Kensington offers year-round recreation
Kensington provides rural living just 10 miles away from Hampton’s sandy beaches. Originally a part of Hampton when it was first settled by the Massachusetts Bay Colony around 1630, the town was incorporated in 1737 and has long been known as an agricultural community. The town’s unique location allows residents to not only enjoy the Atlantic Ocean and hiking trails, but also snow-centered activities in the colder months. “This area offers year-round recreation,” says Timothy Cheney, a Realtor with RE/MAX Shoreline, who’s been selling homes around the area for 5 years. “People will hike and go to the beach in the summer and go skiing and skating in the winter.”
Historic homes and contemporary styles
Homebuyers can find historic colonials from as early as the 1720s, Cape Cods and ranch-style houses from the 1900s and contemporary-style homes built in the last 25 years. Houses are scattered along roads winding through the town’s forests and tucked back on secluded cul-de-sacs. Most properties sit on larger sized lots that are anywhere between a half-acre to 15 acres. Homes typically sell for a median price of $740,000, which is higher than both the state and national medians.
Local parks and equestrian facilities, nearby trails
In the center of town, Sawyer Park provides a baseball and softball diamond, a basketball court and a playground. Yorkfield Stables and The Carriage Barn are two equestrian facilities in town, each offering horseback riding lessons. Apple Hill Golf Course has a public, 18-hole course with league events held throughout the week. Less than 10 miles west, the 44-acre Kingston State Park offers swimming and fishing in Great Pond, sports facilities, picnic areas and a 1.2-mile looping trail. Just 10 miles east, there are miles of sandy beaches in Seabrook and Hampton. In the greater county, the 28-mile and 19-mile Rockingham Recreational Rail Trails follow former railroad tracks through wooded areas and scenic wetlands. And the closest ski resort, Gunstock Mountain Resort, is 60 miles north with nearly 50 slopes.
Dual enrollment opportunities at Exeter High
Students may start at Kensington Elementary, which earns an A-minus from Niche, before going to Cooperative Middle, which also gets an A-minus. Exeter High receives a B-plus and offers dual enrollment opportunities with Southern New Hampshire University and Great Bay Community College.
Shopping and dining in Exeter
Residents will have to travel to neighboring communities for shopping and dining. “Most people drive up to Exeter for groceries,” says Cheney. Located 5 miles north, Exeter has Hannaford for essentials. There are also a ton of locally owned restaurants, including Steve's Diner with breakfast and lunch options and Front Row Pizzeria, which has been operating for over 20 years. Just to the west of Kensington in East Kingston, Monahan Farm Stand lets locals pick their own strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. And right next door, Jalisco Family Restaurant & Cantina has authentic Mexican dishes.
Commuting via Route 105, I-95
Kensington is car dependent because of its rural layout. State Route 105 runs through town and connects to Exeter, which is 5 miles north. Interstate 95 access is 5 miles east, running 40 miles south to Boston and 15 miles north to the state's border with Maine. The closest hospital, Portsmouth Regional, is 15 miles north. The closest airport, Portsmouth International, is just 20 miles north.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
