North Hampton, New Hampshire

Population: 4,259
Located in Rockingham County

North Hampton is a quaint town with a pastoral landscape located along the Atlantic Ocean. Residents and visitors enjoy the beauty of the state beach and its many recreational opportunities. North Hampton's shoreline is lined with elegant homes, estates and family neighborhoods. A recent survey of residents found that the number one reason for living in North Hampton was, "The peaceful rural environment." Another reason might be the many beautiful rose gardens that seem to thrive in this climate.

North Hampton is a small community of just over 4,000 residents with a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean at its eastern edge. Known as Little Boar's Head, this area attracts sightseers to view the ocean and the stately mansions and summer cottages lining Route 1A. North Hampton's coast also has a state beach and the historic fish houses that now serve as summer cottages. Fuller Gardens, just off Route 1A, features over two acres of Colonial Revival Garden, including more than 2,000 rose bushes, a perennial border, a Japanese garden and an all-American annual display garden.

To the west, North Hampton borders Stratham, Greenland and Exeter. Cradled between the commercial center of Hampton on Route 1 to the south, and Rye to the north, the town has preserved its small town character. The town center on Atlantic Avenue is less than a quarter-mile east of Route 1, yet evokes a rural charm. At the center are the town office, the police and fire station, the North Hampton Public Library and the 1844 town hall, which is still used for public meetings and houses the office of the recreation director. Joe's Meat Market, a country store where residents often meet, is next door.

Each June, the town celebrates Old Home Days, a two- to three-day celebration encompassing the entire community. The town gets out its red, white and blue bunting for the buildings. Trolleys take participants from the town center to the common at North Hill west of Route 1, where concerts are held at the recently-constructed bandstand. There's a pancake breakfast and an old-fashioned ham and bean supper at the fire station and there are events at the library, historical tours and more.

North Hampton has much to offer as a community. Students in grades K-8 attend the newly-renovated and expanded North Hampton School. High school students attend Winnacunnet High School in Hampton.

From 1638 to 1742, North Hampton was part of Hampton. The town has changed from its agricultural roots in the early 1600s to that of an affluent bedroom community in which 75 percent of residents commute outside the town to work. Unlike most Seacoast towns, the summer population of North Hampton is about the same as it is in winter.

On Route 1, North Hampton has a commercial district. Its major shopping center is the North Hampton Factory Outlet Mall. There are also the North Hampton Village Shopping Center, car dealerships, and industrial businesses. Lamprey Brothers, a fuel oil business, is on Atlantic Avenue.

Clubs and activities abound in the small town. The North Hampton Youth Association coordinates sport programs such as soccer, basketball, t-ball and more. There are Boy Scouts, Tiger Scouts, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts troops. During the summer, the North Hampton Recreation Commission offers a 6-week summer program at the elementary school. Adult activities include co-ed volleyball, men's basketball, aerobics, parent-tot-fitness, art classes and tennis lessons at Dearborn Park.

The Conservation Commission is involved in the restoration of the Little River Salt Marsh, with state funds providing twin culverts from the marsh under Route 1A to bring back salt water to the marsh ecosystem.

Residents in the Hampton Beach area know how to share a good time. Where else would you expect to find a Masters Sand Sculpture Competition, the New Hampshire Towing Association exhibition, and a Hobie Cat Regatta? Residents also enjoy its annual Children's Festival during the dog days of summer. Hampton's two-day Seafood Festival, held the weekend after Labor Day, has become one of the top 100 tour bus destinations in the country. And everyone anticipates the local entertainment that grab the spotlight at Hampton Seashell Stage seven nights a week, followed by a fireworks show on Wednesdays between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day.

Housing options in the Hampton Beach area are one of the gems that continue to draw residents. Because parts of the topography are wetland and marsh, officials carefully zone residential sections to blend with the environment. Median home prices range from $224,750 to $389,000 and homes come in a variety of styles, from Victorians to the famous Cape Cod style.

For a quaint, small town feel, where everyone knows everyone, North Hampton can't be beat! Come and see the amenities, and stay for the rest of your life!

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