Preserved forest and farmland in East Kingston
Less than 5 miles north of New Hampshire’s border with Massachusetts, East Kingston is a storied agricultural community not too far from major hubs like Exeter and Hampton Beach. “It's a very charming town, and it’s even closer to transportation options than most of Kingston,” says Heather Hanlon, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential, who’s been selling homes in the area for eight years. “Kingston used to be one giant town, but they are very different now.” While Kingston developed more into a quaint town center following its split in 1738, East Kingston focused more on maintaining its forests and farmlands.
Rural traditional-style homes, 55-plus contemporary homes
Homebuyers can find colonials from as early as the 17th century, as well as newer Cape Cods and ranch-style homes. Properties are scattered along winding backroads, usually sitting on anywhere from one to 20 acres of land. Homes typically sell for $400,000 to $800,000, while properties with larger plots of land go for up to $1.3 million. There’s also Maplevale Farms & Woods, a 55-plus community offering contemporary homes in a traditional subdivision. Homes in this community usually go for $500,000 to $900,000.
Sports facilities, nearby beach access
The Apple Hill Golf Course has a public 18-hole course built for all skill levels. Foss Wasson Field is home to the town’s little league baseball team, while the Kingswood Polo Club offers horse boarding and riding lessons. Just west of town, Kingston State Park is a 44-acre green space with a 1.2-mile looping trail, sports facilities, a playground and a picnic area. The park also has Great Pond, which provides swimming, boating and fishing opportunities. And locals can head just 15 miles east for miles of sandy coast along the Atlantic. “I used to live in Kingston, and I would go to Hampton Beach regularly,” says Hanlon. “That was always something I took advantage of.”
Low student-teacher ratio at Sanborn Regional High
Students may start at East Kingston Elementary, which earns a B-minus from Niche, before going to Sanborn Regional Middle, which gets a C. Sanborn Regional High also receives a C and operates with a student-to-teacher ratio of 12 to 1.
Historic general store, authentic Mexican dishes
The East Kingston Market, formally known as the Jones General Store, has been operating for over 100 years. Locals can shop for pre-packaged goods and deli meats, as well as hot and cold sandwiches and fresh baked goods. The town’s only restaurant, Jalisco Family Restaurant & Cantina, has been serving authentic Mexican dishes since 2018. There are also grocery stores like Hannaford less than 10 miles north in Exeter.
New Hampshire Renaissance Fair, summertime events in Hampton Beach
In May, the New Hampshire Renaissance Fair is held less than 10 miles north in Fremont. The week-long event, founded in 2005, features medieval-themed craft and food vendors, archery training, fighting demonstrations and live entertainment from singers and jesters. East Kingston residents can also enjoy Hampton Beach’s summertime events. There are fireworks every Wednesday, movie nights every Monday and nightly music at the Seashell Oceanfront Pavilion. The town’s sand sculpture event takes place in June, and the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival features dozens of local restaurants in September.
Commuting via Route 107, close to I-95
Because of its rural layout, East Kingston is heavily car dependent. Commuters can take State Route 107, which runs directly through town, eight miles east for access to Interstate 95. I-95 runs 40 miles south to Boston and 15 miles north to Maine’s border. Exeter Hospital is located eight miles north, while Portsmouth International Airport is 20 miles north.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
