New Hampshire / Rockingham County

Moving to Portsmouth, NH

Thinking of making a move to Portsmouth, NH? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Portsmouth and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Portsmouth before you move.

Moving Help for Your Portsmouth, NH Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Portsmouth move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Portsmouth, NH Piano Movers Portsmouth, NH Cheap Movers Portsmouth, NH Small Movers Portsmouth, NH Apartment Movers Portsmouth, NH Long Distance Movers Portsmouth, NH

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portsmouth, NH

Considering a move to Portsmouth, NH? This welcoming community of 21,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $720,000 and average rents near $2,300. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (57% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Portsmouth's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth has a population of 21,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 43 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 88% White, 3% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
21,500
Density
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age
42.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
8.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
88.0%
Black
3.0%
Asian
4.2%
Others
4.8%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Portsmouth, NH?

The cost of living in Portsmouth is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 145.0. Median home values are around $720,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,300. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$720,000
Gross Rent
$2,300
Monthly Electricity Charges
$155
Auto Insurance
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,050
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 7.0%
Cost Of Living Index
145.0
Grocery
109.0
Housing
198.0
Utilities
116.0
Transportation
110.0
Health Care
112.0
Miscellaneous
118.0

Crime

Is Portsmouth, NH a safe place to live?

Portsmouth is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 170 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 70. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in New Hampshire.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
170
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,420
Crime Index
1,590
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 588
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 70

Weather

What is the weather like in Portsmouth, NH year-round?

Portsmouth experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 81°F and cold winters dipping to 18°F. The area receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 57% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
18°F
Max
37°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
81°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
49.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
57%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $95,000 and a low poverty rate of 6.8%. Over 95% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 55% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 7% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$56,000
Household Income
$95,000
Family Income
$122,000
Per Capita Income
$58,500
Income Male
$62,000
Income Female
$51,000
Poverty Rate
6.8%
Non English Speakers
13.0%
Rent
$2,300
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
Public Transport Usage
6.5%
Commute Time
23.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
95.0%
Bachelors or More
55.0%

Education

How are the schools in Portsmouth, NH?

Portsmouth offers quality education options, with public schools like Portsmouth Middle School and Portsmouth High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of New Hampshire at Manchester and University of New Hampshire. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Portsmouth Middle School
Street
155 Parrott Ave
Phone
603-436-7233
Students
650
Student Teacher Ratio
11.8
Name
Portsmouth High School
Street
50 Andrew Jarvis Dr
Phone
603-436-7100
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
12.5

Private Schools

Name
The White Mountain School
Street
371 West Rd
Phone
603-356-5637
Students
110

Colleges

Name
University of New Hampshire at Manchester
City
Manchester
State
NH
Distance
45 miles
Students
700
Name
University of New Hampshire
City
Durham
State
NH
Distance
10 miles
Students
15,000

Healthcare

Portsmouth residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Portsmouth Regional Hospital and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.2 per 1,000 people and 94.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Portsmouth Regional Hospital
Address
333 Borthwick Ave, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Phone
(603) 436-5110
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
Address
789 Central Ave, Dover, NH 03820
Phone
(603) 742-5252
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage
94.0%
Health Care Index
80.5

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Portsmouth, NH?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $720,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 42%. The market has seen a 4.8% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.5%. Portsmouth offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$720,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,300
Owner Occupied Rate
42.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.8%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Portsmouth handle vehicle services through the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Concord. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
New Hampshire
Department
New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305
Phone
(603) 227-4000

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Portsmouth, NH

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Portsmouth, review the core fields on this page: population 21,500, median home value $720,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,300, commute time 23.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 57%.

Ready to Move to Portsmouth, NH?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes