Portsmouth NH vs. Newburyport MA vs. Kennebunkport ME: Three Coastal Towns, Three Different Lifestyles

I’ve been fortunate enough to live in two of these three beautiful coastal communities... Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Newburyport, Massachusetts  and I’ve spent plenty of time working in and around Kennebunkport, Maine as well.

Today, we have Aland Realty offices in Portsmouth and Kennebunk, amongst other New England locations, with another coming soon... but I’ll keep that one a secret for now.

So, what do Portsmouth, Newburyport and Kennebunkport have in common?

Quite a bit. All three are beautiful New England communities by the water. They have historic architecture, great restaurants, local shops, plenty to do and easy access to the coast. They're also three places where people don't just buy a home, they're often choosing a lifestyle.

Having lived in both Portsmouth and Newburyport, I can tell you they may look similar on paper, but they don't necessarily feel the same. Kennebunkport has its own personality as well.

Here’s my take on what makes each one special.

At a Glance

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Portsmouth is probably the most energetic of the three. There’s always something happening downtown, but it still manages to hold onto its historic New England character.

Having lived here, one of the things I appreciate most is how easy it is to spend a day without much of a plan. You can walk through Market Square, grab lunch or dinner, wander down toward the waterfront and Prescott Park, catch some live music or simply sit and watch the boats go by.

The restaurant scene is one of Portsmouth's biggest draws. Places like Jumpin' Jay's Fish Cafe and Cure are longtime favorites, but part of the fun is just how many choices there are within a relatively small downtown.

For entertainment, The Music Hall is a Portsmouth institution, hosting concerts, movies, comedy and theater. During the warmer months, Prescott Park Arts Festival brings outdoor concerts and performances right to the waterfront.

History is everywhere, including Strawbery Banke Museum, and when you want the beach, you don't have to go far. Wallis Sands State Beach in Rye is just a short drive from downtown, along with several other beaches along the New Hampshire Seacoast.

For me, Portsmouth is the choice for someone who wants coastal living but doesn't want things to feel too quiet. You have restaurants, entertainment, shopping, history and the water all within a relatively compact area.

The feel: Historic, active, walkable and social.

Newburyport, Massachusetts

Newburyport will always have a special place for me because I've lived here too.

There are definitely similarities between Newburyport and Portsmouth. Both have historic downtowns, waterfronts, brick buildings, locally owned shops and plenty of restaurants. But I've always felt Newburyport becomes a little more residential once you step outside the immediate downtown.

State Street and Market Square are at the center of things, and the boardwalk and Waterfront Park give downtown that connection to the Merrimack River.

There are plenty of places to eat, including longtime downtown spots like Black Cow and Loretta, along with restaurants overlooking or close to the waterfront. The Firehouse Center for the Arts brings theater, music, comedy and other performances right into downtown.

Then you have something that really sets Newburyport apart: Plum Island.

Within a few minutes, you can leave downtown behind and be at the beach, exploring the salt marshes or heading into the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. It's one of my favorite examples of how quickly the landscape can change around here.

If woods and trails are more your speed, Maudslay State Park is another great local option with walking trails, gardens and beautiful scenery along the Merrimack River.

I think Newburyport offers a nice balance. You can have the walkability and activity of downtown while still having neighborhoods that feel distinctly residential.

The feel: Historic, walkable and coastal, with a strong neighborhood feel.

Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport has a different pace.

When I think of Kennebunkport, I think classic coastal Maine... beaches, boats, beautiful homes, lobster, small shops and a little less hurry.

Dock Square is the heart of town, with shops, galleries and restaurants clustered around the Kennebunk River. From there, one of my favorite drives is along Ocean Avenue, following the coastline toward Walker's Point.

Then there's Cape Porpoise, which has an entirely different feel. It's quieter and more like a traditional Maine fishing village, with lobster boats in the harbor and views toward Goat Island Lighthouse.

Kennebunkport also has some great dining. Alisson's Restaurant has been a Dock Square staple for years, while The Boathouse gives you the waterfront experience right along the river. Mabel's Lobster Claw on Ocean Avenue is another longtime local name.

And of course, there's the beach.

Goose Rocks Beach is one of my favorite stretches of coastline in the area, with roughly two miles of sandy beach and a completely different atmosphere from downtown Kennebunkport. You also have Colony Beach and other coastal spots nearby.

Kennebunkport isn't just a summer town either. Christmas Prelude is a perfect example. The community takes on an entirely different personality during the holidays and it's become one of the area's signature annual traditions.

If Portsmouth feels the most active of the three, Kennebunkport probably sits at the other end of the spectrum. It feels a little slower and more relaxed and for many people, that's exactly the attraction.

The feel: Relaxed, scenic and unmistakably coastal Maine.

So, Which One Feels Like Home?

That's what I enjoy about comparing these three communities. I don't think there's a wrong answer.

Portsmouth gives you a lively downtown, an excellent restaurant and entertainment scene, history and easy access to the New Hampshire Seacoast.

Newburyport combines a beautiful historic downtown and waterfront with established neighborhoods, Plum Island and some incredible outdoor spaces.

Kennebunkport offers a slower coastal Maine lifestyle centered around beaches, boating, great food and some truly beautiful scenery.

I've lived in Portsmouth and Newburyport and have spent a lot of time working throughout the Seacoast and Southern Maine. One thing I've learned is that finding the right community isn't just about comparing houses or prices.

It's about figuring out where you can picture yourself living your everyday life.

Where will you walk in the morning? Where will you grab dinner on a Friday night? Do you want to walk downtown for coffee, spend your free time at the beach, be close to live music and restaurants, or have somewhere a little quieter to come home to?

Those are often the things that ultimately make a place feel like home.

If you're considering a move to Portsmouth, Newburyport, Kennebunkport or anywhere along the New Hampshire Seacoast, Southern Maine or Greater Newburyport area, I'm always happy to share what I know and help you compare the communities as well as the homes.

Steve Oates, REALTOR®
NH • ME • MA
Helping You Find Your Place Along the Seacoast.