$1,651,643Average Value$961Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Coastal living in million-dollar New England homes near downtown
Portsmouth’s unique blend of coastal charm, vibrant cultural scenes, bustling nightlife and dozens of dining experiences make the South End a desirable place to put down roots. The neighborhood is also home to the Strawbery Banke Museum which teaches visitors about Portsmouth's long history of maritime trade. “The easiest part about my job is selling my clients in the Portsmouth area and then it's just a matter of finding them a home,” says Joe Leddy, a long-time resident and broker and owner of Duston Leddy Real Estate in downtown Portsmouth. Though housing stock in the South End is limited due to the area’s size and desirability, preserved estates from the 1700s and 1800s line the manicured streets that are a stone’s throw away from the Piscataqua River. Most residents are less than 2 miles from downtown’s bustling nightlife and eclectic restaurant scene. The public schools here are highly rated and close by, and commuters can head south to Boston to reach the city in about an hour via Interstate 95.
The North Church is the historic center of downtown Portsmouth, NH.
Colonial and New Englander styled homes line the streets around the South End of Portsmouth.
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Downtown's bustling nightlife and eclectic food culture
Downtown Portsmouth is nearby, with dozens of shops and restaurants to explore. "We actually have more restaurant tables and bar seats than we have residents, so there’s a lot of options for dining out,” Leddy says. A few local favorites include places like Jumpin' Jay's Fish Café for quality haddock and crab cakes, or places like Cava or Moxy for tapas and a diverse selection of wine. “The Library Restaurant is the best steakhouse, even when compared to Boston and New York,” Leddy says. “Cure on State Street is a great little, intimate spot with about 40-50 seats—it's really good.”
In South End, locals can head over to Sanders Fish Market or Sanders Lobster Company for a few pantry essentials and fresh seafood they can cook at home. Portsmouth Harbor Gift Shop on the water has a few decorations and household items to peruse. For longer grocery trips or running errands, folks can head about 2 miles west to Islington Street to reach Hannaford, Rite Aid and CVS.
From breakfast to dinner and drinks the Hearth Market is close by in Portsmouth, NH.
Moxy is a local Tapas restaurant close by in downtown Portsmouth, NH.
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Off-season Portsmouth events and the New Hampshire Film Festival
With downtown less than 2 miles away, residents can attend festivals and events throughout the year, even when the weather gets cold. "While Portsmouth does see a lot of tourists in the summer, it’s not your typical, seasonal port town. The city truly shines during the nine months when the crowds have thinned out,” Leddy says. “We have a vibrant local community with events like the Halloween Parade, the Christmas Parade and a full calendar of performances at the Portsmouth Music Hall. Portsmouth is also home to the New Hampshire Film Festival, which has become a standout event, often compared to a smaller version of Sundance. The city's cultural scene is thriving year-round, offering something for everyone."
Million-dollar classic New England homes from the 1700s
Buyers can see history come to life in South End. There are several homes that are owned by locals in the Strawbery Banke district, a living history museum that features around 30 historic residences, many of which date back to the 1700s. “These beautifully restored Colonial and Federal-style homes are now priced in the million-dollar range, offering a glimpse into the city’s architectural past,” Leddy says. A few of these historic manors were owned by prominent locals from times long gone, including wealthy merchants and a former president of the Portsmouth Steam Factory.
Today, the area isn’t what you would consider a first-time homebuyer market. Residences are priced pretty high here – some into the millions – though the state’s lack of income tax and property tax attract buyers from high-tax states like California, New York and Massachusetts. Modern homes around town are also priced in the millions, with a mix of modest Victorian-influenced houses and smaller Cape Cods. Well-preserved Federal and Colonial manors from the 1700s and 1800s often have over 4,000 square feet and manicured gardens. Buyers will find that most South End dwellings are priced between $900,000 and $4 million depending on the size, age and level of renovation on the house.
Row of colorful Colonials line the streets South End neighborhood of Portsmouth, NH.
An eye catching Colonial home in the South End neighborhood of Portsmouth, NH.
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Coastline parks and boardwalks, playgrounds and dog parks
Living near the water gives the South End residents lots of opportunities to get outside and have fun. “New Hampshire also has 18 miles of coastline, it’s so beautiful—we’ve got the rocky coast and beautiful beaches as well, like Wallis Sands and Jenness Beach,” Leddy says. Peirce Island has a park and playground where visitors can see Maine right across the river. South Street Playground is nearby with a sandy playground for neighborhood children. Prescott Park, surrounded by historic buildings, has a manicured garden with fountains and views of the water with a long boardwalk. Just down the road is South Mill Pond Playground, which has over a dozen sports courts for tennis and basketball, as well as two ballfields and a dog park.
The popular South Mill Pond Playground is nearby to the South End neighborhood.
Peirce Island Playground offers scenic views of the Piscataqua River.
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Portsmouth School District programs and opportunities
Students in the South End study within the Portsmouth School District, which is rated an overall A and is considered the No. 4 best school district in New Hampshire on Niche. They can start at Little Harbour School for kindergarten through fifth grade. Portsmouth Middle School is considered one of the top 10 middle schools in New Hampshire according to Niche, while Portsmouth High School is rated as one of the best high schools in New Hampshire for college prep. All three schools are graded an overall A.
Welcome to Portsmouth Middle School.
Portsmouth High School was founded in the year 1873.
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Commutes to Boston and fast access to downtown Portsmouth
According to Leddy, Portsmouth is "Very well-placed between Portland, Maine, and Boston, Massachusetts. If you go west to Manchester, it’s only a 45-minute drive. It’s also an hour from Concord, an hour from the Lakes Region, and two hours from the White Mountains,” he says. Commuters can head about 57 miles south to Boston via Interstate 95 or take the commuter rail for about an hour. The nearest major medical center is Portsmouth Regional Hospital on Borthwick Avenue, and Portsmouth International Airport is about 5 miles west on the other side of the city.
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 South End, Portsmouth sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in South End, Portsmouth over the last 12 months is $1,412,500, up 19% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to the William Hazel House, a rare opportunity to own a turnkey home in Portsmouth’s coveted South End. Nestled on a spacious corner lot, this beautifully restored 1893 residence combines historic charm with thoughtful modern upgrades. Enjoy picturesque Piscataqua River views & peek-a-boo water scenes from many of the home's windows, all just steps from the harbor & surrounded by some of
Amazing opportunity in Portsmouth's south end to own this turn key, fully furnished penthouse, two bedroom and two bathroom condominium with dedicated entry on Marcy St. In one of Portsmouth's most coveted locations, you are merely steps from award winning restaurants and attractions that make Portsmouth the premier destination along the seacoast. Prescott Park is right down the street where you
Location, Location, Location! Welcome to Portsmouth’s South End. A popular and highly sought-after neighborhood due to its historic charm, natural beauty, and convenient location to the vibrant downtown. A short walk to Strawberry Banke, Prescott Park, the Waterfront, and Market Square! Spacious 3-story, 1,620 sqft condo with fabulous 10' high ceilings. Generous kitchen/dining area, and
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