A small town in Ohio with an abundance of outdoor activities
Portsmouth is a small city of about 18,000 people in southern Ohio. Located along the Ohio and Scioto rivers, many residents move here for the area's abundant outdoor activities and for its proximity to the Shawnee State Forest. Major employers include the Southern Ohio Medical Center, Shawnee State University and several substance abuse rehabilitation centers that have opened following the city's opioid crisis in the early 2000s. "It's a small-town community with all of the necessities you need from a big city. We have a hospital, a university and lots of outdoor recreation activities," says Jason Hedrick, Deputy Chief of the Portsmouth Police Department. "Housing costs attract people, as well as job opportunities. The housing is much more reasonable in our area compared to going an hour in any direction. That attracts people to our area, [and] that the cost of living is so much lower than elsewhere."
Portsmouth is a small city of about 18,000 people in southern Ohio along the Ohio River.
Portsmouth has abundant outdoor activities to explore with a friend.
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Historic housing in Portsmouth
Portsmouth has an older housing stock comprised primarily of American Foursquares, bungalows and ranch-style homes. "We don't see a lot of single-family houses being built within the city," Hedrick says. "There's not a lot of vacant areas, but we do have some older houses that people rehab." Portsmouth's median price is $127,000, which is about $275,000 below the national median. Despite this, the average home value in Portsmouth has steadily increased since 2020.
Portsmouth has plenty older housing including American Foursquares, bungalows, and ranches.
Portsmouth has homes that date back to the early 20th century such as this victorian home.
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The Ohio River and the Shawnee State Forest
Portsmouth sits along the Ohio River and borders the Shawnee State Forest, which means the area offers an abundance of outdoor activities. Along the river, residents can enjoy fishing, hiking, archery and horseback riding. The state forest also presents opportunities for camping, hunting and foraging for mushrooms or berries.
Portsmouth is near Shawnee State Forest which offers an abundance of outdoor activities.
The U.S Grant Bridge connects Portsmouth to Kentucky over the Ohio River.
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Portsmouth City School District, the Notre Dame Schools and Shawnee State University
The Portsmouth City School District earns a C-plus rating from Niche and serves around 1,600 students. The district has two elementary schools and one combination middle and high school for grades seven through twelve. The Notre Dame School is a private school option in Portsmouth with preschool, elementary and high school campuses. The high school earns a B rating from Niche and is ranked by the site as one of Ohio's top 150 private high schools. Shawnee State University is a public university that enrolls about 3,000 students in Portsmouth annually.
Shawnee State University enrolls about 3,000 students in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth is home to Shawnee State University which is known for their nursing program.
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Dining in downtown Portsmouth
"Downtown is mostly restaurants and some retirement homes and grocery stores," Hedrick says. "There's been a lot of development in the downtown area. New restaurants are opening up in older buildings, and the university took an old building and rehabbed it into an innovation hub where they're bringing in gaming manufacturers." Dining options in downtown Portsmouth include The Scioto Ribber, known for its hickory-smoked ribs; Toro Loco Mexican Restaurant, a family-owned business featuring homemade tamales; and The Portsmouth Brewing Co., a riverside microbrewery serving American fare.
The Scioto Ribber, known for its hickory-smoked ribs, is highly regarded in Portsmouth.
The Portsmouth Brewing Co. is a popular microbrewery serving American fare in Portsmouth.
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The Portsmouth Police Department and flooding concerns
When asked about crime, Hedrick explains, "We're the epicenter of the pill mill explosion that happened 20 years ago. Oxycodone was inserted in our area, and kind of exploded. We've been through a lot of drug use and crime related to drug addiction. In recent years, there's been a lot of funding towards treatment centers, and there's been a dramatic increase in treatment centers in our area. It's very good for employment, but unfortunately, we do still have high drug availability in our area." FBI data shows that the Portsmouth Police Department's property crime rate has decreased since 2020, while its violent crime rate has remained about the same. Hedrick says that the city's greatest weather concern is flooding because of its location where the Ohio and Scioto rivers meet. "The river does come up, and every five years or so, they'll have to close the floodgates, and that limits access to certain areas of the city," he says. "Countywide, we have several floods a year that cause damage."
Access Scioto County, Amtrak's Cardinal route and the Tri-State Airport in Ceredo, WV
U.S. Routes 23 and 52 serve Portsmouth. Access Scioto County provides door-to-door transit services for Scioto County. Amtrak has a station 3 miles south in South Shore, Kentucky, serviced by its Cardinal route, which connects New York City to Chicago. Portsmouth's nearest commercial airport is the Tri-State Airport in Ceredo, West Virginia, 53 miles southeast.
