Crystal, Locke, Sunset and Halfmoon lakes, past and future

Nestled in the heart of New Hampshire, several stunning lakes offer a unique blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and a peaceful small-town atmosphere. Whether you’re searching for a charming waterfront retreat, a property with private beach access, or a home surrounded by pristine landscapes, these lakes provide diverse opportunities for homebuyers. Below, you’ll find detailed insights into Crystal Lake, Halfmoon Lake, Sunset Lake, and Locke Lake, along with recent real estate sales data.

Crystal Lake Homes: Crystal Lake, situated in the historically rich town of Gilmanton, is renowned for its clear, pristine waters, making it a popular destination for boating, swimming, and fishing. This tranquil lake community includes multiple associations and is conveniently located near Gunstock Mountain Resort, Gilmanton Pub, and Gilmanton Winery. Crystal Lake spans 455 acres, with a length of 2.8 miles, a width of 0.8 miles, an average depth of 16 feet, a max depth of 53 feet, a surface elevation of 623 feet, and a shoreline measuring 2.8 miles. The lake flows via the Suncook River into the Merrimack River.

2020: Eight sales; median days on the market was 40; average sales price was $298,850; median sales price was $259,150; lowest sales price, $137,500; highest sales price, $565,000.

2021: 19 sales; median days on the market was eight; average sales price was $393,105; median sales price was $320,000; lowest sales price, $90,000; highest sales price, $1.7 million.

2022: Nine sales; median days on the market was 23; average sales price was $465,500; median sales price was $440,000; lowest sales price was $287,500; highest sales price was $865,000.

2023: 13 sales; median days on the market was seven; average sales price was $444,086; median sales price was $430,000; lowest sales price was $185,000; highest sales price was $740,000.

2024: Seven sales; median days on the market was eight; average sales price was $557,928; median sales price was $480,000; lowest sales price was $437,500; highest sales price was $800,000.

2025: Two sales; median days on the market was 29; average sales price was $459,100; median sales price was $459,100; lowest sales price was $438,200; highest sales price was $480,000.

No active listings currently.

Halfmoon Lake Homes: Halfmoon Lake, located in Alton and Barnstead, is a small yet picturesque lake well-known for its clean waters and excellent fishing, swimming, and kayaking opportunities. With high demand for waterfront and water-access properties, Halfmoon Lake continues to be a desirable location. The lake covers 283 acres, a length of 1.6 miles, a width of 0.4 miles, an average depth of 14 feet, a max depth of 27 feet, a surface elevation of 640 feet, and a shoreline stretching 4.13 miles. The lake is part of the Suncook River watershed, which ultimately flows into the Merrimack River. 

2020: 13 sales; median days on the market was seven; average sales price was $294,953; median sales price was $255,000; lowest sales price was $125,000; highest sales price was $622,000.

2021: 10 sales; median days on the market was six; average sales price was $412,390; median sales price was $326,000; lowest sales price was $240,000; highest sales price was $810,000.

2022: 11 sales; median days on the market was 17; average sales price was $398,068; median sales price was $379,055; lowest sales price was $210,000; highest sales price was $629,000.

2023: seven sales; median days on the market was 18; average sales price was $427,714; median sales price was $420,000; lowest sales price was $345,000; highest sales price was $555,000.

2024: 12 sales; median days on market, 11; average sales price was $530,292; median sales price was $495,000; lowest sales price was $340,000; highest sales price was $950,000.

2025: one sale; days on the market was 45; sales price was $460,000.

No active listings currently.

Sunset Lake Homes: If you’re seeking a lakefront or beach-access home on a quaint, serene lake, Sunset Lake is an excellent choice. Over the years, demand for waterfront and water-access properties on smaller lakes has grown, yet supply remains limited. Sunset Lake, located in Gilmanton and Alton, offers residents activities such as fishing, swimming, hiking, and kayaking. The lake covers 253 acres, with a length of 1.3 miles, a width of 0.5 miles, an average depth of 18 feet, a max depth of 78 feet, a surface elevation of 806 feet, and a shoreline stretching 4.21 miles. Water from Sunset Lake flows south to feed Crystal Lake, part of the Suncook River watershed, which eventually reaches the Merrimack River. The surrounding towns are known for their ski areas, cross-country trails, town docking, Gunstock Mountain, and Mount Major. 

2020: three sales; median days on the market was eight; average sales price was $315,483; median sales price was $350,000; lowest sales price was $239,450; highest sales price was $357,000.

2021: eight sales; median days on the market was 11; average sales price was $252,187; median sales price was $250,500; lowest sales price was $170,000; highest sales price was $349,000.

2022: six sales; median days on the market was four; average sales price was $373,416; median sales price was $339,500; lowest sales price was $245,000; highest sales price was $600,000.

2023: four sales; median days on the market was four; average sales price was $548,750; median sales price was $464,500; lowest sales price was $351,000; highest sales price was $915,000.

2024: six sales; median days on the market was six; average sales price was $733,250; median sales price was $731,250; lowest sales price was $388,000; highest sales price was $1.085 million.

2025: two sales; median days on the market was 59; average sales price was $612,500; median sales price was $612,500; lowest sales price was $405,000; highest sales price was $820,000.

No active listings currently.

Locke Lake Homes: Locke Lake Colony Association offers an array of exquisite properties within a picturesque setting. The community features a stunning lodge, baseball field, tennis court, six beaches, a six-hole golf course, two outdoor pools, boat launches, and covered pavilions. Located in Barnstead, Locke Lake is part of the Suncook River watershed, fed by Halfmoon Lake, which flows into the Merrimack River. The lake spans with a surface area of 253 acres, a mean depth of 0.9 meters, a max depth of 3 meters, a length of 5.05 miles, and an elevation of 639 feet. This lake is ideal for year-round activities, including fishing, swimming, hiking, and snowmobiling, and is home to Canadian geese and more.

2020: 57 sales; median days on the market was nine; average sales price was $251,443; median sales price was $240,000; lowest sales price was $134,945; highest sales price was $570,000.

2021: 28 sales; median days on the market was six; average sales price was $290,796; median sales price was $270,500; lowest sales price was $162,000; highest sales price was $515,000.

2022: 45 sales; median days on the market was six; average sales price was $411,055; median sales price was $349,900; lowest sales price was $235,000; highest sales price was $775,000.

2023: 25 sales; median days on the market was seven; average sales price was $407,850; median sales price was $369,900; lowest sales price was $230,000; highest sales price was $799,900.

2024: 28 sales; median days on the market was eight; average sales price was $470,354; median sales price was $398,250; lowest sales price was $250,000; highest sales price was $900,000.

2025: one active listing, 10 Foss Drive, Barnstead; listed at $499,900; 20 days on the market.

These lakes offer great investment and tremendous potential for buyers seeking tranquil waterfront properties or year-round recreational opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a primary residence, vacation home, or investment property, the market trends and sales data highlight the value of owning a home in these stunning lakeside communities. Most importantly, these lakes create great memories for families to enjoy.

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This article was written by Emily Brock. Emily is a Realtor at Roche Realty Group in Meredith, and can be reached at 603-279-7046. Visit rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.