Your Greenland Home Painting Experts

Geography and Demographics

Greenland, a coastal town in Rockingham County, spans 13 square miles with a population of approximately 4,100 (2020 census). Bordered by Great Bay to the north and Portsmouth to the east, it features salt marshes, woodlands, and rural-residential neighborhoods. Neighboring towns include Newington (south) and Stratham (west). Greenland balances quiet, small-town living with proximity to the Seacoast’s urban amenities.

Historical Background

Settled in 1638 and incorporated in 1706, Greenland began as part of Portsmouth (“Sandy Beach”) before independence. Its name reflects its fertile pastures, which supported early farming and livestock. The town played a minor role in colonial maritime trade, with salt marsh hay harvesting and shipbuilding along Great Bay. The 1710 Weeks Brick House, New Hampshire’s oldest brick residence, symbolizes its colonial heritage.

Government

Greenland operates under a town meeting system with a three-member selectboard. While not a county seat, it collaborates regionally on coastal conservation and emergency services. Recent initiatives include shoreline protection plans and renewable energy adoption, such as community solar projects.

Economy

Historically agrarian, Greenland’s economy now revolves around residential commuters (many working in Portsmouth or at Pease International Tradeport) and small businesses. Local enterprises include artisan shops, tech consultancies, and family farms. The town’s lack of large commercial zones preserves its rural character while leveraging proximity to Portsmouth’s thriving economy.

Culture and Community

Greenland fosters community through events like Olde Greenland Day (a summer festival), a seasonal farmers' market, and the Great Bay 5K Road Race. The Greenland Community Historical Society and conservation groups like the Great Bay Stewards actively preserve its heritage and natural landscapes.

Education

Part of School Administrative Unit (SAU) 50, Greenland students attend Greenland Central School (K–8) before transitioning to Portsmouth High School. The town emphasizes STEM and environmental education, partnering with the Great Bay Discovery Center for hands-on estuary studies.

Landmarks and Recreation

- Great Bay: A biodiverse estuary offering kayaking, birdwatching, and access to the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

- Weeks Brick House: A National Historic Landmark with guided tours showcasing 18th-century life.

- Crossing Life Farm: A preserved 19th-century homestead with trails and agricultural exhibits.

- Pickering Road Trails: A network for hiking and cross-country skiing through conserved forests.

Modern Development

Greenland prioritizes controlled growth, blending new subdivisions with historic preservation. Recent projects include broadband expansion and updates to the town’s 300-year-old cemetery. Coastal resilience planning addresses rising sea levels threatening salt marsh ecosystems.

Transportation

Route 33 connects Greenland to Portsmouth (5 miles east) and Interstate 95. Pease International Tradeport (3 miles away) provides regional employment and air travel via Portsmouth International Airport.

Tourism and Proximity

Though less tourist-centric than neighbors, Greenland attracts outdoor enthusiasts to Great Bay and history buffs to its colonial sites. Its location offers easy access to Portsmouth’s dining and cultural scene (10 minutes) and Hampton Beach (20 minutes).

Notable Trivia

- Home to the Great Bay Discovery Center, an educational hub for estuary conservation.

- The town’s salt marshes were once dubbed “New England’s hayfields” for their harvested tidal grasses.

Greenland epitomizes coastal New England’s blend of pastoral charm and ecological significance. Its evolution from colonial farmland to a modern bedroom community highlights careful stewardship of history and nature, offering residents a serene yet connected lifestyle.