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What Businesses Say about Operating in Somersworth
A recent survey conducted as part of the City’s Economic Development Master Plan chapter update asked businesses to identify the advantages of establishing, operating, or expanding in Somersworth. Responses consistently pointed to community growth, strategic location, relative affordability, and overall community character.
Businesses described Somersworth as a growing community, citing population growth and ongoing change as drivers of opportunity. Its proximity to Dover, Portsmouth, and southern Maine was highlighted as an advantage for market access and workforce connectivity. Affordability also stood out, with respondents noting lower rents, free parking, and comparatively lower real estate costs, along with favorable demographics and market potential.
Survey participants emphasized the importance of supportive city staff, accessible local government, and downtown’s walkability and visibility, including its appeal to Maine residents seeking tax‑free shopping.
Overall, businesses most often cited location and market access (52%), community ties (48%), and cost of doing business (39%) as Somersworth’s biggest advantages, with quality of life, limited traffic, and infrastructure also noted.
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