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:: Portsmouth, NH - rachb605
Station/Boat Location~
USCGC RELIANCE(210'), USCGC TAHOMA(270'), USCGC CAMPBELL(270'), MAT Kittery, Station Portsmouth Harbor

Date there~
2007 - 2010

Weather~
Generally mild summers (70s-80s) with a few hot days thrown in. Cool, rainy springs. Cool fall with beautiful changing colors. Cold winter with plenty of snow! The weather seems to always be changing and can change dramatically from day to day!

Military facilities~
The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is where the 3 boats and MAT are located. There is a medical clinic, small exchange and commissary, CDC, ITT office for discount tickets, MWR, bowling alley, gym.

Medical~
There is a clinic on base. There is also the option to enroll with US Family Health Plan and use Martin's Point in Portsmouth. I have been very happy with them.

Housing~
Privatized housing in Kittery, about 1.5 miles from the shipyard. 2br apartments, and 3 and 4 br townhouses. http://www.nsyportsmouthhomes.com/ - this is the website for the housing with more information about the area, the community, and floorplans.

Shopping~
Kittery has the Kittery Outlets, hundreds of outlet malls. Just across the bridge in Portsmouth there is a mall and most any other shopping you would want/need.

Child Care/Schools~
There is a CDC on base as well as a few other child care facilities in the immediate area. If in housing, kids will go to the Kittery schools, which are: Mitchell (grades K-2), Frisbee (grades 3-5), Shapleigh (grades 6-8), and Traip Academy (grades 9-12).

Adult Schools~
Portsmouth has several college options. Southern NH University has a small campus in Portsmouth, and there are a couple of private colleges as well as technical/community colleges in the area. York Co. Community College is in Wells, ME about 30 min. University of New Hampshire is in Durahm, NH about 20 min.

Fun Activities~
There is a lot to see and do in this area. The beach in the summer, lighthouses, historical houses and museums. Downtown Portsmouth has a ton of restaurants, bars, shops, etc. Boston and Portland are just an hour away and have many "big city" type attractions. The White Mtns. in NH are just 2 hours away, and skiing/snowboarding in both Maine and NH are just a couple hours away.

Additional Info~
http://www.seacoastonline.com/ is the local newspaper. We have really enjoyed it here so far, and have tried to embrace New England and see/do as much as we can. It is a very nice area and Kittery is a small community that has been very nice and welcoming to us.

Homeport ME

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