$1,355,993Average Value$827Average Price per Sq Ft
An island community tucked between New Hampshire and Maine
Surrounded by the Piscataqua River on all sides, Badgers Island is a tiny community between the borders of New Hampshire and Maine. Formerly a shipbuilding area in the 1700s and 1800s, the neighborhood's boats now dock at the island for recreational purposes. "Homes here are desirable because of these very docks," says Talia Sperduto, an associate broker with Samonas Realty who sells homes in Maine and New Hampshire. “Those properties are unique. There’s a limited number on the island, and many have access to dock space. You want a dock if you’re in that vicinity; it’s expensive to pay for one.” Whether trolling the river with fishing poles or heading out to sea, most residents are nautical in nature and enjoy proximity to the area’s major waterways. Though there is a very small population – and even fewer available homes – the community is close, and neighbors are around every corner.
Less than half a mile of million-dollar New England coastal homes
Home prices here stretch into the millions due to the exclusive nature of the community, as well as fast access to the river and bay. Badgers Island has only 50 homes laid out on its two roads, Island Avenue and Badgers Island West. Ranging between $1 million and $3 million, most of these coastal homes create an atmosphere reminiscent of small New England fishing villages. Shingle-sided cottages, some with fewer than 800 square feet, have that clapboard and saltbox style that makes the island feel timeless. Condo units in large buildings often feature balconies overlooking the water and can cost over $2 million.
Though there is not much in the way of yard space, several homes have their own private docks that stretch out into deeper waters for mooring and launching watercraft. Cars sit on communal parking lots and are used to travel off-island. Otherwise, folks can walk wherever they need to go, as the island is less than a half-mile long.
Sperduto points out that Badgers Island retains the financial advantages of a Maine address. “The property taxes will be lower in Maine, but you’re still walkable to downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire.” And though this coastal community has picturesque views of the water, it can also suffer from possible flooding. “Buying by the coast comes with risks, for sure," Sperduto says. Maine doesn’t require home sellers to disclose flood history, so Sperduto recommends buyers consult FEMA flood zone maps and local real estate agents to learn more.
This Queen Ann style home is nestled on Badgers Island.
There are many custom-built homes around Badgers Island.
A pedestrian takes her dog for a walk on Badgers Island.
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Badgers Island is a great place for boat owners.
Multiple marinas, boating on all sides
Boating is the name of the game on Badgers Island. Though many homeowners have their own docks, Badgers Island Marina and Piscataqua Marina have slips for seasonal purchase or rent. Residents are also within eyesight of Prescott Park, which is half a mile to the south. This Portsmouth green space features public docks and offers an additional stop for those who cruise along the Piscataqua River. Prescott Park is packed with multiple events each week during the summer. Free movies screen on the park stage, which also welcomes concerts and theater productions. The park festivities taper off in the fall, but residents gather in the town of Kittery to the north for an annual holiday parade. Locals can also fish off the island pier or head into town to catch a performance at The Music Hall Lounge. South Mill Pond Playground has a jungle gym, sports fields, tennis courts and a sandy dog park.
Highly rated public schools in nearby Kittery
Students on Badgers Island cross the bridge and travel into the town of Kittery to attend school. Horace Mitchell Primary School is for kindergarten through third grade, and it earns an A-minus on Niche. They then move on to Shapleigh School, rated a B-plus, for fourth through eighth grade. Robert W. Traip Academy is the area’s high school, and it scores a B-minus. The school has a varied list of courses for teens including Art of the Caribbean Islands, Screenwriting Fundamentals and Pre-Veterinary Medicine.
Shapleigh School is located in Kittery, Maine.
Robert W Traip Academy offers education to the youth of the region.
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Mainland shopping and dining in Portsmouth and Kittery
Though the community of Badgers Island may be tiny, there are a couple of great restaurants with views of the river. Buoy Shack serves locally harvested oysters, and though it does close seasonally, it stays open until mid-December. Badgers Island Pizza is across the street from Ornella's BBQ. These year-round restaurants may close their outdoor dining areas after the weather starts to turn, but they are considered go-to comfort food spots.
Running errands requires a 2-mile drive south to Hannaford supermarket in Portsmouth or a 1-mile jaunt north to Kittery, which has a butcher, pasta-maker and a fresh fish market all on Route 1. Badgers Island’s location, halfway between Kittery and Portsmouth, allows residents to walk less than a mile to reach the small businesses, restaurants and cafés in each town. Sperduto recommends the bagels and deep-fried crullers at Lil’s Café in Kittery. “There’s a 30-minute line on Sunday mornings. People drive from Massachusetts for it.” Retail essentials like The Home Depot and Walmart are also in Portsmouth, and the Portsmouth Regional Hospital is the closest medical facility.
Savor Maine's freshest lobster roll and enjoy waterfront views at BUOY SHACK on Badgers Island.
Enjoy a restaurant view of the Piscataqua River next to Badgers Island.
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A bridge spans the Piscataqua River and leads to Badgers Island.
Portsmouth International Airport and I-95 nearby
Locals are frequent travelers on U.S. Route 1, the only road that connects Badgers Island to the mainland of Kittery or Portsmouth. Portsmouth is the area’s transportation hub, with Portsmouth International Airport just 6 miles away. In Kittery, residents can hop on Interstate 95 and cruise 50 miles north to Portland, Maine’s largest city. The trip takes about an hour when traffic is light.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shawn Tomkinson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Hislop Park
South Mill Pond Playground
Prescott Park
Peirce Island Playground
Rye Harbor State Park
Paul McEachern Park
Transit
Airport
Portsmouth International at Pease
11 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Badgers Island
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Badgers Island, Portsmouth sell after 3 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Badgers Island, Portsmouth over the last 12 months is $1,930,075, up 33% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,930,075
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$2,200,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$827
Last 12 months Home Sales
2
Median List Price
$1,925,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
33%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
52
Median Year Built
1977
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,252
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
3,054
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
956
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,365
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shawn Tomkinson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
150
Median Age
45
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$103,125
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$129,549
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
100%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
50.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.2%
% Population in Labor Force
67.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
51''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
32''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
68/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
71/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
