Gilford NH Real Estate & Community Living Guide
Winnipesaukee beaches and Gunstock Mountain skiing in one four-season town
Lakes Region Community Guide | Belknap County, NH
An insider guide to living in Gilford, NH, featuring Gunstock Mountain Resort skiing, Gilford Town Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee, Governors Island luxury estates, and local schools.
Gilford Community Overview
Gilford real estate appeals to buyers who want lake access, mountain recreation, and a family-friendly community all in one town. Sitting on the western shore of Lake Winnipesaukee with Gunstock Mountain Resort in its backyard, Gilford has earned its reputation as the "Recreation Center of New Hampshire." It is a small town with excellent schools, a strong sense of community, and a location that puts both the water and the slopes within minutes of your front door.
Positioned between Meredith and Laconia, Gilford combines high-end island compounds like Governors Island with popular water-access neighborhoods like Gunstock Acres and serene hillside properties in the Belknap Mountain range.
Homeowners choose Gilford for its four-season sports, public beach access, top-tier schools, and diverse neighborhood settings:
Compare housing types, lake access, and location highlights across Gilford's primary residential submarkets.
Submarket Area | Predominant Property Types | Waterfront & Location Features | Ideal Buyer Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
Governors Island | Gated luxury estates, custom waterfront compounds | Bridged island access, private beaches, deep water docks | High-net-worth buyers, luxury estate seekers |
Gunstock Acres | Single-family homes, classic chalets, primary residences | 504 ft shared sandy beach, community dock ($75/yr dues) | Value-oriented lake lovers, ski-and-lake families |
Lake Shore Road Corridor | Direct waterfront homes, updated lakeside cottages | Direct Lake Winnipesaukee frontage, near Ellacoya State Park | Boaters, year-round lakefront residents |
Gilford Village & Inland | Subdivision homes, Colonials, rural mountain acreage | Wooded privacy, near schools and Gunstock Mountain | Local families, commuters, mountain recreationists |
Searching for Homes in Gilford, NH?
From Governors Island luxury estates to Gunstock Acres water-access homes, Kristin White and Derek St. Cyr deliver expert representation across Belknap County.
Gilford's real estate market breaks into several distinct areas, each with its own feel and price range.
The most exclusive address in Gilford. This bridged island on Lake Winnipesaukee features waterfront estates, private beaches, and controlled access. Properties here command top-of-market pricing.
A large community of over 400 homes developed in the 1960s, sandwiched between Gunstock Mountain Resort and Lake Winnipesaukee. Homeowners get access to 504 feet of prime sandy beach, a community dock, and sundeck for just $75 per lot per year in association dues. This is one of the most popular water-access communities in the region.
Local Tip: Gunstock Acres is one of the best values on Lake Winnipesaukee. You get a gorgeous shared beach with panoramic lake and mountain views, and association dues are remarkably low compared to similar communities.
Direct waterfront homes along Lake Winnipesaukee, ranging from updated cottages to larger year-round builds. Proximity to Ellacoya State Park adds to the appeal.
Single-family homes on wooded lots, newer subdivisions, and rural properties. These areas offer more space and lower price points while keeping you within a short drive of the lake and mountain.
Gilford borders both Laconia to the south and Meredith to the north, giving residents easy access to the services and dining of both towns while maintaining a quieter residential feel.
Gilford is built around outdoor recreation. Gunstock Mountain Resort is a four-season destination, not just a ski area. In winter, it offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. In the warmer months, mountain biking, a mountain coaster, camping, and hiking trails with sweeping views of the lake take over.
The town's public beach is one of the best on Lake Winnipesaukee: 17 acres with a natural sandy shore, a swim raft, and a snack bar. Ellacoya State Park, on the southwestern shore, adds another public beach option with views of the Sandwich Range and Ossipee Mountains.
Gilford School District is well regarded and relatively small, which means smaller class sizes. Students attend Gilford Elementary School (K-4), Gilford Middle School (5-8), and Gilford High School (9-12). Holy Trinity Catholic School on the west side of town provides a private K-8 alternative.
Local Real Estate Advisory
Kristin White and Derek St. Cyr specialize in Gilford waterfront properties, Governors Island luxury estates, and Gunstock area ski retreats across Belknap County.
Discover essential local resources for boating, beaches, and town guides across New Hampshire.
Lake Mountain Property Group · Coldwell Banker Realty
From Governors Island luxury waterfronts to mountain view homes near Gunstock, partner with Kristin White and Derek St. Cyr for trusted local representation.
Why is Gilford called the Recreation Center of New Hampshire?
Gilford combines direct Lake Winnipesaukee boating and beaches, four-season skiing and mountain biking at Gunstock Mountain Resort, summer concerts at BankNH Pavilion, and hiking in the Belknap Mountains.
What is unique about Gunstock Acres association beach?
Gunstock Acres is a neighborhood where property owners get access to a 504-foot private sandy beach on Lake Winnipesaukee, a sundeck, and community docks for $75 per year in dues.
Where is Governors Island located in Gilford?
Governors Island is a causeway-bridged island extending into Lake Winnipesaukee from northwestern Gilford, featuring private gated waterfront compounds.
What schools serve students in Gilford, NH?
Students attend Gilford Elementary School (K-4), Gilford Middle School (5-8), and Gilford High School (9-12).
Sources & References: Town of Gilford Municipal Records 2026; Gunstock Mountain Resort Operations Data; Gilford School District Board Records 2026; PrimeMLS Transaction Records 2026.
7,785 people live in Gilford, where the median age is 46 and the average individual income is $53,508. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Gilford, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Beans & Greens Farm, Gilford Village Store, and Pistol Pub.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining · $$$ | 1.12 miles | 51 reviews | 3.9/5 stars | |
| Dining | 1.31 miles | 32 reviews | 4.6/5 stars | |
| Dining | 1.41 miles | 3 reviews | 2.7/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 1.47 miles | 1 review | 3/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 1.54 miles | 160 reviews | 2.8/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 1.61 miles | 438 reviews | 3.9/5 stars | |
| Dining | 1.62 miles | 46 reviews | 4.4/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$$ | 1.66 miles | 28 reviews | 3.6/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.12 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.28 miles | 2 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.28 miles | 2 reviews | 3/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.31 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.41 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.57 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.57 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.57 miles | 1 review | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.57 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.58 miles | 4 reviews | 4.3/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.66 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.61 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.66 miles | 9 reviews | 3.8/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.66 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.66 miles | 1 review | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.67 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
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Gilford has 2,957 households, with an average household size of 2.63. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Gilford do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 7,785 people call Gilford home. The population density is 201 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
Kristin White
Derek St Cyr
32 Whittier Hwy
Moultonborough NH 03254
Kristin White
Derek St Cyr
32 Whittier Hwy
Moultonborough NH 03254
