Amenities
A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Cost Of Living
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
Portsmouth is a mid-sized city located in the state of New Hampshire. The city has a population of 22,060 residents. At 90%, the majority of the Portsmouth population is White; this is followed by 5% Asian and 2% Black. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Portsmouth, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 23 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Portsmouth is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in New Hampshire, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Portsmouth and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, cost of living, health & safety, employment, housing and other important metrics.
Using data and statistics Portsmouth has received a livability score of 85/100. This score is ranked in the 98th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the US average, Portsmouth ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Portsmouth scores well for amenities (B+), crime (A-), education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (B+) Portsmouth does not score well for the following: cost of living (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
If you're considering living in Portsmouth, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Portsmouth provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Strawbery Banke Museum, Water Country, and Prescott Park.
Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Portsmouth shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 187 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Portsmouth, the unemployment rate stands at 1.2%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Portsmouth, the average school test scores reached an impressive 75%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Portsmouth an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Portsmouth excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Portsmouth. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Portsmouth are affordable. Median real estate prices in Portsmouth come in at $807,702, which is 88.1% higher than the New Hampshire average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Portsmouth, the home price to income ratio is 7, which is 70.7% higher than the New Hampshire average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Portsmouth | New Hampshire | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 27min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 73.6% | 81.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.9% | 7.9% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.1% | 0.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 5.3% | 2.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 11.2% | 6.1% | 4.6% |
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