Searching for a welcoming community with good public schools, lush parks, and small town charm? Then you'll love living in Stratham NH. An affluent town in southern New Hampshire, Stratham is known for its rich history, strong sense of community, and rural charm.
First settled in 1631, it was later incorporated in 1716. Initially known as "Squamscott Patent" or "Point of Rocks" due to its location between the Great Bay and the Squamscott River, it was later renamed after Wriothesley Russell, Baron Howland of Streatham, who was a friend of the royal governor, Samuel Shute.
Today, Stratham is a good place to live for those seeking a safe place to raise a family with excellent schools and proximity to larger cities. Planning on moving to Stratham NH? Here is everything you need to know to prepare.
Where Is Stratham New Hampshire?
Stratham NH is in Rockingham County, in southeastern New Hampshire. The Squamscott River runs along the western border, which is a north-flowing tributary of the Great Bay. The east side of town drains into the Winnicut River, which also flows toward the Great Bay. The town is also nestled within the Piscataqua River watershed and situated 12 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean.
Drivers living in Stratham have plenty of transportation options. New Hampshire routes 33, 108, and 111 all cross through town, and the New Hampshire Route 101 Expressway also passes through the southern part of town. Nearby towns include Newmarket, Newfields, Exeter, Kensington, Hampton Falls, and North Hampton.
It's about 10 miles or a 22-minute drive from Portsmouth NH to Stratham NH. It’s also about 60 miles or a 90 minute drive from Boston to Stratham NH.
Stratham Population and Demographics
The Stratham NH population is 7,754 as of the 2020 census. The population has grown steadily over the years as many residents discover the benefits of living in Stratham. The population increased by 5.7% between 2010 and 2020. However, it still has a very spacious, rural character with a population density of 511 people per square mile.
Stratham is a wealthy community popular with families and seniors. 21% of Stratham residents are over 65, and 24% are under 18. The median household income is $151,998, which is 50% higher than the rest of New Hampshire and nearly double the US median.
It doesn't have the most diversity; however, it does feature growing Asian and Hispanic communities. The racial and ethnic breakdown of those living in Stratham is 94% white, 2% Hispanic or Latino, 2% Asian, and 3% two or more races.
Other Stratham, NH demographics
- 53% of people living in Stratham are women, and 47% are men
- The median age is 41.6 years old
- 98.7% of people living in Stratham have a high school diploma, and 69.9% have a bachelor's degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 3.6%
Living in Stratham is very safe. The total crime rate and violent crime rate are both significantly lower than both the state and the country, and the murder rate is zero, which is why it attracts so many wealthy families.
- Total crime rate: 242 crimes per 100,000 people, 78.7% lower than the state and 89.6% lower than the country
- Violent crime rate: 13 crimes per 100,000 people, 89.6% lower than the state and 96.5% lower than the country
- Property crime: 229 crimes per 100,000 people, 77.3% lower than the state and 88.3% lower than the country
The Stratham Police Department handles crime in the community with the support of 12 sworn officers and 1 civilian employee.
Cost of Living in Stratham
Living in Stratham is relatively affordable for the high quality of life the community offers. One way to assess how much it costs to live in a community is to analyze the cost of living index. It compares the costs of consumer goods to the rest of the United States, which is represented by 100.
The COLI for the Manchester area is 109.2, indicating that living in Stratham is 9.2% more expensive than the typical US city. The Family Budget Calculator by the Economic Policy Institute is also a helpful resource. It shows that the typical family of four with two adults and two kids would need to earn $130,675 per year to afford the cost of living in Stratham.
Typical expenses of living in Stratham
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $25.00
- Regular cappuccino: $5.17
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $4.30
- 12 oz bottle of beer: $2.92
- 1 loaf of fresh bread: $3.54
- 1 liter of gasoline: $0.82
- 12 oz bottle of water: $2.14
- Average Stratham monthly utility bill: $267.62
The Stratham real estate market is also very affordable. According to Redfin, the median home price in Stratham is $335,000, which is 24% below the US median. The median price per square foot of Stratham NH real estate is $373.
