$783,361Average Value$368Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
A college town between two state borders
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.
Written By
Grace Pitney
Photography Contributed By
Gabriel Ovelar
Video By
Max Gilmore
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joey Giordano,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Durham, NH sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Durham, NH over the last 12 months is $675,750, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A rare opportunity to renovate or fully customize a home in Durham's premier Woodridge Acres neighborhood. Tucked away on 2.6 private, wooded acres, this classic 1969 Colonial offers a solid, spacious footprint (1,960 sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths) ready to be reimagined into your ultimate dream estate. This property offers buyers, contractors, and renovation enthusiasts the chance to create
David FolkertsKW Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty
Perched along one of Durham's most coveted waterfront enclaves, 30 Cedar Point Road offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience life on the shores of Little Bay with breathtaking 180-degree panoramic views stretching across the water to historic Goat Island. This exceptional waterfront residence features 3,102 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with four bedrooms and five
Caren LoganTate & Foss Sotheby's International Rlty
There are homes you own, and there are homes you steward for the next generation. For more than 100 years, this classic seaside shingle cottage has been part of the Little Bay shoreline. Today, it presents a rare opportunity to restore a cherished waterfront retreat or create the legacy home you’ve always envisioned. Set on the banks of Little Bay with panoramic water views, breathtaking
260 & 262 Mast Road are part of a student housing portfolio consisting of three distinct student-housing investment opportunities. Each property is available individually or as part of the portfolio. Each property features a diverse unit mix, ranging from studios to four-bedroom apartments, meeting the wide variety of preferences within the UNH student housing market. Whether students are seeking
This brand new 4-bedroom colonial includes a spacious Accessory Dwelling Unit("ADU"), a large ground-level apartment. Family members can walk, instead of having to drive, to schools, activities, and all this college town has to offer. The new main house is free and open, having been designed for ease of living, comfort, flexibility, and durability. Its thoughtfully selected state of the art
In-town student rental or single-family opportunity in Durham. Currently has existing income and has secured tenants for next year. Excellent opportunity to add to a portfolio and enjoy the incredible benefits of owning passive income. Gentle sloping lot with a fenced-in yard suggests there could be room for expansion, with approvals. Property is already rented next year at the same rental
Unique 116+/- acre parcel of land situated in the Towns of Madbury and Durham (Madbury - approx. 41.16 acres and Durham - approx. 75.33 acres). Beautiful and private, this parcel offers a multitude of building options that can be explored. Incredible development opportunity to work with both towns and fill the expansion and public needs of those communities. Electric poles currently run along
Well maintained colonial in the college town of Durham on approximately 2 acres. This home sits in a quiet neighborhood that includes a nearby town park with easy access to Durham center and the UNH campus. Durham is home to the University of New Hampshire and the award-winning Oyster River school district. Being 20 minutes to the NH coast, 45 mins to skiing, and approximately an hour from Boston
A rare opportunity to renovate or fully customize a home in Durham's premier Woodridge Acres neighborhood. Tucked away on 2.6 private, wooded acres, this classic 1969 Colonial offers a solid, spacious footprint (1,960 sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths) ready to be reimagined into your ultimate dream estate. This property offers buyers, contractors, and renovation enthusiasts the chance to create
David FolkertsKW Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty
This brand new 4-bedroom colonial comes with a spacious Additional Dwelling Unit ("ADU"), a large ground-level apartment, separate or connected. Family members can walk, instead of having to drive, to schools, activities, and all this college town has to offer! The new main house is free and open, having been designed for ease of living, comfort, flexibility, and durability. Its thoughtfully
Imagine building the home you have been waiting for in one of Durham’s established neighborhoods. This 1.27-acre buildable lot on desirable Emerson Road offers a rare combination of location, usability, and flexibility, giving you the opportunity to design a home around the way you want to live. The parcel is level and partially cleared, with open green space, mature wooded edges, and a
