Living in Exeter, NH: A Complete Guide for Homebuyers and Relocators
buyers Amanda Martin June 10, 2026
buyers Amanda Martin June 10, 2026
If you've been searching for homes for sale in Exeter, NH, you've stumbled onto one of the seacoast's most coveted communities. Tucked just inland from the Atlantic coast along the Squamscott River, Exeter blends small-town New England charm with a vibrant, walkable downtown, top-rated public schools, and a close-knit community that feels like home from the moment you arrive.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, a family prioritizing great schools, or a relocator coming from Greater Boston or beyond, Exeter offers a quality of life that's genuinely hard to replicate and a real estate market that reflects its enduring appeal. As your local Exeter NH real estate experts, the Nina Fee Realty Team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Founded in 1638, Exeter once served as New Hampshire's capital during the Revolutionary War. That deep history is visible everywhere, in the beautifully preserved Federal and Colonial homes lining its streets, in the bandstand at the center of town where summer concerts have filled warm evenings for generations.
But Exeter isn't a town frozen in time. It's a thoughtful, forward-looking community with a strong sense of place. Here's what residents love most about living here:
A picture-perfect downtown. Water Street is the heart of Exeter, a walkable stretch of independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings that gets photographed for travel features and never gets old for residents.
Phillips Exeter Academy. One of the most prestigious boarding schools in the country sits right in town. Its beautiful campus is open to the public, and residents regularly take advantage of its lectures, art galleries, athletic events, and library.
Excellent public schools. The Exeter Region Cooperative School District (SAU 16) consistently ranks among the top school systems in New Hampshire, a major draw for families relocating to the seacoast.
Year-round outdoor access. From the riverside Swasey Parkway to conservation trails, open space, and easy drives to Hampton Beach, Exeter residents enjoy the outdoors in every season.
Real community traditions. From the American Independence Festival each July to the beloved Exeter Fall Festival, this town shows up for itself. The community calendar is full, and the sense of belonging is genuine.
Unbeatable location. Exeter sits roughly 10 miles inland from Hampton Beach, 20 minutes from Portsmouth, and about an hour north of Boston, with an Amtrak Downeaster station right downtown for car-free commutes to Boston or Portland.
One of Exeter's great advantages is the variety of neighborhoods and home styles available across its compact footprint. Here's a guide to the most popular areas for buyers:
The streets surrounding downtown; Front Street, Pine Street, Park Street, and the blocks flanking Phillips Exeter Academy, feature some of the most stunning historic properties on the entire seacoast. Grand Federal-era and Victorian homes with original architectural details, all within walking distance of coffee, dinner, and the river. Expect higher price points and competitive offers when these homes become available; they don't last.
A quieter, well-established residential pocket featuring a mix of mid-century homes, ranches, and Capes, often on generous lots with mature trees. Popular with families and buyers seeking classic New England suburban living within minutes of downtown.
These corridors extend from the historic center toward major commuter routes and offer a broader mix of housing, newer construction, Colonials, and Capes, often at more accessible price points. Excellent access for buyers heading to Portsmouth, Hampton, or south on I-95.
A friendly, established neighborhood that's been a favorite of Exeter families for decades. Tree-lined streets, sidewalks, a strong neighborhood feel, and close proximity to schools, parks, and downtown make this a perennial favorite.
For buyers who want more land, more privacy, or a more rural setting while staying in the Exeter school district, the outer reaches of town deliver. Larger lots, newer construction, and the occasional small farm or equestrian property, all without sacrificing location or schools.
One of the quiet joys of living in Exeter is how much there is to enjoy in such a compact, walkable downtown. Here are the spots we recommend to every buyer and newcomer moving to town.
Sea Dog Brewing Co. A relaxed riverside spot with beautiful views of the Squamscott, solid pub fare, and house-brewed beers. A reliable local favorite for casual dinners and weekend gatherings.
Otis Restaurant Modern American cuisine with a creative seasonal menu, beautiful presentation, and a refined-but-welcoming atmosphere. The kind of place you plan a special occasion around and then find yourself returning to on a Tuesday.
Exeter Brewing Co Cozy, classic, and dependable. Great cocktails, comfort food done well, and a warm vibe that makes it an easy local go-to.
