Best Towns on Lake Winnipesaukee for Home Buyers

Not sure which town on Lake Winnipesaukee is right for you? You’re not alone – New Hampshire’s largest lake is surrounded by numerous towns, each with its own personality and perks. In this guide, we’ll explore the best towns around Lake Winnipesaukee for home buyers, highlighting what makes each special. Whether you’re looking for bustling community life, peaceful seclusion, top-notch schools, or investment potential, there’s a Winnipesaukee town that’s just right for your needs.

Meredith, NH – Classic Lakeside Charm

Meredith is often the first town that comes to mind for many Winnipesaukee enthusiasts, and for good reason. Located at the northwestern corner of the lake, Meredith offers a picture-perfect blend of New England charm and modern amenities. The town center at Meredith Bay features a beautiful waterfront park, a row of quaint shops and cafés in restored mill buildings, and even a lakeside luxury hotel. Residents enjoy strolling the boardwalk, getting ice cream at Mills Falls Marketplace, and watching the tour boats come and go.

 Key Highlights of Meredith:

• Vibe: Classic, family-friendly, and upscale. Meredith manages to feel both bustling and relaxed. In summer, it’s alive with vacationers and events; in winter, it’s quieter but retains a strong year-round community.
• Recreation: Easy access to open lake waters for boating. There’s a town beach for residents, and the public docks make boating into town a breeze. Meredith is also a gateway to nearby attractions – you’re close to ski resorts, hiking trails, and other Lakes Region sights.
• Amenities: Meredith has great dining (from casual diners to gourmet restaurants), art galleries, grocery stores, and even a hospital nearby in Laconia. Schools in Inter-Lakes School District are well-regarded. The town hosts annual events like the Great Rotary Fishing Derby and a summer craft fair, fostering community spirit.
• Real Estate: Home options range from luxury waterfront estates in areas like Spindle Point and Wildwood, to historic village homes, to condos. Median home prices are on the higher side due to demand. If you want the perfect blend of convenience and charm, Meredith should be on your list.

(Meredith is featured prominently in our Lake Winnipesaukee Lifestyle article, since it exemplifies the lively yet traditional lake lifestyle.)

Wolfeboro, NH – Historic & Community-Oriented

Known proudly as “The Oldest Summer Resort in America,” Wolfeboro sits on the eastern shore and oozes historic charm. This town offers a quintessential small-town New England feel, complete with a Main Street lined by quaint shops, cafes, and the Wolfeboro Town Docks bustling with boats in summer. It has long attracted seasonal visitors and retirees, creating a dynamic where summer is lively and winters are serene but not deserted.

Key Highlights of Wolfeboro:

• 
  Vibe: Quintessential, historic, and community-focused. Wolfeboro has a strong year-round population, so even in winter you’ll find coffee shops and restaurants open and locals gathering. There’s a sense of pride and preservation of history – old homes, museums (like the Wright Museum of WWII), and cultural events abound.
• Attractions: In summer, Wolfeboro’s Cate Park often has live bandstand music. You can catch a ride on the MS Mount Washington cruise ship which docks here. There are two smaller connected lakes (Crescent Lake and Lake Wentworth) also partly in town, offering additional recreation. The town maintains a beautiful library, community center, and cross-country ski trails for winter fun.
• Amenities: Wolfeboro has everything you need – grocery stores, a hospital, pharmacies, and a variety of eateries from casual to fine dining. It also boasts excellent schools including Brewster and the Public K-12 system is well-regarded, making it popular for families). Seasonal events, like summer concerts and fall festivals, keep the community engaged.
• Real Estate: Expect charming older homes (some date back to the 1800s) mixed with modern builds. Waterfront properties on Wolfeboro Bay and Winter Harbor are in high demand; many have boathouses and sweeping views. Prices are generally high for waterfront, but off-water you can find more moderate options. 

