$826,854Average Value$416Average Price per Sq Ft59Homes For Sale
History lives on here
Portsmouth is just behind Providence as the second oldest municipality in Rhode Island. Founded in 1638, this charming waterside town is top of the list in other regards. Portsmouth’s 49-mile shoreline is the longest of any town in Rhode Island. Today, the area serves nearly 18,000 residents with quaint homes, unique business opportunities, fun dining experiences and noteworthy schools. Portsmouth may have a lot of history – and a lot of shoreline, too, but the town contains so much more than that. It offers opportunities to connect with the community and feel a sense of home.
"Old Flora" is an eighteen-pounder British canon in the Portsmouth neighborhood 's Legion Park.
Portsmouth parks, attractions and amenity
Escobar’s Farmhouse Inn, which has been open since 2010, is an engaging retreat and another community staple. Fireworks on the Fourth of July are observed from the back of the farm’s property, while the cooler months provide visitors with the opportunity to go wandering through a corn maze. Highland Farms sits across the street, and it has been run by the Escobar team for much longer – since 1972, to be exact. It’s one of the few remaining dairy farms left in Rhode Island. Portsmouth Free Public Library is an additional educational resource. Situated in a white building with ornate siding, it first began in the living rooms of local book lovers. The library’s 125th anniversary was celebrated in 2022, and it continues to offer book clubs today. McCorrie Point Beach is a scenic public spot to soak up the sun and waves during warmer summer months.
The Portsmouth Dog Park gives residents a fun spot to have some off-leash play and running.
Historic New England housing on the water
"Lots of people here enjoy the recreation, whether it's golfing or riding at an equestrian center," says Alexandra Thursby, a listing agent with Lila Delman Compass. She also notes the value of proximity: "With Portsmouth, you’re close to Newport, you’re close to Boston, it's very convenient to the highway." Portsmouth is welcoming to first-time homebuyers and veteran homeowners alike. Buyers can find Cape Cod-influenced colonial revivals with covered front porches on spacious lots starting at around $460,000. These multi-level homes often feature recent updates to key features like plumbing and heat. Closer to the $1 million range, there’s a variety of elaborate, luxurious constructions one can choose from. Aged, meticulous multi-level homes situated on cul-de-sac streets feel both timeless and contemporary. Houses sit on slight slopes towards Narragansett Bay with features such as striking color palettes, textured wood shingle siding on the outside and clean modern interiors. Additional styles are also available in Portsmouth, such as modern log cabins, split levels and new traditional builds.
In the Portsmouth neighborhood a dock is a great asset to a home's value.
Seaside finds and eats
East Main Road slices down the middle of Portsmouth, putting residents in touch with all sorts of local dining and retail destinations. Foodworks, adorned simply with white walls, offers diners a breakfast of Belgian waffles, omelets and avocado toast. Lunch staples at Foodworks include salads, cold-cut sandwiches, hot subs and soups. It’s the kind of place Portsmouth residents rely on for a tasty meal in a pinch. Clements’ Marketplace is a local favorite when it comes to grocery shopping. Established in 1980, this family-run business likes to connect with the community. Starting in 2003, it began hosting a summer event called All Natural Day. Customers visit the outdoor tent and get to sample fresh goods, many of them made in Rhode Island and touted under the philosophy of “try it before you buy it.”
Clements Market in Portsmouth is a full-service grocery store with great meats and fish.
Highly-rated small town schooling
Young students in Portsmouth are normally split between Melville Elementary and Howard W Hathaway Elementary, which earn A-minus and B-plus grades from Niche, respectively. For secondary school, most kids move up to Portsmouth Middle and High schools, which both earn A-minus grades. Portsmouth High School has an enrollment of over 800 students at the 9th-12th grade level and is known for its strong sports programs across the board.
Getting around town
Portsmouth offers residents the secluded, peaceful life of a coastal New England town, but the neighborhood isn’t completely isolated. In true convenient New England fashion, it sits less than 10 miles from both the heart of Newport, Rhode Island, to the south and Fall River, Massachusetts, to the north. Additionally, downtown Providence is around a 30-mile drive, while New Bedford is just over 20 miles east. Despite the plethora of farms and forests, bus lines run on both East Main and West Main roads.
Important to know
Other notable establishments in the area include aerospace conglomerate Raytheon’s Seapower Capability Center, which employs nearly 1700 workers just under 4 miles to the southwest.
Written By
Paul Spencer
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jacob Wint,
an experienced agent in this area.
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 Portsmouth, RI sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Portsmouth, RI over the last 12 months is $700,000, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience luxury living on the 18th floor of Carnegie Tower at Carnegie Abbey. This sought-after floor plan features two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a den/home office, and three full baths within an open-concept layout designed to showcase panoramic views of Narragansett Bay and breathtaking Newport Bridge sunsets. Enjoy two private balconies, one off the primary bedroom and another off the
Welcome to this beautifully maintained raised ranch, situated in a sought-after Portsmouth neighborhood. Offering 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full baths, this home seamlessly combines everyday comfort with stylish touches throughout. Step into a welcoming entry foyer that opens to a light-filled main level featuring a thoughtfully designed floor plan, with durable and luxurious Pergo flooring. The
Welcome to 18 North Water your coastal retreat with stunning views of Mount Hope Bay and the Sakonnet River from almost every window. Located in the sought-after community of Common Fence Point. This home features 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a bright and airy open floor plan on the main level, perfect for relaxing or entertaining.The primary suite offers a glass shower, double sinks,
Experience the ultimate blend of Narragansett Bay views, modern luxury, and exceptional outdoor living in this move-in-ready home at 30 Madison Ave, Prudence Island. Whether you're looking for a vacation getaway or a cozy year-round residence, this stunning property has it all. Bask in breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean from all three levels, including a master bedroom where you can watch
Desirable Common Fence Point lot with approved 2 BR Septic, architectural plans and Elevation Certificate. Alternatively, bring your own plans and build your dream house in this community focused waterfront neighborhood. This coastal community is conveniently situated on the shores of the Mt. Hope Bay and offers westerly water views of the Mt. Hope Bridge and vibrant sunsets. Close to Bristol,
Buildable Lot with Water Views Walkable from Prudence Island Ferry Build your dream home on this prime lot just a short walk from the Prudence Island ferry. Enjoy beautiful water views and the tranquility of island life. This offering is to be sold as a package: one buildable for a home, and the neighboring lot ideal for a garage or outbuilding. A septic engineered plan with a proposed building
Come home to a spacious, water view apartment home at Bay View Estates and start living the good life.Bay View Estates is located in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, a coastal town with traditional New England charm. With magnificently landscaped grounds and sweeping views of Narragansett Bay, experience an atmosphere that few other residential communities can offer.The apartment
Welcome to 18 Vanderbilt Lane, nestled in the charming Portsmouth, RI. This spacious duplex offers a generous 1,792 square feet of comfortable living space. Boasting three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, it's designed for a variety of needs. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by an updated kitchen, featuring sleek granite countertops that are sure to inspire your inner chef. The convenience
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