$683,471Average Value$377Average Price per Sq Ft28Homes For Sale
History as old as America and modern political influence
In Exeter, echoes of the Revolutionary War linger. This quaint New England town was New Hampshire’s capital during the war; its American Independence Museum even has one of the original versions of the Declaration of Independence, found in a wall by electricians in 1985. Presidents as far back as George Washington have visited the town, and time hasn’t dulled its influence in the political sphere. Despite its relatively small population of about 16,000, modern presidential candidates make Exeter a regular stop on their campaign trails. Timothy Cheney, a licensed real estate salesperson at Re/Max Shoreline and director at large for the Seacoast Board of Realtors, says it gives locals a unique chance to speak one-on-one with candidates. “One person can make a way bigger impact up here,” Cheney says. “If ... you’re passionate about a cause, it’s a lot easier to champion it up here, in my opinion.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau, many residents work in education, health care and social assistance. This isn’t surprising for Exeter, which has highly rated schools — including an internationally recognized private school. It’s also home to Exeter Hospital and RiverWoods, a retirement and assisted living facility.
Single-family houses and renovated condos
New Englanders, Colonial Revivals and Georgian-style homes are common here, though newly built new traditionals also make appearances. The median price of single-family homes is $710,000, much higher than the national and state medians. However, Cheney says, Exeter also has mobile homes, townhouses and condos, creating a wide price range. “So you can go all the way from buying a mobile home within a community and spending $50,000 to $200,000, all the way to buying a multi-million dollar single-family home,” he says. Exeter’s condos are often in old brick manufacturing buildings, offering interior details like exposed wooden beams and high ceilings. “It’s more of a modern, updated callback of still preserving the history of being a mill town while making updates to it,” Cheney says.
Located just outside of the town center of Exeter, you can find spacious condo units for rent or to buy.
Exeter's New Englander homes boost steep roofs, bay windows, and a character as rich as the town's history.
In the town of Exeter, you can find timeless Colonials on large wooded lots.
Affordable and cozy living in Exeter, mobile homes offer flexibility with small-town charm.
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Highly rated public schools, internationally acclaimed Phillips Exeter Academy
Consisting of just two schools, the Exeter School District serves children from pre-K through fifth grade. Niche gives the district a B-plus and lists it among the top five districts to teach in New Hampshire. For middle and elementary school, students attend the Exeter Region Cooperative School District, which also gets a B-plus. Niche lists the district among the top 15 in the state and as the state’s second-best district for athletes.
Phillips Exeter Academy is one of Exeter’s defining features. Established in 1781, it’s the sixth-oldest boarding school in America and has the largest high school library in the world. A lengthy list of famous and successful people have attended the school over the centuries, including Franklin Pierce, who was the 14th U.S. president, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and three Nobel Prize winners. Today, it remains among the best private schools in the country, drawing students from around the world. It has an A-plus on Niche, which also places it as the best private school in New Hampshire and the best school — public or private — for STEM in the state. Niche also ranks it as the third-best private high school in country.
Lincoln Street Elementary School is a public school in Exeter.
Phillips Exeter Academy is a private, college preparatory school in Exeter.
Main Street School in Exeter serves grades K-2.
Lincoln Street School in Exeter serves grades 3-5.
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Quaint downtown with James Beard Award semifinalists
Exeter’s walkable downtown sprawls around Water Street and Front Street at the edge of the Squamscott River. Exuding historic New England charm, it’s brimming with local shops. “It’s pretty much all mom-and-pop stores, or if there’s a chain it’s more of a local chain,” Cheney says. “So you really do get a very unique feel to it, where you go in there and you never know exactly what you’re going to see.” According to Cheney, the dining scene has exploded in the past five or 10 years, making Exeter a foodie’s dream. The executive chefs of two local restaurants — Vino e Vivo and Otis Restaurant — made it to the semifinalist rounds for James Beard awards in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Me & Ollie's in Exeter, where fresh baked goods, rich coffee, and a cozy vibe make every visit feel like home.
