A view of a small town street with red brick buildings, trees with autumn leaves, and a few pedestrians on the sidewalk. The sky is mostly clear with some clouds.

Portsmouth, NH

ABOUT THE TOWN

A portside treasure.

Portsmouth is a charming seaport city that's a delightful blend of history and hipster. Imagine cobblestone streets whispering tales of colonial times, juxtaposed with a vibrant arts scene and a bustling Market Square that's the city's pulsating heart. Here, you'll find a wealth of museums, historic landmarks, and a thriving food scene. The city is a haven for history lovers, with its downtown core part of the Portsmouth Downtown Historic District, dating back to the 17th century. The architecture reflects over four centuries of history, and on every street, you find historically significant buildings defining the stage of this town. Along with its historic architecture, the city is known for its great food, vibrant entertainment, and tax-free shopping. It's a walkable city, so leave the car behind and explore on your own two feet. As you stroll, you'll uncover the vibrant history and current charm of downtown Portsmouth.  Portsmouth is where history meets hipster, and trust me, it’s a match made in travel heaven.

This town is best for:

Foodie Haven

Performing Arts & Entertainment

Entrepreneurs & Remote Work

Empty outdoor sidewalk seating area outside a restaurant, with tables and chairs, trees, and a street sign for Portsmouth Feed Co

Pop. 22,713

+1.45% Increase

Low 19° - High 80°

Excellent downtown, spotty by coast

IS THIS YOUR MOXIETOWN?

Does this town check your boxes?

  • What is not to love? Luxurious places to stay as well as short-term rental. You can find the leading hotel flags, along with charming inns or B&B’s throughout town and on the port. Right outside of town is the luxurious Wentworth Inn. Outdoor recreation, live music, shops & galleries. Worth a weekend escape at a minimum, and don’t be surprised if you book a return before you leave.

  • A thriving hub for entrepreneurs with a vibrant business climate, recognized as the top place to start a business in New Hampshire. The city is home to a diverse range of companies, including tech giant HubSpot, and offers a wealth of startup resources. Entrepreneurs are drawn to Portsmouth's skilled workforce, quality of life, and the entrepreneurial spirit that permeates the city. Plus, the city's walkability and historic charm add to its appeal, making it not just a great place to do business but a wonderful place to live and explore.

    Multiple vibrant co-working options, downtown and at the port, offer remote workers & digital nomads options for plugging into Portsmouth’s bold innovative culture.

  • Portsmouth is a fantastic match for families, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities. The city boasts excellent schools, numerous family-friendly attractions, and a variety of parks and recreational facilities. With a strong sense of community and a charming downtown area, families can enjoy a high quality of life while exploring the city's historic landmarks, museums, and vibrant arts scene.

    A vibrant place for singles, Portsmouth offers a lively nightlife scene, a variety of restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to meet new people. A vibrant performing arts culture keeps calendars full. With its blend of historic charm and modern amenities, Portsmouth offers a dynamic setting for singles to explore and enjoy.

    Portsmouth is a delightful choice for retirees, offering a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The city provides a range of housing options, including senior living communities. The city's Senior Activity Center offers a variety of programs and activities, and there are numerous other senior-friendly resources and activities in the area. Affordability may be an issue as it is higher than the national average – but there is also no sales tax or income tax in the state.

Two people sitting outside a French bakery and cafe called La Maison Navy, engaging in conversation. The cafe has a black awning with white lettering, and a French flag is displayed outside. The sign above indicates it is a wine bar and fine market.

THE UNIQUE MAGIC INGREDIENTS

SPARKS & Vibes

A paper with the text 'THE Portsmouth VIBE' at the top, 'Portside Culture' in red cursive in the center, and a gold pushpin at the top right corner.

The way we see it, SPARKS are the places, events, activities that you remember about a MoxieTown, the ones that set them apart, the ones they are known for, & make a lasting impression.

Vibes , on the other hand, are that all-over feeling you get from a place, its unique ambiance.

Portsmouth is a “big small town,” but really shows up when it comes to its performing arts culture, history, and vibrant cullinary scene. We call this town’s vibe - Portside Culture.

