Brentwood offers country living and an eclectic mix of homes
Brentwood is a rural town in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire, about 20 miles from Portsmouth and Hampton’s North Beach. The county seat of Rockingham County, the small community has about 4,500 residents, with an eclectic mix of historic homes, farms, modern subdivisions, miles of walking trails and lots of space for outdoor recreation. “Brentwood is an appealing choice for those seeking a balance between tranquility and accessibility to urban centers,” says Nina Fee, a Realtor at Nina Fee Realty Team | KW Coastal Realty with over 20 years of experience. “People here lead a peaceful, rural lifestyle, and the town has a commitment to preserving its history.” Brentwood is next to Epping and Exeter, two towns that offer many dining and shopping options.
It's a competitive market for single-family homes in Rockingham County
With winding roads and dense woodlands, homes in Brentwood are comfortably spread apart and tucked behind towering forests. Single-family homes were built throughout the ages, spanning from the 1750s to the 2010s. Smaller farmhouses, ranch-styles, Cape Cods and raised ranches often sell between $400,000 and $750,000. Larger properties, many over 3,000 square feet or new construction, go between $800,000 and over $1.2 million. The median sale price is approximately $710,000, nearly double the national median. Lot sizes vary from quarter-acre to about five acres, with much of the land wooded or covered in trees. Fee says there is a competitive housing market in Brentwood, and the price range accommodates various budgets since homes mostly sell for the list price.
Brentwood is part of New Hampshire School Administration Unit #16
The town is part of New Hampshire School Administration Unit No.16 (SAU 16). Swasey Central School serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade and has an A grade from Niche. Cooperative Middle School gets an A-minus rating, and Exeter High School rates a B-plus. Exeter High partners with Southern New Hampshire University and Great Bay Community College to provide students with dual enrollment courses.
Outdoor recreation, including hiking and water sports, is popular in the area
Brentwood has several sports fields, as well as many wildlife and conservation areas. Residents can play softball at St. Hilaire Field, and Little Leagues often practice at the adjacent Jon Olson Jr. Field. Canoeing and kayaking along the Exeter River are popular water activities, and the town has about half a dozen hiking trails. Popular hike routes include the 1.9-mile Brentwood Recreation Center Trail, the 3.3-mile loop Deer Hill Trail and Split Rock Conservation Trails along the Little River. In addition, the town’s recreation department organizes programs for all ages, ranging from youth cricket to adult pickleball and yoga workshops for senior residents.
Some dining options are nearby, and there are more in Epping
Several dining options are along New Hampshire Route 125, including Goody Coles, a southern barbecue restaurant with catering services, and Brentwood Country Store, which has many options, including pizzas and subs, ice cream, beer and sodas. Epping, a neighboring town, has Market Basket, Walmart and additional shopping and dining options.
Brentwood's location gives travelers quick access to the Seacoast region
New Hampshire Route 101 runs through Brentwood, connecting from Manchester to the Seacoast, and New Hampshire Route 125, also known as Calef Road, is the town’s main thoroughfare. Interstates 93 and 95 are also nearby for access to Massachusetts or Maine. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is about 25 miles away, and Exeter Hospital is less than 10 miles away. Exeter Train Station, just over 5 miles east, services Amtrak Downeaster, which provides commuters access to Maine and Boston.
Community events in town take place year-round
The town has many community events throughout the year, including a parade for Independence Day, a Fall River Paddle event along the Exeter River and a Veterans Day ceremony. For the winter holiday season, the Holiday Stroll festival features two nights of music, food and a holiday-themed walk along the town’s trails.