Most residents living in Stratham own a home. According to census data, 93% of Stratham NH houses are owner-occupied, and 7% are rented out. Tenants moving to Stratham NH will find more options in the surrounding areas. In Stratham, 57% of homes are located in smaller apartment complexes, and 44% are single-family homes.
Stratham Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Stratham
Stratham is home to some fantastic neighborhoods offering beautiful homes and a high quality of life. Here are some of the best places to check out if you’re moving to Stratham NH.
Tidewater Farm | A Family-Friendly Neighborhood with Waterfront Properties
Tidewater Farm is a peaceful, family-friendly neighborhood of 75 homes offering breathtaking views of the bay, quiet streets, and a range of architectural styles. It’s a popular place for families living in Stratham.
Turnberry | A Luxury Homes with Friendly Neighbors and New England Charm
Located off Squamscott Road in the northern part of town, Turnberry is a quiet community with luxury Stratham, New Hampshire real estate, state-of-the-art amenities, and classic New England charm.
The Hills at Crockett Farm | A Modern Condo Community with a Residential Feel
The Hills at Crockett Farm is a residential subdivision offering 2-3 bedroom condos with a residential neighborhood feel that's walking distance to agricultural lands.
Stratham Weather & Climate
Stratham NH weather is fairly typical for what you might expect in the northeast. It has a humid continental climate characterized by four distinct seasons, including cold, snowy winters and mild summers.
The temperature usually ranges from about 18°F to 81°F, though it can drop to 4°F and climb to 90°F. The best weather in Stratham NH is usually from mid-June to mid-September. You'll want to prepare for precipitation if you plan on moving to Stratham NH, as it averages 50 inches of rain and 53 inches of snow each year. So be sure to pack an umbrella and snow boots if you plan on living in Stratham!
Things to Do in Stratham
From parks and golf courses to museums and entertainment centers, you'll find a wide variety of fun things to do in Stratham.
You'll find plenty of shopping options at the Kittery Premium Outlets, Exeter Commons or the Parkman Brook Shopping Center. Aside from shopping, here are some of the best things to do in Stratham, NH.
Stratham Hill Park is a local favorite offering hiking and mountain biking trails, picnic pavilions, baseball fields, and a playground. It's a major hub for the community and hosts many events and live music, such as Thursday Nights in the Park and the Stratham Fair every summer.
270 Portsmouth Ave, Stratham, NH 03885 (603) 772-7450
The Golf Club of New England is a premier, Arnold Palmer-designed course featuring scenic landscapes and challenging greens that is often considered one of the best golf courses in New Hampshire. It’s a popular place for those living in Stratham who like to hit the greens.
167 Winnicutt Rd, Stratham, NH 03885 (603) 772-4900
The Stratham Historical Society is a local museum dedicated to preserving the history of the town that is housed in a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
158 Portsmouth Ave, Stratham, NH 03885 (603) 778-0434
Additional Attractions Near Stratham
Looking for more fun things to do in Stratham? The Parks and Recreation Department has a list of events, facilities, programs and sports, and more resources for those living in Stratham on its website.
Stratham Restaurants
Looking for a bite to eat? You'll be pleased to hear that Stratham offers a variety of delicious restaurants for you to try. New Hampshire is famous for its coastal lobster, locally produced maple syrup, and New England clam chowder. Here are a few of the best restaurants in Stratham, NH, if you're looking for a bite to eat.
PepeNero is a casual eatery serving Italian and Middle Eastern delicacies, including pizza, pasta, shawarma, and more. It’s a great place for those living in Stratham who want to grab a slice.
