Newfields, New Hampshire
Located along the west bank of the Squamscott River, Newfields is bordered by Newmarket to the north, Exeter to the south, Stratham to the east (separated by the Squamscott River), and Epping to the west. Modest in size with an area of 7.3 square miles, today's population is approximately 2000 residents. Newfields is accessible prinicipally via Route 85, which runs north between Routes 101 and 108.
Newfields was settled in 1638 along either side of an ancient Squamscott Indian Trail, when in colonial times, it was called Newfields Village and was part of Exeter. Newfields incorporated in 1849 to become the Town of Newfields. Newfields was important to Seacoast commerce due to its location at the mouth of the Squamscott River as it empties into the large tidal estuary known as Great Bay. Great Bay, fed by several inland rivers and emptying into the Piscataqua River, provided access through Portsmouth, NH to the Atlantic Ocean.
Various industries thrived in Newfields, including lumber, ship building, iron production and casting, tannning and manufacturing. Exports included lumber, ship's masts, beef, pork, pelts, as well as machinery, steam engines and small locomotives. Few signs of the original industries still exists. The center of Newfields, along Main Street, remains a tightly clustered village composed of a mix of antique colonial and federal homes. Located on the side of a hill, the town center overlooks the waterfront where town landing, shipyard and various workshops and mercantile businesses once thrived.
Today Newfields includes a historic country store, a town hall, a public library, one church, a post office, fire department and an Elementary School. The Elementary School is part of the Exeter school District, known as SAU-16. There are several historical cemeteries, a war memorial, a public boat launch and a number of hiking/biking trails including a rail trail and single track.
With the increase of population and economic vitality of the NH Seacoast, Newfields, with its country charm and attractive natural landscape, has become a popular bedroom community. Several well planned and thought out neighborhoods are located just outside the town center. Located within 30 minutes of Manchester, NH, 45 minutes of Portland, ME, and 60 minutes to Boston, MA has also added to its popularity. While significant land development and construction of new homes in the last decade has brought many new families to the town, Newfields retains its proud historical character in large part because of its residents, both old and new, appreciate and respect its heritage.
FEATURED NEWFIELDS PROPERTY
Newfields, NH: $214,000
(sale pending)
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Overlook Drive HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! PRISTINE 4 ac Wooded Lot, Quintessential Stone Walls, Higher Elevation for Westerly Views. Deeded ROW to Piscassic River, Access to RAILTRAIL,(Hike,Bike & Snowmobile), No covenants,No Builder Tie-in. Complete Architectural Plans available or bring your own and build your Dream Home! Abuts Overlook 15 Home Subdivision. Perc.tes |
