What’s It Like Living in Stratham, NH? - A Local Guide

Hunter Letendre
22 hours ago
5 min read

Stratham, New Hampshire is located in Rockingham County, just inland from the Seacoast and west of Portsmouth. It sits between Exeter and Greenland and is commonly viewed as a residential town with quick access to coastal destinations, regional job centers, and Route 101.

Stratham covers approximately 15.5 square miles and has a population of just over 7,500 residents, according to recent census estimates. Development is intentionally limited, resulting in a landscape of preserved farmland, wooded residential roads, and low-density neighborhoods rather than a traditional downtown with storefront blocks.

The town is best understood as having two main zones:

Central Stratham / Historic Core: Centered near Stratham Hill Road and Town Hall, this area includes older homes, municipal buildings, schools, and community gathering points.
Outer Residential & Commercial Edge: Along Route 108 and near Route 101, development becomes more commercial with grocery access, professional services, and commuting infrastructure, while still remaining modest compared to nearby cities.

What Are the Population, Income, and Cost of Living Like in Stratham, NH?

Aerial View, Historic Core, Residentail Neighborhood

Stratham is a smaller, higher-income town compared to state averages.

Population: 7,500
Median Household Income: Approximately $150,000+
Homeownership Rate: Significantly higher than state averages

The cost of living in Stratham is driven largely by housing. Day-to-day expenses such as utilities and services align closely with other Rockingham County towns, but real estate prices elevate overall costs.

Compared to inland New Hampshire towns, Stratham is more expensive. Compared to inner Boston suburbs, residents often find they receive more land and lower density in exchange for similar purchase prices.

How Is the Housing Market in Stratham, NH?

Colonial Home, Farmhouse With 3 Acres, New Construction

The Stratham housing market is defined by limited inventory, larger lots, and steady demand.

Median Home Value: Typically ranges from the high $700,000s to over $900,000, depending on location and lot size
Housing Types:
- Colonial and Cape-style homes
- Custom builds on multi-acre lots
- Newer construction with conservation buffers
Market Activity: Homes tend to sell quickly due to low turnover and limited new development

Most residential zoning prioritizes space and privacy, with few dense subdivisions. This creates a consistent housing character across much of the town.

What Are the Neighborhoods and Residential Areas Like?

Scamman Farm, Historical Societey, Saltonstall Farm & Wedding Venue

Stratham does not have named neighborhoods in the way cities do, but residential areas fall into recognizable patterns:

Central Stratham: Closer to schools, Town Hall, and Stratham Hill Park. Homes here often include older construction mixed with updated properties and easier access to community amenities.
Route 108 Corridor: More convenient for commuting and errands. Properties here may experience more traffic exposure but offer faster access to Exeter, Portsmouth, and Route 101.
Outer Residential Roads: Areas like Winnicutt Road and rural sections near Greenland offer larger parcels, wooded surroundings, and fewer nearby services.

Land use in Stratham is overwhelmingly residential, with conservation land and farmland contributing to the town’s open feel.

How Are the Schools in Stratham, NH?

Stratham Memorial School, Cooperative Middle School, Exeter High School

Stratham is part of SAU 16, one of the most sought-after school districts in the region, also serving Exeter, Brentwood, East Kingston, and Newfields.

According to Niche.com, SAU 16 receives an A-level overall rating, with strong academic outcomes and college preparation metrics.

Public Schools Serving Stratham

Stratham Memorial School (Grades K–5)

Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Niche rating: A
Known for strong academic performance and community involvement

Cooperative Middle School (Grades 6–8, Stratham)

Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
High proficiency rates in reading and math

Exeter High School (Grades 9–12)

Niche Grade: A
Ranked among top public high schools in New Hampshire
Broad AP offerings, athletics, and extracurriculars

Schools are frequently cited as a major reason buyers consider Stratham.

What Are Typical Commute Times and Regional Access?

15 Mins. to Portsmouth, NH; 45 Mins. to Manchester, NH; 75 Mins. to Boston, MA

Stratham’s location provides efficient access to the Seacoast and beyond.

Estimated Drive Times (traffic dependent):

Portsmouth, NH: 15 minutes
Exeter, NH: 10 minutes
Hampton Beach: 20 minutes
Manchester, NH: 45 minutes
Boston (Downtown): 60–75 minutes
Portland, ME: 90 minutes

Route 101 serves as the primary east-west connector, while Route 108 links north-south travel.

What Jobs and Employment Opportunities Are Nearby?

Employers in Stratham: Lindt Chocolates, Timberland, MBraun Inc.

Stratham itself has limited commercial employment. Most residents work in:

Healthcare
Education
Technology
Professional services
Finance and management roles

Employment centers in Portsmouth, Exeter, Durham, Manchester, and Boston support commuting patterns. The town functions primarily as a residential base rather than a commercial hub.

What Does Everyday Life Feel Like in Stratham, NH?

Great Bay 5K, Hiking Trails, Annual Bonfire

Daily life in Stratham tends to feel structured around routines, driving, and home-centered living.

Errands are typically car-based
Evenings are quiet in residential areas
Outdoor access is part of daily life for many residents
Seasonal events create rhythm throughout the year

The pace is noticeably slower than nearby cities, while still offering convenient access to restaurants, retail, and cultural activities nearby.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Living in Stratham, NH?

4H Summerfest, Mountain Biking at Stratham Hill Park, Ice Skating Barn

Pros

Highly regarded public schools
Spacious residential properties
Convenient access to the Seacoast
Consistent housing demand and long-term value trends
Strong community participation

Cons

Higher home prices than many NH towns
Limited walkability
Few commercial or dining options within town borders
Dependence on driving for daily needs

How Does Stratham Compare to Nearby Towns?

Compared to Exeter, Stratham is quieter and more residential. Compared to Greenland, it offers slightly more amenities. Compared to Portsmouth, Stratham trades nightlife and density for land and privacy.

Within Rockingham County, Stratham consistently ranks near the top in income levels, school performance, and housing values.

#ThingsToDoInStrathamNH

Stratham Hill Park, Great Bay Discovery Center, Winnicut River

Residents enjoy a mix of local traditions and nearby attractions:

Stratham Hill Park – Hiking, sledding, and views from the fire tower
Stratham Fair – Annual agricultural fair with rides, exhibits, and food
Great Bay Discovery Center (nearby) – Educational exhibits and trails
Winnicut River access – Kayaking and paddling
Local farm stands – Seasonal produce and community markets
Nearby beaches – Hampton and Rye within a short drive

Final Thoughts on Living in Stratham, NH

Great Bay Food Truck Festival, Stratham Fair, Winter Farmer's Market

Living in Stratham, NH offers a balance of residential privacy, academic opportunity, and access to the New Hampshire Seacoast. The town appeals to buyers who value space, long-term housing stability, and proximity to regional centers without living directly in a city environment.

If you’re considering a move to Stratham, understanding which areas of Stratham align with your goals matters. Reach out to me, Hunter Letendre, REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty. I serve New Hampshire, Maine, and Northern Massachusetts. As an area expert I can help you explore homes, compare neighborhoods, or talk through market conditions.