Epping, New Hampshire 03042
Epping, NH Lodging, Real Estate, Travel & Visitor Information
Tucked in the heart of Rockingham County, Epping is one of those small New Hampshire towns that manages to feel like both a peaceful retreat and a place that’s on the move. Whether you’re just visiting for the weekend or considering a longer stay, Epping is full of stories, local charm, and easy access to both the seacoast and the mountains. It’s no surprise that more and more people are calling this part of southern New Hampshire home.
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Map of Epping, New Hampshire
History of Epping – A Town with Deep Roots
Long before the Route 101 overpass made Epping a convenient stop on your way to Manchester or Portsmouth, this land was part of early colonial settlements. Epping was officially incorporated in the early 1700s, taking its name from Epping Forest in England. Early families cleared land, built farms, and started what would become a thriving agricultural community.
As the decades rolled on, Epping played its part in the American story. Like many New England towns, it sent men off to fight in the Revolution. It eventually became home to notable figures in New Hampshire politics, including former governors. Today, the past still lingers in the old homes, quiet graveyards, and historical landmarks found throughout town.
One of the most iconic buildings in town is the Watson Academy, a striking Queen Anne–style schoolhouse built in the 1880s. It’s no longer a school but stands as a reminder of Epping’s commitment to education and progress. The old town center along Main Street showcases Victorian architecture and preserved colonial-era homes.
The Epping Historical Society does a great job keeping these stories alive. They host open houses and maintain a small museum filled with artifacts, vintage photos, and documents that give you a deeper sense of the town’s character.
Community Spirit and Local Events
Spend any time in Epping and you’ll notice the community pride. Whether it’s the spring carnival on the common, a local craft fair, or a seasonal concert on a warm summer evening, the town knows how to come together. One of the biggest annual happenings is the high-energy balloon and music festival held each year to benefit a local foundation. Live bands, colorful hot air balloons, fireworks, and food trucks bring neighbors and families from surrounding towns to celebrate.
Epping’s public spaces and playgrounds are well maintained, and there’s always something happening at the Harvey-Mitchell Memorial Library—from story hours to genealogy workshops to book groups and local author talks.
Where to Stay in Epping, NH
While Epping is a small town, it offers a few comfortable places to stay if you’re spending a night or two.
One of the closest places to downtown Epping is the Exeter Inn, just a short drive away at 90 Front Street in Exeter. This charming, historic inn is set on the edge of Phillips Exeter Academy and offers boutique accommodations with a cozy New England feel.
A great choice for families or extended stays is Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, located at 138 Portsmouth Avenue in Exeter. With modern rooms and easy highway access, it’s a convenient base for exploring the area.
Travelers looking for more budget-friendly options will find the Motel 6 Portsmouth at 3 Gosling Road in Portsmouth, only about twenty minutes away from Epping. It’s basic, clean, and located near restaurants and stores.
If you prefer something with a bit more rustic charm, Pawtuckaway State Park in nearby Nottingham offers campsites and cabin rentals right by the lake. It’s perfect for nature lovers looking to hike, swim, or kayak just a short drive from town.
For vacationers who love a quiet countryside experience, the Inn by the Bandstand in Exeter at 6 Front Street is a beautifully restored historic property offering luxury suites and gourmet breakfasts.
Nearby Raymond has a few charming short-term rentals and campgrounds as well, including family-friendly options like Pine Acres RV Resort at 74 Freetown Road in Raymond, which features full hookups, cabin rentals, and lake access.
Browse Epping, New Hampshire VRBO Vacation Homes Rentals, Hotels, Resorts, and Airbnb Lodging Specials Below.
Places to Stay Near Epping, New Hampshire, USA
Epping Real Estate and Living in the NH Seacoast Region
The Epping, NH real estate market has grown steadily over the past decade, driven by its ideal location between Manchester and Portsmouth. The town offers a mix of older homes with classic New England charm and newer subdivisions with modern layouts, open floor plans, and energy-efficient features.
