Settled in 1623, Portsmouth lays claim to being the nation's third-oldest city. It served as a focal point on the Eastern seaboard until the late 1800s when rail travel did in the shipping industry. Many historic homes have been preserved, and there are notable museums, including Strawbery Banke Museum and the American Independence Museum . The region is noted for its many restaurants , attractions and shopping opportunities, which include outlet malls in North Hampton and in Kittery, Maine, as well as major malls in Newington, New Hampshire. After suffering a severe collapse in the early '90s, the local economy has rebounded strongly.
Unemployment is low, housing costs are on the rise, and the vacancy rate is very low.
Many computer-related businesses have sprung up locally, and the redevelopment of Pease Air Force Base is generating new job opportunties. Annual Average 46 o F., January Average 35 o F., July Average 72 o F. Precipitation Annual Average 46 in.