Set along New Hampshire’s eastern edge near the Maine border, Wakefield offers a lake-centered lifestyle that feels relaxed, spacious, and refreshingly unpretentious. Home to several well-loved lakes—including Great East Lake and Lovell Lake—Wakefield appeals to buyers seeking water access, community, and value, all without the intensity of the state’s larger resort markets.
Wakefield blends rural charm with a strong lake culture. It’s a town where year-round residents and seasonal homeowners coexist easily, drawn by boating, fishing, and a pace of life that prioritizes enjoyment over formality.
What makes Wakefield a great place to live?
Wakefield is known for its laid-back lake lifestyle and sense of accessibility. The town offers multiple lakes, a welcoming community, and relatively easy access to both New Hampshire and Maine destinations.
Residents appreciate the balance: enough activity to feel alive in summer, but quiet enough the rest of the year to truly relax. It’s especially appealing to buyers who want lake life without the prestige pricing of larger-name lake towns.
What types of properties are available in Wakefield?
Wakefield’s real estate market is diverse and lake-driven. Property types include:
• Lakefront and lake-access homes on Great East Lake and Lovell Lake
• Seasonal cottages and classic New England camp-style homes
• Year-round single-family residences
• Homes with shared beaches, docks, or deeded water rights
• Larger rural properties away from the water offering privacy and value
Wakefield tends to offer a wider range of price points than many Lakes Region towns, particularly for waterfront opportunities.
Is Wakefield a good option for second homes or investment properties?
Yes. Wakefield is a popular choice for second homes and vacation properties, especially around its lakes. Great East Lake, which spans the New Hampshire–Maine border, is known for its active boating community and long-standing appeal.
Short-term rental rules vary by lake and neighborhood, but demand for seasonal use has historically been strong, supporting long-term value and flexibility for owners.
What lakes and attractions are nearby?
Wakefield’s identity is closely tied to its lakes and outdoor access:
• Great East Lake, offering boating, fishing, and a vibrant summer community
• Lovell Lake, known for its quieter, more residential atmosphere
• Proximity to additional lakes and ponds throughout the town
• Easy access to hiking, snowmobiling, and outdoor recreation
• Short drives to coastal Maine towns and southern New Hampshire services
This geographic flexibility is one of Wakefield’s quiet strengths.
What is the lifestyle like in Wakefield?
Life in Wakefield is seasonal, social, and centered around the water. Summers are lively with boating, swimming, and gatherings by the lake. Fall brings foliage and calm, winters are peaceful and well-suited for snow-based recreation, and spring marks the gradual return to lake season.
Wakefield appeals to buyers who value connection, recreation, and a sense of tradition—without needing polish or pretense.
Wakefield offers an approachable version of lake living: multiple lakes, a welcoming atmosphere, and more flexibility than many higher-profile markets. It’s a town where memories are made easily and ownership feels attainable.
Whether you’re searching for a seasonal retreat, a year-round lake home, or a community-oriented town with enduring appeal, Wakefield stands out as a smart and heartfelt choice in the broader Lakes Region.
— Corina Cisneros, Broker | Experience Matters. Top 1% in New Hampshire and the Lakes Region since 2019
1,733 people live in Wakefield, where the median age is 53.1 and the average individual income is $43,296. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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There's plenty to do around Wakefield, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Town Farm Country Market, The Carriage House Bistro and Tavern, and Sherry's Cakes By the Lake.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
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| Dining | 2.56 miles | 6 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Dining | 4.27 miles | 9 reviews | 4.6/5 stars | |
| Dining | 4.23 miles | 3 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 4.64 miles | 46 reviews | 4.4/5 stars | |
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Wakefield has 716 households, with an average household size of 2.42. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Wakefield do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 1,733 people call Wakefield home. The population density is 183.17 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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