Market Square and downtown
The commercial center around North Church, with shops, restaurants and The Music Hall a short walk away. Homes are mainly condominiums in historic and newer buildings.
Read the Portsmouth condo guidePortsmouth community guide
Portsmouth neighborhoods and districts
Not every Portsmouth place name is a neighborhood. Some are busy downtown districts, some are historic areas, and some are residential streets. This page sorts them out and points to our detailed guides.
Downtown districts
Busy, central areas
These are the places most visitors know. People live here too, mostly in condominiums and apartments above or beside shops and restaurants.
Tidewatch
A condominium community with its own Bean Group resource: floor plans and community background.
Read more about TidewatchHistoric areas
Older streets and preserved places
Parts of Portsmouth are shaped by centuries-old buildings. Much of this area falls within the city's Historic District, where exterior changes are reviewed.
South End
A residential historic neighborhood south of downtown, near Prescott Park and Strawbery Banke Museum, with period houses on narrow streets.
Read more about South EndStrawbery Banke
A museum neighborhood of preserved historic houses on the site of the original settlement. It is a place to visit rather than a place to buy.
The Hill
A small group of preserved historic buildings near Deer Street, now used mainly as offices. It is not a residential neighborhood.
Islington Street
A historic corridor west of downtown where older homes mix with local businesses.
Read more about Islington StreetResidential areas
Where most of Portsmouth lives
Beyond downtown, Portsmouth is largely residential. These areas have their own Bean Group guides or community resources.
Elwyn Park
A residential neighborhood on the south side of the city.
Read more about Elwyn ParkMiddle Road and Colonial Drive
Residential streets west of downtown.
Read more about Middle Road and Colonial DriveTucker's Cove
A residential neighborhood with its own Bean Group resource, including buying and selling guides.
Read more about Tucker's CoveThe Woodlands
A residential community with a Bean Group resource covering its homes and history.
Read more about The WoodlandsKeep going
Compare areas in more depth
Our full neighborhoods guide covers more of the city in one read. An agent can tell you how individual streets compare.
More of the Portsmouth guide