Gilford, New Hampshire
Gilford, New Hampshire, is a busy little town of about 7500 residents located on the shores of the great Lake Winnepesaukee. Bustling with vacationers and visitors at all times of the year, Gilford lets none of them down by offering tons of fun activities for the entire family in surroundings that elicit “oohs” and “ahhs” by all who see them. Gilford boasts the best of both worlds with watersports on the lake and all the mountaineering you could ask for on Belknap Mountain.
Gilford was a part of Gilmanton before it became its own entity. Settled around 1777, the area was first known as Gunstock Parish. A resident captain from the American Revolution received the honor of naming the town in 1812 and chose Gilford, after a memorable battle he was involved in down in Guilford Court, North Carolina. The name was contracted by way of a clerical error and is now spelled without the “u”.
Gilford is not just a resort town, it’s also one of the largest communities in the area and offers much to the residents of these surrounding towns. Gilford is home to many large shopping chains, including Wal-Mart, Shaw’s and Hannaford’s, making grocery shopping just a little easier for folks who live in outlying areas of the region. Gilford also has several radio stations, fantastic medical facilities and a great school system.
Gilford is part of School Administrative Unit #73, the Gilford School District. The Gilford Elementary, Middle and High Schools educate all resident children without needing to tuition any elsewhere as many of the smaller communities must. Gilmanton, in fact, sends their high-school age children to Gilford High School in an agreement set up years ago between the two towns.
One of the more popular winter attractions in the area is the Gunstock Ski Resort and Recreation Area in Gilford. Taking its name from the old parish, Gunstock attracts winter enthusiasts from all over with its miles upon miles of slope skiing, cross-country skiing, and even glade skiing. One of the few resorts to offer night skiing, Gunstock draws skiers in by the thousands for the unforgettable experience of skiing under the stars. Try it once and you’ll be hooked.
In the summer, Gunstock offers hiking, mountain biking and, occasionally, a motorcycle hill climb. This event usually happens during “Bike Week” in the middle of June. Camping at Gunstock is also available during the warmer months of the year.
Gilford, New Hampshire, has a little something for everyone. It’s a great place to visit but an even better place to live. There are currently homes available in Gilford, but you need to know where to start. Instead of just looking at what might be listed on the web, get your search truly started by calling Jim Miller of Bean Group at (603) 801-3987. Jim knows this state, its communities and its people. He’s here to help you into the home that’s perfect for you and won’t settle for anything less. Call today and come enjoy everything this wonderful state has to offer.
Gilford Elementary School (k-4)
603-524-1661
Gilford Middle School (5-8)
603-527-2460
Gilford High School (9-12)
603-524-7135
