$1,330,255Average Value$308Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
Waterfront living in Rockingham County
Outlined by the Piscataqua River on the east side, Portsmouth is a small coastal city in New Hampshire adjacent to the Maine border. The area was originally settled by the Abenaki tribes until European colonists landed in the 17th century. Portsmouth soon became a seaport colony in the 1630s and was one of the most important shipbuilding cities in the country, including being home to the former Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Pease National Guard Air Force Base. Today, Portsmouth is considered a gateway and green city, with convenient transportation options and trails. Also known for its proximity to the Atlantic Coast, waterfront festivals and contemporary art scene, Portsmouth is a vibrant beach community that balances urban experiences with a suburban lifestyle. “Portsmouth is a city that punches above its weight with a lot of amenities and has a small-town feel,” says Monte Bohanan, Portsmouth’s director of communications and community engagement. “If you live here you can get to know anyone from the coffee shop’s barista to our mayor.” The area's workforce is concentrated in health care and social services, education, science and tech sectors. Top Employers include the US Dept of State Consular Center, Liberty Mutual, Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) Hospital – Portsmouth Regional Hospital and Lonza Biologics.
A view of the South End neighborhood and the Piscataqua River of Portsmouth, NH.
Badgers Island has all the details of a classic New England feel.
The N W Barrett Gallery is an established art gallery in the heart of downtown Portsmouth.
The Portsmouth Regional Hospital is both a major employer and community asset.
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Waterfront properties in Portsmouth continue to be in demand
Homes in Portsmouth can date to the 1800s, but most were built in the 20th century in eclectic New England, colonial-inspired and ranch styles. Many newer homes from the past several decades feature New Traditional or contemporary architecture. Multifamily properties are concentrated in the downtown area, and waterfront properties—be it single-family, condos or townhouses—continue to attract homebuyers. “There are lots of new developments happening along the Route 1 Corridor on the north side of the city,” Bohanan says. “The majority of homes are still single-family, but a good mix of condos and townhouses are spread throughout.”
The median home price is $839,900, which is nearly double the national median. Condos and townhouses typically start around $300,000 and $400,000, respectively. Luxury newer builds or penthouse units by the water may reach over $2.5 million. Single-family houses usually go between $400,000 and $1.2 million. Custom-built new construction homes with deeded waterfront access rights and private boat docks may fetch well over $5 million.
Most homes have waterfront view on Badgers Island.
Downtown Portsmouth is full of beautiful Colonial Revival styled homes around the area.
This well-maintained Farmhouse is nestled in Downtown Portsmouth.
Rows of Colonial and Victorian inspired homes line the streets of Portsmouth, NH.
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An A-rated public school system with the best public high school in the county
Portsmouth School District serves approximately 2,500 students and has an A Niche grade. The school system has an early education center, three primary schools, one middle and one high school, and the student-teacher ratio is 11-to-1. Portsmouth High also has the Career Technical Education Center, which provides students with career pathway programs in architecture, business, education, health science and more. The Community College System of New Hampshire, Great Bay Community College has a campus in Portsmouth and offers over 200 degree and certificate programs.
Little Harbour School in Portsmouth has a well maintained campus.
Portsmouth Middle School serves students from grades 6 through 8.
Portsmouth High School was founded in the year 1873.
The Great Bay Community College provides additional educational opportunities to residents.
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Lively establishments line around Downtown Portsmouth's Market Square
Eclectic stores, vintage shops, independent eateries and cafes are housed in historic brick buildings in the Portsmouth Downtown Historic District. From waterfront dining to visiting local bakeries and taverns, Downtown’s Market Square is the city’s most popular retail hub. Additional big-box stores, businesses and restaurants are located along Route 1.
Wild Valentine is both a local coffee shop and florist in the South End of Portsmouth, NH.
Many small and local boutique ships line the Downtown Portsmouth streets and draw many visitors.
Loaded Question Brewing Company is a small-batch craft brewery in Downtown Portsmouth.
From breakfast to dinner and drinks the Hearth Market is close by in Portsmouth, NH.