River Days Festival
River Days is a festival that has been held every Labor Day weekend in Portsmouth for over 60 years. The event includes a pageant, parade, food trucks and carnival games, along with plenty of live music.
Written By
Ellen Daly
Photography Contributed By
Nick Janning
Video By
Patrick Johnson
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Portsmouth, OH sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Portsmouth, OH over the last 12 months is $119,500, up 58% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming ranch-style home offering comfortable one-level living! This 3-bedroom, 2 full bath home features a spacious eat-in kitchen perfect for casual dining and gathering, with a convenient laundry room located just off the kitchen for added functionality. Enjoy relaxing mornings on the covered front porch or unwind in the cozy backyard featuring a private deck—ideal for entertaining, grilling,
Charming ranch-style home offering comfortable one-level living! This 3-bedroom, 2 full bath home features a spacious eat-in kitchen perfect for casual dining and gathering, with a convenient laundry room located just off the kitchen for added functionality. Enjoy relaxing mornings on the covered front porch or unwind in the cozy backyard featuring a private deck—ideal for entertaining, grilling,
Move-in-ready low maintenance home! Beautiful 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home sits on a corner lot and offers the perfect blend of updates and character. The upgraded kitchen complements the open living, dining, and kitchen area, while a door to the hallway provides added privacy for the two main-floor bedrooms and remodeled full bath. A gorgeous gas log fireplace is the centerpiece of the living and
Charming circa1904 2-bed cottage on a brick street. Double parlor doors open to 10' ceilings, transom windows, a decorative mantel, and original built-ins. Modern updates include central HVAC, a new breaker panel, a large kitchen with a gas stove, and a spacious laundry room. Outside, enjoy a fenced backyard with two mature peach trees and a detached 1-car garage with a workbench and alley
Move right into this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1-bath brick ranch offering 1,204 square feet of comfortable one-level living! This home combines everyday convenience with timeless appeal. Inside, you'll find updated flooring, a functional layout, and a welcoming atmosphere that's ready for its next owner. The attached 1-car garage provides added convenience, while the detached outbuilding offers
Charming 3 Bedroom / 1 Bath Home in a Lovely Neighborhood! A welcoming covered front porch is the perfect spot for morning coffee! Step inside to find a bright and comfortable layout with an inviting living area and an efficient kitchen ready for everyday meals or entertaining. Outside, enjoy a fully fenced backyard, perfect for pets, play, and privacy, along with a nice patio ideal for relaxing
From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the pride of ownership throughout this move-in ready home. This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers the convenience of one-floor living and the comfort you've been searching for. Inside, you'll find gorgeous hardwood floors, a spacious living area, and an inviting eat-in kitchen. Step outside and discover your private backyard
Great opportunity with plenty of potential! This 2-bedroom, 1-bath home features hardwood floors, a covered front porch, and a functional layout. Step through the front door into the main living room, leading into a second living area that offers flexible space for a variety of uses, including a second living room, office, or potential third bedroom. The kitchen offers a functional layout with
Updated 2-Story Townhome with Spacious Living Areas and Modern Upgrades Welcome home to this 2-story townhome featuring numerous updates and plenty of space to enjoy. A durable metal roof installed in 2017 offers peace of mind and long-term value. The heart of the home is the oversized kitchen, complete with newer stainless steel appliances, abundant cabinetry, and plenty of counter space for
Completely renovated and move-in-ready! This beautifully updated one-story home offers the perfect blend of modern design and everyday conveniences. The stunning kitchen features white cabinetry, butcher block countertops, black hexagon tile backsplash, stylish lighting, and a spacious island area, while the screened-in porch provides the perfect place to relax overlooking the fenced backyard.
2 bedroom 1 bath home located in Portsmouth! Large open kitchen. There is a separate space for the laundry room. Enjoy evenings on the front porch or the patio! Buyer to verify all information.
Contemporary Ranch with Walkout Basement & Private Wooded Backyard. Beautifully designed contemporary ranch offering comfort, space, and privacy just five minutes from amenities. The main level features a sunken living room, spacious kitchen with ample cabinetry, two bedrooms, and two full baths. The finished walkout basement boasts 10-foot ceilings, two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and a
Property Id: 2761205 Welcome to your new home at 4320 Gallia St in Portsmouth, OH! This charming single-unit property features a spacious layout with modern amenities including a refrigerator, oven, and washer/dryer hookups. Enjoy the convenience of off-street parking and a beautiful lawn. Small dogs are welcome, and smoking is allowed outside. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity -
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