Hampton, New Hampshire
Rockingham County · Seacoast

Hampton

Where New Hampshire's seacoast charm meets year-round community spirit.

Population16,085
CountyRockingham
RegionSeacoast

About Hampton

Hampton sits proudly along New Hampshire's 18-mile coastline, offering residents and visitors the perfect blend of classic New England seaside charm and modern amenities. This historic seacoast community, established in 1638, has evolved from a colonial farming settlement into one of the state's most desirable coastal destinations, where pristine beaches meet well-preserved historic districts and contemporary conveniences. The town's crown jewel is Hampton Beach, a bustling summer resort destination that transforms the quiet community into a vibrant hub of activity from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Beyond the seasonal excitement, Hampton maintains its year-round appeal with excellent schools, diverse dining options, and easy access to both Portsmouth's cultural attractions and Boston's metropolitan opportunities. The community strikes an enviable balance between honoring its maritime heritage and embracing growth, making it an ideal place for families seeking coastal living without sacrificing modern conveniences.

Why Hampton?

  • Direct access to Hampton Beach, one of New England's most popular summer destinations
  • Rich colonial history dating back to 1638 with well-preserved historic sites
  • Excellent location for commuters with easy access to Route 95 and Boston
  • Strong school system and family-friendly community atmosphere
  • Diverse dining and entertainment scene that extends beyond typical beach fare

Also covering

This page also covers smaller towns near Hampton:

Quick Facts

Population
16,085
County
Rockingham
Region
Seacoast
School District
SAU 21

Real Estate

Median Home Price
$400,000
Property Taxes
NH has no income or sales tax

Property taxes fund local services and schools

View Listings in Hampton

Things To Do

Hampton Beach Boardwalk

summer

Stroll the classic New England boardwalk with arcade games, live entertainment, and oceanfront dining. The beach hosts concerts, fireworks, and festivals throughout the summer season.

Hampton Historical Society

year-round

Explore Hampton's colonial heritage through exhibits and historic buildings including the Tuck Museum. The society offers guided tours and educational programs about local maritime and agricultural history.

Hampton Beach State Park

year-round

Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing during summer months. Winter visits offer peaceful beach walks and excellent bird watching opportunities.

Applecrest Farm Orchards

fall

Pick your own apples and enjoy family activities at this nearby farm in Hampton Falls. The orchard offers hayrides, corn mazes, and fresh cider during autumn harvest season.

Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom

year-round

Catch live concerts and entertainment at this historic venue that has hosted major acts since 1899. The ballroom offers everything from tribute bands to nationally touring artists.

Seacoast Science Center

year-round

Located nearby in Rye, this interactive marine science center offers hands-on exhibits and educational programs. Visitors can explore tide pools, touch tanks, and learn about local marine ecosystems.

Outdoor Recreation

Hampton Beach State Park

year-round

New Hampshire's premier ocean beach destination with lifeguarded swimming areas and pristine sandy shores. The park offers excellent facilities including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.

Hampton Harbor

year-round

Popular spot for saltwater fishing with opportunities to catch striped bass, bluefish, and flounder. Charter boats are available for deep-sea fishing adventures.

Hampton River

summer

Paddle through salt marshes and tidal creeks with opportunities to spot local wildlife. The calm waters make it ideal for beginners and families.

Bear Brook State Park

year-round

Located about 30 minutes inland, this expansive park offers over 40 miles of hiking trails through diverse terrain. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway

year-round

Located in nearby Loudon, this NASCAR track hosts major racing events and driving experiences. The facility offers tours and racing schools for enthusiasts.

Rockingham Recreation Trail

year-round

This 27-mile rail trail passes near Hampton and offers excellent biking and walking opportunities. The trail connects multiple seacoast communities through scenic countryside.

Pawtuckaway State Park

winter

About 45 minutes from Hampton, this park offers extensive snowmobile trail systems connecting to the statewide trail network. The park provides groomed trails through varied terrain.

Hampton Falls ATV Trails

year-round

Private trail systems in the nearby area offer ATV and dirt bike riding opportunities. Several local clubs maintain trails for off-road vehicle enthusiasts.

Dining & Entertainment

The Ashworth by the Sea

Upscale oceanfront dining with fresh seafood and American cuisine overlooking Hampton Beach. The restaurant offers both casual and fine dining options with spectacular ocean views.

Smuttynose Brewing Company

Located nearby in Hampton, this craft brewery offers tours, tastings, and a taproom with locally brewed beers. The facility features a restaurant serving pub fare made with local ingredients.

Ron's Landing at Rocky Bend

Waterfront dining specializing in fresh seafood with views of Hampton Harbor. The restaurant is known for its lobster rolls, fried clams, and casual atmosphere.

The Galley Hatch

Family-friendly restaurant serving American comfort food with generous portions and reasonable prices. Known for their extensive menu and welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

Blink's Fry Doe

Hampton Beach institution serving fresh fried dough, ice cream, and casual beach snacks since 1958. A must-visit spot for the authentic Hampton Beach experience.

Local Businesses

Applecrest Farm Orchards

Other

Pick-your-own apple orchard with seasonal activities and farm store.

133 Exeter Road, Hampton Falls

Ashworth by the Sea

Other

Oceanfront hotel offering luxury accommodations steps from Hampton Beach. Features spa services and fine dining with ocean views.

295 Ocean Boulevard

Blink Fitness Hampton

Health & Wellness

Modern fitness facility offering state-of-the-art equipment and group classes. Popular with locals for its convenient location and comprehensive fitness programs.

1 Towle Farm Road

Blink's Fry Doe

Food & Drink

Hampton Beach institution serving fried dough and ice cream since 1958.

