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Hampton Beach

Hampton Beach

Located in Rockingham County

$607,055 Average Value

Hampton Beach is a coastal tourist town in a central location

With front row seats to the Atlantic Ocean, Hampton Beach is a village district, tourist destination and census-designated place in the town of Hampton. It’s one of the busiest—if not the busiest—beach resorts in New Hampshire, where low-rise hotels, seasonal restaurants and entertainment venues pack the boardwalk on Ocean Boulevard. “Hampton Beach is a major second-home market, and we definitely have a very vibrant tourist community,” says Tom McGuirk, a local broker/owner of McGuirk Properties and a year-round Hampton resident for over two decades. He adds: “While tourists are prominent, there is still a solid, close-knit community of full-time residents who all know each other well.” This coastal community is approximately 15 miles south of Portsmouth and less than an hour’s drive north of Boston without traffic. McGuirk notes that this proximity puts Hampton Beach in a relatively central location for a coastal town.

Sunset walks along Hampton Beach are popular with locals and visitors.
Sunset walks along Hampton Beach are popular with locals and visitors.
Food vendors line the boardwalk during Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Classic.
Food vendors line the boardwalk during Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Classic.
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Condos dominate housing stock in this beachside community

Just over half of the residential properties in Hampton Beach are condos, with single-family homes and townhouses making up the other half. The high number of condominiums is primarily due to the community’s status as a tourist destination. “People looking for second homes and investment properties definitely gravitate towards Hampton Beach,” McGuirk says. “We also attract a lot of retirees and see people moving here from out of state because New Hampshire has some of the most favorable tax codes in the country.” As a result of the rising interest from buyers, the community has seen an increase in new construction projects recently, particularly for condo developments and multifamily properties. “The beach does have its fair share of single-family cottages, but unoccupied ones are sometimes torn down for the condos,” McGuirk says. Condos can cost anywhere from $160,000 to just over $1 million, though they typically stay below $700,000. Townhouses are often between $520,000 and $920,000. Most single-family cottages and New Englanders range from $400,000 to $850,000, with larger waterfront homes frequently selling between $1 million and $2 million.

Hampton Beach condos feature ocean-view balconies and coastal charm.
Hampton Beach condos feature ocean-view balconies and coastal charm.
Cottage-style homes add charm to Hampton Beach neighborhoods.
Cottage-style homes add charm to Hampton Beach neighborhoods.
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Summer brings outdoor recreation on the ocean and the beach

Life in Hampton Beach revolves around the waterfront and the wide, sandy beach stretching the length of the town. Surfing, parasailing and kayaking are popular water sports; free yoga classes, movie nights and sand-sculpting competitions take place on the beach during the summer. The Hampton River Marina offers sunset cruises and whale watching excursions on a seasonal basis. Lobster tours and fishing charters are also available for booking at several marinas. “The water can get a little cold because it comes right from the Gulf of Maine, but the colder water also means the beach stays clean. We don’t get the red tides you see in places like Cape Cod; we take pride in keeping our shores clean,” McGuirk says. Going inland, the community borders the Hampton Salt Marsh, an area known for birdwatching, but which lacks a developed trail system.

Pickleball courts bring active fun to Hampton Beach residents.
Pickleball courts bring active fun to Hampton Beach residents.
Sagamore Golf Club features a putting green and 18-hole course nearby.
Sagamore Golf Club features a putting green and 18-hole course nearby.
Fishing boats dot Hampton Beach’s harbor during summer season.
Fishing boats dot Hampton Beach’s harbor during summer season.
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Events, dining and entertainment pack the boardwalk on Ocean Blvd

Hampton Beach’s shopping, dining and entertainment amenities sit front and center along the Ocean Boulevard boardwalk, which serves as the town’s lively commercial corridor. During tourist season, McGuirk says that events and community activities occur every night along the boardwalk: “People can go to free concerts and other performances hosted daily at the Seashell Oceanfront Pavilion or watch fireworks every Wednesday night during the summer,” he says. The Hampton Beach Seafood Festival takes place during the weekend following Labor Day and is perhaps the town’s largest annual event, with attendance numbers hovering around 150,000 people.

Alongside the boardwalk’s entertainment venues are rows of storefronts and outdoor dining patios. “You’ve got convenience stores, concessions, boutiques and, of course, ice cream stands all along the boulevard,” McGuirk says. Restaurants range from casual pubs and takeout stands to breakfast cafes and seafood diners. Many places are only open during tourist season and close for the winter. For weekly grocery trips, McGuirk says that Market Basket in Seabrook and Hannaford in Hampton are both within a 15-minute drive of residents. “Hampton also has plenty of your everyday urban amenities. If you need the dry cleaners, if you need Home Depot, you can go to Hampton,” he adds. Big-box stores like Hobby Lobby, Walmart and Kohl’s are in Seabrook.

Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Classic draws crowds each summer.
Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Classic draws crowds each summer.
Seacoast Spring Craft Show hosts live music and artisan vendors.
Seacoast Spring Craft Show hosts live music and artisan vendors.
Impressions Beachwear sells swimwear and coastal apparel on Ocean Blvd.
Impressions Beachwear sells swimwear and coastal apparel on Ocean Blvd.
Hannaford grocery store is a short drive from Hampton Beach.
Hannaford grocery store is a short drive from Hampton Beach.
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Zoning for Hampton School District SAU 90

Students living in Hampton Beach are zoned for the Hampton School District School Administration Unit 90, which receives an overall A-minus rating from Niche. Hampton Centre School is for prekindergarten through second-grade students and is rated B-minus, while Grades 3 through 5 can attend the A-minus-rated Adeline C. Marston Elementary School. Hampton Academy for sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students is also rated A-minus. For their secondary education, students head to Winnacunnet High School, a B-plus-rated institution in the town of Hampton but outside the SAU 90 district. Incoming and current high school freshmen can participate in the school’s Sea to Summit summer enrichment program, which combines STEM-based academic instruction, local history and socialization over the course of three weeks.

Adeline C. Marston Elementary serves grades 3-5 in Hampton.
Adeline C. Marston Elementary serves grades 3-5 in Hampton.
Hampton Academy educates middle school students in Hampton.
Hampton Academy educates middle school students in Hampton.
Winnacunnet High School offers academics and sports for grades 9-12.
Winnacunnet High School offers academics and sports for grades 9-12.
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Hampton Beach is well connected via state routes

New Hampshire Route 1A and Route 101 are the two main thoroughfares running through Hampton Beach; Route 1A is coastal and runs north-south beside the boardwalk, while Route 101 connects drivers 3 miles inland to Hampton’s town center. Residents can access Interstate 95 in Seabrook, roughly 8 miles west of the beach. Portsmouth International Airport is 17 miles away and offers limited flights through Allegiant Air and Breeze Airways. The Seabrook Emergency Room at Portsmouth Regional Hospital is open 24 hours and is a 15-minute drive from Hampton Beach.

Hayley Simms
Written By
Hayley Simms
Alex Jacobsen
Photography Contributed By
Alex Jacobsen
Edward Pokoj
Video By
Edward Pokoj

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Schools

Source:
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Parks in this Area

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 25

    501 Ocean Blvd Unit 1, Hampton, NH 03842

    $700,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,858 Sq Ft
    • 501 Ocean Blvd
    • Unit 1
    • New 6 days ago

    If you love waking up to the smell of salt air and you're looking to dip your toes in the ocean this summer, then welcome to 501 Ocean Boulevard in Hampton, NH! Completely gutted to the studs and rebuilt in 1999/2000, this turn-key year-round condo (with no condo fees) offers all the benefits of oceanfront living. Build memories here: whether you want to grab your morning coffee and go for a

    Joshua Matthews Coldwell Banker Realty Gilford NH

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  • Sunday, Apr 26
    Open Sun 10AM - 12PM

    571 Winnacunnet Rd Unit 3, Hampton, NH 03842

    $479,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,020 Sq Ft
    • 571 Winnacunnet Rd
    • Unit 3
    • New 10 days ago

    Thoughtfully updated coastal townhouse offering the perfect blend of comfort, style, and location—just a short walk to North Beach. This light-filled condo features a bright, beach-inspired interior with abundant natural light and a relaxed coastal vibe throughout. The remodeled kitchen is both stylish and functional, featuring quartz countertops, ample cabinet space, a dedicated coffee counter,

    Hillary Barrett Carey Giampa, LLC/Rye

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  • Sunday, Apr 26
    Open Sun 1:30PM - 3PM

    567 Ocean Blvd Unit 107, Hampton, NH 03842

    $449,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 984 Sq Ft
    • 567 Ocean Blvd
    • Unit 107
    • New 10 days ago

    Wake up to the sound of the ocean in this 2-bedroom, 2-bath oceanfront condo, located just steps—only 100 feet—from the sandy shoreline. Offering convenient one-level living with elevator access, this home combines comfort, ease, and coastal charm. Take in breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from your two private balconies, perfect for relaxing or entertaining while enjoying the refreshing ocean

    Sandy Lally BHG Masiello Hampton

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Hampton Beach Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,458
Median Age
58
Population under 18
10%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
34.3%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$74,227
Below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$108,511

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.3%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
35.2%
Advanced Degrees
11.7%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
51''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
42''

Area Factors

Somewhat friendly

Bike Score®®

20 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walk Score®®

30 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
Hampton Beach