Wolfeboro’s enduring appeal means your investment here is likely solid – plus it ranks among the top short-term rental markets in NH, with vacationers seeking its charm

Gilford, NH – Recreation and Relaxation

Sitting along the southwest shore, Gilford is a town that offers a bit of everything: skiing, hiking, boating, and quiet neighborhoods. It’s home to Governor’s Island (one of the lake’s most prestigious residential enclaves) as well as more modest lake communities. Gilford’s claim to fame is Gunstock Mountain Resort, a four-season attraction for skiing, zip-lining, and events, making it ideal for those who want lake life and mountain fun.

 Key Highlights of Gilford:

• Vibe: Outdoorsy, peaceful, and residential. Gilford doesn’t have a big downtown (many residents go to neighboring Laconia or Meredith for major shopping), but it has a lovely town beach and plenty of open space. It’s known for low-key luxury – high-end homes tucked in the woods or along the shore, where privacy is valued.
• Recreation: Arguably one of the best towns for year-round fun. In summer, Gilford’s large town beach on Sanders Bay is a gem for residents (with playgrounds and picnic areas). Boaters enjoy quick access to the broads of the lake. In winter, Gunstock Mountain is minutes away for skiing and snowboarding. Hiking trails like Mount Major (just over the town line) and Gunstock’s trails are popular in warmer months. Gilford also hosts the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, an outdoor concert venue that attracts big-name music acts in summer.
• Amenities: You’ll find convenient shopping plazas on Route 11 with supermarkets, a movie theater, and restaurants. The Gilford school system is solid. While much of Gilford is spread out, the essentials are within a short drive. One unique amenity: Laconia Airport is actually in Gilford, allowing small plane access if that’s of interest.
• Real Estate: Gilford has a mix of properties – from condos near the ski area, to affordable off-water homes, to multi-million dollar estates on Governor’s Island (complete with gated access and community clubhouse). The property tax rate is moderate. Gilford often attracts buyers looking for a second home that could someday be a retirement spot, given its balance of peace and proximity to services. Rental investors also like Gilford, since vacationers come for both lake and mountain activities (it was highlighted as a top STR market with ~6.5% yields on average

Laconia, NH – The Hub of Activity

While not directly on the main lake (Laconia encompasses Paugus Bay and smaller lakes like Opechee and Winnisquam), Laconia is considered the city of the Lakes Region and offers the most urban amenities. If you want to be in the heart of action – think arcades, mini-golf, restaurants, and summertime crowds – the Weirs Beach area of Laconia is the hotspot. Other parts of Laconia are quieter residential neighborhoods. As a home buyer, you might consider Laconia for its combination of relative affordability and convenience.

Key Highlights of Laconia:

• Vibe: Varied – from touristy excitement at Weirs Beach to normal suburban in the downtown and outskirts. Laconia is energetic, especially during events like Motorcycle Week, when the city swells with visitors. Year-round, it has the most businesses and jobs in the region, so it feels more like a traditional small city.
• Attractions: Weirs Beach is a classic lake tourist attraction with a public beach, boardwalk, arcades, and the M/S Mount Washington cruise dock. There’s fun nightlife during summer with fireworks and bands. Beyond that, Laconia has cultural spots like the historic Belknap Mill and plenty of parks. Because it’s between lakes, residents enjoy multiple water bodies – Winnipesaukee via Paugus Bay, and also Winnisquam and Opechee for fishing, boating, etc.
• Amenities: As the commercial center, Laconia offers big grocery stores, chain shops, restaurants, medical facilities – virtually everything one needs daily. Schools are average; families sometimes prefer Gilford or Meredith schooling, but Laconia High is improving and the city has local charter/private school options too. Importantly, Laconia provides jobs and year-round economic activity, which appeals if you plan to be a full-time resident and want employment nearby.
• Real Estate: Laconia’s housing is most diverse in price. It’s often cited as a more affordable entry point to the Winnipesaukee lifestyle. Condos and townhomes in developments like South Down Shores offer beach access and docks at lower prices than a standalone waterfront house. There are also classic New England homes in downtown neighborhoods that are budget-friendly (though without lake views). On the flip side, Laconia includes some luxury – the gated community of Long Bay, for instance, and stretch of waterfront homes along Paugus Bay. If you’re balancing budget with desire for lake access, Laconia is a smart choice. Plus, from an investment perspective, it has solid rental demand and relatively high yields (gross rental yields around 6% have been noted) since purchase prices can be lower

