Living in Hampstead

Hampstead is a residential town in Rockingham County near the Massachusetts border, built around several small lakes including Big Island Pond. Its rural character has gradually given way to suburban subdivisions as commuters from the Boston area have moved north. The town's lakes provide swimming, fishing, and boating for residents, while a modest commercial strip along Route 111 covers everyday shopping needs. Hampstead has no rail service, so residents rely on Route 111 and nearby I-93 for commuting. Families are drawn to Hampstead's combination of lake access, decent schools, and proximity to the Massachusetts border, while retirees and second-home owners have also settled around the larger ponds. Housing costs sit above the state average given the town's commuter appeal.