Portsmouth

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Portsmouth, RI

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Just sit on the dock of the bay in Portsmouth

Coastal Suburban Scenic Lush Active Welcoming Historic

Situated in the southern portion of Rhode Island on the Narragansett Bay, Portsmouth is an idyllic town brimming with historic charm and a distinct small-town feel. Portsmouth residents enjoy an overall laidback atmosphere along with plenty of lush landscaping and natural beauty.

Options for outdoor recreation abound in Portsmouth, from fishing and boating on the bay to golfing at Montaup Country Club and everything in between. Families often flock to Portsmouth for its excellent schools and its convenient location. Newport and Providence are each within a 30-minute drive of Portsmouth, while Cape Cod is about an hour’s drive away. Access to multiple major roadways makes getting around from Portsmouth a breeze.

Rent Trends

As of January 2025, the average apartment rent in Portsmouth, RI is $1,300 for a studio, $1,586 for one bedroom, and $2,012 for two bedrooms. Apartment rent in Portsmouth has increased by 1.4% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,586/month
803 Sq Ft
House
$5,607/month
2,294 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Portsmouth, RI

Transportation

34

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

29

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Howard Hathaway School

Public

Grades K-4

422 Students

10
out of 10

Melville School

Public

Grades PK-4

328 Students

9
out of 10

Portsmouth Middle School

Public

Grades 5-8

618 Students

8
out of 10

Portsmouth Middle School

Public

Grades 5-8

618 Students

8
out of 10

Portsmouth High School

Public

Grades 9-12

796 Students

7
out of 10

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Narragansett Bay Research Reserve - Prudence Island
  • Herreshoff Marine Museum
  • Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
  • Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge
  • Krupowicz Planetarium

Airports

  • Rhode Island Tf Green International

Top Apartments in Portsmouth

Houses for Rent in Portsmouth

Living in Portsmouth

Restaurants

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Portsmouth has a wide range of casual and fine dining restaurant options. Resident favorites include Fieldstones Portsmouth Grille and 15 Point Road Restaurant, both of which serve American food; Roccos Little Italy; Cindy’s Country Cafe, a favorite brunch spot; Food Works diner; Fatigati’s Fresh Pasta; The North End Pizzeria and West End Pizza, two pizza shops; Anna D Cafe, a lunch favorite; and the burger joint Ultimate. You'll find additional restaurants in Middletown and Newport, both on Aquidneck Island, as well as in Tiverton and Little Compton, a short drive across the Sakonnet Bridge.

Shopping

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Portsmouth offers mainly independent retailers, although you will find pharmacies and supermarkets to meet your basic needs. Portsmouth's East Main Street has a selection of antique and consignment stores that will delight bargain hunters. In Clock Tower Square, you'll find women's clothing and lingerie stores and home decor stores. You'll find a wide selection of big box retailers next door in Middletown to meet most of your needs or across the Sakonnet Bridge on the mainland. Further down in Aquidneck, Newport offers both small and large retailers.

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