Private Waterfront Custom Home on the Lamprey River. Single- Level on a double lot with indoor pool, spa, river frontage, privacy, and year-round outdoor recreation. Designed with floor to ceiling windows for abundant natural light. South-facing clerestory windows, cathedral ceilings, and sliding glass doors that frame river views from nearly every room. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with open air
Property Id: 1572917 Available for the 2026/27 school year. 5 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment next to Tideline. Walk or bike to UNH easily. Unit includes up to 5 parking spots for the unit and can accommodate up to 6 people. Utilities included
Property Id: 2577288 Ideal for student/Grad student etc. Walk to UNH campus and downtown in minutes. Bedroom, full bathroom, living room and full kitchen. Available August 1, 2026 until end of May 2027. Very private. No washer/dryer hookups but laundromat is a 2 minute drive or 8 minute walk. Driveway and entrance are specific to this apartment with car port. No snow on your vehicle
2BR/1BA Apartment for Rent in Durham, NH. Private entrance downstairs apartment in owners Duplex with a view of the Oyster River. Clean, bright spacious, and move-in ready for 8/1. 2 bedrooms with great light, 1 full bath, Large living room. Full kitchen with dishwasher. Private outdoor area. Water access available. Walking distance to UNH campus - Quiet, private, and close to campus and
Discover this inviting 3-bedroom, 1-bath rental set in a peaceful Durham neighborhood, offering a warm blend of comfort, practicality, and classic New England charm. With well-proportioned rooms and a functional layout, this property is an excellent fit for anyone seeking a quiet setting with easy access to the Seacoast’s best amenities. The sun-filled living area provides a welcoming space for
Welcome to your dream rental home nestled in the heart of Durham, NH. This fantastic 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom gem boasts not only an exceptional location but also a wealth of features that will make living here an absolute pleasure.Large yard: A generous yard surrounds the property, offering ample space for outdoor activities, gardening, or simply unwinding in nature's
This lower level 1 bedroom 1 bath apartment is ideal if you want to live in the town of Durham! Enjoy the convenience of a private driveway, separate entrance and washer and dryer. This quaint and comfortable basement apartment is in great proximity to Dover, Newmarket, Portsmouth and Route 4. It is also within walking distance to downtown. If you've always wanted to live in Durham at a great
Sara HeslepKW Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty
DURHAM – Studio apartment walkable to UNH! This property is in a great location within walking distance to downtown Durham and UNH Campus. Tenant pays utilities. Snow removal and lawn care provided.Location: 46B Emerson Rd Durham NHIncluded: Water/Sewer, Lawn/PlowingFeatures:Carpet / TileRefrigeratorStove / OvenShared Yard / LawnOff-Street
All utilities included: heat, electric, and hot water are covered in one monthly rent payment. This three-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, approximately 900 SF, offers three true bedrooms, a full bath, eat-in kitchen, and a 15x13 living room. Located just minutes from downtown Newmarket's restaurants, shops, and Lamprey River waterfront. Commuters will appreciate quick access to UNH, Dover,
Patrick FrazerKW Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty
Enjoy the convenience of downtown living in this desirable 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartment located right on Main Street in Durham, NH. Situated directly across from the UNH campus, you'll be just steps away from local restaurants, shops, and everything downtown has to offer.This apartment features a large bedroom and a spacious living area, providing plenty of room to relax and unwind. The
Calling all Wildcats! You won't find a better location than this desirable 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment right on Main Street! Located above Town & Campus in the heart of downtown, this second-floor apartment offers the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. Enjoy being just a short walk from the UNH campus, with easy access to both bus and train transportation.The unit is filled with
Introducing our newly renovated house in Durham, NH, conveniently located close to UNH. This spacious home is a comfortable and modern living space. With 4-6 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, there is plenty of room for everyone to have their own space and privacy. Note this property does not come furnished.The house also features a 2 car garage, providing ample parking for all residents. Forget
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