Rye, New Hampshire
Community Profile 

Rye, New Hampshire has drawn settlers to its dramatic coastline since the early 1600s. This stretch of rugged and winding Atlantic shore first captivated Captain John Smith in 1614; he considered the area an earthly paradise.

This historic fishing village encompasses eight of New Hampshire's 18 miles of coastline, and three of the Isles of Shoals-Star Island, White Island Lighthouse and Lunging Island, located six miles offshore-are a part of Rye.

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 of Rye is primarily residential.  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.

Economy

Rye's stable economy is largely unaffected by industry in neighboring communities. The town's median income of approximately $63,152 is significantly higher than the state's overall average. Property owners in Rye pay a tax rate of $14.22 per $1,000 at 67.9 percent valuation. (Residents of Jenness Beach, Rye Water and Rye Beach Districts pay an additional tax.) The operating budget for the town covers the cost of full-time police and fire fighting professionals, elementary and junior high schools and numerous recreational facilities.

Policies

Rye is predominantly residential, with a commercial/industrial corridor along U.S. Route 1. Rye's Zoning Ordinance divides the community into use and overlay districts. The Single Residence District allows single-family detached dwellings, churches, farms and cottage industry. The General Residence District allows single and double family dwellings (with the required amount of acreage).  The Historic Center District allows the same uses as Single Residence, provided conformity to Historic District specifications is met. The Business District allows residences and, by special exception, retail establishments, restaurants and motels. The Commercial District allows sales and professional offices, in addition to residential and business uses. Gas stations, garages and diners are allowed by
special exception.

Housing           

As a Seacoast community, seasonal homes prevail along the Atlantic shoreline. Inland Rye offers year- round homes from the colonial era to the latest contemporary designs. Year-round rental units are very scarce; however, winter rentals are plentiful. In 2000, the median value of a home in Rye was approximately $311,000, according to the 2000 Census.

Education

Rye is a community that appreciates the importance of education and provides strong support for its schools. The community's support for its students is evidenced by the school's award-winning volunteer program. Just recently, the school system won a Blue Ribbon Achievement Award from the U.S. Department of Education. Grades pre-kindergarten through five attend Rye Elementary School, and grades six through eight attend Rye Junior High School. Rye's high school students attend Portsmouth High School.

Superintendent's Office (603)422-9572

Rye Elementary School
461 Sagamore Road
(603)436-4731
Enrollment: 361 students

Rye Junior High School
501 Washington Road
(603)964-5591
Enrollment: 204 students

Portsmouth High School
Alumni Drive, Portsmouth
(603)436-1700
Enrollment: 1,066 students

Profile

Rye Population (2000): 5,182

Annual Growth (1990-2000): 2.3%

County: Rockingham Municipal

Government: Selectmen/

Town Meeting

2004 Property Tax Rate: $14.22 per $1,000 at 67.9 percent valuation

Median Age: 44.4

Utilities

Electric Source: Public Service

of New Hampshire (603)436-5660

Water Source: Gravel Pack Well;

Rock Well, AQUARION

Rye Water District

Sewer Type Treatment: Secondary; served by Hampton Solid Waste Disposal: Private collection; weekly pickup fee or self-transported to regulated dump site; recycling Program

Contacts

Rye Town Offices
10 Central Road
Rye, NH 03870

Selectmen's Office: (603)964-5523

Town Office: 964-8562

Fire: 964-6411/964-8683 (Emergency)

Police: 964-5521 or 964-7450