Simple living within the tranquil forests of southeastern New Hampshire
Within Strafford County, the community of Strafford provides quiet seclusion and access to nature amidst the Blue Hills Mountain Range. Strafford offers recreation based around the lake and the tree-covered hills, but being in southeast New Hampshire, residents have access to all types of year-round outdoor fun. In this small, rural community, families can spend the day relaxing at Bow Lake, or picking blueberries at Berrybogg Farm, a tradition going back 45 years. The town also borders the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, and Lake Winnipesaukee’s beaches and hiking trails are just over 20 miles north. “People come here for all reasons – boating, the lakes, beautiful fall foliage, skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. The slowest time is probably the spring, which is technically mud season,” says Kerry Raymond, a real estate agent at Coldwell Banker who sells across New Hampshire. Immersed in nature, Strafford homeowners trade some conveniences for the woodsy privacy, as most errands require a 15-mile drive into the town of Rochester. But those who live here find the trade-off worth it, as they are drawn to the slower pace of life and abundant outdoor recreation in this rural New Hampshire enclave.
From hiking the Blue Hills to swimming at Bow Lake
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Strafford’s nature preserves and dog-friendly hiking areas, like the Blue Job Mountain State Forest, which offers sweeping views of distant hills that do indeed appear blue. Parker Mountain, the highest peak in the Blue Hills Mountain Range, overlooks Bow Lake, which has a beach and public boat launch. Locals can swim and paddleboard in the lake, and watch the fireworks sparkle over the water on the Fourth of July. OSG Paintball is a popular place to play paintball in the woods, where players can hide in the nooks and crannies of the castle and pirate ship structures. The public Nippo Lake Golf Club is a par-70, eighteen-hole course with a restaurant. For a day trip to the coast, locals can drive about 45 miles to Hampton Beach, a wide, sandy beach with nearby stores and restaurants, or to Rye Beach, a quieter, more residential spot about 40 miles away.
Countryside homes in Strafford
Country roads cut through the forest, relatively free of traffic or stoplights. The rural, residential landscape includes ranch-style homes and farmhouses surrounded by trees. Homes often come with sheds on the wooded lots. Prices range from about $380,000 to $800,000, depending on size and acreage. Occasional outliers can exceed $1 million. Homes with waterfront views around Bow Lake typically start at the higher end of that rage, with prices topping out at over $1 million.
Public education in Strafford is split between two schools
Strafford School, rated C-minus on Niche, serves elementary and middle schoolers in the area. High schoolers may attend Coe-Brown Northwood Academy, a public academy founded in 1867 and rated A-minus. High school students may become New Hampshire Scholars, which requires them to take college preparatory classes; successful completion of the program waives application fees for New Hampshire state universities. The average high school class size for the 2024-2025 school year was 18 students.
Rochester offers a variety of restaurants and retail
Strafford’s shopping and dining scene is very limited. Those spending the day on Bow Lake can walk over to 7 C’s Kitchen & Market for breakfast and made-to-order burgers. This small outpost also carries groceries like ice cream, beer and wine, produce, and eggs. Otherwise, shoppers can go to Rochester, where there’s a Market Basket for groceries and Walmart Supercenter for other essentials. Restaurants in Rochester include Granite Steak & Grill, which starts each meal with a loaf of warm, brown bread and homemade cinnamon butter. The steakhouse has a casual atmosphere with patio seating.
Events in Strafford for all ages
Hill Library is a hub for community activities, from book clubs to crafting club to yoga. The library’s community garden invites all ages to take care of the flower beds and admire the butterflies fluttering between the plants. Bow Lake Community Center hosts gatherings as well, like line dancing lessons and a food truck festival. Strafford residents can also rent the building for their own special events on the shores of Bow Lake.
Driving through Strafford County
Strafford is a car-dependent area. The main road through the community is State Route 126, which connects to U.S. Route 202A and U.S. Route 202, which both lead about 15 miles to Rochester. Emergency care at Frisbie Memorial Hospital is available about 15 miles away, while Portsmouth International Airport is about 30 miles away.
