Somersworth, New Hampshire, is a small city with a population of 11,000 people, located in Strafford County. The city, formerly known as "Sommersworth," was first settled in 1713 and was once a thriving industrial community.
The city of Somersworth has a long history, which is honored and celebrated through different cultural events. One such event is the annual Children's Park Festival, a three-day event that features live music, food, games, and rides. Another popular attraction in Somersworth is the historical rail trail, a 1.3-mile pathway that follows the former route of the Portsmouth and Dover Railroad. The trail is popular among walkers, bikers, and joggers and provides a glimpse of the city's rich history
. Local attractions in Somersworth include the Somersworth Historical Museum and the Children's Museum of New Hampshire. The Somersworth Historical Museum showcases the city's history through exhibits and artifacts, while the Children's Museum of New Hampshire offers hands-on learning experiences for children of all ages.
When it comes to food, Somersworth has a variety of cuisines, including Italian, Chinese, Mexican, and American. One of the famous eateries is the Cactus Grill, which serves Mexican and American dishes. The Mayor's Restaurant & Bar is a popular spot for Italian and American fare, while the Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant is renowned for its Chinese cuisine.
People in Somersworth, New Hampshire, are warm and welcoming, with a strong sense of community spirit and neighborly love. They take pride in their history and culture and enjoy celebrating their heritage through different festivals and events.
History: The earliest known humans were Paleo-Indians who lived in the area, later inhabited by various Native American tribes. In 1713, the first European settler arrived, and it was originally called "Sammiset Plantation," named after the Sammit Brook, which runs through the town. In 1822, it was incorporated as "Somersworth," named after Somers, Connecticut, where some of the original proprietors came from. The name gradually shifted to its current form, "Somersworth," over time.
Somersworth served as the county seat of Strafford County from 1773 to 1871 and was once a significant manufacturing center, producing cotton and woolen textiles, machined tools, and silverware. Nowadays, many residents are employed at the Somersworth facility of Foss Manufacturing, which makes nonwoven fabrics.
Education: Somersworth School District serves the city's public education. Somersworth High School is the district's high school. In 2019, the district had 2,400 students, with 550 in the high school. Private schools in the area include Tri-City Christian Academy and Grace Christian School.
Public Transportation: The Cooperative Alliance for Regional Transportation (CART) provides Dover, Durham, Rochester, and surrounding towns with public transportation choices. One route connects Somersworth with neighboring Dover and Portsmouth.
Weather: Summers in Somersworth, New Hampshire, are warm and humid, while winters can be long and cold. The average temperature is 48°F, with an annual high temperature of 66°F in July and a low temperature of 30°F in January. August is the wettest month, with an average rainfall of six inches.
Housing: In Somersworth, the median home value is $188,300, with an average rent of $1,250. The housing market is somewhat competitive, with homes receiving one or two offers on average. They typically close within 31 days of listing.