Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Community Profile

From its stately historic houses to its bustling downtown harbor, the Greater Portsmouth area offers an unparalleled variety of professional and recreational opportunities.  A progressive business climate, a cultural and social environment rarely found in cities of its size, and proximity to the University of New Hampshire all contribute to the exciting vitality of the area.

The City of Portsmouth is the second oldest in New Hampshire. Originally settled in 1623 as Strawbery Banke, Portsmouth was incorporated as a town in 1849. For most of the 17th and 18th centuries, Portsmouth was a major shipbuilding center. Much of the activity was centered around the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, which opened in 1800. In 1905, the city gained international recognition with the signing of the Treaty of Portsmouth, which ended the Russo-Japanese War. Today, great care has been taken to preserve the historic flavor of the community as it has grown into the region's largest city, with commercial and cultural activity year-round. Portsmouth is located in the southeast corner of the state, halfway between Boston, Massachusetts and Portland, Maine. From its commanding seaside location, Portsmouth serves the northern New England region as an important center of commerce. The area is easily accessible from five major highways including Interstate 95 and is served by several interstate bus lines.  In addition, Portsmouth is fed by the Boston and Maine Railroad, and it is New Hampshire's only deep-water port, complete with its own Foreign Trade Zone and ready, ice-free access to the Atlantic Ocean.

Economy

Portsmouth's property owners support their basic services and education with an assessment based on the rate of $17.17 per $1,000 at 100 percent assessed valuation. Portsmouth's core contains the central business district, historical homes and sites, and community-scaled commercial developments. The surrounding suburban area has accommodated the city's growth beyond its colonial origins and is the location of most newer commercial industrial facilities and housing.

Business Profile

A mixture of technological, professional, financial, retail and tourism businesses define the Portsmouth economy.  More than 17 percent of the city's land area is contained within the bounds of Pease International Tradeport, the former site of Pease Air Force Base. The Tradeport is a world-class business park focused on creating a diverse mix of businesses and promoting economic development and employment in the region.

Business and industrial diversification, tourism development and creation of housing opportunities, all undertaken with attention to the natural and historical environment, downtown revitalization and workforce development, are priorities of Portsmouth's economic development program. With a demonstrated pro-business attitude and efficient organization of community assets, Portsmouth has positioned itself to lead the Seacoast region in economic growth.

Housing

A great variety of housing can be found throughout the city, including an ample selection of authentic colonial homes. While the picturesque Market Square area epitomizes classic New England architecture, large Victorian structures, oceanfront cottages, renovated brick warehouses, and striking modern homes and condominiums create an exciting and harmonious blend of the best of old and new. Housing units in Portsmouth in 2001 totaled 10,186. In 2004, the average assessed value of a new single family home in the Portsmouth area was $275,000. Portsmouth provides a range of single, family and apartment housing opportunities available in urban, rural and suburban settings. The Historic District Commission, charged with protecting the architectural and historic character of Portsmouth, regulates the exterior design of existing buildings within the city's historic districts.

Education

All municipalities in the Greater Portsmouth area are served by accredited school systems. Eight preschool and day-care centers are located in Portsmouth. Current high school enrollment is approximately 1,069, with 70 percent of graduates going on to a four- or two-year college or other educational program. Portsmouth High School consistently rates among the top schools in the state.

Superintendent's Office (603)431-5080

Elementary Schools

Dondero School
Van Buren Avenue
(603)436-2231
Enrollment: 375 students

Little Harbor School
Clough Drive
(603)436-1708
Enrollment: 370 students

New Franklin School
Dennett Street
(603)436-0910
Enrollment: 213 students 

Portsmouth Middle School
Parrott Avenue
(603)436-5781
Enrollment: 549 students

Portsmouth High School
Alumni Drive
(603)436-7100
Enrollment: 1,066 students

Profile

Portsmouth Population (2002): 21,008

Annual Growth (1990-2000): -19.8%

County: Rockingham

Municipal Government: Elected City Council, Elected Mayor, Appointed City Manager

Property Tax Rate: $17.17 per $1,000
of 100 percent assessed valuation

Median Household Income (2000): $59,630

Median Age (2000): 38.5

Utilities

Electricity Source: Public Service of
New Hampshire (603)436-5660

Natural Gas Source: Northern Utilities Natural Gas (603)436-0310

Water Source: Municipal reservoir,
gravel wells

Sewer Type Treatment: Advanced Primary

Solid Waste Disposal: Public & private; 75% picked up by city, based on location, remainder by private contractor; curbside recycling program.

Contacts

Portsmouth City Hall
Portsmouth Municipal Complex
Junkins Avenue
Portsmouth, NH 03801
All departments: (603)431-2000

Police: 427-1500/911 (Emergency)

Fire: 427-1515/911 (Emergency)