Exeter

Tucked along the Squamscott River in the heart of the Seacoast region, Exeter, New Hampshire has a way of surprising people. What looks like a quiet New England town at first glance turns out to be a place with genuine depth — rich history, strong schools, a walkable downtown, and easy access to both Boston and the Atlantic coast. If you’re weighing a move to southern New Hampshire, Exeter deserves a serious look.

A City That Fits Multiple Lifestyles

With a population of just over 10,000 residents, Exeter strikes a balance that’s genuinely hard to find. It’s small enough to feel like a community where neighbors know each other, yet large enough to support a lively Main Street with independent restaurants, boutiques, and a year-round farmers market. The presence of Phillips Exeter Academy — one of the most prestigious prep schools in the country — gives the town an intellectual, culturally engaged atmosphere that punches well above its size. The median age of 44.2 reflects a community that skews toward established families and professionals, though younger residents and recent transplants are becoming an increasingly visible part of the mix. Whether you’re drawn to historic colonial neighborhoods near the town center or newer developments on the outskirts, there’s a pocket of Exeter that can feel like home.

Cost of Living and Housing

New Hampshire’s lack of a state income tax or sales tax makes the overall cost of living more manageable than neighboring Massachusetts, and that advantage is felt immediately in Exeter. The median home price sits around $349,300, which is competitive for a town of this quality in the broader Boston commuter zone. You’ll find a mix of charming antique colonials and capes closer to downtown, along with more modern single-family homes and townhouses in neighborhoods like Tan Lane and areas off Jady Hill Road. The rental market is tighter, so if you’re not ready to buy, expect to move quickly when something good comes up. Property taxes are on the higher end for the state, a tradeoff worth factoring into your budget alongside the income tax savings.

Employment and Economy

The local economy is supported by a blend of education, healthcare, professional services, and retail. Phillips Exeter Academy is one of the town’s largest employers, and Exeter Hospital provides significant healthcare jobs for the region. The broader Seacoast area — including Portsmouth, just 12 miles away — expands employment options considerably, with tech companies, maritime industries, and a growing hospitality sector. For Boston commuters, Exeter sits about 55 miles north, and many residents make that drive or use regional transit options. The median household income of $83,862 reflects a well-educated, professionally employed population that has found a sustainable footing here.

Lifestyle and Recreation

Exeter is an outdoor-friendly town with real recreational infrastructure. The Squamscott River offers kayaking and fishing, while the Rockingham Recreational Trail provides miles of walking and cycling paths. Gilman Park is a local favorite for families, and the town’s proximity to Hampton Beach — roughly 20 minutes away — means summer weekends can easily include ocean time. Downtown Exeter is genuinely walkable, with the Exeter Town Hall, independent bookstores, and dining spots like Epoch Restaurant all within easy reach. The community events calendar stays busy, with the annual Powder Keg Beer Festival and town holiday celebrations drawing residents together throughout the year.

The Bottom Line

Exeter, New Hampshire is the kind of place that rewards people who want substance over flash. It’s not the cheapest option in the region, and it’s not trying to be a big city. What it offers instead is a well-maintained quality of life, a genuinely engaged community, and a location that keeps your options open. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, Exeter is worth a serious visit — and quite possibly a moving truck.