Alton, NH – Gateway to the Lake

At the southern tip where Lake Winnipesaukee’s waters feed into the Merrymeeting River, you’ll find Alton and its lakeside village Alton Bay. Alton is the largest town by area on the lake and offers an appealing mix of quiet living with easy access from southern NH/Massachusetts. If you commute or travel frequently to the Boston area, Alton shaves off some drive time compared to the northern towns. It’s often praised for its serene atmosphere and beautiful views looking northward up the lake. 

Key Highlights of Alton:

• Vibe: Peaceful, scenic, and a bit slower-paced. Alton doesn’t have a major downtown aside from the bay area, which has a few shops, restaurants, and an old-fashioned bandstand for summer concerts. It’s a town where you “don’t blink or you might miss it” while driving, as one local joked. People who choose Alton usually do so for space and tranquility.
• Recreation: Boating from Alton Bay is fantastic – you’re at the southern end of the lake, so you can explore all the way to Center Harbor at the north in a day trip. The bay freezes solid in winter and is famous for its ice runway for small planes (a novelty that draws pilots from all over when conditions allow). Mount Major (for hiking) is on the Alton/Gilford border and very popular. Summer weekends see a small craft fair and water ski shows occasionally at Alton Bay. Overall, recreation in Alton is self-made: boating, fishing, hunting in nearby forests, snowmobiling trails, etc.
• Amenities: Alton is more limited in services – a small supermarket, a few eateries, basic stores. You’ll likely head to Gilford or Rochester for larger shopping trips. The school system is part of Prospect Mountain High (shared with a neighboring town), a decent small school. For medical and other needs, nearby towns fill the gaps. Alton is all about the simple lake life rather than convenience.
• Real Estate: The housing stock includes many waterfront cottages (some updated, some rustic) along Alton Bay and the many coves and points extending from it. Inland, you’ll find country homes on acreage. Because of Alton’s large size, some parts of town aren’t near the big lake (some buyers accidentally see “Alton” in a listing but realize it’s miles from Winnipesaukee). So pay attention to location. Prices for direct lakefront in Alton Bay can be high, but generally Alton offers slightly more bang for the buck than towns like Meredith or Wolfeboro. If you covet long lake views, homes on peaks like Fort Point or Mt. Major Highway have panoramas stretching up the length of Winnipesaukee – breathtaking on a clear day. Alton is a great choice if you value privacy, acreage, and are okay with a short drive for shopping.

Moultonborough, NH – Shoreline and Low Taxes

If your goal is maximum waterfront for your dollar, Moultonborough deserves special mention. This town occupies much of the northeastern shore and includes long peninsulas (Long Island, Black Cat, etc.) and areas with extensive shoreline. Moultonborough is known for having one of the lowest property tax rates in the state, thanks in part to a high property valuation base and prudent town budgeting. More of your money can go into the house itself rather than taxes each year, which is a big draw.

Key Highlights of Moultonborough:

