Section Image

Rye

Rye

Located in Rockingham County

$1,503,265 Average Value
$712 Average Price per Sq Ft
34 Homes For Sale

Rye offers laid-back life along New Hampshire’s longest coastline

Established in 1623 as New Hampshire’s first European settlement, Rye is a scenic coastal town in Rockingham County. The community of about 5,500 boasts the state's longest stretch of coastline, with multiple beaches and shoreside parks. Historic Colonial-style houses dot scenic streets, and lawns overlooking rocky coasts. Rye has a strong sense of community pride, and while there is a large summer community, permanent residents tend to stick around for a long time. “I moved to Rye 24 years ago, and I wouldn’t leave,” says Rosalie Andrews, a broker at Engel & Volkers Portsmouth. “It’s a privilege to live in this town.”

A variety of larger homes hug Rye’s rocky shoreline, offering breathtaking ocean views and a front-row seat to the natural beauty of the seacoast.
A variety of larger homes hug Rye’s rocky shoreline, offering breathtaking ocean views and a front-row seat to the natural beauty of the seacoast.
Rye is a beautiful town with New Hampshire’s longest stretch of coastline, featuring multiple scenic beaches that attract visitors year-round.
Rye is a beautiful town with New Hampshire’s longest stretch of coastline, featuring multiple scenic beaches that attract visitors year-round.
1/2

Beaches, marinas, state parks and more

This community offers an array of recreational areas along its picturesque coastline. “It’s a lot of fun in the summer,” Andrews says. A mix of sandy beaches and rocky coastline can be found at Wallis Sands State Beach, sometimes called Pirate’s Cove. Amenities include a bathhouse, snack bar, free parking and lovely views of the Isles of Shoals, four islands located 6 miles off the coast. Cruise ships to these islands launch from nearby Rye Harbor State Park. The adjacent Rye Marina offers whale watching and charter fishing.


Residents can walk unleashed pets at nearby Jenness State Beach starting in November. “Jenness Beach is longer and has a little bit more surfing,” Andrews says. “There are a bunch of little snack shacks nearby where people can go grab something to eat and then go back to the beach.” In the northern part of Rye, Odiorne Point State Park has trails near rocky shores and tidal pools. It’s home to the Seacoast Science Center, where interactive exhibits and educational programs focus on marine life and conservation.

Anglers are drawn to Rye Harbor State Park to cast their lines from the rugged, scenic jetty that extends into the Atlantic, offering prime fishing opportunities and panoramic ocean views.
Anglers are drawn to Rye Harbor State Park to cast their lines from the rugged, scenic jetty that extends into the Atlantic, offering prime fishing opportunities and panoramic ocean views.
Soak in the stunning coastal scenery and relaxing atmosphere at Wallis Sands State Beach, where gentle waves meet soft sands and ocean views stretch for miles.
Soak in the stunning coastal scenery and relaxing atmosphere at Wallis Sands State Beach, where gentle waves meet soft sands and ocean views stretch for miles.
1/2

Seaside homes with low property taxes

Rye offers a variety of homes, from modest ranch-style and Cape Cod properties to large Colonial Revivals and seaside mansions. While proximity to the shore brings higher price tags, housing costs typically have more to do with size and amenities. Prices can range from $430,000 to $1.4 million. “A lot of people have second homes here, but there are more permanent residents than seasonal people,” Andrews says. Additionally, Rye offers lower property taxes than nearby towns. “It’s one of the lowest property tax rates in the state,” Andrews says. “For what you get living here, the prices are very reasonable.”

Colonial Revival homes can be found throughout Rye, showcasing classic architectural details like symmetrical facades, gabled roofs, and timeless New England charm.
Colonial Revival homes can be found throughout Rye, showcasing classic architectural details like symmetrical facades, gabled roofs, and timeless New England charm.
Ranch style homes in Rye offer spacious, single-story layouts that provide plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy comfortable coastal living.
Ranch style homes in Rye offer spacious, single-story layouts that provide plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy comfortable coastal living.
1/2

Beachfront bites and nearby shopping

Known for its clam chowder, Petey’s Summertime Seafood & Bar has been a go-to since the 1990s, serving a variety of fish favorites. Visitors to nearby Ray’s Seafood can eat lobster rolls on the blue deck, while Carriage House Restaurant offers a more elevated dining experience, trading outdoor decks and seafood bibs for an upscale dining room and creative dishes. Shaw’s grocery store is in North Hampton. Other commercial conveniences line Lafayette Road, including Walmart Supercenter and Market Basket.

