The spirit of enterprise & the pursuit of pleasure thrive here in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Situated on Narragansett Bay, traditional New England coastal charm is allied with dynamic business attitudes. The favorable economic climate for business enterprise is enhanced by a pleasant, stimulating lifestyle. Birthplace of American Democracy - 1638 Portsmouth is one of three communities on Aquidneck Island. This fast growing town has a highly skilled, highly educated population of 17,149 (2000), 74% of whom live in single family houses. Surrounded on three sides by water, temperatures are moderated year round by ocean breezes and the 132 sq. mi. Narragansett Bay. Established in 1638 by Anne Hutchinson, Portsmouth is the first town in the nation
The public school system is one of the best in the State. If you prefer a private education for your child, the Portsmouth Abbey, St. Philomena's, and the Pennfield School provide excellent alternatives. Our fiscal year 2007 tax rate is $11.38 per $1,000 of full assessed value for all types of property. Revaluation was completed in 2004. We do not tax business at a higher rate. Our Enterprise Zone Program provides terrific tax benefits for businesses building new, renovation or expansion. Major industries on Aquidneck Island include: Oceanography, underwater systems development, navigational equipment, advanced thermoplastic composites, programmers, small boat, sailboat, luxury yacht and ship building, marinas, tourism, printing, awards, and 4,000 acres of farms. A wide variety of skills exists in Portsmouth and adjacent towns. An impressive community of management, engineers and scientists has grown around Naval Undersea Warfare Center and Raytheon, including many small consulting firms. 70% of Rhode Island's software industry is on Aquidneck Island. While Portsmouth tends to be home to the more highly skilled, a substantial population with a full range of skills lives within a 10 mile radius. Many
In a competitive world which demands excellence in its workforce, in its quality of life, in its educational system for our young, and in its ability to be at the forefront of technological change, Portsmouth shines. Portsmouth is easy to get to by land, sea or air, and is just a stone’s throw from all the major business centers, activities and attractions in New England. Winter skiing is just two hours to the north, Cape Cod an hour east, historic Newport a few minutes south, beaches and sailing in our back yard. At which of our 5 marinas would you like to moor your yacht? (Perhaps you would prefer to use our Town boat launch, or use one of the over 1,000 private moorings.) Portsmouth is centrally located on the eastern seaboard between the major metropolitan areas of New York and Boston. 1.3 million people live within 25 miles; 3.3 million within 50 miles. More than 65% of New England’s population lives within a 75 mile radius. 80 million people with a combined income of $1.6 trillion live within a 500 mile radius. Roads: Interstate highways, I-95, I-195, and 24 make Portsmouth easily Air: Newly remodeled T. F. Greene Airport in nearby Warwick, Rhode Island serves eight major airlines and seven commuter lines. It is one of the great turn-around stories in airport history. Logan International Airport in Boston, about an hour away, accommodates flights around the world. The Newport State Airport, 2 miles way, can provide service for most executive jets and charter service to T. F. Greene, J.F.K. and Logan airports. Rail: Freight and passenger service is available through main line Contrail and Amtrak connections in Providence, which is part of Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor system. Marine: Newport county is famous for its sailing (America’s Cup for over 100 years) and marine (Naval War College, Naval Undersea Warfare Center) traditions. It has deep water docking for cruise ships and commercial ships. There are shipyards with large docks for repairs and construction of commercial and pleasure craft, plus thousands of slips for pleasure boats. World renown Albin Yachts, Alden Yachts, Black Watch, Escape Sailboats, Hood Sails, Laser-Sunfish, Little Harbor Yachts, and Vanguard Sailboats are made here in Portsmouth. Four of the top five boat dealers in Rhode Island are in Portsmouth. The remaining top 10 are within a 5 mile drive. The nearby Port of Providence is one of the major industrial ports on the east coast; Galilee, the nation's 5th ranking fishing port, is 30 minutes west. Home | Why Portsmouth | Offices/Services | Meetings/Budget | Enterprise Zone | Business Directory | Area Links | Available Properties | More Info Questions? E-mail us at info@portsmouthri.com |
established by a
woman, and, according to many, was the first true democracy in America. The Portsmouth
Compact of 1638 is the first authentic guarantee of civil and religious freedom in the new
world.
accessible to the rest of the Northeast. It is located just 4
miles north of historic Newport, 22 miles east of Providence (a regional financial, rail,
air and service center), 10 miles south of Fall River (a major source of semi-skilled and
unskilled labor), 70 miles south of Boston ( a worldwide center of finance, education, and
technology), and 210 miles east of New York City. Over 4.5 million people visit the Island
each year, and most pass through Portsmouth.