Looking for a town where you can boat in the morning, ski in the afternoon, and catch a concert at night? In Gilford, you can do all three without leaving 03249. If you want year-round living with lake access, mountain trails, and a lively summer music scene, this guide is for you. You’ll get a clear look at neighborhoods, schools, commuting, key lifestyle spots, and practical buying tips. Let’s dive in.
Gilford at a glance
Gilford is a small Lakes Region town with about 7,886 residents and a high owner-occupied rate near 91 percent, which signals a strong year-round community. Median household income is roughly $115,423, and the average commute time is about 21.2 minutes. These figures come from the U.S. Census QuickFacts and paint a picture of a stable, active town with everyday convenience. You can review the town snapshot on the Census QuickFacts page.
Neighborhoods and housing
Lakefront and Ellacoya corridor
If lake living is your priority, focus on Lake Shore Road, Weirs Road, Scenic Drive, and the Ellacoya area. You’ll find a mix of classic cottages, year-round single-family homes, and condo options with shared amenities. Inventory here shifts with the seasons, and parcels can vary street by street. Waterfront specifics often drive price and desirability more than square footage.
Gunstock and Belknap Mountain area
Homes near Cherry Valley Road and Belknap Mountain Road attract buyers who want quick access to skiing, hiking, and mountain views. You can reach the lifts and trails in minutes, which is a major perk for winter weekends and summer adventures. The resort anchors demand in this pocket and supports both primary residences and second homes.
Subdivisions and condo living
Away from the lake, you’ll see established single-family neighborhoods and several condo and townhouse complexes. These spots appeal to families looking for manageable lots and to second-home buyers who want lower maintenance. Condos are popular with lock-and-leave owners who prioritize access over upkeep.
Seasonal vs year-round
Gilford supports a strong year-round base, backed by its high owner-occupied rate. That said, the Lakes Region has many seasonal homes, which affects inventory and weekend traffic in summer and winter. Plan ahead for peak-season showings and closings.
Commuting and access
Most residents drive, and day-to-day errands are simple. The average one-way commute is about 21.2 minutes according to Census QuickFacts. Typical drives are Gilford to Concord at roughly 31 miles, to Manchester at about 49 miles, and to Boston near 99 miles depending on your route. For a quick reference on distances, see the Gilford to Concord drive time. Intercity buses serve nearby towns, but expect to rely on a car for daily life.
Schools in SAU 73
Gilford operates its own district, SAU 73, with three public schools: Gilford Elementary (K–4), Gilford Middle (5–8), and Gilford High (9–12). You can confirm addresses and contacts on the NH Department of Education SAU 73 page. Families often appreciate the small-town setting and close community feel. Always plan school visits and verify program details directly with the district.
Healthcare and local services
For hospital care, Gilford residents typically use the full-service hospital in Laconia, now operating as Concord Hospital – Laconia. You can read background on the hospital’s system affiliation in the Concord Monitor’s reporting. Larger medical centers are in Concord and Manchester. Local municipal notices, tax details, and service updates are posted on the town’s website.
Lake life at Ellacoya
Ellacoya State Park is Gilford’s marquee public access to Lake Winnipesaukee. It offers about 600 feet of sandy beach, day-use admission, and an RV campground with roughly 37 sites. Parking fills fast in peak summer, so plan ahead and check fees and rules through Ellacoya State Park’s reservation page. Gilford also maintains a resident-only town beach that requires a town sticker for parking, which is a nice perk if you live here year-round.
Four-season fun at Gunstock
Gunstock Mountain Resort sits right in Gilford. Official stats list about 227 skiable acres, roughly 1,300 to 1,400 feet of vertical, and more than 40 trails. In the summer, the mountain runs attractions like a coaster, ziplines, treetop courses, and scenic lift rides. Check the resort’s official stats for details and event calendars.