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Festivals by the waters and a vibrant art scene
As a coastal city, summers in Portsmouth are filled with lively events by the beach, including a concert series, a river festival and the Tall Ships Festival, featuring a parade of sailboats. The Annual Market Square Day has a traditional 10K road race, live entertainment and goods from over 150 local vendors. The Chowder Festival is a nearly 40-year custom in Portsmouth that kicks off the summer season.
At the heart of Downtown Portsmouth, residents will also discover a flourishing art and theatre scene, with historic museums boasting private art collections and innovative and traditional theatrical performances. These art venues range from the simple black-box theater at Player’s Ring to The Music Hall, an 1878 Victorian Landmark that continues to showcase performances, films and comedy. For 50 years, Prescott Park Arts Festival, a local non-profit dedicated to providing audiences with accessible art, has been bringing theatre, music and entertainment to the community. Historic houses such as the Strawbery Banke Museum serve as both heritage centers and contemporary exhibit spaces.
Waterfront parks and scenic trails are abound
Portsmouth has about 22 public parks, playgrounds, trails, several recreation centers and the 27-hole Pease Golf Course. Albacore Park is popular for its seasonal maritime museum, which features tours of the decommissioned USS Albacore submarine. The waterfront Prescott Park is home to many of the city’s summer festivities and community events. Locals regularly bring their pets to Urban Forestry Center for walks and playtime, and Water Country Water Park offers water slides and themed pools. Partially outlined by the Piscataqua River and with proximity to the Atlantic Coast, residents here can also go boating, fishing and swimming in the summer.
The Charles Hovey Fountain can be found in Downtown Portsmouth overlooking the river.
The popular South Mill Pond Playground is in the Downtown Portsmouth neighborhood.
People look over the Piscataqua River as it flows past the Downtown Portsmouth neighborhood.
Boating is a popular activity in Downtown Portsmouth.
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Proximity to Boston and Portland
Portsmouth is accessible via Interstate 95, U.S. Route 1, U.S. Route 4 and New Hampshire Route 16. The state’s bus system, the Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation, serves its seacoast region with routes in and out of Portsmouth. The nearest Amtrak station is in Dover, which is about 13 miles away, and Portsmouth International Airport at Pease has flights by Allegiant Airlines and Breeze Airways. Both Boston and Portland are about 55 miles away, and Portsmouth Regional Hospital is right in town.
Crime data from recent years
According to crime data from the state of New Hampshire, violent crimes in 2023 decreased by almost 22 percent compared to 2022. The overall property crime rate is on par with the state’s numbers, and is well below national figures. Specifically, larceny has gone down approximately 16 percent in 2023.
Written By
Christina Xu
Photography Contributed By
Sam Adams
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Luke Mancari
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Portsmouth, NH sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Portsmouth, NH over the last 12 months is $1,600,000.
Pics coming soon! First time on the market in over 56 years! This 3 bed 2 bath cape style home is a fixer upper but has solid bones! Located in a prime location in Portsmouth (Elwyn Park). Close to downtown, shopping centers and Route 1. Investors and buyers, this is the perfect home to add your personal touches, update and make it your own. Lots of natural light, nice size dining area on first
Completely reimagined in 2025, this once-classic ranch has been transformed inside and out into a clean, modern home with a strong connection to its surroundings. The builder brings a thoughtful, creative eye to the design, blending simplicity with smart, functional living. An open layout makes efficient use of space, while large openings and sightlines create a natural flow between indoor and
Tony JalbertTate & Foss Sotheby's International Rlty
Welcome to this beautifully updated 4-bedroom home, ideally situated on a private 1.36-acre lot at the end of a desirable cul-de-sac in Portsmouth. Thoughtfully renovated throughout, this move-in ready property offers the perfect blend of modern updates, flexible living space, and everyday comfort. A standout feature of the home is the first-floor primary suite, providing exceptional convenience
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 3/21/26 10:00AM-12:00PM.Welcome to easy, first-floor living at 1703 White Cedar Blvd in Portsmouth. This thoughtfully designed ADA unit features an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area that flows seamlessly. The unit features brand new carpets and paint throughout. A covered carport is available for added convenience. Privately tucked away yet ideally located,
Here’s your chance to own a piece of land in one of the Seacoast’s most desirable cities! This .11-acre parcel on Elm Street, Portsmouth, NH, is perfect for buyers, investors, or anyone hoping to secure a spot in this vibrant, historic community. Nestled in a well-established neighborhood, this lot is just minutes from downtown Portsmouth and the ocean. Enjoy easy access to local shops,
Pics coming soon! First time on the market in over 56 years! This 3 bed 2 bath cape style home is a fixer upper but has solid bones! Located in a prime location in Portsmouth (Elwyn Park). Close to downtown, shopping centers and Route 1. Investors and buyers, this is the perfect home to add your personal touches, update and make it your own. Lots of natural light, nice size dining area on first
Freshly painted and beautifully maintained, this move-in ready townhouse in desirable Spinnaker Point offers comfort, style, and convenience. Featuring a spacious and functional layout with 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, this home is perfect for modern living. The updated kitchen showcases new quartz countertops, a sleek tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and abundant cabinet space.