Market Square | Boutiques & Culinary Center

Market Square | Boutiques & Culinary Center

History & Architecture | North Church

History & Architecture | North Church

Precott Park | Waterfront Municipal Park

Precott Park | Waterfront Municipal Park

Walkable, pedestrian friendly scale

Walkable, pedestrian friendly scale

Strawberry Banke Museum

Strawberry Banke Museum

The Downtown Scene 

The downtown scene is a vibrant tapestry of colonial-era residences, old commercial buildings, and more than 1,200 historically significant structures, all part of the Portsmouth Downtown Historic District. As you stroll through the brick-lined streets, you'll find yourself immersed in a lively arts scene, with art galleries and bookstores adding a dash of color and intellect to the mix . Independent shops and boutiques offer a treasure trove of unique finds, from clothes to puzzles, and even epic cheese collections. And when you've worked up an appetite, the town serves up a vast array of culinary delights, with hundreds of restaurants catering to every palate.

BLOGS ABOUT THIS MOXIETOWN

Stories, Tales, & Secrets

 
READ MORE ABOUT PORTSMOUTH
 

 Found Around Town

Take a look at our Stories to find more about these treasures in and around town.

Our Quick Takes & Not-To-Miss Highlights.

Whether you’re staying or just stopping by, you don’t want to miss these. There are many adventures to be had and much local flair to experience!

  • Exceptional culinary scene that is raising the bar all the time! If you are a true foodie, you would love living here, if you are not so fortunate - one trip will not be enough.

  • Set on a port, the town offers access to watersports, beaches are minutes away, the largest lake in New Hampshire is less than an hour away, along with mountains to the northwest and west. Here, there is an endless number of ways to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.

  • There are so many reasons to stay in Portsmouth, and concurrently, as many places to stay. Book early - Portsmouth is no longer a surprise or hidden gem. You can find a wide range in downtown, including all the major flags.

  • The energy of innovation and creation is palpable here. The cost of living is higher than ideal, but there is an apparent tradeoff to be in the heart of such a vibrant small town.

  • Goodness, where do we begin! This town is a vibrant hub for the performing arts, offering a rich tapestry of music, drama, and visual arts. The Portsmouth Music and Arts Center is a non-profit organization that provides music and visual arts opportunities for all,
    & The Music Hall, a historic theater saved from demolition by a grassroots team of volunteers, has been pivotal in revitalizing the city’s downtown and is recognized nationally for its signature programs. That is just the beginning. Add to the formal venues, live music is a part of the cultural quilt that is Portsmouth.

  • From everyone, we've talked to, living in Portsmouth is absolutely idyllic. It also comes with a pretty hefty price tag. Housing costs are almost 50% more than the US average - however, no sales tax or income tax. Options to live north of Portsmouth see more affordable options.

 
 
 

Find Your Way Around Portsmouth, NH.

Sometimes you just need to know how close it is.

  • Boston 61 miles

  • Boston Logan International Airport 55 miles

    Portsmouth International Airport 5.5 miles

  • Portsmouth Regional Hospital 5.5 miles

  • University of New Hampshire 13 miles

    Durham, NH

  • Fenway Park 66 miles

  • Beach: Wallis Sands Beach 4.1 miles

    Waterfront/Port: intown

    Mountain: Mount Agamenticus, York, Maine 15 miles

    Lake: Lake Winnipesaukee 52 miles

  • Mall at Fox Run 4.5 miles

SIT BACK AND SCROLL THROUGH THIS PICTURESQUE MOXIETOWN

Follow along for some MoxieTown magic.

Tech does not have to mean glass towers, parking decks, and badge access. In a small town, it can mean a founder with a laptop, a mentor around the corner, a class at night, and a community that knows their name. Beaufort, South Carolina is one exa

A sweet slice of life in Portsmouth.

A brick sidewalk on a city street lined with shops and restaurants, with colorful facade buildings, including a sign for Selle Cannoli and various other storefront signs, lampposts, and parked cars.

A brick sidewalk on a city street lined with shops and restaurants, with colorful facade buildings, including a sign for Selle Cannoli and various other storefront signs, lampposts, and parked cars.

A city sidewalk with brick pavement, lined with storefronts painted in blue and black. Storefronts display potted plants and merchandise, with signs and lights in the window. Lampposts and parked cars are visible along the street.

A city sidewalk with brick pavement, lined with storefronts painted in blue and black. Storefronts display potted plants and merchandise, with signs and lights in the window. Lampposts and parked cars are visible along the street.

