile home parks and resort areas with part-time residents. There are million-dollar properties on Lake Winnipesaukee, and then there’s Governor's Island, an exclusive neighborhood with only one road in and out.” Manufactured homes, including those in the 55-plus community of Lake Breeze, typically cost between $100,000 and $225,000. Farther inland from the shore, 1,000- to 3,000-square-foot ranch-style, colonial-inspired and Cape Cod homes, some nestled in the woods with mountain views, are priced from $350,000 to about $750,000. Lakefront properties include contemporary cottages and log cabins with private docks and wraparound balconies, ranging in size from 2,000 to 5,500 square feet and priced from $700,000 to $5 million. On Governor's Island, secluded estates sitting on more than an acre usually offer over 5,000 square feet, with price tags between $4.5 million and $7.5 million. “There are a ton of other islands on Lake Winnipesaukee with summer houses and boat-only access,” Coburn adds.
Lakefront homes are common in NH with beautiful views of the lakes and mountains.
Homes in Gilford include large lake houses with green space surrounding them.
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Resident-only Gilford Beach
A perk of living in Gilford is access to the private Gilford Beach, a strip of sandy shoreline along Lake Winnipesaukee. This recreation space also features a snack bar and restrooms. “It’s for Gilford residents only," Coburn says. "You need a decal to get in." Farther east down Lake Shore Road, Ellacoya State Park has a sandy beach that's open to the public, with a playground and RV parking. Golfers practice their swings at Pheasant Ridge Country Club, a public course located on the western edge of town. About 5 miles north on Lake Shore Road, Gilford Hills Tennis Club offers indoor tennis, racquetball and basketball courts. Residents with boats can choose from many yacht clubs, from the more local Gilford Yacht Club, Winnipesaukee Yacht Club and Mountain View Yacht Club to Winter Harbor Yacht Club further out on Welch’s Island.
Gilford Beach is the perfect place to spend your summer days and it's open to Gilford residents.
Don't forget your sunscreen during your day at Ellacoya State Park.
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Heading to the show at BankNH Pavilion
Near Gilford Beach, BankNH Pavilion is an 8,000-seat outdoor amphitheater that welcomes big-name musicians to the Main Stage and up-and-coming talent on the Hazy Little Stage. “It’s mostly country artists and classic rock, but they do get a variety of music there,” Coburn says. This summertime venue features a lineup of weekly performances from May through September.
BankNH Pavilion in Gilford hosts some of the biggest names in music for daily concerts.
Silver Sands Marina sits across from the Pavilion where you can hear the concerts in Gilford.
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Popular eats on Lake Shore Road
A local favorite in Gilford, Ellacoya Barn & Grille serves classic American cuisine inside a 19th-century barn with antique decor and outdoor patio space. Rustic nautical decor greets patrons of The Breeze, a restaurant near the waterside that specializes in seafood. A mile away, Patrick’s Pub offers American and Irish pub food, with live music on the weekends. “It’s a big-time local spot, even bigger on Saint Paddy’s Day,” Coburn says. Centrally located in town, Gilford Village Store is a family-owned bakery and deli inside a refurbished Foursquare home. On the west side of town, just outside of Laconia, there are a few shopping plazas with big-box stores like Walmart and T.J. Maxx, takeout eateries and supermarkets including Shaw’s and Hannaford.
Ellacoya Barn & Grille offers a western vibe with delicious food in Gilford.
The Breeze in Gilford offers delicious food with an even better view of the NH lakes.
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Elite athletics at Gilford High School
Gilford School District serves slightly more than 1,000 students, which makes for small class sizes in each of the public schools. Students attend kindergarten through fourth grade at Gilford Elementary School before moving on to fifth through eighth grade at Gilford Middle School, both of which receive a B-plus grade from Niche. Gilford High School, graded a C-plus, has an impressive athletics department. The Golden Eagles boys basketball team has won four division championships in a row, including an undefeated 2023-2024 season. The girls field hockey team was also Division Champions in 2023. Private school options in the area include Holy Trinity Catholic School, a kindergarten through eighth-grade school on the west side of town. The school partners with a local restaurant owner for the Farm to Table program, which incorporates produce from local farmers into students’ lunches. On the same campus as the school is Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with a Gothic Revival exterior and ornate marble interior fixtures.
