$1,307,184Average Value$910Average Price per Sq Ft10Homes 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:
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On average, homes in Downtown Portsmouth, Portsmouth sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Portsmouth, Portsmouth over the last 12 months is $1,000,000, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Situated in the heart of downtown, on the top floor above the iconic Rosa restaurant! Take in picturesque views of the Memorial Bridge & Piscataqua River from right outside your door. This prime location is just steps from the city’s renowned dining, boutique shopping, waterfront parks, & vibrant arts & culture scene. Market Square, The Music Hall, Prescott Park, The Seacoast Repertory Theater, &
Evan DouglassKW Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty/Portsmouth
The Sheafe House at 159 State Street - where historic charm meets modern comfort in the heart of Downtown Portsmouth. Built in 1827 and the entire building masterfully renovated in 2005, this landmark residence blends period detail with contemporary amenities including an elevator, sprinkler system, central AC and deeded 1 car parking. Inside, soaring 9-foot ceilings, wide pine floors, and
Stunningly Sophisticated & completely rebuilt from the ground up, this adorably charming SINGLE-FAMILY home in the heart of Downtown Portsmouth offers a rare blend of style, function & flexibility. With 2 bedrooms & 2.5 baths, the home features a gourmet kitchen with center island seating, white oak flooring, gas fireplace, beamed ceilings, tile baths & custom details & appointments throughout.
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
Walk to everything! Brand New build from Studs out. Private balcony. Perfect combination of original beams and contemporary amenities. Only 3 units, including owners unit, in building. Located above and Art Gallery.
Waterfront Portsmouth NH - Bow Street- Available NOW through June 30,2016 Great street level apartment in the heart of the city, Waterfront two bedroom, two bathroom unit with parking available now, fully renovated, amazing water views, waterfront deck, One Car Parking, available furnished. No pets, No smoking. References Required
Waterfront Executive Rental- Come enjoy waterfront living in theheart of downtown Portsmouth! Live just steps away from therestaurants, theaters, and shops. This unit has spectacular views ofthe harbor; you can enjoy watching the tug boats pass by right fromyour living room. This historical building was built in 1806 and wasused as a grain warehouse for the breweries; it was
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