Otto, a local favorite in Exeter serves up creative, crispy, and crave-worthy pizza with fresh, bold flavors.
You can find a variety of shops, from florists to cafes and everything in between, in Downtown Exeter.
Bustling yet charming, Exeter's downtown is a blend of historic storefronts and lively local culture.
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Kayaking on the Squamscott River, hiking in town forests
Exeter is surrounded by nature, including the Henderson-Swasey Town Forest. “In the summer, people enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding along the Squamscott River, hiking at places like the Oaklands Town Forest, or relaxing at nearby beaches like Hampton Beach,” says Nina Fee, an associate broker at Keller Williams Coastal Realty who has been selling homes here for about 24 years. “When the weather turns colder, outdoor activities shift to snowshoeing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing.” Cheney adds that ice fishing is also a favorite winter activity.
The Henderson-Swasey Town Forest in Exeter, is a 220 acre area of conservation lands with hiking trails.
Fast-paced action on the ice at The Rink at Exeter, where skaters glide, shots fly, and the game comes alive.
Take a quiet walk along the Squamscott river at the Swasey Parkway in Exeter.
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Independence Day and a UFO festival
Exeter’s American Independence Day Festival is a big deal. “It’s normally mid-July, where they’ll do a reenactment where people will actually dress up in American Revolutionary garb and everything,” Cheney says. There’s also a reading of the Declaration of Independence, music, colonial games and fireworks that Cheney says some people watch from boats on the river. It’s not the only big event, though — the Powderkeg Beer and Chili Festival and a yearly UFO Festival are also incredibly popular. “The town gets really into it,” Cheney says of the UFO Festival. “Businesses will decorate for the UFO Festival, they do costume contests for people, they do costume contests for dogs and animals and pets, they bring in speakers.”
Easy highway access, commuter line to Boston
State Routes 111, 101 and 108 all run through Exeter. The town also has an Amtrak station with a commuter line to Boston — a ride that takes about an hour and 10 minutes. “Exeter’s location makes it a popular spot for those commuting to Boston, Portsmouth or other parts of the Seacoast area,” Fee says.
Exeter has its own train station which serves Amtrak with train service to Boston and North to Maine.
Exeter is an Amtrak served community where you can take the Downeaster North to Brunswick, Maine or South to Boston.
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Cold winters, a new public safety complex in the works
Winters in Exeter are particularly cold, and the area often gets multiple feet of snow a year. According to First Street, a climate risk data organization, Exeter has a moderate risk of flooding and a major risk of high winds. Hurricanes and tropical storms can pass over New Hampshire, but it doesn’t happen often. Exeter has its own police force, the Exeter Police Department. Crime data for the town is not readily available. But according to the New Hampshire Business Review, voters approved a plan for a new public safety complex in March 2024. The complex, which will contain the police and fire department headquarters, is estimated to cost $17.5 million and aims to have net zero energy consumption.
Written By
Christina Norwood
Photography Contributed By
Todd Beltz
Video By
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Exeter, NH sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Exeter, NH over the last 12 months is $577,250, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 24 Willey Creek Road, Unit 208, in Exeter's highly sought-after Ray Farm 55+ community. Offering one of the largest floor plans available in the association, this exceptional second-floor corner unit combines spacious living, abundant natural light, and premium amenities in one of the Seacoast's most desirable condominium communities. From the moment you enter, you'll appreciate the
GRAND CLOSE OUT at Whispering River An exclusive riverfront home, 12 Little River Road offers a rare opportunity to enjoy peace in Exeter. The home is positioned to capture peaceful water views from the main living spaces and outdoor areas, with a deck and patio overlooking the river—perfect for morning coffee, quiet evenings, and watching the seasons change along the water. Located in StoneArch
MOVE-IN READY! Avoid the wait—this beautifully custom-built 3-bedroom, 3-bath Exeter condex is turnkey and ready for you to call home. Designed for modern living, the bright and airy open-concept first floor boasts a spectacular dine-in kitchen featuring crisp white cabinetry, elegant granite countertops, a gas stove with a custom hood, and a convenient breakfast bar for casual dining. Enjoy
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 6/6 AND SUNDAY 6/7 11AM-1PM. Welcome to 3 Portsmouth Avenue in Exeter, New Hampshire. This charming and well-maintained home offers 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and the perfect blend of character, comfort, and convenience. Ideally located on the corner where Portsmouth Avenue and Auburn Street meet, it sits close to Downtown Exeter, shops, and restaurants. Inside, you'll find
Great price at well under assessed value! Motivated seller. Welcome to River Landing, a desirable 55+ pet-friendly community conveniently located close to downtown Exeter, shopping, dining, and the hospital. This spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers comfort and functionality. Step inside to find a large living room, a bright sunroom, a cozy den, and a dining room that flows into the kitchen.
