Real Estate FAQ

Here are 10 of the most common questions I receive from people considering a move to the Portsmouth area.

1. Is it true that New Hampshire has no sales or income tax? Yes, that's a huge perk of living here! We don’t have state sales or income tax, though our property taxes tend to be a bit higher to balance it out.

2. How’s the commute if I need to get into Boston? It’s very doable; most people budget about an hour to 75 minutes. The C&J bus from Portsmouth is also a popular, stress-free way to commute or get to Logan Airport. Don't forget about Amtrak with stops in Exeter and Dover.

3. I hear housing is competitive—how hard is it to find a place downtown? Downtown inventory is very tight and moves fast. We’ll need to be prepared to act quickly and potentially look at nearby "pocket neighborhoods" that offer similar walkability. Portsmouth in particular has a large number of new development higher end condominiums under construction.

4. Since you're licensed in three states, which one has the better "deal"? "Better" depends on your lifestyle; Maine and Mass have state income taxes but often lower property taxes than NH. Each town has their own tax rate and home values vary greatly between Towns.

5. What is the "Seacoast" exactly, and which town fits me best? The Seacoast is our 18-mile stretch of coastline; Portsmouth is the "hub," Rye is more coastal/rural, and Hampton offers a classic beach-town vibe. I'm familiar with all these areas and can provide more information to help you make an informed decesion. 

6. Are the schools in Portsmouth as good as people say? Portsmouth schools are highly regarded and consistently rank among the top in the state. I can provide links to independent data and local parent resources to help you dive deeper.

7. How bad is the tourist traffic in the summer? It definitely picks up between Memorial Day and Labor Day! Locals know the "back roads" to avoid Market Square during peak times, and I’ll be happy to share those shortcuts with you.

8. Can I really walk to restaurants and shops from most neighborhoods? If you live in the downtown or the South End, absolutely. Other neighborhoods like Little Harbour are also very walkable, while others require a short 5-minute drive or bike ride. Walking or biking acceptable distance varies for people, some find the West End and easy walk to town as well.

9. What’s the winter weather like right on the coast? We definitely get all four seasons! Being on the water usually keeps us slightly warmer than inland NH, but you’ll still want a good pair of boots and a reliable snow blower, unless in a condo.

10. How do I meet people once I move there? Portsmouth is incredibly social; between the local restaurant scene, Prescott Park events, and various recreation leagues, it’s very easy to plug into the community.

Ready to make the Seacoast your home?