Spanning the towns of Wakefield and Milton, Great East Lake is one of the most dynamic and well-loved lakes in the eastern Lakes Region. Large, energetic, and socially vibrant, Great East Lake offers an experience that blends classic New Hampshire lake traditions with an active, community-driven lifestyle.
Great East Lake is expansive and highly usable. The lake supports power boating, waterskiing, tubing, sailing, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming, with enough surface area to comfortably accommodate activity without feeling overcrowded. Its size and layout create distinct coves and stretches of open water, allowing both high-energy recreation and quieter moments to coexist naturally.
Real estate around Great East Lake is diverse and consistently in demand. Buyers will find everything from classic seasonal camps and vintage cottages to modernized waterfront homes and fully winterized year-round residences. True waterfront properties are especially coveted, while nearby lake-access homes offer additional entry points for buyers who want the lifestyle without full shoreline ownership.
FAQs About Great East Lake (Wakefield & Milton, NH)
What makes Great East Lake stand out?
Great East Lake offers scale, energy, and community. It’s one of the few lakes in the region where sailing, watersports, and social lake culture thrive alongside long-term residential ownership. The lake feels lively and engaged rather than seasonal or resort-driven.
What types of homes are found on Great East Lake?
Homes range from traditional camps and waterfront cottages to larger year-round residences designed for full-time living. Properties often emphasize dock access, boating infrastructure, and outdoor living spaces. Turnover exists, but demand remains consistently strong.
Is Great East Lake suitable for year-round living?
Yes. Great East Lake has a strong year-round population. Many roads are publicly maintained, and a significant number of homes are fully winterized. Proximity to Route 16 and nearby towns makes full-time living practical and appealing.
How does Great East Lake compare to Lake Winnipesaukee?
Compared to Lake Winnipesaukee, Great East Lake is less commercial and far more residential. It lacks island hopping and resort dining, but gains easier ownership, fewer tourists, and a tighter-knit lake community—while still supporting serious boating and watersports.
Is Great East Lake a good real estate investment?
From a long-term, lifestyle-focused perspective, yes. Inventory is limited, demand is steady, and the lake’s size, activity level, and year-round usability support strong value retention. It appeals to buyers seeking an active lake without entering the ultra-premium luxury segment.
How accessible is Great East Lake?
Great East Lake is approximately 25 minutes from Wolfeboro, about 40 minutes from Rochester, roughly 50 minutes from Dover, and around 90 minutes from Boston—making it a popular choice for both primary residences and second homes.
Great East Lake is about connection and movement—boats in motion, neighbors gathering, and traditions that repeat year after year. It’s a lake that invites participation, not just observation.
If you’re comparing Great East Lake with Pine River Pond or other Wakefield-area lakes—or deciding between an active lake and a quieter retreat—I’m always happy to help you evaluate which setting best aligns with your lifestyle and long-term plans.
505 people live in Great East Lake - 1,687–1,825 acres, where the median age is 47.5 and the average individual income is $38,940. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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There's plenty to do around Great East Lake - 1,687–1,825 acres, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including The Brown Bean Coffee Shop, Winners Lakeview Market, and Homestead Store.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
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| Dining | 3.98 miles | 8 reviews | 4.4/5 stars | |
| Dining | 4.17 miles | 1 review | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$$ | 0.24 miles | 2 reviews | 4.5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.56 miles | 1 review | 5/5 stars | |
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Great East Lake - 1,687–1,825 acres has 136 households, with an average household size of 3.71. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Great East Lake - 1,687–1,825 acres do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. 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.
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Explore Other Towns & Lakes
OFFICE
61 Liscomb Cir
Gilford, NH 03249
OFFICE
61 Liscomb Cir
Gilford, NH 03249
