The rocky shoreline of Rye, NH is breathtaking New England scenery at its best.
Rye, New Hampshire has drawn settlers to its dramatic coastline since the early 1600s. This stretch if rugged and winding Atlantic shore first captivated Captain John Smith in 1614; he considered the area an earthly paradise.
The first settlement in New Hampshire, established by David Thompson in 1623 at Odiorne's Point, and named Pannaway. Originally part of Portsmouth, it was incorporated as a parish of New Castle in 1726. The town is named for the borough of Rye, a flourishing English Channel town. Rye's eight-mile length of coastline is dotted with old names such as Wallis Sands, Jenness Beach, Locke's Neck, Ragged Neck, Rye Harbor, and Odiorne Point. In 1876, four of the Isles of Shoals were annexed to the town, the only New Hampshire town with Atlantic islands. The remaining five islands belong to Maine.
The center of Rye, located two miles inland among peaceful tree-lined boulevards and gracious estates, boasts some of the oldest individual homes in the area. Aside from the carefully monitored seasonal tourism market, the town in primarily residential, with a few horse farms scattered throughout the town. A desirable variety of small local business ventures, ranging from several fine dining establishments to family- run commercial fishing operations, exemplify the type of business most successful and compatible here. Rye is also the home of the dynamic Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne Point. The center is located on the site of one of New Hampshire’s earliest settlements, and includes a state park, complete with nature trails, picnic areas, and year-round discovery center and educational facility.
From the State Harbor to Jenness & Rye State Parks to Wallis Sands and Odiorne Point, Rye is the classic seacoast town. Jump on a whale watch from the harbor, or take a cruise over to the Isles of Shoals.
Schools
Rye Elementary School (Grades K-5)
Rye Junior High (Grades 6-8)
Portsmouth High School
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Property Tax Rate- (2006) $8.66, $8.83, $9.11, or $9.25 per $1,000, depending on the district |
Manchester > 40 miles |