• Vibe: Quiet, nature-focused, and spread out. There isn’t a true downtown (the “village” area is small with a few shops). Moultonborough includes communities like Suissevale and Balmoral – popular water-access neighborhoods with shared beaches – as well as luxe waterfront streets. It’s a mix of seasonal vacation homes and a devoted population of year-rounders who prefer the tranquility.
• Recreation: With miles of shoreline, boating and swimming opportunities abound. There are also multiple smaller lakes and ponds within Moultonborough’s borders. Red Hill and the Castle in the Clouds (a historic estate & network of hiking trails) are local treasures for hiking with views. Snowmobiling is big here in winter, with trails connecting to a statewide network. Moultonborough’s large area means more wildlife and woodlands – great for those who enjoy the outdoors.
• Amenities: Limited, but improving. There’s a full grocery store, a hardware store, and a few restaurants. For anything more, Meredith or Center Harbor (just south) fill in – fortunately, Center Harbor’s grocery, pharmacy, and shops are on the Moultonborough line. Schools are part of the Inter-Lakes district for high school (shared with Meredith, Center Harbor) and are well-regarded. The ultra-low tax rate is a financial perk every year, attracting retirees and luxury buyers in particular.
• Real Estate: Moultonborough offers many waterfront options – from classic cabins to sprawling modern estates. Because it has so much shoreline, there are often more listings here to choose from, but demand is equally high. Prices range widely: you might find a small seasonal cottage under $700k (a rarity around the rest of the lake), or a high-end custom home for $3M+. The low taxes can effectively increase your budget (for example, a $1M home in Moultonborough might have similar annual taxes to an $800k home in another town). Off-water, you can get land and space at relatively reasonable prices.

Moultonborough is ideal if you want a quieter setting and see your lake home as a long-term investment or family legacy property – the savings on taxes compound over the years, and the natural beauty is hard to beat.

Center Harbor & Tuftonboro – Small Town Serenity

Rounding out our tour are a couple of smaller communities that offer their own brands of serenity:

Center Harbor sits at the very northern tip of Winnipesaukee (and on Squam Lake’s southern tip). It’s a tiny town with a cozy village area. While it has only a short stretch of Winnipesaukee frontage, it’s worth mentioning for its quiet charm and proximity to both lakes. Center Harbor has a few nice restaurants (including a local favorite, Canoe, a supermarket, and shares a good school system with Moultonborough. Home choices are limited but include some lovely lakeview properties up on hills. It’s perfect for those who want small-town life but easy access to Meredith (5 minutes away) for more action.

Tuftonboro spans a portion of Winnipesaukee’s eastern shore and includes the hamlets of Melvin Village and Mirror Lake. Tuftonboro is very low-key – no real downtown, just winding roads, farms, and hidden lakefront gems. Melvin Village has a marina and a few stores catering to boaters. People choose Tuftonboro for privacy and nature. Real estate ranges from rustic camps to upscale retreats along Twenty Mile Bay or Melvin Bay. Like Moultonborough, Tuftonboro benefits from relatively low taxes and a quiet setting. It may feel a bit far from amenities (Wolfeboro is the closest town center, 15+ minutes away), but for some that distance is a plus.

Finding Your Perfect Fit

• With so many great towns on Lake Winnipesaukee, your ideal choice comes down to personal priorities:
• Do you want a lively social scene and convenience? Look at Meredith or Wolfeboro.
  Seeking low taxes and lots of shoreline? Moultonborough or Tuftonboro might be the ticket.
• Hoping for a balance of recreation and year-round practicality? Gilford or Laconia could be ideal.
• Is an easy commute to points south important? Alton shaves time off and offers quiet beauty.
• Love small-town vibes above all? Center Harbor charms many with its tiny village feel.

It’s wise to visit the towns if possible. Have lunch in Wolfeboro, drive around Gilford’s neighborhoods, check out a sunset in Alton Bay. You’ll get a feel for each community’s energy. Also consider practical factors like distance to your workplace or family, and what services (hospitals, etc.) you need nearby.

Remember, every town on Winnipesaukee shares access to that amazing lake and its recreational opportunities – you really can’t go wrong. Each just offers a different flavor of lake living. For more on how these towns contribute to the overall lake lifestyle (events, boating culture, etc.), check out our Lake Winnipesaukee Lifestyle guide. And if you’ve narrowed it down and are ready to search for homes, our Ultimate Guide to Buying a Home on Lake Winnipesaukee can walk you through the next steps of the buying process. 

Happy home hunting – and welcome in advance to the Lake Winnipesaukee community that so many are proud to call home! - Mr. Winni