Relocating to Portsmouth - Shanley Realtors

Welcome to the Seacoast Region of New Hampshire and the Greater Portsmouth area.

Relocating is an often intimidating and time consuming process. It is an important decision involving many unknowns. Whether you’re from New Hampshire or a different region of the country, learning some information about your new surroundings will make the transition smoother and easier.

The Shanleys have been an integral part of the community since the late 1800s. Joe and his agents know Portsmouth. Let us share some history with you.

(Historical Information written by Sherm Pridham) The history of Portsmouth and the New Hampshire Seacoast is rooted in trade and the desire to improve one’s life. Settlers of the New Hampshire Seacoast area did not come primarily for religious purposes, as the Puritans did in Massachusetts. Today, a sense of history permeates Portsmouth and the seacoast. Perhaps the presence of so many historic houses and museums account for the feeling that history, the past, is somehow part of the present.

Native Americans were here about 12,000 years ago. Europeans came to the Isles of Shoals as early as the 1550s. They were after the fabulous catches of cod that they hoped would bring them wealth. David Thomson established the first permanent settlement in New Hampshire in 1623 at Odiorne Point, at the mouth of the Piscataqua. He and his men came to pursue their fortunes. They were not part of religious migration.

In 1631, fifty men and women came from England and settled about two miles up from Odiorne, along the banks of the Piscataqua River. They built a Great House and called their settlement Strawbery Banke, after the abundance of strawberries growing along the river bank. These settlers too were attracted by the prospect of trade and had the financial backing of investors in England.

Strawbery Banke flourished. It soon became a center for trade, ship building, and supplying masts for ships. In 1652 Strawbery Banke was renamed Portsmouth. It served as the provincial capital of New Hampshire from 1697 until the Revolutionary War.

Portsmouth played a vital, but not well known. role in the Revolution. In December of 1774 Portsmouth’s Sons of Liberty attacked the British Fort William and Mary at Newcastle and made off with a very large store of powder and munitions. These munitions later proved critical to the Patriots at the Battle of Bunker Hill.

In 1800 the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard was established and it continues, to this day, Portsmouth’s maritime heritage. Portsmouth’s prosperity relied heavily on maritime trade and it suffered greatly during the embargo of the War of 1812. The railroads allowed commerce to develop further westward and Portsmouth’s wealth and prosperity were further diminished.

Frank Jones, “The King of The Ale Makers” was as close to a tycoon as Portsmouth would have during the Industrial Revolution. It was Jones’s Hotel Wentworth that hosted the delegates during the famous peace negotiations that ended the devastating war between Japan and Russia. The Treaty of Portsmouth was signed on September 5, 1905.

The opening of Pease Air Base in the 1950s brought several thousand new residents to the area. They brought new ideas and new opportunities for business. In the 1960s urban renewal resulted in the razing of houses in the North End of Portsmouth. Also, in the 60s, Portsmouth’s oldest neighborhood, Puddle Dock, in the South End was transformed into an outdoor museum. Since the late 1980s Pease Air Base has gone through a gradual transformation into a trade port, bringing several thousand new jobs and high tech companies to replace the US Air Force’s presence there.

Twenty First Century Portsmouth continues to be a place to create new opportunities for a better life. That “better life” is heavily reliant on the history which makes tourism so important to our economy and gives us all a feeling of connectedness and continuation. Sherm Pridham, Director of Portsmouth Library, 1997-2003

Today, the city continues to thrive as a commercial and recreational hub. Featuring a developed business climate, first rate educational system, and a diversified cultural atmosphere rivaling any major city, Portsmouth is both a vibrant modern community and quaint historic town.

Now that you know a little more about our town, let us assist in making Portsmouth your town. Shanley agents are your Portsmouth experts. Through their experience, they know the concerns that materialize along the way, and they offer the best solutions.

Select another Shanley Realtors Guide to relocation

Dudley Clark:

Once a newcomer to Portsmouth himself, Dudley Clark admits that from a social standpoint, relocating to Portsmouth can initially seem challenging. On the surface, penetrating social groups appears difficult. Stereotypically, New Englanders tend to be reserved and may not make a conscious effort to meet newcomers. Furthermore, older towns like Portsmouth are rarely subdivided into specific neighborhoods, resulting in a lack of immediate connection with people of the same subdivision. Once you’re here, however, you will find the people of Portsmouth friendly and welcoming. Connecting with your neighbors requires a little effort. Dudley advises that the best way to meet people is to volunteer or join a local organization. “This is not only a great way to give back to the community, but also a fantastic way to meet your neighbors and people with common interests.” For a list of local organizations, click here.

Fred Pettigrew:

Fred reminds those new to this area to appreciate and enjoy the change of seasons. The extreme difference between each season is truly unique to this region. In order to fully experience New England, be prepared to take advantage of each one. Even winter, he insists, is special. Although the harsh winter may intimidate those from warmer climates, it holds plenty of beauty and unique experiences. The winter months create a deep appreciation for spring when it finally arrives.

Michele McCarthy:

Michele is pleased to report that seacoast residents take pride in their communities. Civic duty is a major priority for people; whether in terms of local government, education, area beautification or historic preservation, residents tend to be active participants in community improvement. Education, often a top priority for newcomers, provides a good example of this dedication. Discovering that this area boasts one of the best school systems in the country comforts them. In fact, according to the Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, a recent survey rated New Hampshire students fourth in reading and third in math nationwide. “I feel this success directly relates to a strong local commitment to education. It should be encouraging for newcomers to realize that they are making a home in a place where the extent of community pride results in a higher quality of life for all.”

Nancy Rosen:

The seacoast area has it all, Nancy says, so take advantage of every opportunity. While Portsmouth may be relatively small, the bustling community’s year round activities, thriving art scene, festivals and social opportunities are anything but “small town”. The intimidating attitude of big city life that tends to accompany such a cultural metropolis, however, is absent. Newcomers should therefore seize every available opportunity to get involved in the new worlds that Portsmouth offers to you. Don’t hesitate to get involved in something new and unique, whether it’s the arts, music, antiques or volunteer work. The abundant cultural activity combined with an approachable atmosphere makes this place truly special.

Dave Lefebvre:

According to Dave, the key to a successful relocation is research. Finding the perfect property requires extensive knowledge. He suggests that you learn as much as possible about the entire region, including areas inland. Most people know that Portsmouth and the region along the coast are a wonderful place to live, but they may overlook the quaint and beautiful places farther north and away from the shoreline. Many scenic rivers supply the countryside with gorgeous waterfront properties.

Sabino SanJuan:

“Get ready”, Sabino declares, “because you’re in for a good time.” The heart of seacoast nightlife beats in Portsmouth. The town is a legendary spot and a household name among the partygoing. Downtown Portsmouth has no less than 50 restaurants and bars and beholds such entertainment beauties as The Music Hall. If you are into the pursuit of entertainment, relocating to Portsmouth is your ticket.

Ralph Guerra:

The seacoast area is a regional leader in health-care services, Ralph states, so newcomers can rest assured. The area is home to several full-service hospitals and specialty facilities that are some of the most advanced in New England. In fact, ranked as the healthiest state in the nation by Health Care State Rankings 2004, the entire state of New Hampshire is an all around safe and healthy place to live. Should complications arise, feel confident that you are safe and in good hands.