UNH accurately claims to be ‘located in the middle of everywhere’
Situated within the Oyster River district, Durham is home to UNH’s main campus. The two neighboring towns of Madbury and Lee are located to the north and west, and collectively, they make up the Oyster River community.
Known for its excellent schools and its picturesque setting, you’ll discover the surrounding landscape is made up of sprawling farms and more than 100 acres of conservation land. Walking paths abound, as do places to drop in a paddleboard or kayak. Outdoor enthusiasts are never without something to do in the immediate area and those options increase ten-fold with an hour’s drive in almost any direction.
If you’re looking for a place that strikes the right balance of privacy and community without sacrificing proximity to amenities and seascapes, you’ve landed in the right spot!
DURHAM
A quintessential New England college town, Durham has a pretty downtown area with several coffee shops and other eateries. For upscale dining, prepare to be charmed and head over to Three Chimneys Inn. Commuters love the centrally-located train to Boston and the adjacent UNH Dairy Bar.
Population: Approximately 15,000
Known for: Being home to UNH’s main campus
What you’ll love: Endless activity options. Don’t miss: hiking and biking at College Woods, skating on Mill Pond, swimming at UNH’s outdoor pool, the coastal walk at Adam’s Point, or the monarch butterfly sanctuary at Wagon Hill.
MADBURY
The gateway into Lee, Madbury is heavily wooded and many homes are afforded extra privacy as their property abuts conservation land. Walking trails abound.
Population: Less than 2,000
Known for: This quaint bedroom community is part of the Oyster River school district and is conveniently located near major commuter routes.
What you’ll love: You’ll rarely (if ever!) find yourself stuck in traffic at the beginning or end of your workday if your home is in Madbury.
LEE
For year-round outdoor activity, look no further than Lee! The Lamprey River runs through the west side of this town and you’ll find families swimming there in the summer and ice skating in the winter. At Flag Hill, you’ll find the oldest distillery in New Hampshire and the largest vineyard in the state. Demerritt Hill Farm is also a local favorite, known for their delicious apple cider donuts, expansive orchard and their award-winning fall attraction: The Haunted Overload.
Population: 5,000
Known for: Recently voted the #3 best place to live in NH, Lee is larger than Madbury but only half the size of Durham.
What you’ll love: The summertime sunflower festival at Coppal Farm. You’ll feel like you were dropped right into a fairy tale!
Other seacoast area towns you’ll love:
Newmarket, NH
Population: A little more than 9,000
Known for: The Main Street shops and eateries built all along the Lamprey river that runs through the downtown.
What you’ll love: The Stone Church, a funky restaurant downtown which regularly features live music.
Dover, NH
Population: 31,000
Known for: The 7th oldest settlement in the United States, Dover is a former mill town has seen a lot of new construction downtown over the past few years.
What you’ll love: The Children’s Museum and the adjacent playground and splash pad. There are also many new restaurants and walking trails that can be found in the downtown area.
Portsmouth, NH
Population: 22,000
Known for: Frequently topping lists for the best places to visit in NH, Portsmouth is a bustling coastal city with just about every amenity you can imagine.
What you’ll love: The summertime Prescott Park Arts Festival, with its seaside outdoor concerts and sunset views over the Piscataqua River Bridge.