$920,010Average Value$228Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Portsmouth’s West End blends the old and the new near downtown
Within walking distance of downtown Portsmouth is the West End, a hip neighborhood with historic homes, high-end condos and trendy restaurants. “It’s modern and upbeat,” says Catharine Bray, a Realtor with Keller Williams Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty who’s sold homes here for 10 years. “It’s close to the highway, and there’s a lot of shopping nearby.” Historic homes, many of which have been converted to multi-family houses and condos, are close to downtown, and modern condos and ranch-style homes with yards are to the north and west. Proximity to downtown’s restaurants, parks and events is a huge draw, and Bray says many West Enders prefer to bike to their favorite haunts. There are plenty of dining and shopping options closer to home. Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1 nearby make it easy to get around the rest of New Hampshire’s Seacoast region.
West Rows of classic New England style gabled homes line the streets of the West End, adding timeless charm and architectural character to the neighborhood.
The West End directly borders Portsmouth’s picturesque downtown seashore, offering residents easy access to stunning waterfront views and vibrant coastal activities.
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Hip eateries and shops are nearby
There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat in the neighborhood, like Lexie’s Joint, a family-owned burger restaurant that has served the area since 2010. White Heron Tea and Coffee is a hip hangout that roasts its own beans. The Roundabout Diner and Lounge has a retro vibe and is known for its banana cream pie. The Plaza 800 shopping center is anchored by a Hannaford grocery store and has a pharmacy, a record store and a guitar shop. More shopping and dining options are downtown. “It's got a lot of diverse little stores,” Bray says, including locally owned clothing boutiques and specialty shops. For dinner, she recommends The Library Restaurant, which is in a former hotel that’s on the National Register of Historic Places. “It's decorated like a library, and when you get your check at the end of the meal, it comes in a book.” The Mall at Fox Run is about 4 miles north and has national retailers like Macy’s, Trader Joe's and The Home Depot.
Stop by Lexie’s Joint in the West End, a beloved family-owned burger restaurant that has been serving up delicious, handcrafted burgers to the community since 2010.
White Heron Tea and Coffee, a cozy West End neighborhood café, serves organic coffee and teas alongside fresh wraps and other café fare in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
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Most homes, condos and apartments keep Portsmouth’s historic feel
West End’s eye-catching Craftsman, Colonial Revival and New Englander homes — a regional style that typically has steeply pitched front-gabled roofs, three stories and wood exteriors — were mostly built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These historic homes are close to downtown and sometimes have parking spaces on the side. “Parking is a huge concern when you buy near downtown,” Bray says. Houses north of North Mill Pond have more yard space and are surrounded by mature trees, but those close to the pond are at a high risk of flooding; homeowners here might have to buy flood insurance. The ranch-style houses and cottages in the neighborhood’s southwest have a more suburban feel and date from the 1900s and 2000s. Ranch-style homes, houses in need of updates and those under 2,000 square feet usually range from $420,000 to $880,000, while new construction homes and recently renovated historic homes typically range from $880,000 to $1.9 million.Many of the historic properties near downtown have been converted into condos, which can cost between $400,000 and $900,000. Some of these have monthly homeowners association fees of around $300 to $430. High-end condos built in the 2010s and 2020s are farther from downtown and can cost between $1.3 million and $1.7 million, plus monthly HOA fees of $100 to $480. Multi-family homes, which are typically converted historic houses, range from around $880,000 to $1.1 million. Townhouses in the southwest can cost between $390,000 and $460,000, plus monthly HOA fees around $400, while those closer to downtown range from $890,000 to $1.6 million; some of these have HOA fees between $350 and $460. There are many rental options, including single-family homes, apartments in converted historic houses and modern mid-rise apartment complexes.
Colonial Revival homes, with their classic symmetry and elegant details, are a common architectural feature throughout the West End.
Ranch style homes are found primarily in the southwest section of the West End, adding a mid-century touch to the neighborhood’s architectural mix.
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A variety of parks, events and water recreation
The West End has several pocket parks, including Portsmouth Plains Playground and Goodwin Park, known for its Soldiers and Sailors monument. Nearby, Prescott Park is one of the city’s most popular for its river views and full events calendar. “You can sit on benches at the water’s edge and look at the shipyard, or you can walk around and check out the massive gardens,” Bray says. The Prescott Park Arts Festival organizes regular events here, including movies, concerts and musicals. The park surrounding South Mill Pond is home to sports fields and the Portsmouth Dog Park. North Mill Pond is a popular spot for kayaking, and boaters can explore the Piscataqua River. The New Hampshire Seacoast Greenway is a multi-use path that will eventually connect Maine and Massachusetts; the northern section passes near the West End, and other sections of the trail are under construction.
Portsmouth Plains Playground comes alive with the spirit of baseball, featuring themed play structures and open space that capture the energy of the game for kids and families alike.
People love exploring the beautiful and colorful garden at Prescott Park steps away from the West End.
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Portsmouth’s public schools earn straight As
Kids can start school at New Franklin Elementary, which earns an A from Niche and is a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School. Portsmouth Middle and Portsmouth High also earn an A. High schoolers can enroll in early college courses at Great Bay Community College, where they can earn college and high school credits at the same time. Students can also sign up for career and technical education programs in topics like business and computer science.
