$698,493Average Value$375Average Price per Sq Ft33Homes 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
Ruo Zheng
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Catharine Bray,
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Exeter, NH sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Exeter, NH over the last 12 months is $581,500, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 8/1/26 10AM-12PM.Welcome home to 3 Portsmouth Ave, Exeter, NH!Positioned perfectly on the corner of Portsmouth Avenue and Auburn Street, this charming, well-maintained residence effortlessly blends true New England character with modern comfort and convenience. Inside, wide-plank hardwood floors, thoughtful updates, and warm, inviting living spaces welcome you home.
Welcome home! A move-in-ready condominium offering the convenience of one-level living in a pet-friendly community. Ideally located just minutes from downtown Exeter, you'll enjoy easy access to restaurants, shopping, parks, Phillips Exeter Academy, the Amtrak station, and major commuter routes.Step inside to an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area, creating an inviting space that's
Welcome to Watson Woods! Built by award-winning Chinburg Builders, this stunning 3-story townhouse condominium offers the ultimate blend of style, space and a maintenance-free lifestyle in the highly-coveted SAU #16 Exeter School District. Boasting nearly 1,900 square feet of premium quality construction, this turn-key property features 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and 1 half bathroom.
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 8/1/26 10AM-12PM.Welcome home to 3 Portsmouth Ave, Exeter, NH!Positioned perfectly on the corner of Portsmouth Avenue and Auburn Street, this charming, well-maintained residence effortlessly blends true New England character with modern comfort and convenience. Inside, wide-plank hardwood floors, thoughtful updates, and warm, inviting living spaces welcome you home.
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
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 functionality to
**NEW PRICE** Welcome to the Exeter River Run Mobile Home Park, an association for residents age 55+ located in alongside the Exeter River and minutes away from all the attractive amenities the town has to offer! This home has been lovingly maintained and offers some wonderful conveniences. One level living means first floor laundry, high ceilings, and a perfect floor plan offering an open
Attention investors, renovators, and buyers looking to build equity! This third-floor, front-facing condo at 5 Brookside Drive, Exeter offers a fantastic opportunity to customize a home to your own style. Featuring 5 rooms, 2 bedrooms, and an abundance of natural light, this unit also includes newer windows and a newer sliding glass door, providing a solid foundation for future
Welcome home! A move-in-ready condominium offering the convenience of one-level living in a pet-friendly community. Ideally located just minutes from downtown Exeter, you'll enjoy easy access to restaurants, shopping, parks, Phillips Exeter Academy, the Amtrak station, and major commuter routes.Step inside to an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area, creating an inviting space that's
Welcome to Watson Woods! Built by award-winning Chinburg Builders, this stunning 3-story townhouse condominium offers the ultimate blend of style, space and a maintenance-free lifestyle in the highly-coveted SAU #16 Exeter School District. Boasting nearly 1,900 square feet of premium quality construction, this turn-key property features 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and 1 half bathroom.
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
Being sold in conjunction with 34 River Street please see MLS #5097329, this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home presents a rare opportunity for multigenerational living, an income-producing investment, or the flexibility to enjoy both. Tucked away on a quiet dead-end street along the river, the property offers a peaceful setting just a short stroll from Exeter's vibrant downtown, local restaurants
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
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
Introducing the grand debut of StoneArch at Eagle Ridge, Exeter’s newest luxury neighborhood offering just 12 exclusive single-family homes nestled within a private cul-de-sac community surrounded by protected green space and set within a 72-acre wooded parcel with established walking trails. This is the first opportunity to own in this highly anticipated neighborhood. Set on a large, private lot
FOR RENT & available now in Downtown Exeter just a few doors down from Phillips Exeter Academy! 2 bedroom 1st floor apartment with charm and character throughout. Updated kitchen with electric stove & dishwasher, bright & sunny dining room, living room with built-ins, full bathroom with tub plus a stackable washer/dryer right in the unit. Shared entrance with the unit upstairs. Located in the
AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY! FURNISHED 2 Bedroom, 2 baths updated condo in downtown Exeter location. Open concept kitchen, dining and living rooms. Beautiful views of Squamscott river from the deck! Walk to restaurants, shopping, PEA and Amtrak. Tenant pays electric. Landlord to pay wifi. No pets. One year lease. Credit/background check required.
SPACIOUS 4 BEDROOM EXETER DUPLEX RENTAL – AVAILABLE NOW$3,495 per month plus utilitiesWelcome home to this spacious side-by-side duplex 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
Open and airy! 12 foot ceilings with exposed beams give this cozy unit an expansive feeling. New vinyl plank flooring throughout the main living, kitchen and bath with new vanity. Newly installed carpeting in bedroom/walk in closet. New modern tiled backsplash in kitchen. Quiet long-term owner/neighbors. 1st floor with easy access from the parking lot. Unit includes prints in kitchen, kitchen
Charming 3-Bedroom, 2-Bath Home - Perfect for Families! Available August 1! Welcome home to this bright and inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment, thoughtfully designed for comfort and everyday living. The main floor features a spacious living room and dining room, perfect for entertaining, along with a convenient first-floor bedroom and full bathroom — ideal for guests, a home office,
Welcome home to this bright and inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment, thoughtfully designed for comfort and everyday living. The main floor features a spacious living room and dining room, perfect for entertaining, along with a convenient first-floor bedroom and full bathroom ideal for guests, a home office, or single-level living. The kitchen boasts updated appliances, and an in-unit washer
Available Immediately thru May 31, 2027. 3 Bedroom 2.5 bath Exeter home. Recently renovated gourmet kitchen. Beautiful hardwood floors.Lots of original charm in this New Englander located on a dead-end street. Sidewalks are all the way to Downtown, the YMCA, schools, PEA campus and shopping. NO smoking, NO PETS. Tenant is responsible for all utilities including, water, sewer, natural gas heat,
AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY! FURNISHED 2 Bedroom, 2 baths updated condo in downtown Exeter location. Open concept kitchen, dining and living rooms. Beautiful views of Squamscott river from the deck! Walk to restaurants, shopping, PEA and Amtrak. Tenant pays electric. Landlord to pay wifi. No pets. One year lease. Credit/background check required.
Over-sized one bedroom apartment available boasting oodles of natural light. This spotlessly clean one bedroom 1100sf apartment has everything you are looking for: walk to town, the train station, and Philips Exeter Academy. Close to downtown Exeter. A quick drive to commuter routes. This second floor apartment has a large bedroom with windows for natural light and fresh air. The apartment
Rare Offering — Fully Furnished Home Adjacent to Phillips Exeter AcademyA rare opportunity to lease a beautifully furnished and fully equipped single-family home bordering the campus of Phillips Exeter Academy. This well-appointed residence features four spacious bedrooms and three and one-half baths, with generously sized rooms, high ceilings, and abundant natural light throughout.The
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