Sunshine Cafe A bright, health-forward cafe with bowls, smoothies, and some of the best breakfast and lunch options in town. A daily stop for many locals.
D Squared Java Exeter's beloved local coffee roaster. Excellent espresso, knowledgeable baristas, and a community-first feel that makes it a true neighborhood anchor. If you live in Exeter, you'll know this place within a week.
Flamingos Coffee A newer favorite bringing a fresh energy to the local coffee scene, with a welcoming atmosphere and quality drinks that have quickly built a loyal following.
Stillwells Riverwalk Ice Cream Homemade ice cream right along the river. A summer tradition for families, and proof that some pleasures don't need improving.
The Exeter NH real estate market is consistently competitive. Demand is driven by families seeking top-ranked schools, commuters looking for a better path to Boston, and buyers drawn to character-rich homes and a genuine downtown experience.
Key market characteristics:
Tight inventory, steady demand. Well-priced homes, especially those in the historic district or with downtown walkability, routinely attract multiple offers. Preparation, pre-approval, and the ability to move quickly are essential.
Wide price range. Exeter offers options across many budgets, from condos and townhomes in the $500,000s to renovated antique Colonials and larger family homes well over $1 million.
Strong long-term appreciation. Exeter home values have appreciated reliably over the past decade. The combination of school district quality, downtown vitality, and commuter access supports steady demand year after year.
Year-round activity. Spring and early summer are the most active seasons, but serious buyers shop throughout the year, particularly families working around school enrollment timelines.
Working with a local agent who knows Exeter's neighborhoods, its historic homes, and what's coming to market before it's listed publicly is a genuine advantage here. The Nina Fee Realty Team has deep roots throughout the seacoast and can help you act quickly and confidently when the right home appears.
Moving to Exeter from out of state? You're in good company. The seacoast, and Exeter in particular, has seen steady relocation interest from Greater Boston, New York, and beyond. The draws are consistent: New Hampshire's tax advantages (no state income tax, no sales tax), outstanding schools, quality of life, and a community with genuine warmth and character.
Here are the questions we hear most often from relocators:
Exeter is part of SAU 16, the Exeter Region Cooperative School District, which serves Exeter and the surrounding towns of Stratham, Newfields, Kensington, East Kingston, and Brentwood. The district consistently ranks among the top public school systems in New Hampshire. Exeter High School is particularly well-regarded for academic rigor, a broad range of programs, and strong athletics. Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the nation's most prestigious independent boarding schools, is also located in town and is a draw for families considering private education.
Exeter is one of the most commuter-friendly communities on the seacoast. I-95 access is just minutes away, putting Portsmouth about 20 minutes north and Boston roughly an hour south by car. The Exeter Amtrak Downeaster station, right downtown, offers daily train service to Boston's North Station, Portland, and points between. That alone makes Exeter a top choice for hybrid workers and anyone looking to avoid highway driving entirely.
Exeter isn't the cheapest town on the seacoast, but it offers excellent value compared to coastal Massachusetts communities with comparable schools and amenities. Combined with no state income tax and no sales tax, the overall financial picture is compelling, particularly for households relocating from the Boston metro area. Your dollar typically goes further here, and you'll notice it.
Exeter strikes a rare balance: a real, active downtown where daily life happens on Water Street; public schools that compete with the best in New England; quick access to beaches and outdoor recreation; and a genuine small-town feel without remoteness or isolation. For many relocators, it's exactly the mix they were searching for without knowing quite how to describe it.
Exeter tends to be an excellent fit if you're looking for:
Easy commuter access by car or train
It may not be the right fit if beachfront or ocean-side living is your top priority, Hampton, Rye, and North Hampton are better suited for that. That said, those towns are all within a short drive, and many Exeter residents enjoy the best of both worlds without compromise.
The Nina Fee Realty Team specializes in seacoast NH real estate, with deep expertise in Exeter and the surrounding communities. Whether you're just beginning your search or ready to make an offer, we'd love to help you find the right home, with local knowledge, honest guidance, and a genuine commitment to your goals.
Visit us at buyandsellseacoast.com 
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Let's find your place on the seacoast.
The Nina Fee Realty Team serves buyers, sellers, and relocators throughout the NH and Maine seacoast, including Exeter, Portsmouth, Hampton, Stratham, Newfields, Rye, Kittery, and York.
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