Live music at BankNH Pavilion
BankNH Pavilion is a major outdoor amphitheater on Meadowbrook Lane near the lake. Capacity is on the order of 8,000 to 9,000 including lawn, and the season runs from late spring through early fall. Concert weekends bring energy to town and can tighten up traffic and lodging, especially near the lake. Explore the calendar and venue info at the BankNH Pavilion site.
Costs and ownership tips
Buying in the Lakes Region comes with a few extra checkpoints. Use this quick list to stay ahead of surprises.
- Taxes and billing. Gilford issues property tax bills twice a year. Confirm the current rate and due dates on the Town’s Real Estate Tax Information page. Ask about any special assessments that may apply to a property.
- Waterfront specifics. If you are looking at lakefront, review dock permits, shoreline setbacks, and any association rules. For public beach access details and Ellacoya camping rules, use the state park reservation page and the town site for resident beach guidance.
- Utilities and septic. Many homes use private wells and septic systems. Confirm capacity and inspection history before you finalize your offer. Contact the town or DPW for service maps.
- Short-term rentals and zoning. Rules change as towns review housing and visitor impacts. Before you buy for rental potential, check Gilford’s planning and zoning pages and review statewide updates like this NH Municipal Association overview.
- Seasonal care and insurance. Budget for heating, snow removal, roof and driveway care, and if applicable, dock maintenance. Older cottages may have higher insurance considerations.
- Market timing. Inventory can swing with the seasons. Summer and winter weekends bring visitors for concerts and skiing, which can affect showings and demand. Work with a local agent who knows street-level trends.
Who buys in Gilford
- Second-home buyers. Many choose condos or updated lake houses for easy ownership, quick access to the water, and proximity to concerts and skiing. Low-maintenance setups are popular for weekend use.
- Local move-up families. Year-round residents often trade up for more space or a different neighborhood. They value schools, commute time, and access to both the lake and Gunstock.
- Waterfront sellers. Sellers of older cottages or luxury estates look for strong marketing and smart advice on improvements that boost value before listing.
Is Gilford right for you?
If you want life centered around Lake Winnipesaukee, mountain trails, and a steady lineup of live music, Gilford is hard to beat. You get a small-town setting, quick drives for errands, and year-round recreation minutes from your door. The key is choosing the right pocket of 03249 for how you live, whether that is on the shoreline, near the base of Gunstock, or in a quiet inland subdivision.
Ready to explore homes that fit your lifestyle and budget? Work with a local advisor who understands docks, septic systems, and seasonal ownership details. For hands-on guidance and a tailored search, reach out to Chip Hornbeek. Contact Chip for a free Lake-Market consultation.
FAQs
What is it like to live in Gilford year-round?
- Gilford balances small-town living with big recreation, offering lake access, nearby skiing, and a short average commute time of about 21.2 minutes.
How do you access Lake Winnipesaukee in Gilford?
- Use Ellacoya State Park for public day access and camping, and the resident-only Gilford Town Beach with a town sticker for parking if you live in town.
How close is Gilford to ski slopes at Gunstock?
- Very close. Neighborhoods along Cherry Valley Road and Belknap Mountain Road are minutes from Gunstock’s lifts, trails, and summer attractions.
What schools serve Gilford students in SAU 73?
- Gilford Elementary (K–4), Gilford Middle (5–8), and Gilford High (9–12). Check the NH DOE SAU 73 page for contacts and details.
How do property taxes work in Gilford, NH?
- The town bills twice a year. Confirm current rates and due dates on the Town’s Real Estate Tax Information page before you budget.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Gilford’s 03249?
- Rules evolve. Review Gilford’s planning and zoning information and statewide updates like the NHMA land-use overview before you buy for STR use.
What healthcare options are near Gilford?
- Concord Hospital – Laconia provides full-service care nearby, with larger medical centers in Concord and Manchester. See the Concord Monitor’s report for background.
What home types are common in Gilford’s 03249?
- You’ll find lakefront houses and cottages, condos near the water, mountain-area homes by Gunstock, and inland subdivisions with traditional single-family homes.
