NH Town Guide

Find Your Perfect New Hampshire Town

Exeter

Rockingham CountySeacoast RegionPopulation: 16,049

Overview

Exeter combines prestigious educational heritage with historic charm and modern economic vitality. Located in Rockingham County, Exeter is home to Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the nation's most elite prep schools, which significantly influences the town's character and economy. The town's historic downtown features beautiful brick buildings, independent shops, and restaurants, while the Exeter River and dam provide a scenic focal point. Beyond the academy, Exeter offers a diverse economy including healthcare, technology, and retail. The town's location provides convenient access to Portsmouth, the seacoast, and southern New Hampshire employment centers. Exeter's public school system serves about 2,000 students and benefits from the educational atmosphere created by the academy's presence. The town offers excellent recreational opportunities, including the Exeter River for kayaking, numerous trails, and well-maintained athletic facilities. Exeter's housing market features historic homes in established neighborhoods, modern developments, and everything in between. The town attracts families seeking excellent schools and cultural amenities, professionals working in Portsmouth or southern New Hampshire, and retirees drawn to the town's walkable downtown and community atmosphere. Exeter's combination of educational excellence, historic character, and convenient location makes it one of the seacoast region's most desirable communities.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Historic charm
  • Excellent schools
  • Cultural attractions
  • Walkable downtown

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Limited parking
  • Competitive housing

Climate & Environment

Summer Avg High
81°F
Winter Avg High
38.3°F
Annual Snowfall
44 in
Annual Rainfall
48.7 in
Sunny Days/Year
264
Data source: Open-Meteo / ERA5Updated 7/3/2026

Transportation & Commute

Commute to Major Cities

Boston
50 mi
~72 min drive
Manchester
29 mi
~38 min drive
Portsmouth
18 mi
~29 min drive
Concord
45 mi
~54 min drive
Data source: OpenRouteService / OpenStreetMapUpdated 7/3/2026

Economy & Demographics

💰Income

Median Household Income
$87,679
Per Capita Income
$59,626
Median Family Income
$132,963

🏠Housing Costs

Median Home Value
$399,100
Median Rent
$1,372/mo
Homeownership Rate
65.68%

💼Employment

Unemployment Rate
2.85%
In Labor Force
9,243

🎓Education

Bachelor's Degree or Higher
29.43%
Total with Degree
3,480

👥Demographics

Median Age
46.5 years
Avg Household Size
2.26 people
Data source: Census ACS 2022 (5-Year)Census Data Year: 2022Updated 7/3/2026

Compare Exeter with Other Towns

See how Exeter stacks up against other NH communities.