Which town is right for you?

The Seacoast’s little city - a walkable historic downtown packed with restaurants, theaters, and working tugboats. It punches way above its 22,000 people.

Who it fits: Walkers, foodies, remote workers who want a real downtown, and anyone allergic to needing a car for coffee.

"I live in the West End myself - walkable to everything, skipped by the tour buses, new spots opening every month. If a client tells me they want to walk to dinner, the conversation starts and usually ends in Portsmouth."

The Seacoast’s biggest and fastest-growing city, with a revitalized mill downtown, a kid-friendly museum scene, and the best price-to-amenity ratio around.

Who it fits: First-time buyers, young families, commuters who want the Downeaster train and a downtown that’s getting better every year.

"Dover is where my priced-out-of-Portsmouth buyers land - and six months later they tell me they prefer it."

A storybook New England town built around Phillips Exeter Academy - brick sidewalks, an actual bandstand, and a downtown river. History everywhere you look.

Who it fits: Families chasing schools and charm, buyers who want small-town life with real restaurants and a train stop.

"Exeter is the town people picture when they say "New England." Showings here sell themselves."

The beach town - a lively boardwalk summer scene at Hampton Beach, quieter year-round neighborhoods inland, and the most affordable ocean access in the state.

Who it fits: Beach lovers, value hunters, and anyone who wants salt air without a seven-figure budget.

"Hampton is the Seacoast’s best value per mile from the ocean - just decide if you want the summer buzz or a street back from it."

Quiet, coastal, and exclusive - rocky shoreline, marsh views, and winding roads past shingled capes and serious real estate. No downtown, and residents like it that way.

Who it fits: Buyers who want privacy and the ocean over nightlife, and who have the budget to get it.

"Rye is the "we found our forever spot" call. Few listings, fierce competition, zero regrets."

Rolling farmland turned family suburb - newer neighborhoods, big yards, and a park with one of the best hilltop views on the Seacoast. You drive everywhere, happily.

Who it fits: Families who want space, newer construction, and a central launch point to the whole Seacoast.

"Stratham is my quiet workhorse recommendation - nobody visits and swoons, everybody who moves there stays."

A funky little mill town on the Lamprey River with a surprisingly good music and restaurant scene for its size. Artsy, unpretentious, and increasingly discovered.

Who it fits: Younger buyers, artists, UNH-adjacent folks, and anyone who wants character per dollar.

"Newmarket is the town I tell people about in a slightly lower voice - it’s still the deal of the Seacoast."

Portsmouth’s Maine-side neighbor - a Navy-yard town turned food destination, with the Foreside’s shops and some of the best casual restaurants in the region.

Who it fits: People who work at the Shipyard or in Portland, food people, and buyers happy to trade NH taxes for Maine charm.

"Kittery went from "the outlet town" to the coolest food scene around, and the market has noticed."

A classic Maine beach town with four distinct villages, Nubble Light, and Long Sands’ mile of beach. Busy in July, blissfully calm the rest of the year.

Who it fits: Beach-first buyers, second-home shoppers, and Portland commuters who want the coast on the way.

"York is where I send buyers who tried Cape Cod first - same postcard, saner drive."