Hampton Beach Boardwalk

CVS Pharmacy

Health & Wellness

Pharmacy and convenience store providing prescription services and health products.

Lafayette Road

CVS Pharmacy Hampton

Other

Full-service pharmacy and convenience store meeting daily health and household needs. Provides prescription services, health clinics, and essential retail items for the community.

966 Lafayette Road

Exeter Hospital Seacoast Emergency

Health & Wellness

Emergency medical services and urgent care facility serving the seacoast region.

254 Lafayette Road

Hampton Academy

Education

Public middle school serving grades 6-8 in the Hampton School District.

65 Academy Avenue

Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom

Arts & Entertainment

Historic concert venue hosting major touring acts and events since 1899. A cornerstone of Hampton Beach's entertainment district.

169 Ocean Boulevard

Hampton Beach RV Resort

Outdoor Recreation

RV camping facility with amenities and beach access for recreational vehicles.

128 Drakeside Road

Hampton Beach Seafood Festival

Arts & Entertainment

Annual festival celebrating local seafood and maritime culture.

Hampton Beach

Hampton Beach State Park

Outdoor Recreation

New Hampshire's premier ocean beach with swimming, picnicking, and recreational facilities.

160 Ocean Boulevard

Hampton Beach State Store

Shopping

New Hampshire state liquor store serving locals and tourists. Popular stop for tax-free alcohol purchases.

964 Lafayette Road

Hampton Beach Visitor Center

Other

Official information center providing maps, event schedules, and local recommendations. Essential stop for visitors seeking guidance on Hampton Beach attractions and activities.

160 Ocean Boulevard

Hampton Hardware

Shopping

Local hardware store providing tools, supplies, and expert advice for home improvement projects. A community staple known for knowledgeable staff and hard-to-find items.

834 Lafayette Road

Hampton Meadows Golf Club

Outdoor Recreation

Public golf course offering 18 holes and practice facilities. Features pro shop, lessons, and event hosting capabilities.

320 Lafayette Road

Hampton Town Office

Other

Municipal offices providing town services, permits, and administrative functions.

100 Winnacunnet Road

Hampton Veterinary Hospital

Health & Wellness

Full-service veterinary clinic providing medical care for pets and small animals.

830 Lafayette Road

Hampton Village Pharmacy

Health & Wellness

Independent pharmacy providing prescription services and health products. Offers personalized service and local convenience.

7 Towle Farm Road

Janetos Supermarket

Shopping

Family-owned market specializing in Mediterranean and international foods. Known for fresh prepared foods, quality meats, and personalized customer service.

709 Lafayette Road

Lamie's Inn and Tavern

Other

Historic inn and restaurant serving travelers since 1740. Offers comfortable accommodations and traditional New England dining.

490 Lafayette Road

Market Basket

Shopping

Popular grocery chain known for competitive prices and wide selection.

262 Lafayette Road

Market Basket Hampton

Shopping

Full-service supermarket offering competitive prices and fresh local produce. This popular New England chain serves as a primary grocery destination for Hampton residents.

320 Lafayette Road

Ron's Landing at Rocky Bend

Food & Drink

Waterfront restaurant specializing in fresh seafood with harbor views.

379 Ocean Boulevard

Seacoast Harley-Davidson

Other

Authorized Harley-Davidson dealer offering sales, service, and parts. Popular destination for motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the seacoast region.

1113 Lafayette Road

Seacoast United Soccer Club

Outdoor Recreation

Youth soccer organization providing training and competitive programs.

Hampton area fields

Shaw's Supermarket

Shopping

Full-service grocery store serving Hampton residents and visitors. Provides convenient shopping with pharmacy and deli services.

7 Towle Farm Road

Smuttynose Brewing Company

Food & Drink

Craft brewery and restaurant featuring locally-made beers and pub fare. Popular destination for beer enthusiasts and casual dining.

105 Towle Farm Road

The Ashworth by the Sea

Food & Drink

Oceanfront hotel and restaurant offering upscale dining with ocean views.

295 Ocean Boulevard

Walmart Supercenter

Shopping

Full-service retail store providing groceries, general merchandise, and pharmacy services.

300 Lafayette Road

Yankee Lanes

Outdoor Recreation

Bowling alley and entertainment center featuring leagues, parties, and casual bowling. Family-friendly venue with snack bar and arcade games.

58 Lafayette Road

Living in Hampton

What you need to know about making Hampton your home.

Schools & Education

Hampton is served by the Hampton School District (SAU 90), which has a strong reputation for academic excellence and community involvement.

Cost of Living

Hampton's coastal location and desirability contribute to above-average housing costs, with median home prices typically ranging from $400,000 to $600,000. Property taxes are moderate for New Hampshire, though the lack of state income tax helps offset housing expenses. The town's proximity to both employment centers and recreational amenities makes it an attractive but competitive real estate market.

Major Employers

Portsmouth Naval ShipyardExeter HospitalLiberty MutualUnitil CorporationHampton School DistrictVarious hospitality and tourism businesses

Commute Times

75 min
Boston, MA
15 min
Portsmouth, NH
45 min
Manchester, NH
60 min
Concord, NH
90 min
Portland, ME

School Directory

Centre Elementary School

ElementaryGrades K-2

Marston Elementary School

ElementaryGrades 3-5

Hampton Academy

Middle SchoolGrades 6-8

Winnacunnet High School

Warriors · Division I
High SchoolGrades 9-12

School District Hub

Hampton School District(SAU 21)

Hampton serves as the regional school district hub for 4 surrounding towns:

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