Live in Portsmouth for less — ideal for investors or owner-occupants looking to offset the mortgage with rental income. Spacious and bright, this versatile multi-unit property offers a rare opportunity just a short walk to Market Square. The primary unit features 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths, along with a dedicated office, and spans the first two floors of a charming New Englander, blending classic
Set within the highly sought-after Tucker’s Cove community, this shingle-style Cape offers an exceptional blend of refined craftsmanship, direct views of Sagamore Creek, and quiet privacy. Sweeping tidal vistas unfold throughout the home, creating a sense of calm that feels both immediate and enduring. Honed Brazilian cherry floors on the main level and front staircase lend warmth and timeless
Completely reimagined in 2025, this once-classic ranch has been transformed inside and out into a clean, modern home with a strong connection to its surroundings. The builder brings a thoughtful, creative eye to the design, blending simplicity with smart, functional living. An open layout makes efficient use of space, while large openings and sightlines create a natural flow between indoor and
Tony JalbertTate & Foss Sotheby's International Rlty
Exceptional first-floor living just steps from the Seacoasts best dining, shopping, waterfront, and cultural destinations. Unit 106 offers a rare balance of privacy, convenience, and modern design within The Residences at Foundry Place, downtown’s newest luxury condominium community. A Juliet balcony with city views and oversized windows deliver light and outlook uncommon for first-floor living,
Welcome to 25 South Mill Street — a rare offering of newer construction (built in 2013) located on the waterfront in one of Portsmouth’s most sought-after neighborhoods. This thoughtfully designed two-family home presents a unique opportunity to own a versatile, income-generating property in a premier location. Each of the two units features 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, and in-unit laundry, offering
Motivated Seller! An extraordinary opportunity awaits in one of Portsmouth’s most coveted locations! Currently configured as a luxury commercial office space, this expansive 4,600± sq.ft. third-floor condominium offers the rare potential to be transformed into a stunning residential unit in the vibrant downtown core!Positioned between Market Street and Congress Street, this historic 1860
Meaghan DeFrezeKW Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty
Welcome to this beautifully updated 4-bedroom home, ideally situated on a private 1.36-acre lot at the end of a desirable cul-de-sac in Portsmouth. Thoughtfully renovated throughout, this move-in ready property offers the perfect blend of modern updates, flexible living space, and everyday comfort. A standout feature of the home is the first-floor primary suite, providing exceptional convenience
Welcome to 238 Deer Street, an exceptional new condominium project in the heart of downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire’s newly developed North End. This premier 21-unit condominium project is poised to redefine urban living. 238 Deer Street offers a mix of thoughtfully designed studio and one-bedroom condos, each crafted with contemporary living in mind. These residences will feature open floor
Sagamore Court is situated in the heart of the charming seaside city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Within the city, our residents find fine dining, galleries, theatre and cultural attractions, as well as great shopping spots... The Fox Run Mall of Newington and the Outlet Stores at Kittery (Maine). Moments away, our residents can cruise to the Isle of Shoals or explore the area's many beaches. We
Sought after Springbrook updated 2 bedroom 1 and 3/4 Bath Condominium rental. Enjoy Portsmouth and all it has to offer and the convenience of shopping, restaurants and a short distance to beautiful beaches. This unit has wood floors in the living area, laminate in one bedroom and new carpet in the other. The kitchen is equipped with newer cabinets, stainless appliances and quartz countertops. You