Exterior of Kilwins in Maine, a shop selling chocolates, fudge, and ice cream, with signage including a colorful ice cream cone sign and a Sea Bags Maine sign on a brick building.

Exterior of Kilwins in Maine, a shop selling chocolates, fudge, and ice cream, with signage including a colorful ice cream cone sign and a Sea Bags Maine sign on a brick building.

View of a brick building on a city street corner with a sign indicating office space for lease, a crosswalk in the foreground, and a decorative street lamp.

View of a brick building on a city street corner with a sign indicating office space for lease, a crosswalk in the foreground, and a decorative street lamp.

Exterior view of NOA Cafe with outdoor seating on brick sidewalk, large windows showing customers inside, a black chalkboard sign advertising hiring, a white and black NOA sign on the awning, and a concrete pillar with a sign pointing to the African

Exterior view of NOA Cafe with outdoor seating on brick sidewalk, large windows showing customers inside, a black chalkboard sign advertising hiring, a white and black NOA sign on the awning, and a concrete pillar with a sign pointing to the African Burying Ground.

Sidewalk with trees and storefronts on a city street, featuring signs for ten thousand villages and Pretty Little Things, with window displays of various decorative items.

Sidewalk with trees and storefronts on a city street, featuring signs for ten thousand villages and Pretty Little Things, with window displays of various decorative items.

Street view with small shops, including Celtic Crossing, Elizabeth Henry, and others, with colorful storefronts and a lamppost in the foreground.

Street view with small shops, including Celtic Crossing, Elizabeth Henry, and others, with colorful storefronts and a lamppost in the foreground.

Empty brick and pink buildings line a brick-paved street with hanging lights and a large sign for the music hall.

Empty brick and pink buildings line a brick-paved street with hanging lights and a large sign for the music hall.

A plate with French toast topped with whipped cream and powdered sugar, served with a side of syrup.

A plate with French toast topped with whipped cream and powdered sugar, served with a side of syrup.

Empty outdoor patio with light blue chairs and dark green tables on a wooden deck, with planters and a sign that reads "Dogs Welcome On Patio!" along a brick sidewalk in a downtown area.

Empty outdoor patio with light blue chairs and dark green tables on a wooden deck, with planters and a sign that reads "Dogs Welcome On Patio!" along a brick sidewalk in a downtown area.

Interior of a gift shop with colorful notebooks, stationery, and a blue backpack on display table. Shelves in the background hold more stationery and gift items.

Interior of a gift shop with colorful notebooks, stationery, and a blue backpack on display table. Shelves in the background hold more stationery and gift items.

Storefront window display of Opal & Oak Boutique with clothing, accessories, and decor items inside, visible through large glass windows.

Storefront window display of Opal & Oak Boutique with clothing, accessories, and decor items inside, visible through large glass windows.

A white and red historic church with a tall steeple and a clock, against a cloudy sky. A streetlamp and a blue harbor sign are in the foreground.

A white and red historic church with a tall steeple and a clock, against a cloudy sky. A streetlamp and a blue harbor sign are in the foreground.

Find Your Tribe

Location is everything when you’re moving somewhere new, but so are the people! While of course, these stats can’t begin to represent these unique individuals and their social dynamics, they can provide you with a snapshot of the remarkable tapestry of personalities.

Education

This is a great place to get an overview of the educational offerings of a community. We know each family is unique and each child has their own perfect fit - so check out the many options in this town here.

How we look at demographics, other than education choices

We are looking at small towns everywhere and, so that our fellow small-town fans can really compare “apples to apples” as closely as possible, we use a 3-mile radius for most all of our demographics, 1 mile if we are talking specifically about what is within walking distance to the heart of town. Because when you are talking about who lives in a town - you don’t really care about who provides their water or where they pay their taxes.

Household Income & Median Home Value

$102,639
2023 Median Household Income
141
2023 USA Index


$592,410
2023 Median Home Value
192
2023 USA Index

The median home values are almost 2x the US average.

Indexes

An index is a way to measure and compare different values using a common standard. Think of it as a scale or a ruler that helps you understand how different things measure up against a standard or average of what is found in the US.

Median Age - 109
Wealth - 117
Diversity - 28
Total Crime - 89