Situated off the banks of the Oyster River and the Great Bay, Durham offers a blend of college-town spirit, outdoor recreation and residential suburbs just minutes from the borders of both Maine and Massachusetts. “It has that small-town feeling where you can walk to the grocery store when you need it, and you’re also connected to nature and all of the activities through the University of New Hampshire,” says Beth Rohde Campbell, an agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate’s Masiello Group. “You have the best of everything just a walk away.” The university is a top employer among the town’s nearly 16,000 residents, along with the Portsmouth Regional Hospital, about 10 miles down the road. From Durham, locals can reach the Atlantic coast, campsites in the forest and northern Massachusetts cities, all in under 30 minutes.
The Campus of the University of New Hampshire is at the heart of Durham.
Durham has a unique artistic identity that is seen throughout the city.
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Great Bay retreats and secluded cul-de-sacs
Buyers will mostly find single-family homes in Durham, with a median price of $650,000. Colonials and Cape Cods dominate the market, and some of these homes date back to the early 1700s. Properties all over town occupy relatively large lots that increase in size with proximity to farmland and nature preserves. Some of the priciest homes sit on the bay or the river and feature private docks and detached lodges.
Durham has a mix of many style of homes throughout its many residential streets including colonial style and cape cod houses.
Just a short drive out side of the center of Durham, residents can find my residential streets.
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Oyster River public schools score an A-minus for academics
According to Niche, the Oyster River Cooperative School District earns an overall C-plus grade, and an A-minus for academics. Families can enroll their children in private schools nearby, including Portsmouth Christian Academy for prekindergarten through 12th grade. The University of New Hampshire is a public research institute with over 170 bachelor’s programs. UNH is a Division I school for athletics, and the community often comes together to cheer for the Wildcats.
Portsmouth Middle School is part of the Oyster River School System.
Portsmouth High School serves the greater area of the northern coast of New Hampshire.
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From surfing club to sledding Wagon Hill
The trails in College Woods, as well as various farms, forests and conservation areas, accommodate hikers and cross-country skiers. Jackson’s Landing features an outdoor ice rink during the winter and a boat launch into the Oyster River during the summer. Wagon Hill is the spot for sledding in Durham, and Campbell says it’s also popular for dog walking. “They even have set hours for off-leash walking.” Kids can enjoy a wide range of athletic programs, from surfing to soccer, through the Oyster River Youth Association.
Locals have many trails that they can enjoy year round with the right seasonal equipment.
Located in the southern parts of Durham, Lampray River runs through the winding residential roads.
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A downtown district surrounding UNH
Main Street wraps around the UNH campus and features cafes, bistros and pizza joints. “There’s not a lot of cities in New Hampshire where there’s a proper downtown area, but Durham is one of them,” Campbell says. Shopping centers, like Mill Road Plaza, branch off from Main and have big-box grocers, pharmacies and convenience stores. Larger malls with department stores and retail options are available within about 10 miles in Newington and Portsmouth.
Many shops are located in Durham making it easy for locals and visitors alike to find what they need.
As part of a college centric community, many locals choose to walk to as their form of transportation.
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Escaping the winter blues at Frost Fest
From theater to athletics, the university hosts most of the local events and activities throughout the year. However, the town also has a few annual traditions that bring the community together. One of the largest gatherings takes place each winter at the Frost Fest. The celebration kicks off December with s’mores over bonfires, live music, visits with Santa and cookie decorating.
Navigating Durham and New England
University transit buses connect both students and locals to various spots around town. U.S. Route 4 heads toward Concord, 35 miles west, and toward Interstate 95, which cuts into Portsmouth, 10 miles east. The Amtrak Downeaster train, which runs between Boston and Brunswick, Maine, stops at the Durham train station daily. Though the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport operates about 40 miles away, Boston Logan International Airport, 60 miles south, offers a wider range of destinations.
Relatively low crime rates in Durham
According to New Hampshire Crime Statistics, the violent crime rate decreased by 14% between 2023 and 2024, while the number of reported property crimes remained the same. Overall crime rates in Durham fall significantly below the state rates.
Jim covers the from the New Hampshire Lakes Region to the Seacoast. He brings value as an agent to his clients through his market knowledge and attention to property details. As a listing agent, clients appreciate Jim learning details about a home and property so he can promote all its features. As a buyer's agent, he offers many services to guide the buyer through the property search and closing process. Jim knows the market, and his experience in anticipating challenges during a sale help his sellers and his buyers. Protecting his client’s financial interests comes first.
In 2019, Jim advanced beyond the ‘Agent’ classification to become a certified ‘Broker/Agent’. This added training and licensing brings more value to his clients and further shows how he differs from other agents. In addition, Jim finished training in 2024 to become a loan officer (NMLS # 2640985), working with LendWise Home Loans. For buyers or sellers working with Jim and looking for financing ideas, it can be a one-stop shop. Check his website (nhrealestatesolutions.com) for current market listings.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