Arbor View offers an array of two and three bedroom apartment homes which feature eat-in kitchens with contemporary cabinets and countertops. Enjoy our community’s fitness center, take your dog for a walk in our newly constructed bark park, or relax on your own private balcony. Our community is situated minutes away from downtown Portsmouth, and is easily accessed by Interstate 95, Routes 16, and
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath cottage located on Northwest Street in Portsmouth’s desirable West End neighborhood. This cozy home offers a bright and comfortable living space with classic New England cottage character. The layout includes a welcoming living area, functional kitchen, and two well-sized bedrooms, making it ideal for a couple, small family, or those looking for a quiet Portsmouth
Yokens of Portsmouth is a community of 32 newly built high-end townhome apartments in a great Portsmouth location! Minutes from Downtown and the Seacoast Beaches, walkable proximity to shopping, and easy access to major routes. All townhomes at Yokens feature three floors of living space, with three bedrooms and 3-4 baths, in-unit laundry hook-ups, and two car private garages. The open flow
Available June 1, 2026- One year lease required. Executive rental in the heart of downtown Portsmouth. Enjoy the historic charm of a 1720's sea captain's house, while enjoying the modern conveniences, following a recent restoration. This beautiful 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo is steps to The Music Hall, Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club and all that downtown Portsmouth has to offer. Enjoy close proximity
Jocelyn ChavezKW Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty
Located less than a mile from downtown Portsmouth, West End Yards offers a variety of spacious studio-, one-, and two-bedroom apartments featuring luxury finishes and high-end appliances in a pet-friendly community. All our floor plans are carefully designed to give ample storage and living space. Enjoy convenient amenities like a state-of-the-art fitness center, work-from-home space,
This never-lived-in 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo offers a bright, modern space with high-end stainless steel appliances, sleek finishes, and the convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer. The corner layout brings in great natural light while giving you a comfortable, private retreat just steps from everything. Located moments from Market Square, you’ll have Portsmouth’s best restaurants, coffee
We are excited to welcome new residents to our apartment community, in a convenient location (particularly for business commuters), near a multitude of shopping, dining, and entertainment options to meet your needs. Whether you are looking for the spaciousness of a 2- or 3-bedroom layout or you are into the minimalist lifestyle and are looking for studio or 1 bedroom apartments in Portsmouth, NH,
Spacious One Bedroom Apartment Available For April Occupancy! PET FRIENDLY Complex! *Security Deposit Special of $1,000 With Approved Applications* Recently Updated Vinyl Flooring Throughout! Newer Kitchen Cabinets with Soft-Close Technology, Appliances & Granite Countertops! Unit Features TWO Hallway Storage Closets In Addition To The Walk In Bedroom Closet! Off Street Parking! Coin-Op Laundry
8 Chapel Street Residences – Portsmouth, NHWelcome to 8 Chapel Street Residences, a newly built boutique community offering the perfect blend of historic Portsmouth charm and modern living. Located in the heart of downtown, this 2025-built property features just 7 thoughtfully designed units across three stories, providing a private and refined residential experience.Live steps
Spacious Apartment With Updated Modern Features! PET FRIENDLY Complex! Prime Located Providing Easy Access to RT-1, Shopping, Dining, Beaches & Other Interstates & Amenities! Discounted Rental Rate of $3,250/month if Occupied Prior to June 1st. Regular rate of $3,425/month starts June 1st 2026 for a one-year term. Each Generously Sized Bedroom Provides An Inviting Feel, Ideal For Relaxation or
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