Small, coastal town in a central location
Sixty miles north of Boston, Newington is a New Hampshire town in the Seacoast Region with waterfront homes, natural beauty and lots of shopping and dining. “It’s a small community by the water,” says Matthew Silverstein, a real estate agent with KW Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty, who has over 5 years of experience. “You’re 10 minutes from everything, but you can get your privacy.” Manufacturing, defense and retail are key industries. “It’s next to Portsmouth and the Pease Air National Guard Base,” Silverstein says. “You get the small-town feel with big-town amenities.”
Custom waterfront estates
Newington’s homes are typically 21st-century custom estates, but there are a handful of older houses, including historic 19th-century Colonials. “There’s still construction going on,” Silverstein says. “They’re relatively larger homes; there’s no real small houses here.” These single-family homes are typically situated on multi-acre wooded lots, tucked away along quiet, tree-lined roads or within small, secluded subdivisions by the waterfront. “Half of the homes are on the water or have water views,” Silverstein says. “Some homes will have private docks and pools — these are big houses with the comforts of a big house.” The median home price in Newington is about $820,000, compared to $800,000 in Portsmouth.
Academic and athletic opportunities at Portsmouth High
Newington is part of several school districts, including Portsmouth School District, which is rated the best in Rockingham County, earning an A-minus overall from Niche. Portsmouth High School offers dual-enrollment courses through the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH). The high school also has a successful athletics program, with 2021 state championships in field hockey and boys’ and girls’ lacrosse.
Boating, fishing and exploring the Seacoast
Newington’s shoreline isn’t a traditional beach — it’s a mix of tidal bays, coves and inlets along the Piscataqua River and Great Bay. “You can swim, but it’s more of a boating and fishing area," Silverstein says. From Great Bay Marine, boaters can access the Great Bay and the Piscataqua River, while anglers may cast their lines for striped bass, bluefish and summer flounder. Fox Point, a 120-acre town-owned green space, has a residents-only dock — a popular launch spot for kayaks and paddleboards. The nearby Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers tree-lined trails ideal for hiking or snowshoeing; birders may spot blue-winged teals, rock pigeons and snow buntings. Established in 1901, Pease Golf Course features 27 holes, and Newington Town Park provides a quiet space for picnics or a walk by the water.
Tax-free shopping and dining in New Hampshire
The Mall at Fox Run is an indoor shopping center featuring over 60 tax-free retailers and restaurants, including national brands like Macy’s and H&M. There are several shopping plazas next to the mall, including The Crossings, anchored by Trader Joe’s and Best Buy. Across the street, Lo’s Seafood & Oriental Market offers fresh seafood and specialty Asian ingredients. “There’s everything,” Silverstein says. “There are four to six supermarkets within a 5-minute drive.” Nearby, the non-profit Brooklyn Cafe — billed as the only kosher cafe in New Hampshire — is a popular spot for morning coffee and bagels. Along the waterfront, Stoneface Brewing Co. offers locally crafted beers and hearty comfort fare like the smoked brisket grilled cheese with gouda, fried grape tomatoes, arugula and horseradish aioli. The brewery also hosts concerts and art/gardening workshops throughout the year.
Holidays in Portsmouth
Newington residents head to nearby Portsmouth for its popular annual events. In June, Market Square Day is a downtown festival with live music, artisan vendors and a 10K race. The Prescott Park Arts Festival, held throughout the summer, features 10 weeks of concerts, outdoor movie nights and musical theater along the waterfront. In December, Portsmouth celebrates Vintage Christmas, transforming the city into a storybook winter wonderland. Highlights include the holiday show at Music Hall, the gingerbread house contest and the Candlelight Stroll at Strawberry Banke Museum — a living history experience that guides visitors through centuries-old homes adorned with historic holiday decor.
Commuting from Newington
U.S. Route 4 passes through Newington, offering convenient access to Portsmouth and connecting routes to Boston Streets are generally bike-friendly, and the Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) provides bus service to Portsmouth. Portsmouth International Airport is in the neighborhood, and Portsmouth Regional Hospital is 6 miles away.
Snow and risk of flooding
Newington averages 53 inches of snow annually, compared to the U.S. average of 28 inches. Coastal areas of Newington are in Flood Zone A or AE, which means there is an annual 1% chance of flooding.