You’ll find quiet country roads with classic Cape Cods and colonials, as well as newer developments like Pleasant View Farm Condominiums, offering townhomes in a walkable part of town. Whether you’re looking for a starter home, a low-maintenance condo, or a multi-acre property with room to grow, Epping has a surprising variety of housing stock for a small town.
Many new families are moving here for the excellent school system and convenient commuter access. Routes 101 and 125 intersect right in town, giving residents a straight shot to Manchester’s airport or to the seacoast in Portsmouth. Boston is just over an hour away, making Epping a feasible choice for those who need to occasionally make the trip south.
Local real estate agents are a valuable resource if you’re considering a move. They’ll help you understand property taxes, zoning laws, and recent sales trends that affect value. There are also multiple new construction options being developed in the area, often featuring energy-saving construction and walkable community layouts.
Epping’s Best-Kept Secrets
Even longtime residents discover something new every now and then in Epping. The town is home to two major motorsport destinations—Star Speedway and New England Dragway. Star Speedway has been hosting Saturday night races for decades, drawing crowds with its modified stock car competitions. Meanwhile, New England Dragway attracts racers and fans from across the Northeast with its NHRA events and jet car exhibitions.
If speed isn’t your thing, you’ll still find plenty to enjoy outdoors. The Lamprey River winds through town, and although it’s not always visible from the road, it offers peaceful spots for paddling and birdwatching. There are also small parks, trails, and conservation areas hidden around town that are great for hiking and dog walking.
Epping’s retail hub, Brickyard Square, blends big-box convenience with locally-owned eateries and services. You can grab a coffee, catch a movie, and shop all in one spot. It’s a sign of the town’s ongoing growth and appeal to families and professionals alike.
Just outside town, nature lovers flock to Pawtuckaway State Park for swimming, kayaking, hiking, and winter snowshoeing. This scenic park is only about fifteen minutes away, making it an easy day trip for locals.
Epping Town Services and Practical Info
Epping operates under a Select Board and Town Administrator model of government. The Town Hall is located at 157 Main Street and houses services such as the town clerk, assessing office, and planning board. Public safety services are located nearby and include a well-equipped fire department and police station.
The public schools in Epping are part of SAU 14. The school system includes an elementary, middle, and high school, all located in town. Class sizes are reasonable, and the schools have a solid reputation for academic performance and extracurricular offerings.
The town library, the Harvey-Mitchell Memorial Library, is an active and essential part of the community. Beyond books, it offers workshops, movie nights, local history collections, and space for community meetings.
Trash and recycling pick-up, water, and sewer services are managed locally. The town also maintains several community parks and fields that are used for youth sports and seasonal events. Residents are encouraged to get involved in local boards and committees, many of which are volunteer-driven.
Incorporated: 1741
County: Rockingham
Epping, NH Population:
2010: 6,411
GPS Coordinates:
Latitude: 43.0200
Longitude: -71.0427
Epping, NH Local Information
Epping Police Dispatch: 911
Life in Epping Today
Life in Epping strikes a balance between quiet rural charm and modern-day convenience. You’ll see kids riding bikes, neighbors chatting over coffee, and families gathering for Friday night football games. At the same time, you’ll find high-speed internet, access to major shopping, and quick commutes to larger cities.
The people here are welcoming, and new residents often mention how easy it is to get involved. Whether it’s helping out with a local clean-up day, attending a town meeting, or joining a recreation league, Epping offers plenty of ways to connect.
It’s not a town that shouts for attention, but it has everything you need—and perhaps most importantly, it has a sense of place. It’s the kind of town where people still wave when they pass by and where local history is something to be celebrated, not forgotten.
Epping, New Hampshire, may not make the national headlines, but for those who live here or visit regularly, it’s a special place. With deep historical roots, a strong sense of community, natural beauty, and growing opportunity, it offers something more enduring than flash. Whether you’re looking to move, visit, or just get to know the area better, you’ll find that Epping welcomes you in its own quiet, confident way.
For updated information, town details, and photos of Epping and surrounding areas, bookmark nhliving.com/towns/epping and explore all this hidden gem has to offer.
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