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 medium-sized city located in the state of New Hampshire. The city has a population of 21,418 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (90% White). Given that fact, Portsmouth could be considered less diverse than other cities. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Portsmouth, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 23 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out 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. The best areas in Portsmouth and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the New Hampshire and national averages.
Portsmouth has a livability score of 85 out of 100 and is ranked #5 in New Hampshire and #342 in the USA. Based on this score, Portsmouth would be considered a very livable city! Portsmouth has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Portsmouth has higher than average grades for the following: amenities (B+), crime (B), education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (B-). The bad news for Portsmouth, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: cost of living (F).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Portsmouth, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Portsmouth undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Strawbery Banke Museum, Water Country, and Prescott Park.
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Portsmouth has a violent crime rate of 178 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
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 1.1%, 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.
Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Portsmouth have an average test score of 75%, which is well above the US average.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Portsmouth market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Portsmouth real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Portsmouth. Median real estate prices in Portsmouth come in at $456,200, which is 90.3% 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 5.8, which is 65.7% higher than the New Hampshire average.
| 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% |
Here are the best places to live in New Hampshire
Top 10 best public schools in Portsmouth
10 best cities to buy a new house in New Hampshire
These are the 10 most affordable cities in New Hampshire