Welcome to 27 Hayes Park, a beautifully maintained 2020 mobile home featuring a custom floor plan in the quiet and highly sought-after Hayes Park community. Designed for easy one-level living, this move-in-ready home offers 2 generously sized bedrooms and 1 full bathroom thoughtfully laid out for both functionality and modern comfort. Enjoy outdoor living on the premium pressure-treated deck
Development Opportunity intown Exeter. Combo apartment/boarding house, with 12 units rented, utilities included. Some units with kitchens, some with shared baths, this multiunit is grandfathered for 10+ units. Bring your ideas for townhouse design, condo's or single family dwelling in this desirable area behind the Exeter Inn. Developers or investors and builders looking for your next project,
Welcome to 53 Hilton Avenue — Comfort, Community & Convenience in Exeter! Nestled within the desirable Exeter River Mobile Home Park Cooperative, this beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers 1,084 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. A versatile mudroom provides the perfect flex space — ideal as a home office, playroom, or extra storage area — adding even more
Nestled in the peaceful Exeter Woods community, this charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom end-unit condo offers the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility in one of New Hampshire's most sought-after towns and school districts. At 986 square feet, the thoughtfully designed layout welcomes you into a bright, open-concept living and dining area filled with natural light ideal for relaxing evenings
Welcome Home to River Run, a pet-friendly 55+ mobile home community located in Exeter, NH! Built in 2020, this well maintained home has two bedrooms and one full bath, a move-in turn key property. The open concept kitchen is a delight with nice cabinetry and plenty of counter space. A comfortable and bright living room and hallway leading to the first bedroom and full spacious bath, with laundry
Rare opportunity to own 4.7 acres with high visible exposure from Rt. 101. Seven Redberry Road consists of 4.7 acres with a total of 590 feet of road frontage on Rt. 27.A total frontage of 1467'. Zoned Neighborhood Professional that allows Professional and medical offices, CHILD DAY CARE, multi-use, Garden supply establishments, medical rehabilitation facilities or recreation facilities. Buyers
Welcome to Exeter Rose Farm, where your dream home awaits—crafted with care and designed for modern, sustainable living! Nestled just beyond the vibrant heart of downtown Exeter, the homes in this community masterfully blend luxury, eco-conscious design, and timeless elegance. Choose from a variety of thoughtfully curated plans, several offering the option of a first-floor primary bedroom suite
Discover Longview Place, Brentwood’s newest retreat along the Exeter River. This boutique neighborhood of just 13 oversized 2+ acre homesites blends wide-open space, natural beauty, & modern convenience in one rare setting. It’s a community where privacy comes standard, yet shopping, dining, beaches, & major routes are only minutes away. Meet the Brighton Ranch – proof that single-level living
Welcome to River Run - a serene 55+ community nestled on the outskirts of Exeter along the edge of the sleepy Exeter River. You'll appreciate that this 2-bedroom, 1-bath, single-wide mobile home has been beautifully updated with easy care finishes and freshly painted inside and out. Step onto the inviting covered patio that doubles as a carport to keep your vehicle snow and ice free all winter
Welcome to 24 Willey Creek Road, Unit 208, in Exeter's highly sought-after Ray Farm 55+ community. Offering one of the largest floor plans available in the association, this exceptional second-floor corner unit combines spacious living, abundant natural light, and premium amenities in one of the Seacoast's most desirable condominium communities. From the moment you enter, you'll appreciate the
Available June 1, 2026. Charming three-bedroom New Englander located in-town within walking distance to schools, downtown Exeter, shopping, dining, and the AMTRAK. Plowing and lawn care included. Tenant responsible for gas, electric, water and sewer, and cable. Rent includes lawn care and snow removal. Year lease required. No smoking. Pets negotiable. Credit and background check.
