Goshen offers hiking, lake days and mountain proximity
Located in the scenic foothills of Mount Sunapee, Goshen is a tranquil, rural retreat offering quiet living with an abundance of outdoor opportunities. Known for its close-knit atmosphere and natural beauty, the New Hampshire town is a haven for those seeking peacefulness along with quick access to recreation and year-round adventures. “Goshen is very rural, but it’s on the backside of Mount Sunapee, so you have great access to the mountain and hiking trails, and Gunnison Lake is a big attraction,” says local real estate sales associate Lisa Hitchcock of Dolan Real Estate. “Plus, it’s close to Keene and Concord. So, while there’s not anything within Goshen, you have great proximity to lots of things.”
Rustic cabins and chalets reflect Goshen’s rural character
Goshen’s housing stock reflects its rural charm, with a variety of home styles including chalet homes, rustic log cabins and gambrel farmhouses. “The housing is very mixed with all types of price ranges and all types of styles,” Hitchcock says. Bi-level and ranch-style houses, as well as classic country Cape Cods, are also popular styles. Home prices typically fall between $310,000 and $550,000, though outliers with spacious layouts and significant acreage can fetch prices as high as $1.25 million. Some homes offer the unique perk of direct lake frontage, making them especially desirable for those seeking access to the area’s natural beauty. Parcels of land are also often available for purchase and range widely in size.
Trails, skiing and lake fun at Mount Sunapee and Gunnison Lake
Goshen’s verdant landscape offers abundant opportunities for outdoor adventure. Anchored by the renowned Mount Sunapee State Park and Mount Sunapee Resort, the town offers access to the park’s campground, a sandy beach on Lake Sunapee and a variety of seasonal activities such as skiing, boating and hiking. The area’s trail system includes favorites like the Goshen Trail, Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway Trail, White Ledges of Sunapee and Newbury Trail, each winding through forested landscapes and offering breathtaking views. Gunnison Lake, affectionately called "The Goshen Ocean," is a local gem centrally located in the town with a three-mile loop trail, swimming areas and picnic spots.
School choice allows access to nearby A-minus schools
Due to New Hampshire’s school choice policy, parents may opt to place their students in one of many districts, including the A-minus-rated Bow School District and the Sunapee School District, rated a B-plus. Students may start at Bow Elementary School, which earns an A-minus. “Because of school choice, students can go to Sunapee Middle and High Schools, which is a real benefit,” Hitchcock says. Sunapee Middle/High School serves sixth through eighth grade, while Sunapee Senior High School serves ninth through 12th grade. Both maintain A-minus Niche scores. Home of the Lakers, the high school is known for its competitive sports programs and strong academic reputation, with various AP courses and assessment preparation. High school seniors take part in the Senior Project, a year-long course of individual study directed by a faculty mentor that focuses on personal growth outside the traditional classroom and culminates in a presentation at Senior Project Night.
Local eats and essentials with more options in nearby towns
The Goshen Country Store provides a convenient stop for essentials and local goods, while those seeking a casual bite can visit The Old Man’s Grumpy Grill—a popular food truck open on weekends, serving up classic favorites like hot dogs, burgers and pizza. For a sweet treat, Balthazar's Ice Shack is the go-to spot for ice cream. Nearby towns such as Newport and Sunapee offer additional options: Locals can access Shaw’s supermarket for groceries and fast-casual conveniences like Dunkin’ in Newport, while Sunapee features the Wildwood Smokehouse, known for its savory barbecue, and Suna Restaurant, which specializes in American fare. National retailers like The Home Depot and Walmart, and grocery stores like Hannaford and Market Basket, can be found in Claremont, about 14 miles northwest.
Routes 10 and 31 connect Goshen to nearby towns and highways
Due to Goshen’s rural setting and lack of public transportation options, residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation. Routes 10 and 31 run through the town, serving as the main arteries and connecting locals to surrounding towns. Goshen is approximately equidistant to Interstates 89 and 91, major highways in New England; access to both highways is less than 20 miles away. Boston Logan International Airport is about 100 miles away, and Valley Regional Hospital, the closest full-service medical facility, is about 14 miles away.
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Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
