Durham is the zero-commute option: the town wraps around UNH, so living here means rolling out of bed and walking to class. Here's what the town is like as a renter, and the places we have in it.
What living in Durham is like
Everything orbits Main Street and campus. Coffee, food, the bookstore, and your 8am are all on foot; the Amtrak Downeaster stops right on campus for Boston weekends. The rhythm of the town follows the university calendar — buzzing September to May, quiet in summer.
Housing splits into two flavors. Main Street apartments and studios put the whole town at your doorstep — some of ours include heat and hot water, which matters more than people think (see the cost guide). Neighborhood houses a few streets out trade a slightly longer walk for a yard, a driveway, and space for a full group — whole-house living you simply can't get on campus.
Who Durham fits best
Anyone without a car, anyone whose life is campus-centered, and groups that want the social core. The trade-off is price and early timing: Durham houses are the first to go every fall, so if you want one for 2027–2028, start now.
Frequently asked questions
How close is off-campus housing in Durham to UNH?
Very — Durham is compact. Housing on and around Main Street is a 5–10 minute walk to academic buildings, and most Durham rentals sit inside a 15-minute walk. Our Durham properties range from 7 to 10 minutes on foot.
Can you park a car in Durham as a renter?
At houses, usually yes — driveway parking is a standard feature and worth confirming per property. On Main Street it's tighter; ask about parking before you sign anywhere in the downtown blocks.
Why is Durham more expensive than nearby towns?
You're paying for the walk. Zero commute, downtown at your door, and the campus social radius. Madbury and Newmarket trade a short drive or bus ride for noticeably more space per dollar.
Ask us about Durham
We're local owners with houses and apartments in Durham, Madbury, and Newmarket — pre-leasing now for the 2027–2028 school year. Tell us your group size and we'll reply the same day.