157 Portsmouth Ave, Stratham, NH 03885 (603) 583-5329
Sue's Korean Kitchen is a family-owned Korean restaurant serving authentic dishes, including pan-fried dumplings and scallion pancakes. It’s a great place for anyone living in Stratham who is planning a weekend outing.
74 Portsmouth Ave, Stratham, NH 03885 (603) 777-7604
Muddy River Smokehouse is a laid-back BBQ joint and one of the best restaurants in Stratham, New Hampshire, if you want delicious cured meats served in a casual setting.
70 NH-108, Newfields, NH 03856 (603) 583-5213
Jobs in Stratham
Stratham is a highly educated community with a higher median income than the rest of the state and the country. It serves as a major commercial hub and is home to the US headquarters of Timberland and the only US factory of Lindt & Sprungli (the producer of Lindt chocolate). The local economy for many living in Stratham is supported by a mix of manufacturing, specialized services, and retail.
Largest employers in New Hampshire offering jobs in Stratham, NH:
Employees living in Stratham can expect fair compensation. According to Payscale, the average salary in New Hampshire is $80,000 per year. So you can expect many Stratham NH jobs to pay that or more.
From marketing associate to court reporter, you can find a wide variety of Stratham jobs available. You can also find plenty of excellent jobs in the town of Stratham New Hampshire jobs available with the local government.
Stratham Schools
Kids living in Stratham will likewise receive a fantastic education. There are two schools within the Stratham School District, Cooperative Middle School and Stratham Memorial School. Stratham Elementary School serves students in Pre-K through 5th grade, and Cooperative Middle School serves grades 6-8.
Students in grades 9-12 living in Stratham attend Exeter High School, which also serves the towns of Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, Brentwood, and East Kingston. It's highly respected and ranks 10th in New Hampshire, with a 95% graduation rate.
There are also a few private schools in Stratham NH, such as The Cornerstone School and the Acorn School. In the 80's, Stratham was home to a campus of the New Hampshire Technical College; it was later merged with Great Bay Community College, which is located in Portsmouth. Residents living in Stratham can also stop by the Wiggin Memorial Library for books and other media.
Stratham Statistics & Information
- County: Rockingham County
- Stratham area: 15.50
- Stratham zip code(s): 03885
- Stratham area code(s): 603
- Stratham elevation: 59 ft
- Stratham time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Stratham: The Portsmouth International Airport (PSM) is 10 miles away.
FAQ
Is the Town of Stratham NH Wealthy?
Yes, Stratham is considered an affluent community, with a median household income significantly higher than the national median. The median household income among those living in Stratham is $151,998, nearly double the national average.
The per capita income is $69,523, which is 50% higher than the rest of the US. This wealth is reflected in its well-established neighborhoods, local farms, and the overall blend of rural charm and modern convenience that makes it a wonderful place to live or visit.
Is Living in Stratham NH Safe?
Yes, living in Stratham, NH is quite safe. The total crime rate is 242, which is 78.7% lower than the rest of the state and 89.6% lower than the rest of the country. The violent crime rate is 89.6% lower than the rest of the state, and the property crime rate is 77.3% lower.
Safety is a key reason why there are so many families living in Stratham, as the town is well-prepared to maintain its peaceful environment and consistently receives positive responses from residents who live there.
Is Stratham NH a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Stratham NH is a great place to live for those seeking a family-friendly community with low crime, safe streets and upscale residential subdivisions. Living in Stratham offers plenty of outdoor space for families and their dogs to play, along with community spots that host local events year-round. Its convenient location also makes travel easy, adding to its appeal as a well-rounded and welcoming place to call home.
Stratham NH Map
Explore more activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in Stratham with this map.
Ready to See for Yourself What Living in Stratham Has to Offer?
Now that you know all the benefits of living in Stratham, you're ready to decide if it's the right place for you. When the time comes, you can trust the dependable Stratham NH movers at Preferred Movers to make your relocation easy and efficient. Call (603) 379-2272 today for a free quote from the top New Hampshire moving company!
