Small-town feel with easy access to outdoor fun
Newport is a quaint New Hampshire town with brick buildings and white churches lining Main Street. While the rural village vibe is a draw for homebuyers, the most significant appeal might be what lies about 6 miles east. “I think more than anything, it’s that Newport is not far away from Newbury, New London and the rest of the lakes area,” says Alan Croteau, the principal broker at Real Property Options, when asked why people move to Newport. “The housing is more affordable. Newport is the county seat, yet it gives you a small-town feel.” The 4,000-acre Lake Sunapee is nearby, offering a wide variety of activities close to home. Mount Sunapee Resort is on the lakeshore, giving Newport residents year-round options for outdoor fun.
Vintage homes and midcentury builds priced below nearby towns
Homes in Newport include typical New England styles like Cape Cods, Colonials and Victorians. Buyers can find vintage houses from as far back as 1830. The median build year is 1958, and 20th-century properties are often ranch-style homes. Houses downtown are fairly close together on streets lined with sidewalks and leafy trees scattered throughout. More rural areas of the community have spacious yards and dense foliage on either side of the road that adds a secluded feeling to the home. The median sales price is around $350,000, significantly lower than in Newbury and New London . Newport's CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10 is lower than the national average of 4.
Outdoor recreation includes skiing, swimming and hiking trails
Mt. Sunapee State Park is about 6 miles from Newport and has a large beach for spending time on the lakeshore. “People spend a weekend, a day or even an evening at the lake,” Croteau says. “In the wintertime, you’ve got Mount Sunapee for skiing, and you’ve got Lake Sunapee right there for all the summer activities.” The state park also has a boat ramp and offers kayak and paddleboard rentals. Mount Sunapee Resort has eight ski lifts that take visitors to 67 trails. There is plenty of outdoor fun close to home as well. The recreation complex on Main Street has sports fields, a skate park and walking trails through the Town Forest. The Sugar River Recreational Trail starts at Balknap Avenue and leads 9 miles west to Claremont, winding along the river and leading through multiple covered bridges. Pollard Mill Falls is a scenic waterfall south of downtown, known for being a good swimming spot. The rocks here can be slippery, and visitors should be cautious.
Dining options range from upscale to casual in Newport
Newport residents have a variety of cuisines to choose from in the historic downtown area. Salt Hill Pub serves traditional Irish fare in a lively atmosphere. The Old Courthouse offers upscale American dishes in an 1826 building. Other options include a diner and a pizzeria. Groceries are available at Shaw’s on John Stark Highway. Other stores include Dollar General and Ocean State Job Lot. Residents can head west to Claremont for big-box stores.
Historic buildings and events celebrate the town's heritage
Newport holds onto its roots through preserving historic sites and hosting events. The South Congregational Church was organized in 1779 and has been in its current building on Church Street since 1823. Just a few blocks north, the Newport Opera House is an 1886 building that has served as the town hall, courthouse and a theater. The community celebrates its heritage at annual events like the Apple Pie Crafts Fair, held each August on the Town Commons. More than 5,000 people come to this event to browse vendors, enjoy live music and savor all kinds of pies. A weekly farmers market also takes place on the Commons, bringing locally grown produce and crafts every Friday from May through September.
Career prep and college credit available at Newport High
Richards School and Newport Middle School each receive a D-plus rating from Niche. Newport High School gets a C-minus and offers dual enrollment options through River Valley Community College and Dartmouth College. High school students can also prepare for careers at the Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center. Courses include animal and plant sciences, engineering, forestry and welding.
Main roads connect to Claremont and Interstate 89
New Hampshire Route 10 is the main road through Newport. It offers a north-south highway through the state and connects to Interstate 89, about 11 miles north. Route 11 offers a 10-mile drive west to Claremont. Newport Health Center offers some health services, but the closest hospital is Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont.
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Written By
Matthew Atkins
