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What’s It Like Living In Newmarket, NH? - A Local Guide
- Hunter Letendre
- 7 hours ago
- 7 min read
Newmarket, New Hampshire is a small town on the seacoast side of New Hampshire, nestled along the Lamprey River and not far from the Great Bay estuary. Its population is around 5,730 residents.
Historically a textile-mill town, Newmarket has successfully revitalized its downtown mill area into mixed-use space and retains a vibrant community feel with a small-town atmosphere yet convenient access to larger hubs like the nearby University of New Hampshire in Durham and the coastal city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
What are the key location zones—downtown area vs outer commercialised zones?
In Newmarket the downtown core centres around Main Street, the Lamprey River waterfront and historic mill buildings that have been repurposed into shops, restaurants and apartments. This area is walkable, with a strong sense of place and architectural character.
Moving outward from the riverfront and downtown you will find more suburban / commercial zones: major roads such as Route 108 host larger retail, newer housing subdivisions, and more automobile-oriented infrastructure. These outer zones tend to offer larger lot sizes, newer construction, and somewhat quieter residential blocks.
The balance means residents can choose between the downtown vibe (closer to amenities, more historic fabric, likely smaller lots) or the quieter outer zones (more space, perhaps more auto-dependent).
How are the schools in Newmarket?
The Newmarket School District serves approximately 987 students in grades K-12, with a student-teacher ratio around 11 : 1. The district receives an overall grade of A- from Niche, with literacy proficiency around 58% and math proficiency about 43% according to those same profiles.
One specific school, the Newmarket Senior High School (grades 9-12) has about 281 students and a student-teacher ratio of 10 : 1. It holds a grade of B on Niche with reading proficiency around 75% and math proficiency around 45%. This data suggest the district is above average in teacher access and community resources, and families will find strong educational infrastructure for a town of this size.
What are housing, housing market and cost of living realities?
Housing market
Recent data show median sale price in Newmarket at about $640,000 (September 2025) which represents a 16.2% year-over-year increase. Zillow shows an average home value around $542,328 (up 4% over the prior year). Another measure reports median listing price around $579 K in September 2025, with price per square foot $321. The market is characterized as a seller’s market, meaning demand exceeds supply in many segments.
Cost of living
The cost of living index is 127 (national 100) in Newmarket. Housing is a key driver: median home value around $542,328 and typical rent for one-bedroom units around $1,572/month. Average apartment rents (all types) recently were about $1,572/month for a one-bedroom and $1,722/month for two bedrooms.
Summary for potential movers
What this means: while Newmarket retains charm and access to coastal/seacoast lifestyle, the cost of housing and living is elevated relative to many other New Hampshire towns. Buyers and renters should budget accordingly, recognizing the premium for proximity to the seacoast, amenities and the downtown core.
What are jobs, commute times and regional access like?
Regional access & commute
Newmarket is advantageously located: It’s a short drive to the University of New Hampshire in Durham and the city of Portsmouth, which opens up employment, cultural and educational access. According to DataUSA, the average commute time in Newmarket is around 26.8 minutes, which is modest for the region.
Job and economic environment
The unemployment rate in Newmarket is quite low (around 1.7%) and poverty rate sits about 6.6%. The town draws families, students (because of the nearby university), and professionals due to its location and amenities.
Comparison regionally
Compared to more remote towns in northern New Hampshire or inland areas, Newmarket offers stronger job-market access and shorter commute to regional centers. Compared to the very big city suburban belts of Boston, you trade longer drive time for a more manageable commute and more relaxed local atmosphere.
What is everyday life like in Newmarket?
Living in Newmarket often means:
A walkable downtown where you can stroll along Main Street, browse cafés, artisan shops and see the lamprey river waterfront.
Access to outdoor recreation: The town boasts kayak/boat access at Schanda Park on the Lamprey River, trails and nature preserves nearby.
A mix of residents: families, university-community, young professionals and longer-term residents make for a dynamic demographic. The median age and household composition include a variety of ages and backgrounds.
Daily routines that balance convenience (amenities, dining, culture) with small-town scale: you may run errands locally downtown or head to Portsmouth for broader services.
Housing that may vary: Some living in historic mill conversions or downtown units, other residents in newer subdivisions or quieter outer zones.
