Loading listings
Durham is a small college town in Strafford County in southeastern New Hampshire, with a total population of roughly 15,000 that is heavily shaped by the University of New Hampshire community. Situated on the Oyster River about 11 miles west of Portsmouth and approximately 50 miles north of Boston, Durham offers a quintessential New England college-town experience with a compact downtown, historic architecture, and easy access to coastal and inland recreation. The local economy and housing market are closely tied to UNH, making the rental landscape unusually competitive for a town of its size. Students drawn to a quieter, nature-accessible setting while remaining within reach of Portsmouth and the Seacoast region find Durham a distinctive place to live.
Near Main Street and Mill Road, the most desirable and walkable area, with immediate access to campus, the Memorial Union Building, and dining.
Residential streets from the town center with student houses and small rental properties popular with roommate groups.
About seven miles east, a secondary student market with newer complexes, consistent availability, and COAST bus access.
About 12 miles away, a small coastal city with a broader dining and nightlife scene, at the cost of a longer commute.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Durham.
The COAST (Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation) bus system connects Durham to Dover, Portsmouth, and other Seacoast communities, providing a car-free option for students commuting to nearby towns for work, shopping, or social activities. UNH also operates the Wildcat Transit shuttle system, which is free for students with a valid university ID and runs routes connecting campus to key off-campus areas and the downtown core. Together, these two systems make it possible for students living in Durham or nearby Dover to manage day-to-day needs without a vehicle.
Durham's compact layout makes it one of the more walkable college towns in New England, with most on-campus buildings, downtown restaurants, the post office, and essential services reachable on foot within 10 to 15 minutes from central residential areas. The town has dedicated bike lanes on some key corridors, and the relatively low traffic volume makes cycling a comfortable and practical choice for navigating the immediate campus area. Students living in Durham itself rarely need a car for daily on-campus life.
Parking near the UNH campus is limited and competitive, with permit wait lists for some on-campus lots and restrictions on first-year student vehicle registration in certain areas. Street parking in residential Durham neighborhoods is available but subject to seasonal restrictions and town ordinances. Students commuting from Dover or Portsmouth will find parking near campus more challenging and are encouraged to use the Wildcat Transit or COAST bus connections to avoid the daily parking competition.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Durham's rental market is extremely competitive given the small town size and large UNH student population, with many landlords re-leasing properties as early as September or October for the following academic year. Students who do not begin searching in the fall semester often find that the best Durham options are already committed.
Browse student housing near each Durham-area university.