Virginia / Portsmouth City County

Moving to Portsmouth, VA

Thinking of making a move to Portsmouth, VA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portsmouth, VA

Considering a move to Portsmouth, VA? This welcoming community of 97,915 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $211,500 and average rents near $1,250. Commute times average 24 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (62% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Portsmouth's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Portsmouth, VA

Portsmouth has a population of 97,915 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 37% White, 53% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
97,915
Density
3,100 per sq mi
Median Age
36.7
Gender Ratio
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
6.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
37.4%
Black
52.6%
Asian
1.7%
Others
8.3%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Portsmouth, VA?

The cost of living in Portsmouth is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.4. Median home values are around $211,500 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,250. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$211,500
Gross Rent
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,560
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,515
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 2.0%| High: 5.75%
Cost Of Living Index
93.4
Grocery
96.2
Housing
82.1
Utilities
105.6
Transportation
99.7
Health Care
98.2
Miscellaneous
95.0

Crime

Is Portsmouth, VA a safe place to live?

Portsmouth is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 699 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 27. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Virginia.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
699
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,742
Crime Index
4,441
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 143
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 27

Weather

What is the weather like in Portsmouth, VA year-round?

Portsmouth experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 89°F and cold winters dipping to 33°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 62% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
33°F
Max
50°F

Summer

Min
72°F
Max
89°F

Spring

Min
50°F
Max
70°F

Fall

Min
53°F
Max
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches
47.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
62%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $57,100 and a low poverty rate of 17.2%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 24 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$41,800
Household Income
$57,100
Family Income
$67,800
Per Capita Income
$28,900
Income Male
$45,200
Income Female
$38,300
Poverty Rate
17.2%
Non English Speakers
6.5%
Rent
$1,250
Unemployment Rate
6.7%
Public Transport Usage
3.5%
Commute Time
23.6 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
88.7%
Bachelors or More
19.0%

Education

How are the schools in Portsmouth, VA?

Portsmouth offers quality education options, with public schools like Churchland High School and Douglass Park Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Tidewater Community College (Portsmouth Campus) and Norfolk State University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Churchland High School
Street
4301 Cedar Ln
Phone
757-686-2500
Students
1,450
Student Teacher Ratio
15.2
Name
Douglass Park Elementary School
Street
100 Cedar Ln
Phone
757-393-8787
Students
510
Student Teacher Ratio
14.7

Private Schools

Name
Portsmouth Catholic Regional School
Street
2301 Oregon Ave
Phone
757-488-6744
Students
370

Colleges

Name
Tidewater Community College (Portsmouth Campus)
City
Portsmouth
State
VA
Distance
0 miles
Students
8,500
Name
Norfolk State University
City
Norfolk
State
VA
Distance
6 miles
Students
5,200

Healthcare

Portsmouth residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 91.3% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center
Address
3636 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23707
Phone
(757) 398-2200
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
Address
620 John Paul Jones Cir, Portsmouth, VA 23708
Phone
(757) 953-5000
Type
Military/General
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
91.3%
Health Care Index
71.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Portsmouth, VA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $211,500 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 53%. The market has seen a 3.4% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 8.6%. Portsmouth offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$211,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate
53.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate
8.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.4%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Portsmouth handle vehicle services through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Portsmouth. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Virginia
Department
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
6400 Bickford Parkway, Portsmouth, VA 23703
Phone
804-497-7100

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Portsmouth, VA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Portsmouth, review the core fields on this page: population 97,915, median home value $211,500, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,250, commute time 23.6 minutes, and sunny days percentage 62%.

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