Portsmouth NH... Yea or Nay??

[mdamien]

Portsmouth is a fantastic city, as you've described. It has a night life, but you wouldn't have to go far for more variety in any case.

I lived in Burlington before they raised the drinking age, and it was a party town with a lot of bars and a vibrant night life. Now with the 21 drinking age, it has mellowed somewhat but it's still a college town with a lot of young people.

All things considered, Burlington is nice but Portsmouth is far more desirable.

[sfchick]

Originally Posted by jessicadwr

So I am considering moving to Portsmouth NH. It looks like a beautiful area, right on the ocean and all. It has things I'm looking for including: a hospital (I'm an RN and need to have somewhere to work); its beautiful (already said that ); it has a lot of downtown charm (very walkable!); its not in or anywhere near Utah; its not a big city; it has tons of outdoor stuff to do; and it has all four seasons with lots of snow! So my biggest concern is how fun is it to live there? The most important thing when picking somewhere to move is probably the night life. Being 23 and living in a tiny crap hole town in Utah has REALLY deprived me of enjoying my 20's. I want to move somewhere that it will be easy to make friends my own age and has a really fun nightlife. I do NOT want to move to a big city and I am over the whole hot desert thing (please do not suggest Texas, I know it is THE place for the 20-somethings but I just don't want to live there) I have also considered Portland Maine but the job market for RN's there doesn't seem all that open. I've also considered Burlington VT and suggestions about there are welcome! Thanks!

Both are great great great. Ranked #2 and #3 for best quality of life states in 2011. I am from Portsmouth and lived around Burlington for 7 years. Close by Montreal is amazing & feels like Europe. Boston is a quick drive from Ports. My husband and I are relocating to one of the two areas soon as we miss it too much. We are going to scout out jobs& rentals before moving. I think Portsmouth might have better jobs in the medical field right now, I was reviewing some forums and it seems VT has taken a hit in that area. Good luck!

[nhdriver]

Originally Posted by minibrings

There is NO whole foods in Portsmouth.
Wish there was one!

Portsmouth isnt that large population wise, but Boston and Portland make good day trips. Im lucky i can park at Harvard so i go to Cambridge a lot when i need a city fix.

Trader Joe's is coming to Newington soon if you haven't heard

Portsmouth has to be one of the best big city in New Hampshire. Love the place.

[VintageSunlight]

If the choice is between Burlington and Portsmouth, I'd say Portsmouth, hands down. The city has so much more going for it: the ocean, close to Boston, and NH is a far less govt regulated state than VT. Also, seacoast NH gets about 40 more sunny days a year than anywhere in upstate NY or VT, if that's important to you.

[I'mNotHere2Play]

You should move somewhere in Portsmouth because it's on the border to the state of Maine. A lot of beaches are located there, and fireworks on July 4th are just beautiful. A few years ago, I went with my family to see The Sound of Music the play, and it was wonderful. It was near the 2 bridges, the one that brings the road up (Which has been torn down) and the one that is big enough not to move.

[maire8]

Originally Posted by PhoebePaddy

I actually really like Portsmouth, NH. It's a great little city, beautiful in the summer and an escape from the summer humidity & heat. Its got the charm of the maritime provinces, yet the amenities of being in the US. There's a huge, gorgeous Whole Foods there ... which does give you an indication of the locals. (seriously, Whole Foods here rivals the ones in OC).

Yeah, there is no Whole Foods anywhere in the state of NH (yet...I hear one may be coming to Nashua soon).
Maybe you are thinking of Philbrick's Fresh Market?

[GregW]

If you can afford it Portsmouth is the choice NH city.