Where is Gilford, NH?
Tucked into the heart of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Gilford is a scenic town located along the western shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. It’s bordered by Laconia to the west, Alton to the south, and Meredith to the north. Gilford combines the best of peaceful rural living with proximity to year-round adventure.
Whether you’re coming from southern New Hampshire or making the leap from out of state, Gilford is just about two hours from Boston and under an hour from Concord. With mountains to the north and lakes at your doorstep, it’s no wonder so many folks are looking into living in Gilford.
Why Move to Gilford, NH?
Let’s talk about why Gilford isn’t just a beautiful place to visit—but an even better place to live.
Lakeside Living: Lake Winnipesaukee’s crystal-clear waters are the town’s biggest draw. Whether it’s summer boating, winter ice fishing, or fall foliage cruises, the lake is a lifestyle here.
Small-Town Feel, Big-Time Perks: Gilford is small enough to feel personal but large enough to have its own school district, town services, shopping center, and full-size grocery stores.
Outdoor Recreation: With Gunstock Mountain Resort right in town, you can ski after school, hike on a Saturday, and zipline all summer.
Community Spirit: Gilford residents are known for showing up—whether it’s a community fundraiser, town voting day, or cheering on the kids at local sports events.
If you’re looking for a home base that lets you unplug, unwind, and still stay connected, living in Gilford might be just what you’ve been searching for.
Property Taxes in Gilford, NH: What Homeowners Need to Know
Nobody loves talking taxes, but we all want to know what we’re getting into.
As of 2024, the property tax rate in Gilford is $13.81 per $1,000 of assessed value. That’s lower than many surrounding towns and well below New Hampshire’s average.
Here’s how to calculate your property taxes in Gilford:
Multiply your home’s assessed value by the tax rate, then divide by 1,000.
Example:
If your home is assessed at $400,000:
$400,000 × $13.81 ÷ 1,000 = $5,524 per year
Gilford also offers exemptions for veterans, seniors, and the disabled, so it’s worth checking with the town if you qualify for any relief.
Gilford Public Schools
If you’ve got school-aged kids—or are planning ahead—Gilford’s school district is one of the town’s strongest assets.
Gilford Elementary School: A nurturing environment for grades K–4. Parents rave about the caring staff and community involvement.
Gilford Middle School: Grades 5–8, with a strong focus on team-based learning and transitional support.
Gilford High School: Consistently ranked as one of the best public high schools in the Lakes Region. Great academics, music and drama programs, and competitive athletics.
The school district is small but mighty. With small class sizes and a supportive community, families moving here often say the schools were the deciding factor in choosing to live in Gilford.
Local Favorites: Restaurants, Shops & Things to Do
Want the inside scoop on where the locals go? These spots are must-visits:
🍔 Eats & Treats
Ellacoya Barn & Grille: Rustic charm, classic New England fare, and just a stone’s throw from the lake.
Sawyer’s Dairy Bar: Iconic summer ice cream stand – worth the wait if the lines are long
Patrick’s Pub & Eatery: Live music, comfort food, and one of the friendliest vibes in town.
🛍️ Shops & Services
Beans & Greens Farm: Seasonal produce, baked goods, and fall activities like pumpkin picking and corn mazes.
🎭 Things to Do
Bank of NH Pavilion: One of New England’s premier outdoor concert venues. Big names, small-town setting.
Gunstock Adventure Park: Beyond skiing—think treetop obstacle courses, scenic lift rides, and tubing.
Living in Gilford means never running out of things to do—even if “doing nothing by the lake” is your favorite pastime.
Parks, Recreation & Lifestyle
Gilford is a four-season playground. Here’s how locals like to spend their free time:
Lake Access
Gilford Town Beach: One of the nicest resident-only beaches in the Lakes Region. Clean sand, calm water, and lifeguards on duty.
Ellacoya State Park: Open to the public and a beautiful spot for a picnic or paddleboard session.
Trails & Mountains
Belknap Range Trails: Moderate hikes with big payoffs. Mount Major and Piper Mountain are also not far away.
Gunstock Mountain: A full ski resort with lessons, rentals, and après-ski options—right in your backyard.
Ready to Call Gilford Home?
Living in Gilford isn’t just about real estate—it’s about a lifestyle. It’s mountain mornings, lakeside afternoons, and community every day in between. Whether you’re looking to downsize to something more manageable, upgrade to a place with a view, or move closer to family and fresh air, Gilford has a place for you.
🏡 Curious about current listings & upcoming opportunities, check out what is available below and contact me if you would like for me to keep an eye out for something in particular.
