Introduction
Portsmouth, often referred to as Portsmouth Village, is known for its rich history and charm. As one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Kingston the area has not only some beautiful homes, but great stories as well. Numerous parks are located within the neighbourhood, along with various local businesses along King Street West.
The majority of the neighbourhood is a mixture of permanent homes and various rental accommodations, with over 70% owning their home. Regardless of what you may be looking for, Portsmouth’s charm is sure to win you over.
Geography
The neighbourhood is minutes from Kingston’s thriving downtown area and various other Kingston sites such as Lake Ontario Park and Queen’s University. Officially the neighbourhood is located in Kingston West, and is bounded by Johnson Street to the north, Sir John A. Macdonald Boulevard to the east, Lake Ontario to the south and Portsmouth Avenue to the west. Adjacent neighbourhoods include Fairway Hills, Sunnyside, and Alwington. The northeastern portion is also home to Richardson Memorial Stadium, home of the Queen’s Golden Gaels for the sports fans out there.
History
Originally founded in 1784, Portsmouth village was incorporated in 1858 and officially annexed to become a neighbourhood of Kingston in 1952. A town hall was created in 1865 and is actually still used today by various special interest clubs. The shoreline to the south was home to numerous tanneries, shipyards, sawmills, the famous Kingston Penitentiary and breweries including Molson and Labatt. The only remaining buildings from this time is the now closed down Penitentiary, but no need to fret you can still find some great brews in the area.
The village is also home to Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, which held the yachting and boating events of the 1976 Montreal Olympics and continues to offer event space today. The neighbourhood has managed to maintain its historic feel while offering some beautiful and affordable dwellings for the modern homebuyer.
Demographics
Approximately 2,528 people call the neighbourhood home, occupying around 1,215 dwellings. The largest age group is 20 – 29 owed to the proximity to Queens and various apartment complexes in the area. That being said, overall there is a fairly even spread due to the mix of dwellings and wide appeal of the neighbourhood.
The majority of dwellings are single-detaches homes, followed by apartment complexes as well as duplexes. Regardless of your taste, you are sure to find something in this historic neighbourhood.
Notable Surroundings
Just minutes from downtown, Portsmouth is right near Kingston’s various businesses, shops and delicious restaurants. The waterfront offers some beautiful scenery and peaceful parks throughout the year. The previously mentioned Olympic Harbour, Queen’s West Campus, Lake Ontario Park, and Cataraqui Golf and Country Club all flank the neighbourhood.
Check It Out
With a mix of older and upscale homes, as well as student and other more affordable options Portsmouth has a lot to offer. The historic neighbourhood promises to charm you with its character, while offering various amenities and a convenient central location.