I've been an owner and resident at the Cedars of Portsmouth for over four years, and I'm very happy with the facilities and the community. We are 7 minutes to downtown Portsmouth, 4 minutes to rt 95, about 15 minutes to the beach, 10 minutes from a large shopping mall, 2 minutes from grocery store & 2 banks, and within a 15 minute walk to a Walmart and 8 restaurants. Even though we are right off of Rt.1, and a lot of commerce, our grounds are totally secluded, set back from Rt.1 by about 200 yards, surrounded by trees, well laid-out and quite ample, with many paths and lawns. We have 3 (recently resurfaced) tennis courts, a pool & hot tub (brand new Gunite surfacing spring 08), weight room (new machines spring 08), sauna, community laundry (most units have washer/dryers though), function room, and carports. New this year; by popular request, we have 24 garden-plots which are currently beautifully full of flowers and food.

I've read a few other reviews and don't think that they are fairly representing our community. To address these items specifically:
- Maintenance : We have a full time maintenance staff, a few of whom live right here in the Cedars. You will see people working every day of the week.
- Plowing : Wow. I've been here 4 years and I've never picked up a shovel. On-site maintenance means that they plow when the storm rolls in, and keep it up until it's over. Often times this means they are up through the night trying to keep up. There are a lot of pathways, steps, roads, and parking spaces, so I've had to walk through a couple inches of snow on occasion, but they do a phenomenal job. This is New Hampshire, by the way, if you don't want to ever have to walk in a bit of snow, move south.
- Noise : Anyone who is realistic about living with neighbors on the other side of the wall expects a little noise now and then. The Cedars is constructed of wood, not concrete, so yes, I can hear some noise. But I've never in 4 years had to ask anyone to quiet down. This is by and large a respectful community of working families, not a college dorm ( or an annoyingly noise-restrictive retirement-home environment ).
- Parking : Each unit has one carport spot and one non-assigned general parking space. There are lots of spaces near the many entrances, as well as abundant overflow parking. Never had a problem.
- Private ownership : All units are privately owned. We have about 33% owner-occupied units, the rest are rented out. Some units are very basic, other have been thoroughly remodeled. Like any rental unit, your landlord is the one responsible for any trouble you may have inside your unit, although the maintenance staff here will help with clogged drains, or any problem that may "spill over" into another resident's unit. Private ownership means that there are a lot of people here who have a vested interest in the quality of our community.
- Peaceful cohabitation : The administration does a good job of maintaining rules that allow 252 families to coexist with as little friction as possible. For instance, bird feeders were recently banned (for everyone, owners included!) because they attract rodents, and scatter seeds onto other peoples decks. Shoes are not allowed to be stored in the hallways ( nor garbage, or bikes, or anything ), because they are communal spaces, not private ones. These rules ( and others ) are enforced so that people do not offend or encroach upon each other.
- Landscaping : Buildings are nicely spread out, lots of lawns and paths. This does mean a lot of mowing / plowing, but it's worth it. They do a great job keeping up with it all. We're not living on the grounds of a country club, but for what we pay in condo fees ($250 for owners, included in renter's rent) I'm very happy.
- Condo fees : Compare our $250/month fees with any other condo association in southern NH, I think you will find they are among the lowest, if no the lowest. Consider the amenities, that heat is included in this fee, and the fact that we have a full time on-site maintenance staff. Occasionally there are assessments for specific issues ( they are finishing re-roofing the carports, for instance ), but that is to be expected. Life costs money.

I recommend the Cedars if you are respectful, tolerant, able to live in close proximity to others, and on a budget. I'm 38 years old, I've lived in a lot of places, and I can honestly say that the Cedars is a terrific value, and a great community to live in.

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