Rye stretches along several miles of open Atlantic coastline in Rockingham County, making it one of the few New Hampshire towns with true ocean frontage. Much of the shoreline remains undeveloped thanks to Odiorne Point State Park and protected tidal marshes, giving the town a rural, low-density character despite its coastal location.

The town has no traditional downtown or commercial center, with most residents driving to nearby Portsmouth for groceries, dining, and services. What Rye offers instead is space, privacy, and panoramic ocean views from many of its properties, along with public beach access along its coastline.

Rye's housing market is among the most expensive on the Seacoast, driven by scarce inventory and demand for oceanfront and near-oceanfront property. The town attracts affluent families, retirees, and second-home buyers seeking a quiet coastal lifestyle within a short drive of Portsmouth's restaurants and culture.