Living in Hampton Beach (Manchester, Exeter: rentals, condos, sex offender)

[mermandrea]

I am interested in moving to Hampton Beach. I've always wanted to live by th e ocean and rentals in Rye are just too expensive.

Additionally, Hampton is closer to my sister's family in Exeter and I may soon be working in Peabody, MA, which would be a decent commute.

Lately, people have been warning me NOT to go to Hampton Beach under any circumstances as it is the "heroin" capital of the area....

Are they being a bit alarmist?

and am I perhaps being a bit too carefree about not worrying about a drug culture in the area? I lived for 15 years in Los Angeles and just don't see southern NH as really threatening!!!!

Thanks...
Andrea (currently in Manchester, NH)

[buck naked]

my first reaction is to say "WUT?!!????" LOL but then I did a little research on the internet. the only stories that really mention it other than gossip blogs are dated 2004 -


Hampton Union Local News: Drug travels from Massachusetts into N.H. and Maine

[SIZE=2] Still, the amount of heroin seized in the state and sent to the State Police Crime Lab for testing has increased dramatically, according to lab Director Tim Pifer. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=2] The lab, which tests to confirm the drug is heroin, received 135 samples for testing in 2002 and 256 samples in 2003. It has seven drug chemists analyzing 500 to 600 total drug cases each month, which includes all types of drugs. There is a four- to five-month backlog for authorities to receive results. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]Across state lines [/SIZE]
[SIZE=2] Police are aware heroin’s main route into the state, especially the Seacoast, are major roadways such as I-95 and Route 125. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=2] Sometimes they don’t go far when they cross the New Hampshire state line. State police patrolling I-95 have responded to what they believe are cars broken down on the side of the road to find someone shooting heroin inside the car, said Lt. David Kelley, troop commander of Troop A in Epping.

[/SIZE][SIZE=2] In another recent case, Trooper Anthony Caruso stopped a car with a loud muffler as it headed north on I-95. The car had a Maine license plate. The people in the car had conflicting stories. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=2] "Their ultimate story was they’d driven all the way from (mid-)Maine to Lowell simply to go for a ride and they’d stayed in Lowell for only 20 minutes," Kelley said. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=2] Caruso ended up doing a consent search of the vehicle and seized 100 bags of heroin. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=2] "Later it was determined, after he interviewed them, that they had been paid by someone in Maine to pick up the drugs and drive them back to Maine," Kelley said.[/SIZE]


there's more in the article, but basically it says that Hampton is no more a problem than any of the seacoast towns.

[rmcewan]

My old landlord down in Rye called Hampton Beach the "White Trash Riviera". I've only seen it in the off season, but I can tell you in the summer it'll be heaving with the Boston 18-30 crowd. It will be loud, boozy and obnoxious. (this is Hampton BEACH, not Hampton). Outside of the main tourist drags might be ok, but I'll bet it then becomes as expensive as Rye. Also: practically all rentals within walking distance of the beach are weekly vacation places. And again, you're talking $500K + for a small property to buy that's walking distance to the ocean. I had a winter rental 200yrds from the beach in Rye for 2 months this last fall. Older 2 bed duplex: $1500/month inc. utils. That would rent for around $800/wk in summer.

[Valerie C]

Hampton Beach has really changed quite a bit, as those of you who've been going there for years will attest. As rmcewan notes, it'll be heaving with people, families and teens by day, older teens and 20-somethings at night. And tons of people renting the seasonals from all over! It's really not a huge draw for the Boston crowd, they are more likely to head for the south shore or Revere, etc. There aren't alot of nightspots that play the type of music that the 20-somethings want to hear... There is also a very visible police presence, especially at night. I don't see it as being a drug mecca, and living in Manchester now, LA previously, you are probably more than able handle living there. There are lots (LOTS) of condos available, the closer you are to the water, the price goes up up up. If you're looking to be near the ocean, but without the crowds (getting to/from home can be difficult in summer) consider Seabrook, town of Hampton, North Hampton maybe?

[Annabelle]

As someone who is very familiar with the area, I would be cautious about renting on Hampton Beach in the off season. In the summer months obviously is a vacation destination which attracts teens, couples, and families for various summer fun. However, while the beach in the winter may look like a quiet little ghost town and a nice place to get a cheap rental and enjoy the beach w/o the crowds, I suggest you spend an afternoon and evening walking and driving the streets of the alphabet. If you are comfortable go for it. Check the NH sex offender list as well.

[Tarastomsgirl]

I always liked Hampton beach as it reminded me of where I lived (I guess people of NH get a feel for what people in FL put up with year round with their towns invaded by tourists nonstop ) I was in Hampton in July and found it very nice, then again visiting is different from living, but being your from LA. you might feel at home , I've come to find I prefer the crowds.. Definetly listen to the people on the board here, and take everything they say into consideration Good luck with everything

[Annabelle]

Here's a link to an article about Hampton Beach in the off season. It's 4 years old but still holds true. Exeter News-Letter News: When the crowds are gone...

[fishnfool]

Move to North beach, in Hampton. That's where I live. you get away from the crazies but still get the beach (there's a real nice one just north of the wall), and you can walk or ride down to the strip if you want nightlife. I live right off the beach near the surf shop and I love it. Rent at my place is cheaper than most places in portsmouth or even exeter.

[J Sepanski]

I know alot about that area as I am a realtor in the seacoast area, and I have to say for what you are describing I agree with fishnfool, as the North Beach area sounds like it would meet or needs perfectly. Much quieter, but great beach access and an easier traffic route in and out.

[mermandrea]

Thanks... I have already seen and found a few places a few miles from the "arcades"!!! They are in my price range....