What’s It Like Living in Brentwood, NH? – A Local Guide

Hunter Letendre
1 day ago
4 min read

Nestled in Rockingham County, Brentwood, NH is a small, rural town in the Seacoast region with a population around 4,500 residents. It offers a quieter country lifestyle with farms, wooded roads, open space, and access to nature while still being reasonably close to larger towns like Exeter and Epping for dining, shopping, and services.

Unlike larger suburban centers, Brentwood does not have a defined “downtown” with dense commercial amenities. Instead, the community’s core is spread along rural roads and local landmarks, with most commercial activity and retail concentrated along Route 125 and nearby corridors.

What Are Typical Housing Options & Market Conditions?

Historic Farm House, Traditional Ranch, Newer Construction

Brentwood’s housing market leans heavily toward single-family homes, ranging from historic farmhouses and ranch styles to modern constructions with generous lots that are frequently wooded. Lot sizes often vary from around a quarter-acre up to five acres or more.

Median home values in recent data hover around $600,000–$730,000, generally above the national average, and homes in many neighborhoods sell near list price due to strong demand.

Rental options are more limited, with average rents around $3,000/month reflecting a small number of available units and rising rental rates.

How Do Neighborhoods Vary?

Rural Parcels, Vilages at Three Ponds Subdivision, 55+ Mill Pond Crossing

Because Brentwood is primarily rural, neighborhoods are best described by clusters near major routes or conservation areas rather than distinct subdivisions. Areas closer to Route 125 may see more traffic and easier commutes, while homes tucked deeper along side roads feel more secluded with wooded surroundings.

Residential patterns include:

Historic & rural parcels with traditional New England homes
Modern subdivisions with newer construction and larger yards
Age-targeted communities like the 55+ Mill Pond Crossing offering low-maintenance living and shared amenities within 30 min of larger employment hubs.

What Are the Schools in Brentwood Like?

Swasey Central School in Brentwood, Cooperative Middle School in Stratham, Exeter High School in Exeter

Education in Brentwood falls within New Hampshire School Administrative Unit (SAU) 16, with students attending highly rated schools across grade levels.

Local Schools & Stats

Swasey Central School (Pre-K–5) — Niche grade A; 289 students; 11:1 student-teacher ratio; reading proficiency 82% and math 67%.
Cooperative Middle School (Grades 6–8) — generally strong ratings with an A- minus on district listings.
Exeter High School (Grades 9–12) — B+ Niche grade with dual enrollment ties to local colleges and a variety of academic programs.

Nearby elementary options like Lincoln Street Elementary in Exeter also serve local families with strong academic profiles.

What Is Everyday Life & the Local Lifestyle?

Dear Hill Trail, Castonguay Pavilion, Community Center Function Hall

Living in Brentwood tends to involve drive-oriented routines for errands, with most shopping and dining found in neighboring towns. Outdoor life is a cornerstone of the Brentwood experience, with numerous trails, river access, and recreation fields available.

Daily life reflects a mix of:

Country roads and scenic views
Outdoor recreation along trails such as Deer Hill or the Brentwood Recreation Center routes
Community programs through a local recreation department offering activities from youth sports to adult fitness.

Many residents balance Brentwood’s peaceful environment with regional access for work, school activities, medical care, or leisure in nearby Exeter, Portsmouth, or Manchester.

What Are Typical Commute Times to Regional Points?

Porstmouth, NH (25 mins.); Boston, MA (60 mins.); Exter, NH (10 mins.)

Most travel from Brentwood is by car:

Portsmouth/Seacoast region: 20–25 min
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport: 25 min
Boston, MA: 1 hr (depending on traffic and route)
Exeter amenities: 10 min

These drives make Brentwood desirable for those who want rural living without being too far from jobs and services.

What Is Cost of Living Like in Brentwood?

Historic Brentwood, Historical Society, Mary E. Bartlett Library

Brentwood’s overall cost of living runs above the U.S. average, particularly due to housing costs, property taxes, and limited rental supply. Recent indices place its cost of living around 113.7 on a U.S. average-based scale, reflecting these higher local costs.

Household incomes also trend higher than state averages, with median incomes above $130,000.

What Jobs & Employment Options Are Local?

Town Hall, Altec Industries, Owens Corning Manufacturing

While Brentwood itself is primarily residential, local employers include manufacturing, distribution, services, and county institutions. For broader job opportunities, residents routinely commute to Portsmouth, Manchester, Exeter, and other regional centers.

The community’s mix of education levels and proximity to economic hubs supports varied employment prospects across sectors.

Pros & Cons of Living in Brentwood

Independence Day Parade, Holiday Stroll, Hidden Pond Farm

Pros

Country living with open spaces and outdoor access
Strong academic options and supportive community engagement
Close to Seacoast, regional jobs, and major routes
Varied housing stock with character

Cons

Limited in-town amenities — more to be found in neighboring towns
Drive-dependent lifestyle with most errands requiring a car
Housing costs and rental scarcity can challenge some budgets

How Does Brentwood Compare Regionally?

Compared to nearby New Hampshire towns, Brentwood offers a more rural and spacious setting. It’s generally less commercialized than Exeter or Epping but shares similar access to regional attractions and job markets. Property values are typically higher than interior rural towns due to its proximity to the Seacoast, schools, and commuter corridors.

#ThingsToDoInBrentwoodNH

Exeter River Kayaking, Lindy's Country Store, Goody Cole's BBQ

Here are local attractions and activities residents and visitors enjoy:

Deer Hill Trail & Brentwood Recreation Trails — hiking and exploring woods.
Exeter River Kayaking & Canoeing — water outings close by.
Independence Day Parade & Holiday Stroll Festival — seasonal community events
St. Hilaire Field & Jon Olson Jr. Field — local sports fields.
Goody Cole’s & Brentwood Country Store — local dining stops along Route 125.
Nearby Epping & Exeter — shopping, restaurants, theaters, and broader entertainment.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Magic Show at the Library, Brentwood Playground, Craft Event at the Library

Living in Brentwood NH means embracing rural charm, scenic beauty, and strong community ties while enjoying access to nearby towns for everyday needs. Whether you’re drawn by housing options, schools, outdoor amenities, or regional commutes, Brentwood offers a distinctive New Hampshire lifestyle.

I’m an area expert. Whether you’re interested in Brentwood, NH or a nearby town, I can help you across NH, ME and MA. Ready to explore homes or learn more about life here? Reach out to me today!