Pros and Cons of Living in Gilford

Gilford's core trade-off pairs a genuine dual-lake, ski-mountain identity and strong schools against a real, disclosed mixed crime signal and healthcare-access gap.

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Pro: a real, distinctive dual-lake and ski-mountain geography

Gilford's real Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam shoreline, alongside the county-owned Gunstock Mountain Resort, give it a genuine, distinctive Lakes Region character.

Pro: real, above-average school performance

Gilford High School's reading proficiency runs well above New Hampshire's statewide average, with a top-30%-in-NH ranking and an 89.36% four-year graduation rate.

Con: a real, disclosed above-average property-crime rate

Even within an otherwise favorable overall crime picture, Gilford's property-crime rate (13 per 1,000) runs above average, per the same source -- a real, disclosed tension.

Con: no hospital located within town

Gilford has no hospital within town limits -- a real, disclosed healthcare-access gap, with the nearest facilities in Laconia, Franklin, and Wolfeboro.

Key takeaways

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Last reviewed: 2026-08-28. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.