Newfields offers rural quiet and convenience to nearby towns
Stretching out from the edge of the Squamscott River, it’s easy to pass right through Newfields’ little town center without even realizing it. The loose collection of buildings quickly gives way to winding, forested streets and the occasional farm. “I really liked the small-town feel of it,” says Megan Higgins Croteau, a Realtor and associate broker at Keller Williams Realty who grew up in Newfields and has sold homes in the area for 15 years. “I know some people like a city or a big downtown, but I had a good little group of kids growing up, and some of them I’m still friends with now, 30-plus years later. And then it’s just really convenient.” Although it’s tucked away, with very little through-traffic from other towns, Newfields is less than 4 miles from Newmarket and Stratham and just over 4 miles from Exeter, all of which provide access to essentials and restaurants. It’s also part of Exeter’s school district, which Croteau says is another major draw for many people. “It’s a little hidden gem, I think,” she says.
Houses with 2 acres or more of land
Newfields’ Colonials and New Englanders sometimes date to the 1850s. New traditionals are also common thanks to a bit of a construction boom in the 1990s and 2000s. Houses closer to Newfields’ little downtown are closer together and may have less land, but other homes sit on at least 2 acres — often more. Small fixer-uppers occasionally sell in the $400,000 range, but most houses start at around $550,000. Renovated historic houses or updated new traditionals can sell for up to $1.4 million. The median price is $750,000. “People don’t necessarily have to move, but at the opportunity to be in town, they’re like, ‘I’m going to scoop that up,’” Croteau says, stressing that it’s a desirable area. “Because Newfield is smaller and people like to stay, it always feels like, if you like a house and it’s a good fit, I can’t tell you when the next one is going to come.”
Kayaking on the Squamscott River, hiking trails
For those who enjoy kayaking and fishing, Newfields has a public boat ramp onto the Squamscott River not far from its town center, though Croteau says not everyone even knows it’s there. “You go down this little road that it kind of looks like you shouldn’t go down, and then it’s just open to the water. It’s a really cool spot,” she says. Much of Newfields’ land is forested and full of hiking trails, many of which run through protected areas like the Piscassic Greenway and the Piscassic River Wildlife Management Area. Byrne Trail is an old rail trail that now serves as another favorite spot for locals to enjoy the outdoors. “It’s really cool for walking, biking, walking the dogs,” Croteau says.
Small classes in elementary school, competitive high school sports
Children begin their educations at Newfields Elementary School, which gets a B-minus from Niche. “There’s usually about one class per grade. Maybe two,” Croteau says. “In think in some years if they have a big class or something, they’ll have two, but most of the time it’s not like Exeter or Stratham or even Brentwood, where you’re going to have multiple classes.” After elementary school, students move to the Exeter Region Cooperative School District, which has a B-plus, for middle and high school. Cooperative Middle School earns an A-minus and Exeter High School has a B-plus. The high school has a competitive sports program, competing in the Division I League with 23 different sports.
Short drive to communities like Exeter and Portsmouth
Newfields has a network of paved two-lane streets that sometimes branch off into dirt roads. Despite this, it takes less than 10 minutes to reach nearby towns like Exeter. This nearby hotspot is the location of the nearest medical center, Exeter Hospital, and is known for its Amtrack station. The Downeaster line takes passengers to Boston or Portland. Newfields is also only an 11-mile drive from Portsmouth, where many residents work.
A few dining spots, Newfields General Store and farm-fresh produce
The bright red Newfields General Store is the easiest way to spot the little town center, which is also home to a library and a town hall. The store sells a few essentials and is known for its fresh bread, sandwiches and pastries. Muddy River Smokehouse is Newfields’ only sit-down restaurant and a go-to gathering spot. The town also has Squamscott Vineyard & Winery, which offers wine tastings, and a Dunkin’ Donuts. Vernon Family Farm keeps residents supplied with farm-fresh food and locally produced goods. “It started years ago with chicken and mushrooms,” Croteau says. “And then over the years they’ve built this community, really, so you can get all your favorite local specialty foods in this place.” For other groceries, residents typically drive 4 miles to Market Basket in Stratham.
Summer events at Vernon Family Farm, Halloween in Newfields
Vernon Family Farm hosts multiple events throughout the year, from live music with farm-to-table dinners during the summer to an annual Fire + Ice Celebration. “They have big ice sculptures and we did smores and stuff like that,” Croteau says, adding that there’s food, drinks and live music. “I love going there. That’s definitely one of those really cool gem spots in town.”
Halloween is a big event for all of Newfields, so much so that Croteau says she still takes her kids trick-or-treating here. “Because it’s downtown, the library always does a cool maze walkthrough and you always get popcorn at the end. Last year it was clowns, so it was a little creepy,” she says. “And the neighbor next to them, he just goes crazy. It’s a fun time, it definitely has a community vibe for sure.” Other yearly events include a Memorial Day parade and occasional block parties.
Heavy rains bring a low risk of overflowing brooks, mud season
There’s a minor risk of flooding in Newfields, with the highest risk along the river or its brooks. Hurricanes and tropical storms occasionally pass over Newfields, bringing heavy rains and high winds. At the start of spring, thawing ground and heavy rains can also cause thick mud on New Hampshire's dirt roads, making them easiest to traverse with a four-wheel drive, but most of Newfields' roads are paved.
Written By
Christina Norwood