New Franklin School in Portsmouth serves students from grades K-5.
Portsmouth Middle School serves students from grades 6 through 8.
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A bikeable and walkable community near Interstate 95
Islington Street, Maplewood Avenue and Middle Street are the main roads leading downtown, which borders the community’s east side and is around 2 miles away from residents living in the neighborhood’s west. Bray says the community is very bikeable, and Middle Street is one of the few roads here with dedicated bike lanes. Sidewalks along most streets make the area pedestrian-friendly. The COAST bus provides routes around the city and the surrounding area.
Interstate 95 borders the neighborhood’s north, leading roughly 2 miles to the Maine border and about 56 miles to Boston. Route 1 leads to other Seacoast towns like Hampton. Houses of worship here include the Immaculate Conception Church, the Portsmouth Buddhist Center and the Portsmouth Mosque. Portsmouth Regional Hospital is roughly a mile away. Portsmouth International Airport, which has flights to Florida, is about 4 miles away, and Boston Logan International Airport is a 54-mile trip.
The Coast Bus Transit conveniently stops at West End Plaza, providing commuters with easy and direct access to downtown Portsmouth.
West End residents enjoy convenient travel options thanks to the nearby Portsmouth Regional Airport, just a short drive away.
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
Kaitlin Whitcher,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
South Mill Pond Playground
Pine Street Playground
Prescott Park
Carter Park
Rye Harbor State Park
Paul McEachern Park
Portsmouth Plains Playground
Transit
Airport
Portsmouth International at Pease
8 min drive
Bus
Lafayette Rd. & Willard Ave. Outbound
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Maplewood Avenue & Dearborn Street
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Middle & Summer Sts.
Bus
Middle & Lawrence Sts.
Bus
Dennett Street & Woodbury Avenue
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Islington Street & Tanner Street
Bus
Woodbury Ave. (Woodbury Manor)
West End Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West End, Portsmouth sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in West End, Portsmouth over the last 12 months is $459,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION truly is the most crucial factor influencing real estate values and THIS ONE CAN’T BE BEAT. This home is a short 6 minute drive to Route 95 North & South, a 20 minute walk into historic downtown Portsmouth and Prescott Park, a 10 minute walk to the popular West End restaurants and shopping, a 5 minute walk to Portsmouth High School, with its extensive
THIS HOME IS A MUST SEE!!! Welcome to turnkey perfection! This sophisticated, meticulously maintained, nearly new Colonial offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, & functionality all within walking distance to Portsmouth’s vibrant downtown filled w/shops, dining, & entertainment. Built only 3 years ago, this thoughtfully designed home features 3 floors of living space, including 4 bedrooms &
Luxury and location! A unique opportunity within walking distance to the exciting amenities and charm of downtown Portsmouth. The Country Farmhouse is a sophisticated and generous floor plan featuring 2461 square feet and boasts 4 bedrooms, 2 1⁄2 baths with elegant black windows throughout. The open concept first floor is perfect for entertaining and showcases a cozy gas fireplace, beautiful
This charming condo is nestled among the rooftops between historic Market Square and Portsmouth's vibrant West End. Step out your front door and enjoy your favorite coffee and bagel, restaurants and shops no matter which direction you go. This third floor walk-up offers lots of charm with vaulted ceilings to give it lots of light and openness. The floor plan flows nicely between the cozy
Less than a mile from Market Square, this upscale townhome offers refined finishes, versatile living, and walkable access to shops, cafes, and essentials. Custom trim and shadow boxing welcome you upstairs to a main level with wide-plank floors, soaring 9-ft ceilings, and an open layout that invites comfort and style. The living area centers around a gorgeous gas fireplace with vertical shiplap &
Elizabeth Harpin MarkeyThe Gove Group Real Estate, LLC
Strategic Location | Unmatched Accessibility:There is no superior location beyond this distinctly renovated property. Within arm’s reach of Portsmouth’s most sought-after Downtown Market, 132-134 Middle Street is ready to be the cornerstone to your portfolio. Following a meticulous top-to-bottom rehab in 2023, this property requires no immediate Capital Expenditure. With a walkability score
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,
A recent extensive remodeling of this Portsmouth West End home has created a real gem with so much to offer! The creation of a new primary suite with tiled 3/4 bath and the beautiful reworking of the kitchen are just two notable highlights. Enter the home and appreciate the now open living and dining room area with gorgeous hardwood floors through-out. The kitchen features wonderful quartz
We have multiple recently renovated 1 & 2 bedroom units located on Madison Street in Portsmouth. We are leasing for 7/1 & 8/1 move-ins. Location can't be beat with downtown just a 10 minute walk away.-Top to bottom renovations-Recessed lighting-Air conditioning-Stainless steel appliances-Off-street parking-Laundry in buildingrent includes hot water/sewer,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kaitlin Whitcher,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has Equal Renters and Owners
Demographics
Total Population
5,962
Median Age
40
Population under 18
17.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$95,249
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$120,469
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.1%
College Graduates
67%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.3%
% Population in Labor Force
76.8%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
51''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
42''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
56/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
84/ 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.
