New Castle, New Hampshire
Community Profile

New Castle, which encompasses a one square-mile island on the northeastern tip of the New Hampshire Seacoast, is the state's smallest town. It is home to a close-knit residential community whose architectural antiquity and charm embody a slice of colonial history. Settled in 1623, this erstwhile fishing village preserves a small-town atmosphere that allows everyone to become an active participant in the community.

The Great Island Common is the town's recreational centerpiece. Residents and visitors enjoy the park's 35 spacious, ocean-side acres with their beach and picnic facilities. In 1993, New Castle celebrated its tricentennial anniversary of incorporation.

Economy

New Castle is committed to remaining residential. Homeowners pay a tax rate of $5.66 per $1,000 at 100 percent valuation - one of the lowest in the region. New Castle supports its own police force and elementary school. The town has a volunteer fire department, is affiliated with an EMT squad, and is a member of the area's mutual aid pact.

Policies

New Castle's Comprehensive Plan does not provide for new industry or commercial activity. New Castle's Zoning Ordinance divides the town into four districts: Residential, Commercial, Oceanside Beach, and Future Development. Residential and Commercial both require a minimum 20,000 square-foot lot size with 100 feet of minimum frontage. Oceanside Beach requires one acre. Future development permits a variety of uses on land largely undeveloped or in resort use. The New Castle Planning Board has adopted site plan review regulations and applies them to the development of tracts for non-residential use or multi-family dwelling units.

Housing

Shaded colonials, capes and contemporary-style homes dominate the area, enhanced by velvet lawns that carpet beautiful front and back yards. The center of this tiny community is filled with close neighbors residing in perfect examples of classical architecture, with approximately 90 houses showing evidence of construction dating back 250 years and more. Both approaches to the island feature newer homes, primarily contemporary structures within a natural setting of tall pines and birches. Carefully controlled growth reflects New Castle's serious commitment to maintaining its special New England ambiance.

Education

New Castle residents are educated in the town's elementary school through the sixth grade. In 1994, the school was named the Representative of Excellence for the Southeastern Region of New Hampshire, based upon outstanding efforts in the areas of enrichment, integrated curriculum and community involvement. Children in grades seven and eight attend junior high school in nearby Rye, and students complete their education at Portsmouth High School.

Maude H. Trefethen School (K-6)
Cranfield Street
(603)436-5416
Enrollment: 65 students

Rye Junior High School
501 Washington Road, Rye
(603)964-5591
Enrollment: 166 students
(11 from New Castle)

Portsmouth High School
Alumni Drive, Portsmouth
(603)436-7100
Enrollment: 1,069 students
(21 from New Castle)

Profile

New Castle Population (2000): 1,010

Annual Growth (1990-2000): 20.3%

County: Rockingham

Municipal Government: Selectmen/
Town Meeting

Property Tax Rate: $5.66 per $1,000

at 100 percent valuation

Median Age: 49.6

Median Household Income: $83,708

Median Home Value: $566,000

Utilities

Electric Source: Public Service of

New Hampshire (603)436-5660

Water Source: Portsmouth, New Castle

Sewer Type Treatment: 1/2 septic, 1/2 treated by Portsmouth; joint recycling program with Rye

Solid Waste Disposal: Public service
handled by private contractor

Gas: Bottled gas only

Contacts

New Castle Town Office
49 Main Street
New Castle, NH 03854

Selectmen's Office: (603)431-6710

Town Clerk: 431-6710

Police: 436-3800 (General Business)

431-3113 (Emergency), 911

Fire: 436-1132 or 911