Greenland, New Hampshire
Community Profile

Bordering the waters of the serene Great Bay, this residential community is located just beyond the Portsmouth city limits. Greenland's 13.6 square miles are dotted with 18th century homes and colonial farm houses. Light industry along Ocean Road and Route 33 has not disturbed this quiet slice of New England life. Summer cottages dot the Greenland shores of Great Bay, and this inland gift of the Atlantic Ocean to southern New Hampshire provides fishing, boating, camping and other recreational opportunities. Greenland also boasts of four top-notch 18-hole golf courses. The Portsmouth Country Club, along with Bramber Valley Golf Course, Breakfast Hill Golf Course and the prestigious Golf Course of New England, are the finest 18-hole courses in the region. The heart of Greenland is marked by a classic New England town green, complete with gazebo and bandstand, located in the shadow of a traditional white-spired church which is celebrating its 300th anniversary this year. 

The Weeks Library shows a combination of its grand history, with its beautiful vaulted ceilings and quaint atmosphere, and its connection with the future with its technological advances. Greenland prides itself on its community spirit with things such as the Jason Hussey race every summer which raises thousands of dollars for local charities. Greenland evokes the feeling of country gentility at its most peaceful.

Economy

The presence of light industry along Route 33 has kept residential taxes low-$15.64 per $1,000 at 86.7 percent valuation. Because of its mutual aid compact with Portsmouth, and surrounding towns Greenland's services are complemented by professional and volunteer firemen. The full-time, well-trained and professional police department is dedicated to the community's safety. Two of the area's larger employers, Novel Iron Works and Cole Haan, have chosen Greenland as the site for distribution, corporate headquarters and production, making the future economic outlook very optimistic for Greenland.

Policies

Greenland's growth policies are intended to permit continued growth while providing public services without undue strain or delay. The Site Plan Review regulations provide that no permits for commercial or industrial buildings shall be granted unless a site plan has been approved by the Planning Board. Greenland's Zoning Ordinance, first adopted in 1952 and amended many times since, divides the town into three districts-residential, commercial and industrial. The residential district contains farms and residences and requires a 60,000 square-foot minimum lot size and 200-foot minimum frontage. The commercial district allows residential uses and retail businesses, banks, clubs, warehouses (by variance) and motels. The same minimum lot and frontage requirements apply. The industrial district was created to provide suitable land for the expansion of existing and new industry.

Housing     

The quiet neighborhoods of Greenland consist of New England homes along rolling fields and
pastures. Although the options for apartment dwellers are very limited, many farmhouses and colonial residences of varied ages abound. Greenland is home to those who enjoy its peace, recreational facilities and convenient proximity to metropolitan areas such as Portsmouth and Boston. In 1970, Greenland housing units totaled 528. By 2000, they had increased to 1,244 units. According to recent statistics, the median value of a single-family home in 2003 was $325,000.

Education

Greenland Central School provides for education of all residents through the eighth grade. Beyond that level, students attend nearby Portsmouth High School, a fully accredited institution.

Superintendent's Office
(603)422-9572

Greenland Central School (pre-K through 8)
70 Post Road
(603)431-6723
Enrollment: 405 students

Portsmouth High School
Alumni Drive, Portsmouth
(603)436-7100
Enrollment: 1,066 students

Profile

Greenland Population (2005): 3,490

County: Rockingham Municipal

Property Tax Rate: $15.64 per $1,000
at 86.7 percent valuation

Government: Selectmen/Town Meeting

Median Age: 38.1

Utilities

Electric Source: Public Service of New Hampshire (603) 436-5660

Natural Gas Source: Northern Utilities Natural Gas (800) 552-3047

Water Source: Portsmouth,
phantom wells

Sewer Type Treatment: Private
septic system

Solid Waste Disposal: pick-up by
private contractor; transfer station and recycling center at town's facilities

Contacts

Town Clerk: Patricia Ferrelli
575 Portsmouth Avenue
P.O. Box 100
Greenland, NH 03840

Website: www.Greenland-NH.com

Town Offices: (603)431-7111

Fire: 436-1188

Police: 431-4624