Why Live in Downtown Portsmouth
Downtown Portsmouth is a vibrant neighborhood along the Piscataqua River, rich in history dating back to the 1600s. Historic landmarks like the North Church Steeple and the Strawberry Banke Museum highlight the area’s past, while a thriving restaurant scene, including spots like Black Trumpet Bistro and Annabelle’s Natural Ice Cream, showcases its growth. The neighborhood hosts numerous events, such as Market Square Day and the Summer in the Street concert series. Dining options are plentiful, with eateries ranging from the vegetarian Green Elephant to the historic Library Restaurant. Local boutiques like Nahcotta and Wear House, along with independent grocery stores such as Richardson’s Market, add to the neighborhood’s charm. For larger shopping needs, Target, Walmart, and Home Depot are within 5 miles.
The area is pedestrian and bike-friendly, with wide brick sidewalks and bike lanes, and public transit options include Wildcat Transit and COAST buses. Major roads like Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 4 are nearby, and Portsmouth International Airport is about 5 miles away. Prescott Park offers 10 acres of gardens along the riverbank, while South Mill Pond provides recreational activities like tennis and pickleball. The Portsmouth Public Library is a hub for community events and resources.
Housing in Downtown Portsmouth features a mix of Colonial, Colonial Revival, and Victorian-era homes, with many brick buildings due to the Brick Act of 1814. Properties range from 18th-century homes to late 20th-century condos, with a significant portion of residents renting. The Portsmouth School Department serves the area, with highly rated schools including Little Harbour School, Portsmouth Middle School, and Portsmouth High School, which offers an Early College program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downtown Portsmouth a good place to live?
Downtown Portsmouth is a good place to live. Downtown Portsmouth is considered very walkable and bikeable. Downtown Portsmouth is a neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. Downtown Portsmouth has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 1.9 people per acre and a median age of 47. The average household income is $140,654 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 71% of residents. A majority of residents in Downtown Portsmouth are renters, with 66.2% of residents renting and 33.8% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Downtown Portsmouth can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Downtown Portsmouth neighborhood guide.
Is Downtown Portsmouth, NH a safe neighborhood?
Downtown Portsmouth, NH is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Downtown Portsmouth?
The median home price in Downtown Portsmouth is $450,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $90,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,330 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $100K a year to afford the median home price in Downtown Portsmouth. The average household income in Downtown Portsmouth is $141K.
What are the best public schools in Downtown Portsmouth?
The best public schools that serve Downtown Portsmouth are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Downtown Portsmouth, Portsmouth, NH?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Downtown Portsmouth, Portsmouth, NH?
Are home prices dropping in Downtown Portsmouth?
Yes, home prices in Downtown Portsmouth are down 25% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Downtown Portsmouth, NH
On average, homes in Downtown Portsmouth, Portsmouth sell after 7 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Portsmouth, Portsmouth over the last 12 months is $450,000, down 33% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$450,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$450,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$186
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
65
Median List Price
$450,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-33%