Carroll County · Lakes Region

Effingham

Green Mountain Fire Tower and Three Trail Challenge

Part of the Ossipee area

About Effingham

Effingham spans 42 square miles in Carroll County's lakes region, with a population of just over 1,600 residents. The town operates its own elementary school while sending older students to the Governor Wentworth Regional School District. Much of the community's character stems from its rural setting and proximity to several lakes that draw seasonal residents and year-round outdoor enthusiasts. The town maintains a traditional New England governance structure with selectmen and town meetings. Effingham's location provides access to the lakes region's recreational opportunities while maintaining the quiet, rural atmosphere that attracts residents seeking space and privacy. The community sees a mix of year-round families and seasonal residents who appreciate the area's natural setting.

Why Effingham?

Part of Governor Wentworth Regional School District (SAU 49)
Access to lakes region recreation and seasonal activities
Rural setting with 42 square miles and low population density
Traditional New England town meeting governance
Mix of year-round and seasonal residents creating diverse community

Quick Facts

Population

1,615

County

Carroll

Region

Lakes Region

School District

SAU 49

Weather in Effingham

47°F

Clear

Today

55 / 34

Fri

49 / 32

Sat

58 / 29

Map

Living in Effingham

What you need to know about making Effingham your home.

Major Employers

Town of EffinghamEffingham Elementary School

Schools & Education

Effingham is part of the Governor Wentworth Regional School District (SAU 49).

Cost of Living

Housing costs reflect the lakes region's appeal to seasonal residents, with property values (est.) somewhat above state averages. New Hampshire's lack of income tax helps offset higher property tax rates typical in Carroll County.

Real Estate

$385,000 (est.) median home price

$18.50 per $1,000 (est.) property tax rate

No state income or sales tax in NH

View listings in Effingham

Commute Times

2 hr 30 min

Boston

25 min

Conway

1 hr 15 min

Concord

45 min

Rochester

30 min

Wolfeboro

School District

Regional district

Governor Wentworth Regional School District(SAU 49)

Grades served: PreK-12

Website

Students attend high school in Wolfeboro.

Effingham serves as a district hub for students from nearby towns in this district.

District towns

Wolfeboro Ossipee Tuftonboro Brookfield New Durham

Effingham local school (Governor Wentworth Regional School District)

PreK-12Elementary

Regional high school (in Wolfeboro) via Governor Wentworth Regional School District

PreK-12High School

Hidden Gems in Effingham

Beyond the well-known attractions, Effingham has spots that locals love and visitors rarely find.

Hanson Top Trail and Blueberry Ledges

summer

This lesser-known spur trail off Green Mountain leads to exposed ledges with panoramic views of Province Lake and the town of Effingham spread out below. Wild blueberries grow thick around the rocky outcrop in late summer, creating a natural harvest spot that locals know but few visitors discover. The 0.4-mile side trail from the main Green Mountain path rewards you with arguably better views than the fire tower itself.

Lords Tomb Cemetery

year-round

Tucked away on Lord's Hill across from Isaac Lord's historic mansion, this small hilltop cemetery holds the graves of Effingham's founding families. The weathered stones tell stories dating back to the 1700s, and the elevated position offers quiet views across the historic district. It sits in the shadow of the First Parish Church, creating an atmospheric pocket of local history that tour groups never find.

Province Lake Public Beach

summer

While Province Lake itself is known, this small roadside beach section along Route 153 is where locals gather for sunset picnics and peaceful swimming. The soft sand beach stretches only 30-40 feet wide, but it offers direct access to the 968-acre lake without the crowds of the campground areas. Ducks paddle nearby, and the parallel parking area across the road makes it feel like a secret local spot rather than a destination.

Effingham Union Academy Building

year-round

This unassuming 1819 Federal-style building housed New Hampshire's very first Normal School for teacher training in 1830, making educational history when James Bradbury insisted it focus on "instruction and training of teachers" - a revolutionary concept at the time. Now owned by the Effingham Historical Society, the building sits quietly in the Lord's Hill Historic District, its significance marked only by a small state historical marker that most people drive past without noticing.