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.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portsmouth, NH

Considering a move to Portsmouth, NH? This welcoming community of 22,277 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $650,000 and average rents near $2,200. Commute times average 20 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% 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 22,277 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 44 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 90% White, 2% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
22,277
Density
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age
43.6
Gender Ratio
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
8.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
89.8%
Black
2.1%
Asian
3.0%
Others
5.1%

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 129.2. Median home values are around $650,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,200. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$650,000
Gross Rent
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges
$150
Auto Insurance
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$850
State Taxes
Low: 0%| High: 5%
Cost Of Living Index
129.2
Grocery
114.5
Housing
157.0
Utilities
110.7
Transportation
113.2
Health Care
118.5
Miscellaneous
109.5

Crime

Is Portsmouth, NH a safe place to live?

Portsmouth is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 116 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 69. 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
116
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,450
Crime Index
1,566
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 862
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 69

Weather

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

Portsmouth experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 80°F and cold winters dipping to 16°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
16°F
Max
35°F

Summer

Min
60°F
Max
80°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
62°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches
47.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $96,500 and a low poverty rate of 6.8%. Over 97% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 60% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$47,500
Household Income
$96,500
Family Income
$120,200
Per Capita Income
$61,100
Income Male
$65,000
Income Female
$58,000
Poverty Rate
6.8%
Non English Speakers
8.5%
Rent
$2,200
Unemployment Rate
2.4%
Public Transport Usage
1.8%
Commute Time
20.3 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
97.3%
Bachelors or More
59.6%

Education

How are the schools in Portsmouth, NH?

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

Public Schools

Name
Portsmouth High School
Street
50 Andrew Jarvis Dr
Phone
603-436-7100
Students
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio
12.7
Name
Little Harbour School
Street
50 Clough Dr
Phone
603-436-1708
Students
430
Student Teacher Ratio
11.8

Private Schools

Name
Saint Patrick Academy
Street
315 Banfield Rd
Phone
603-436-0739
Students
200

Colleges

Name
Great Bay Community College
City
Portsmouth
State
NH
Distance
0 miles
Students
2,000
Name
University of New Hampshire
City
Durham
State
NH
Distance
13 miles
Students
15,400

Healthcare

Portsmouth residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Portsmouth Regional Hospital and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (nearby) nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.2 per 1,000 people and 94.7% 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 (nearby)
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
94.7%
Health Care Index
76.3

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Portsmouth, NH?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $650,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 7.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 3.2%. Portsmouth offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$650,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate
51.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
7.1%
New Construction Rate
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

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
1-603-227-4000

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 22,277, median home value $650,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,200, commute time 20.3 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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