Have you been searching for the quintessential New England college town with walkable streets and a welcoming local culture? Then you'll probably love living in Durham, New Hampshire.
Durham is a town in Strafford County, New Hampshire (not to be confused with Durham NC) that offers a safe, community-oriented environment and a walkable main street. English settlers first colonized the region in 1622. Initially part of the city of Dover, the area was granted independent settlement rights in 1716 and incorporated as a township in 1732. It was renamed Durham after the city of the same name in England.
These days, Durham is a good place to live for those seeking a quaint New England community with a collegiate atmosphere. Thinking about moving to Durham? Here is everything you need to know before making the transition.
Where Is Durham New Hampshire?
Durham is in Strafford County, New Hampshire. It's drained by the Oyster River and lies fully within the Piscataqua Watershed, offering a good balance of a collegiate atmosphere and beach life. Beech Hill is the highest point in Durham at an elevation of 291 feet and sits at the town's northern border.
US Route 4 runs along the northern border and connects to I-95 east of town, making it perfect for commuters living in Durham heading to Portsmouth or Boston. Surrounding towns near Durham NH include Dover, Eliot, Newington, Newmarket, Lee, and Barrington.
It's 13 miles or a 25 minute drive from Durham NH to Portsmouth NH.
Durham NH Population & Demographics
The Durham population is 10,681 residents. The number of people living in Durham has continued to increase over the years, rising by 5.8% between 2010 and 2020. It has a fairly dense suburban atmosphere, with a population density of 3,530 residents.
Being home to the University of New Hampshire, the vast majority of those living in Durham are younger people in their late teens and early 20's. The median age is 20.1 years old, and 46% of the population is 10-19, while 32% is 20-29.
It's also a relatively affluent community, with a median household income of $112,070, which is 40% higher than the US median. Not surprisingly, it's also a highly educated community, and 97.7% of people living in Durham have a high school diploma, while 75.4% have a bachelor's degree or higher.
While most people living in Durham are white, there is a growing Hispanic and Asian population. The racial and ethnic breakdown is 86% white, 5% Hispanic or Latino, 4% Asian, and 4%.
Other Durham demographics
- 55% of people living in Durham are women, and 45% are men
- The median commute is 17.2 minutes
- The foreign-born population is 4.4%
Living in Durham is safe. The crime rate in Durham is very low compared to both the statewide and national average. It's mostly a quiet college town, removed from the factors that drive crime in major cities. Here is a look at how the Durham crime rate compares to the rest of the country and state.
- Total crime rate: 373 crimes per 100,000 people, 67.2% lower than the rest of the state and 84% lower than the rest of the country
- Violent crime rate: 58 crimes per 100,000 people, 53.8% lower than the rest of the state and 84.3% lower than the rest of the country
- Property crime rate: 315 crimes per 100,000 people, 68.8% lower than the rest of the state and 83.9% lower than the rest of the country.
So, for anyone concerned about crime, living in Durham is a dream come true. The Durham New Hampshire Police Department handles crime in the community with the assistance of 24 law enforcement personnel, including 21 officers and 3 civilian employees.
Cost of Living in Durham
The Durham cost of living is reasonable for all the town has to offer. One way to get a sense of how much it costs to live in an area is to examine the cost of living index. It compares the prices of regular consumer goods to the rest of the US, which is represented by 100.
The COLI for the Portsmouth area is 110, which indicates that the cost of living in Durham is about 10% higher than the typical US city. The Economic Policy Institute's Family Budget Calculator is also a good resource. It suggests that the typical family of four would need to earn $125,810 to afford the cost of living in Durham.
Typical expenses of living in Durham:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $25.05
- Regular-sized cappuccino: $5.17
- 1 liter of milk: $1.05
- 1 liter of gasoline: $0.82
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $4.30
- Mid-range bottle of wine: $16.06
- 1 loaf of fresh white bread: $3.54
- Average Durham monthly utility bill: $267.62
Source: Numbeo
*numbers reflect New Hampshire overall but will be similar in Durham
You'll find plenty of moderately priced Durham real estate. According to Redfin, the median price of homes for sale in Durham NH is $660,000. The median price per square foot of Durham NH real estate is $264. Being a college town, a good number of people living in Durham are renters. Census data suggests that 54% of homes are owner-occupied and 46% are rented out.
Rentcafe suggests that the average rent in Durham NH is $4,682 per month for a 1,056 square foot apartment.
Best Durham Neighborhoods | Best Places to Live in Durham
Being a relatively small college town primarily dominated by the University of New Hampshire, Durham doesn't have many well-defined neighborhoods. The downtown area, also known as the Town Center, is a notable area featuring walkable streets, restaurants, and a vibrant atmosphere.
The faculty areas near the Oyster River are also highly desirable neighborhoods known for their quiet, community-oriented feel. RiverWoods Durham is a premier independent living community located in town. So people of all ages have options when living in Durham.
Durham Weather & Climate
Durham NH weather is fairly typical for what you might expect in New England. According to the Koppen Classification System, the Durham climate is humid continental, which is characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers.
The temperature typically ranges from 18°F to 81°F, though it can drop to 3°F and climb to 90°F. The best time to visit a friend living in Durham is from June through September.
You'll want to get ready for precipitation if you plan on moving to Durham. It averages 53 inches of snow and 47 inches of rain every year. So be sure to pack an umbrella and snow boots.
Things to Do in Durham
Looking for fun things to do in Durham? You'll find a variety of entertainment options, from parks to escape rooms. Most of the restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping in Durham NH can be found on the community's main street.
A few notable spots include Hayden Sports, which features UNH official merch, Durham Shopping Center, and the Merrimack Premium Outlets. Beyond shopping, here are a few other fun things to do in Durham.
Wagon Hill Farm is a local landmark and historic farm that was settled in 1654 by the Davis Family, which was acquired by the town in 1989 to preserve its scenic vistas and allow actual residents living in Durham to explore history more in depth.
156 Piscataqua Rd, Durham, NH 03824 (603) 868-5571
One of the best Durham family activities, Beyond Escape Rooms is a cerebral adventure game that encourages participants to use critical thinking skills to escape themed rooms with VR options available.
54 Main St, Durham, NH 03824 (603) 244-3017
One of the best things to do in Durham, NH,, for space enthusiasts, the UNH Observatory offers public observing sessions on the first and third Saturdays of every month. It’s great for any science lovers living in Durham.
Durham, NH 03824 (603) 862-3996
Additional Durham Attractions
The Durham Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of other entertainment options and recommendations on how to access events if you're looking for more fun things to do in Durham, NH.
Durham Restaurants
Looking for something to eat? You'll be happy to hear that there are a variety of delicious food trucks and restaurants in Durham serving everything from classic American cuisine to noodle dishes. Here are a few of the best places to eat in Durham NH if you need tips.
Clack's American Bistro is one of the best restaurants in Durham, offering upscale bar food, classic cocktails, and brunch on Sundays.
48 Main St, Durham, NH 03824 (603) 397-5053
Hop + Grind is a laidback hamburger joint and one of the best restaurants in Durham NH, if you want a wide selection of unique burger options plus local craft beers served in a retro environment.
17 Madbury Rd, Durham, NH 03824 (603) 397-5564
Bamee restaurant is a laidback Thai joint featuring communal tables and familiar dishes like yum soup and bamee noodles.
12 Jenkins Court UNIT 1, Durham, NH 03824 (603) 397-5378
Jobs in Durham
Due to the presence of the university, the Durham economy is largely influenced by the University of New Hampshire. Its major industries include education and service-based jobs, although healthcare, social assistance, and construction have seen growth in recent years. There has also been a growing focus on high-tech and research-oriented businesses, which provide opportunities for job seekers living in Durham.
Most jobs in Durham NH are with the University of New Hampshire. However, other major employers in Strafford County include:
Most people living in Durham will receive good compensation. Payscale suggests that the average salary in New Hampshire is $80,000. From collection management specialist to special agent, you'll find a wide range of great Durham jobs available. Town of Durham jobs with the county government are also available.
Durham Schools
Being so focused on education, students living in Durham will have access to a high-quality school system. The town is within the Oyster River Cooperative School District.
Elementary-aged students will either attend Mast Way Elementary School in Lee or Moharimet Elementary School in Madbury. Oyster River Middle School and Oyster River High School are both in Durham.
Oyster River High School is highly respected and ranks 8th in New Hampshire, with a 94% graduation rate and a 36% AP participation rate. There are also several notable private schools serving Durham NH, including St. Thomas Aquinas and Berwick Academy. The University of New Hampshire is located in Durham. Residents living in Durham can also check out the Durham Public Library for books and other media.
Durham Statistics and Information
- Durham County: Strafford County
- Durham area: 24.7 square miles
- Durham zip code: 03824
- Durham area code: 603
- Durham elevation: 30 ft
- Durham time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Durham: The Portsmouth International Airport (PSM) is 10 miles away.
FAQ
Is There a Downtown Durham With Hidden Gems?
Yes, downtown Durham NH offers a lively mix of local shops, dining spots, and cultural attractions centered on Main Street, Durham, NH. Visitors can find plenty of hidden gems such as cozy cafés, unique boutiques, and live music venues that host concerts year-round. Whether you’re out for a night with friends or just exploring, there’s always something exciting to find while living in Durham.
Is Durham NH a Nice Place to Live?
Durham, NH is widely considered a great place to live, especially for those who value a strong sense of community and access to education through the University of New Hampshire. The town offers a balance of small-town charm and modern amenities, with close proximity to the ocean and nearby cities. Many folks living in Durham are drawn here for its safety, walkability, and overall quality of life.
What Is the Crime Rate In Durham, New Hampshire?
Durham has a notably low crime rate, making it one of the safer communities in America. The total crime rate is 373 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 67.2% lower than the state average and 84% lower than the national average. Violent crime is especially rare at 58 incidents per 100,000 people, while property crime is at 315 per 100,000, both significantly below national and statewide averages, reinforcing how safe living in Durham really is.
Durham NH Map
Explore more exciting activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in Durham with this map.
See For Yourself What Living in Durham Is Really Like
Ready to discover for yourself what living in Durham is really like? When the time comes to make the relocation, you can trust the dependable Durham NH movers at Preferred Movers to make your relocation easy and efficient. Contact us today by calling (603) 379-2272 for a free quote from the top New Hampshire moving company.
