Kingston, New Hampshire
Rockingham County · Seacoast

Kingston

Home of Josiah Bartlett, First to Vote for Independence

About Kingston

Kingston was the fifth town incorporated in New Hampshire, established in 1694 after peace accords with local Native nations ended King William's War. Its most famous resident was Josiah Bartlett — physician, militia colonel, first signer to vote for independence, and New Hampshire's first state governor. Route 125 runs through the center of town and is the main commercial corridor, while the historic village center along Main Street retains its colonial character with a classic bandstand and white-steepled church. Kingston State Park on Great Pond gives residents a 44-acre public beach and picnic area that fills up every summer weekend. The town is primarily residential, with most workers commuting south to Plaistow, Haverhill, or the Seacoast. Sanborn Regional School District serves Kingston alongside Newton, and the district's consolidated campus sits right in town. Kingston Days, held every August, is the signature community celebration with a parade, fireworks, and a carnival that draws the region.

Why Kingston?

  • Deep colonial history — birthplace of signer Josiah Bartlett
  • Kingston State Park beach on Great Pond for summer recreation
  • Easy commute south to Plaistow, Haverhill MA, and Seacoast jobs
  • Sanborn Regional schools with middle and high school campus in town

Quick Facts

Population
6,275
County
Rockingham
Region
Seacoast
School District
SAU 17

Weather in Kingston

51°F

Partly Cloudy

Today

54 / 31

Sun

59 / 37

Mon

59 / 39

Map

Living in Kingston

What you need to know about making Kingston your home.

Major Employers

Sanborn Regional School DistrictTown of KingstonKingston State ParkCarriage Towne Plaza businesses

Schools & Education

Kingston is home to the Sanborn Regional School District (SAU 17), with all three schools — elementary through high school — located in town, serving Kingston, Newton, and Fremont.

Cost of Living

Median home prices around $570K with property tax rate of $17.90 per $1,000, moderate for Rockingham County. No state income or sales tax helps offset costs.

Real Estate

$570,000 median home price

$17.90 per $1,000 property tax rate

No state income or sales tax in NH

View listings in Kingston

Commute Times

55 min
Boston
20 min
Exeter
10 min
Plaistow
40 min
Manchester
35 min
Portsmouth
15 min
Haverhill MA

School District

Regional district

Sanborn Regional School District(SAU 17)

Grades served: PreK-12

Website

Kingston serves as a district hub for students from nearby towns in this district.

District towns

Daniel J. Bakie Elementary School
PreK-5Elementary
Sanborn Regional Middle School
6-8Middle School
Sanborn Regional High SchoolIndians
9-12High School

Parks & Public Spaces

Kingston State ParkState Park

Hidden Gems in Kingston

Beyond the well-known attractions, Kingston has spots that locals love and visitors rarely find.

Rock Rimmon Hill

year-round

A short but rewarding hike to an open rocky summit with westward views across the seacoast region. The old fire tower foundations still mark the spot where you could once see the ocean and Belknaps. Orange blazes guide you through flat seacoast forest and over a boardwalk before the climb, though the trail can be tricky to follow and locals warn of break-ins at the parking area.

ET's Landing

year-round

A hidden gem along the Powwow River accessible only via an unmarked trail through the Sargent Management Area. Several benches provide peaceful river views in this conservation area, perfect for watching the slow-moving water and observing wildlife. The mile-long walk through the management area adds to the sense of discovery.

Valley Lane Town Forest Waterfall

spring

A picturesque seasonal waterfall and pool at the Brian Quinlan Memorial Bridge, deep in the forest on the Red Trail. The memorial bridge overlooks the cascading water, creating a peaceful spot locals call one of Kingston's most beautiful hidden features. Spring brings the waterfall to life, while the surrounding forest offers glacial boulder formations nicknamed 'Stonehenge.'

Frye Town Forest

year-round

An 82-acre forest along Colby Brook featuring the scenic Blue Trail that follows Bartlett Brook to an impressive double beaver dam. The entrance passes the old Frye Farm cellar hole from the 1800s, and the trails wind through terrain that can flood from beaver activity, creating an ever-changing landscape. Sassafras groves and stream views make this a local favorite for those who know where to find it.

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