Pros and Cons of Living in Durham

Durham's core trade-off pairs a genuine, distinctive college-town identity and strong schools against a real, disclosed housing-cost and property-tax premium.

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Pro: a real, distinctive college-town identity

UNH's presence gives Durham genuine access to university academic, athletic, and cultural resources most New Hampshire small towns simply don't have -- a real, distinct draw for movers who want it.

Pro: a real, strong school district and favorable crime profile

Oyster River Cooperative School District (9/10-rated high school) and a genuinely favorable crime profile (1-in-1,527 violent-crime victim odds) both run in Durham's favor.

Con: a real, disclosed housing-affordability challenge

Student-housing demand drives Durham's $498,000 median home value and $3,000-$4,000/month rents, which Durham's own Housing Needs Analysis found makes workforce housing genuinely difficult to develop.

Con: the highest property tax rate in Strafford County

Ownwell's cited 2.90% effective property tax rate runs above every other Strafford County community and above New Hampshire's own statewide picture -- a real, disclosed trade-off.

Key takeaways

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Last reviewed: 2026-08-28. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.