Since 1931, the Carriage House Restaurant in Rye has offered an elevated dining experience, serving classic New England dinners in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Since 1931, the Carriage House Restaurant in Rye has offered an elevated dining experience, serving classic New England dinners in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Petey’s Summertime Seafood & Bar is a fantastic spot in Rye to enjoy a classic lobster roll and creamy chowder, all while taking in scenic rooftop views of the coastline.
Petey’s Summertime Seafood & Bar is a fantastic spot in Rye to enjoy a classic lobster roll and creamy chowder, all while taking in scenic rooftop views of the coastline.
1/2

Students zoned for Rye School District

The Rye School District receives an A grade from Niche and has a student-teacher ratio of 9-to-1. It includes two schools, Rye Elementary and Rye Junior High School, both of which earn A grades from Niche. There isn’t a high school in Rye, so students commute to Portsmouth High for Grades 9 to 12. Niche gives the high school an A and ranks it as Rockingham County’s top public high school.

Rye Elementary School  has a student-teacher ratio of 9 to 1.
Rye Elementary School has a student-teacher ratio of 9 to 1.
Portsmouth High School was founded in the year 1873.
Portsmouth High School was founded in the year 1873.
1/2

Driving around Rye

This community is accessible via U.S. Route 1 and New Hampshire state Route 1A, which runs along the scenic Atlantic coastline, connecting Rye to neighboring towns like Hampton and Portsmouth, both about 7 miles away. Traffic is an issue during the summer. “You may have to drive a little slower on Ocean Boulevard, but it gives you the opportunity to appreciate all the amazing people that have gone out of their way to come to our town,” Andrews says. U.S. Interstate 95 is just west, leading to major cities like Boston, about 55 miles south. For air travel, Portsmouth International Airport is about 9 miles away.

Adreanna DeMarino
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
Amanda Beattie
Photography Contributed By
Amanda Beattie
Andrew Perrius
Video By
Andrew Perrius

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Rosalie Andrews, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Rye Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$998,000
Median Sale Price
$932,640
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,400,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$884,640
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$774,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
71
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-17%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$712

Area Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,163
Number of Homes for Sale
34
Median Year Built
1967
Months of Supply
5.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,410
Above the national average
1,925
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,591
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,553
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
581
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
27,007

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Sep 28
    Open Sun 11AM - 1PM

    2136 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03870

    $1,795,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,664 Sq Ft
    • 2136 Ocean Blvd
    • New 17 days ago

    Open House! Sunday 9/28 from 11-1:00. Charming cape on the south side of Ocean Boulevard. An easy short walk to the access trails of Jenness beach, one of the premier soft sand beaches of Rye. This area has been a summer and year-round favorite for generations of local and seasonal residents. Now it’s time for your next generation to enjoy and make lifelong friends. Your family and friends will

    Marie Drake Coldwell Banker Realty Portsmouth NH

    Section Image
  • Sunday, Sep 28

    36 Kasnet Dr, Rye, NH 03870

    $880,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,080 Sq Ft
    • 36 Kasnet Dr

    Last unit left in building 6. Anticipated closing Fall 2026. New construction by Chinburg Builders—one of the Seacoast’s premier builders—this end unit at Village at Rye Place offers refined living with rare privacy and a true sense of community. Nestled on the edge of the neighborhood with woods on one side and greenspace on the other, enjoy your wraparound porch, shared backyard walkways, and

    Brett Mulvey Tate & Foss Sotheby's International Rlty

    Section Image
  • Sunday, Sep 28

    1215 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03870

    $2,595,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,400 Sq Ft
    • 1215 Ocean Blvd

    OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY (9/20) 11am-1pm. SUNDAY (9/21) 12-2PM.Stunning new townhomes in Rye, New Hampshire—where beachside serenity meets modern luxury. Perched directly across from Wallis Sands Beach and Pirates Cove, these beautifully designed residences offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, making every day feel like a vacation.When you buy a home at The Residences at Wallis

    Andrew Samonas Samonas Realty, LLC

    Section Image

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Rye Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
6,104
Median Age
56
Population under 18
15.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
34.2%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$136,320
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$162,862

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.1%
College Graduates
63.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
59.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
51''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
30''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

28 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
Rye