Students in Gilford attend Gilford High School.
Gilford Middle and High School share the same building in Gilford, NH.
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Cruising the bypass to Interstate 93
Gilford is a car-dependent community, with no public transportation in the area. Laconia-Gilford Bypass runs along the west side of town, eventually leading to the Interstate 93 ramp about 10 miles away. Once on the interstate, the city of Concord is about 20 miles south. “There is a flying scene at Gilford’s private airport,” Coburn says, noting that in addition to hobby pilots, "people from Governor's Island, Gilford and Laconia land there with their private jets.”
Route 3 gets you around the towns of New Hampshire including Gilford.
Hop on the scenic railroad train that takes your through the towns of NH including Gilford.
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Written By
Mary Beth Greene
Photography Contributed By
Anhella Sanchez
Video By
Ellie Brown
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
John Raymond,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Gilford, NH sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Gilford, NH over the last 12 months is $548,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Well maintained and recently updated 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Gunstock Acres. Located just minutes from Gunstock ski area for year around activities. Association has a private beach on Lake Winnipesaukee and Gilford residents have access to a town beach as well. Bank of New Hampshire concert pavilion is located close by as well. If you are looking for a full time residence, a second
Discover an ideal year-round home base or seasonal escape in the heart of the Lakes Region! This freestanding two-bedroom condo in the highly desirable Brookside Crossing offers a rare combination of privacy, low-maintenance living, and unbeatable proximity to the area's top attractions. Thoughtfully designed with ease and comfort in mind, the main level features an open-concept living area with
Lake Winnipesaukee access 3 bedroom, 3 Bath, 2587 Sq Ft Gilford home abutting 46 Acres of Green Space for only $649,999! This Gunstock Acres Home with 3 levels of Finished Living Space offers a well-appointed Kitchen with stainless steel appliances & abundant amount of cabinets with Quartz counter tops. The main floor with beautiful floors throughout also features a spacious Living Room with
Well maintained and recently updated 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Gunstock Acres. Located just minutes from Gunstock ski area for year around activities. Association has a private beach on Lake Winnipesaukee and Gilford residents have access to a town beach as well. Bank of New Hampshire concert pavilion is located close by as well. If you are looking for a full time residence, a second
Discover the perfect blend of investment potential and lakeside lifestyle at 131 Lake Street, Unit 325. This fully furnished, turn-key one-bedroom, one-bath condo is located directly across from Paugus Bay, offering beautiful water views and incredible access to all the best the Lakes Region has to offer.Currently operating as a successful short-term rental, this condo provides a fantastic
Discover an ideal year-round home base or seasonal escape in the heart of the Lakes Region! This freestanding two-bedroom condo in the highly desirable Brookside Crossing offers a rare combination of privacy, low-maintenance living, and unbeatable proximity to the area's top attractions. Thoughtfully designed with ease and comfort in mind, the main level features an open-concept living area with
Property Id: 550410Long term furnished rental.2023 new kitchen with granite counter top, dish washer with new cabinets. 2023 new bathroom. Recess lights in every room.3 12000 BTU AC/Heater multi split for both cooling and heating. Extra baseboard heating available in case of super cold days.1 Queen Bed, 2 Twins with trundles. Pull out sofa Bed. Laundry in unit. 2
Charming 3 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Duplex for Rent in the heart of Gilford, NH! This spacious and well-maintained apartment offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Enjoy a cozy living space plus the added bonus of a private yard. Located in a peaceful, sought-after neighborhood, you'll have easy access to all that Gilford has to offer—from breathtaking Lake Winnipesaukee to scenic outdoor
Charming 3 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Duplex for Rent in the heart of Gilford, NH! This spacious and well-maintained apartment offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Enjoy a cozy living space plus the added bonus of a private yard. Located in a peaceful, sought-after neighborhood, you'll have easy access to all that Gilford has to offer—from breathtaking Lake Winnipesaukee to scenic outdoor
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