$1,295,980Average Value$186Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Historic downtown sees growth
Downtown Portsmouth is a bustling neighborhood on the banks of the Piscataqua River, with a history that dates to the 1600s. While the community’s history is prevalent on every corner, with buildings such as the North Church Steeple in Market Square, built in 1854, there is also clear evidence of growth. “Portsmouth has changed a lot over the last 40 years,” says Tom Hardiman, keeper and executive director of the Portsmouth Athenaeum and longtime resident. This change is partly because of the ever-expanding restaurant scene, with businesses such as the Black Trumpet Bistro and Annabelle’s Natural Ice Cream breathing new life into old buildings. The past several decades has also seen more events find a home in the city, including Market Square Day, which was first celebrated in 1978.
Downtown Portsmouth is full of beautiful Colonial Revival styled homes around the neighborhood.
The historic North Church in Downtown Portsmouth is surrounded by many local shops and more.
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Shopping and dining in Downtown Portsmouth
Downtown Portsmouth has no shortage of eateries to try. “There’s more restaurant seats and bar seats than people,” says Realtor Joe Leddy, owner of Duston Leddy Real Estate who has worked in the area for almost 20 years. Options range from the vegetarian Green Elephant to the historic Library Restaurant, a steakhouse that opened as The Rockingham Hotel in 1833. Ceres Bakery, which Hardiman says “is a go-to spot for people who work Downtown,” serves fresh breakfast and lunch. Of course, Downtown is more than just restaurants. Local boutiques include Nahcotta, which sells artwork and home goods, and Wear House, a consignment shop. A couple of independent grocery stores, including Richardson’s Market, are in the neighborhood, and Hannaford is less than 1 mile away. Target, Walmart and Home Depot are all about 5 miles away.
A local favorite for breakfast and lunch is Ceres Bakery in the Downtown Portsmouth area.
The Green Elephant is a popular vegetarian restaurant in the Downtown Portsmouth neighborhood.
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Commuting and public transportation in Downtown Portsmouth
With wide brick sidewalks and bike lanes through most of Downtown, it is easy for commuters to get around on foot or bike. There are also several options for public transit, with Wildcat Transit offering a route between Portsmouth and Newington and COAST servicing buses from Portsmouth to Farmington. For anyone who prefers to drive themselves, nearby major roads include Interstate 95, U.S. Route 4 and the bypass for U.S. Route 1. Portsmouth International Airport is about 5 miles away, and planes can often be heard overhead. The closest emergency room is at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, about 2 miles away.
Downtown Portsmouth
Coast buses and a trolley system help provide public transportation around Downtown Portsmouth.
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Market Square Day and Summer in the Streets
Pro Portsmouth is a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating the city’s arts, culture and history through events. The first one that the group organized was Market Square Day, which started in 1978. Now, the festival attracts over 50,000 people a year, who explore more than 150 vendors and listen to live music. The day begins with a 10K Road Race. Another popular event is Summer in the Street, a free concert series on Saturday nights in June and July.
Waterfront parks and museums
The Piscataqua River separates Portsmouth from Maine, with strong currents that are best for boating and fishing. “We only have 18 miles of coastline, but it’s all beautiful,” Leddy says. Both locals and tourists can dock their boats at the Marina at Harbour Place. Prescott Park sits on the riverbank - a short walk from Downtown - with about 10 acres of gardens that people can walk through. Families can visit the South Mill Pond for a round of tennis or pickleball or to run around the playground. The Strawberry Banke Museum, less than 1 mile away, is one of the many places where people can learn about the city. Actors lead traditional craft demonstrations and patrons can take tours of historic properties dating back 350 years. At the Portsmouth Public Library, patrons can check out books, join a book club and attend lecture series.
People love exploring the beautiful and colorful garden at Prescott Park in Downtown Portsmouth.
An historic home found at the Strawbery Banke Museum in Downtown Portsmouth.
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Brick buildings in downtown Portsmouth
A walk along Downtown Portsmouth’s streets reveal several brick buildings. In fact, Hardiman says that “any building built in the Downtown area that is more than one story has to be brick.” This is because of the Brick Act, which was passed in 1814 after three fires destroyed hundreds of wooden buildings. The hope was that brick buildings would prevent another fire from spreading as quickly. Colonial, Colonial Revival and Victorian-era homes are common housing styles, especially farther from the harbor. Most properties were built between the 18th century and early 20th century, with prices typically ranging from $850,000 to $1.3 million. Many people live in condos, with units built in the late 20th century costing between $325,000 and $350,000 and renovated 19th-century and early 20th-century properties costing anywhere from $450,000 to $750,000. Over half of the residents Downtown are renters, who can expect to pay between $2,500 and $4,000 every month.
Explore the many alleyways and shops scattered around Downtown Portsmouth.
The Black Trumpet serves up globally inspired dishes the Downtown Portsmouth neighborhood.
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Highly rated Portsmouth schools
The Portsmouth School Department serves the community. Little Harbour School and Portsmouth Middle School, as well as the school district, earn an A from Niche. Portsmouth High School receives an A-minus and partners with Green Bay Community College (GBCC) to offer the Early College program, where students can enroll in GBCC courses for both high school and college credit.
Portsmouth Middle School serves students from grades 6 through 8.
Portsmouth High School serves greater Portsmouth, N.H.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Theresa Grella,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
South Mill Pond Playground
Pine Street Playground
Prescott Park
Carter Park
Peirce Island Playground
Rye Harbor State Park
Transit
Airport
Portsmouth International at Pease
10 min drive
Bus
State & Atkinson Sts.
Bus
Portsmouth
Bus
Hanover Station
Bus
Market Square
Bus
Court & Chestnut Sts.
Bus
Court & Middle Sts.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Portsmouth
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Portsmouth Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Portsmouth, Portsmouth sell after 7 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Portsmouth, Portsmouth over the last 12 months is $450,000, down 33% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Refined Victorian Elegance with Contemporary Sophistication in the Heart of PortsmouthLocated just steps from Market Square and the historic Music Hall, yet quietly tucked away on a peaceful side street, this impeccably restored 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath Victorian residence offers the perfect balance of timeless charm and modern luxury.Thoughtfully renovated from top to bottom, this
This beautifully updated corner unit places you just steps from Market Square, offering stunning views of both Congress and Fleet streets with just a short stroll to the best of downtown - from chef-driven restaurants and boutique shopping to waterfront parks, gardens, and cultural landmarks like The Music Hall and Strawberry Banke.Perched on the third floor with elevator access, the
Experience vibrant downtown living in this beautifully updated Portsmouth condo! Nestled on the fourth floor of the McIntosh Condominiums, this one-bedroom home offers a perfect blend of charm and convenience. The remodeled kitchen features granite countertops, sleek cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. Refinished hardwood floors, a newer water heater, and an updated bathroom complete this
Experience the vibrant heart of downtown Portsmouth in this stunning residence at the historic 1812 Custom House. With its elegant glass curves, rich natural light, exposed brick, and glossy lacquered finishes, this home is a visual delight for the discerning buyer. Offering over 1,000 square feet of refined living space, this oversized one-bedroom lives large with soaring ceilings, private
Live in the center of Portsmouth's vibrant Market Square at 18 Congress St! This third and fourth floor townhouse condo faces Congress St and has everything you need to enjoy all that Portsmouth has to offer. The second floor features a spacious kitchen with gas range and large granite countered island which opens into the large living area with gas fireplace. This floor also includes a
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Theresa Grella,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,265
Median Age
47
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
11.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26.2%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$111,146
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$140,654
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.7%
College Graduates
71%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
51''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
42''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
68/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
97/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