Recognizing trade-offs: While many local errands may be walkable downtown, residents in outer zones often rely on a car. Busy seasons or riverfront events may bring more activity in the downtown.
What are the pros & cons of living in Newmarket?
Pros
Historic charm & riverfront downtown: The Lamprey River and mill-town heritage give the town distinct character.
Outdoor recreation: Proximity to river access, trails, and the seacoast makes it ideal for those who enjoy nature and variety.
Strong regional location: Close to UNH, Portsmouth and larger employment centres while maintaining small-town feel.
Vibrant downtown amenities: Cafés, boutiques, renovated mill buildings and a walkable nucleus provide quality of life.
Cons / trade-offs
Elevated cost of housing and living: With median home values in the half-million range and elevated cost-of-living index, affordability is tighter than many other NH towns.
Limited inventory: As a seller’s market, competition may be stronger for buyers, and choice may be more constrained.
Some commuters may find out-of-town work involves longer drive time depending on destination or traffic.
While downtown is walkable, parts of the town further out require car reliance for errands or commuting.
How does living here compare regionally?
Compared to many inland New Hampshire towns, Newmarket offers closer coastal/seacoast access, more amenities, and shorter drives to major hubs. Compared to suburban Massachusetts towns closer to Boston, Newmarket may offer somewhat more space, less urban intensity, and lower density—but with the trade-off of being further from major metro centres. It positions itself as a compelling option for those seeking a mix of community, access and lifestyle without full metropolitan scale.
What about driving & commute times to points of interest?
To downtown Portsmouth, NH: 20-25 minutes depending on traffic.
To UNH in Durham: 10-15 minutes by car from many parts of Newmarket.
To nearby seacoast beaches (for example Hampton Beach): 25-30 minutes.
Local errands: If you live downtown you may walk or use minimal drive; if in outer zones expect 5-15 minutes for many errands.These are estimates and vary by time of day and specific neighborhood.
What are neighborhoods & zones in detail?
Downtown Mill & Riverfront Zone: Historic mill buildings along the Lamprey River have been repurposed into lofts/condos, shops and dining. Smaller lot sizes, rich character, high walkability.
Main Street / Historic Core: Residences close to the downtown shops and amenities; older homes, charming streets, easy access to local gathering spots.
Outer Residential Areas: More standard-suburban or semi-wooded lot homes, newer construction, larger lot sizes, quieter neighborhoods and perhaps more car-dependence.
Commercial Corridors: Along prominent roads like Route 108 you’ll find commercial strips, retail, newer housing opportunities, and access to highways.When choosing where to live in Newmarket, factors like walkability, proximity to downtown vs peace of outer zone, lot size, home age and budget will be key.
What are the amenities and things to do?
Visit Schanda Park for a boat ramp on the Lamprey River, kayaking or riverside strolls.
Explore downtown Main Street: boutique shops, cafés, artisan studios and renovated mills.
Attend the Newmarket Farmers’ Market, enjoy local produce, crafts and community vibe.
Walk or bike nature trails near the river or around conservation land, offering outdoor recreation close to town.
Dine at local favorites: eateries along Main Street or riverfront restaurants offering local fare and full menus.
A short drive to the seacoast: head to beaches along Great Bay, or take in the history and culture of Portsmouth.
Participate in community events: summer festivals, outdoor concerts, seasonal gatherings in town parks.
Visit historic mill buildings and learn the town’s textile-mill past plus modern adaptive uses for those structures.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering a move to Newmarket, NH here’s the takeaway: You’ll find a town with character, a walkable downtown along a river, strong regional access and amenities that many small towns lack. The schools are well-rated, the community is active, and the lifestyle offers a balance of nature, culture and convenience.
On the flip side, the cost of living and housing are elevated compared to some other New Hampshire towns, and choice may be tighter due to strong demand.
If you’re thinking of relocating to Newmarket or exploring properties in the area, reach out to me. I’m an area expert. Whether you’re interested in Newmarket, NH or a nearby town, I can help you across NH, ME and MA. I would be glad to walk you through current listings, help you evaluate neighborhoods that match your lifestyle and budget, and support your real-estate journey every step of the way.
Hunter Letendre, REALTOR®
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty
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