Mid-sized New Hampshire city with a growing downtown
Centrally located between the White Mountains, the Lakes Region and the Seacoast Region of New Hampshire, Rochester is a small city just a few miles from the Maine Border. It’s lovingly referred to as the Lilac City because in late spring and summer, gardens burst with purple blooms, and residents gather for the annual Lilac Family Fun Festival. “I think what draws people to Rochester is its practicality. It’s one of the more affordable areas with great housing options near the seacoast. It’s also an ideal commuter location,” says Ali Stewart, a Realtor with East Key Realty who grew up in nearby Madbury and Dover. “Rochester has a great sense of community with strong performing arts programs. The city has done a lot to revitalize downtown, and there are new neighborhoods and developments creating more housing.” With a population of roughly 33,000 and growing, the city’s efforts to build new housing are vital for maintaining lifelong locals.
Rochester features a vibrant arts scene.
New architecture blends with the old in Rochester.
Rochester attracts younger residences, contributing to its future growth.
The Salmon Falls River offers a picturesque backdrop to Rochester's border.
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Rochester Commons events and bimonthly exhibitions at the RMFA
Locals can take a walk around the loop at Rochester Common in the center of town. Rochester Common is also home to many city-wide events, such as the 4th of July festival and the Rochester Fair, which has been an annual tradition for over 120 years. The Lilac Family Fun Festival takes place in July at the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center. It's an evening gathering with carnival rides, performances by local artists and a fireworks show.
The Rochester Country Club golf course has both indoor and outdoor golfing options for year-round play. Other residents kayak on nearby rivers and ponds, play disc golf, hike the area’s forested trails or spend time at the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts at the community center. “We host regional artists in all levels of their career, from their first-ever solo show to their 1,000th show,” says Amy Marie Regan, organizer and volunteer at the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts. “We have a collection with around 250 permanent pieces of artwork.” These free exhibitions help residents get involved with the community and meet artists from all over.
Keep your golf game going throughout the Winter at the Rochester Country Club.
Rochester Common makes up the heart of Rochester.
The Rochester Museum of Fine Arts is an all-volunteer initiative.
The Rochester Performance and Art Center serves as a vital community gathering place.
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New housing developments, condos and townhouses
Though New Hampshire is known for its lack of sales and income taxes, property taxes are some of the highest in the country. The median single-family home price in Rochester is just over $400,000, which is lower than nearby cities that are closer to the shoreline. New developments in the city – such as single-family neighborhoods and modern townhouses – have increased units, which is important for bringing in new residents. “Rochester was the fourth highest municipality in New Hampshire for new permitted units in 2022, with 287. New Hampshire needs more housing, and Rochester’s development is definitely a product of that need,” Stewart says. Though new homes are being built, many downtown residences date back to the late 1700s and 1800s. Units in condo or townhouse communities can cost between $175,000 and $450,000.
Modern Townhouses make up a growing part of housing in Rochester.
This style of home seamlessly blends with the character of Rochester.
This duplex style adds a touch of distinctive character to the Rochester streetscape.
Like a hidden gem, this bungalow is tucked away in a quiet corner of Rochester.
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Rochester School District public school options
Rochester School District is graded an overall C on Niche. Though the area has several elementary schools, Rochester Middle School, Bud Carlson Academy, and Spaulding High School accommodate the population’s sixth through 12th graders. Most schools score a C-minus rating on Niche.
Spaulding High School is a public, co-educational school in Strafford County.
East Rochester School is a public elementary school in Strafford County.
Rochester Middle School is a public school in Strafford County.
McClelland Elementary School is a public school in Strafford County for grades K-5.
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A growing downtown and locally owned restaurants
Rochester’s growth in recent years has made it less of a pass-through space and more of a destination for locals and visitors alike. “It’s been really fun to watch the city of Rochester change in the last 10 or so years. There’s been a lot of investment downtown, new housing has gone up, and new businesses have come in,” Regan says. “It’s definitely a lovely, working-class city. A lot of the city’s tenets surround volunteering and supporting one another.” Locally owned restaurants and national chains create a well-rounded shopping and dining experience. A few favorites include Revolution Taproom for its craft pours, Fallen Leaf Bistro for its eggs benedict, and My Cielo, which is known for its margaritas. Evening shows and concerts at the Rochester Opera House often draw diners into the city. North Main Street has national brand stores like Hannaford and The Home Depot.
The Rochester opera House presents a diverse array of performances every year.
Rochester has a Home Depot for the DYI enthusiasts.
Indulge your senses at the Potter's House Bakery and Cafe, a delectable haven in Rochester.
Planet Fitness is a popular gym in Rochester.
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Commutes to Manchester and weekends in the White Mountains
State Route 16 passes through the city, connecting drivers to Portsmouth, about 22 miles southeast. Considered one of New Hampshire’s prettiest cities, Portsmouth has a vibrant nightlife and nearby beaches on the coastline. Route 16 also leads north to the White Mountains, a popular skiing destination just over 80 miles away. Concord, the state capital, is about 40 miles west via Route 126.
Crime and Rochester traffic
According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, in 2023, violent crime was slightly higher than the national and state averages, while property crime rates were similar to the national average. The city is relatively quiet, though traffic along the Spaulding Turnpike contributes some noise. Buyers should be aware that the Cocheco River has been known to rise during heavy rains, which may lead to flooding.
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.
