Strafford, New Hampshire
Strafford County · Seacoast

Strafford

Home to Parker Mountain — Strafford County's Highest Peak

About Strafford

Strafford is a sprawling rural town of over 50 square miles in southeastern New Hampshire, anchored by the beautiful Bow Lake at its heart and the scenic Blue Hills Range along its eastern edge. Established in 1820, the town has maintained its agrarian character with working farms, forested hills, and a network of quiet country roads perfect for cycling and horseback riding. The drive around Bow Lake on Province Road is one of the prettiest loops in the region. Strafford manages to feel genuinely remote while sitting roughly equidistant between Concord and Portsmouth, making it a practical choice for commuters who want to come home to stone walls and starlit skies. The town center, such as it is, consists of the school, a few churches, and the kind of general store where locals catch up.

Why Strafford?

  • Bow Lake for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and ice fishing
  • 50+ square miles of rural countryside and working farms
  • Equidistant commute to Concord, Dover, and Portsmouth
  • Small, community-oriented Strafford School with dedicated staff
  • Blue Hills Range hiking and scenic country roads

Quick Facts

Population
4,240
County
Strafford
Region
Seacoast
School District
SAU 44

Weather in Strafford

49°F

Partly Cloudy

Today

55 / 31

Sun

59 / 39

Mon

60 / 39

Map

Living in Strafford

What you need to know about making Strafford your home.

Major Employers

Strafford School DistrictTown of StraffordDavid R. Witcher, Builder

Schools & Education

Strafford School serves PK-8 students locally in SAU 105, with high school students attending Coe-Brown Northwood Academy, a well-regarded public academy in neighboring Northwood.

Cost of Living

Home prices are moderate for southeastern NH, but the $19.76 tax rate is on the higher side, reflecting the cost of maintaining schools and services across a large, low-density town.

Real Estate

$410,000 median home price

$19.76 per $1,000 property tax rate

No state income or sales tax in NH

View listings in Strafford

Commute Times

25 min
Dover
40 min
Concord
20 min
Rochester
35 min
Portsmouth

School District

Strafford School
PK-8Elementary
Coe-Brown Northwood Academy (Northwood)
9-12High School

Hidden Gems in Strafford

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

Little Blue Job Summit

year-round

The lesser-known twin of Blue Job Mountain, this bare granite dome at 1,250 feet offers spectacular 360-degree views that many locals consider superior to the main fire tower. The exposed ledges provide unobstructed vistas of the White Mountains, and on clear days you can see Mount Washington, the ocean, and distant peaks. The amount of open rock is unusual for such a low elevation, creating an almost alpine feel.

Berrybogg Farm

summer

A family-run pick-your-own blueberry farm that has been operating for nearly 50 years on the shores of Bow Lake. Set on rolling farmland with nine varieties of highbush blueberries, it's a peaceful escape where the same families return year after year. You'll find fresh blueberry lemonade and local honey at their charming farm stand, and the sweet scent of ripening berries fills the summer air.

Third Baptist Church of Strafford

year-round

This pristine white clapboard country church sits at a scenic fork in the road, showcasing beautiful Greek Revival architecture from around 1833. The simple two-stage tower and crescent-shaped lunette window above the entrance make it a photographer's favorite. It's remarkably well-preserved and represents classic New England church architecture that many visitors drive right past.

Austin Hall (Strafford Historical Society)

year-round

This stunning 1833 Greek Revival building served as the Strafford Union Academy for generations before becoming the town's historical society. The ornate Federal-style window moldings and preserved interior create an authentic glimpse into 19th-century New England education. Few visitors realize they can explore this architectural gem that once educated students from across the region.

Bow Lake Public Beach and Boat Launch

summer

A hidden gem right in town, this quiet public beach on the 1,160-acre lake offers swimming, kayaking, and stunning views of the surrounding islands and forested shores. Locals love the peaceful atmosphere and clean water, plus the annual Fourth of July fireworks reflected on the lake surface. The boat launch provides access to excellent fishing and wildlife viewing including nesting eagles on Bennett Island.

Stay in the loop on Strafford

Get weekly updates about events in Strafford and nearby — delivered free to your inbox.

Free weekly newsletter. Unsubscribe anytime.