For Rent in Exeter! Available for occupancy beginning July 1st, this second-floor 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers a comfortable layout in a convenient commuter location. Updated flooring throughout the main living areas with newly installed carpet in the bedrooms. The kitchen features a gas range, dishwasher, and great cabinet/counter space. Stackable washer and dryer hookup in the unit, The
Annual rental available This beautiful, modern, fully (can be semi) furnished home is located in the desirable River Bend Circle neighborhood. The home features a bright white kitchen equipped with a cooktop stove and stainless steel dishwasher. Recent updates include brand-new second-floor carpeting and fresh paint throughout, complemented by contemporary furnishings. The kitchen and dining
AVAILABLE JULY 31, 2026. 2 Bedroom IOKA condominium rental, where the charm of colonial New England blends with modern day living.Prominent in the heart of downtown Exeter this iconic movie theater has been transformed to accommodate stunning private residences. Nestled abreast the scenic confluence of the Exeter and Squamscott Rivers the unique setting is postcard picturesque. Elevator serviced,
Located in center of town easy walk to everything . Heat and Water included , parking on site for one car plus plenty of parking in town lot that abuts this property .Located above Sunny CafeNO PETS SMOKING, VAPING or FIREARMS
Roomy sunny second floor with heat and hot water and electric included with electrical upgrade pending with separate meter. Steam heat. Claw-foot tub with shower, and separate private deck. Friendly older landlady downstairs. Laundromat and municipal parking nearby. Two-person maximum. No smoking no pets. Walk to downtown, Coast bus and Amtrak. 24-hour convenience store and three restaurants a
Step into a lifestyle where everything you love about Exeter is just outside your door. This thoughtfully updated 2-bedroom, 2-full bath apartment offers a seamless blend of modern design and effortless downtown living. Inside, light-filled, open-concept spaces create an easy flow between kitchen, dining, and living areas—perfect for both quiet mornings and relaxed evenings at home. Clean,
Beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home located in a quiet, desirable neighborhood in the NH Seacoast region. This well-maintained property features an open-concept main level with hardwood floors throughout, offering a bright and functional layout ideal for modern living.The updated kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and ample cabinetry, seamlessly flowing into
Bright and recently renovated 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartment in a highly convenient Exeter location! This charming unit features a private entrance, updated finishes, and access to a shared yard. Additional perks include basement laundry, a private storage unit, and easy access to the Amtrak train station, downtown Exeter, and Phillips Exeter Academy. Available immediately with a one-year lease
Location, location, location! Easy access to train, downtown stores and restaurants. This single family home is located across from a quiet park. This home has a great 3rd floor finished space that can be used for an office or extra living space. The second floor bathroom is currently being remodeled for the next tenant to enjoy. Home comes with washer and dryer. First month and deposit are
Spacious side-by-side duplex rental available in a convenient Exeter location. This well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a flexible floor plan with generous living space throughout. Features include wide pine floors, updated bathrooms, newer appliances, and abundant natural light. The spacious kitchen opens to comfortable living and dining areas, while the full basement provides
Beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo rental offering comfort, style, and resort-style amenities. This bright and inviting unit features a brand-new kitchen with modern finishes, along with tastefully updated bathrooms. Enjoy spacious living areas and a functional layout perfect for everyday living or entertaining. Residents have access to fantastic community amenities including an
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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.
