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 97,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $255,000 and average rents near $1,300. Commute times average 26 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (59% 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 97,000 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 40% White, 44% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
97,000
Density
3,000 per sq mi
Median Age
36.8
Gender Ratio
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
8.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
40.0%
Black
43.5%
Asian
3.0%
Others
13.5%

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 96.8. Median home values are around $255,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,300. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$255,000
Gross Rent
$1,300
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$620
State Taxes
Low: 2.0%| High: 5.75%
Cost Of Living Index
96.8
Grocery
98.5
Housing
86.0
Utilities
103.5
Transportation
98.2
Health Care
97.4
Miscellaneous
99.1

Crime

Is Portsmouth, VA a safe place to live?

Portsmouth is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 820 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 32. 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
820
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,100
Crime Index
3,920
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 122
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 32

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 34°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 59% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
34°F
Max
52°F

Summer

Min
72°F
Max
89°F

Spring

Min
52°F
Max
74°F

Fall

Min
55°F
Max
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches
48.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
59%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $64,500 and a low poverty rate of 14.8%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 25% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 26 minutes, and almost 7% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$38,500
Household Income
$64,500
Family Income
$74,000
Per Capita Income
$30,800
Income Male
$41,000
Income Female
$35,000
Poverty Rate
14.8%
Non English Speakers
10.2%
Rent
$1,300
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
Public Transport Usage
6.5%
Commute Time
25.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
90.8%
Bachelors or More
24.6%

Education

How are the schools in Portsmouth, VA?

Portsmouth offers quality education options, with public schools like Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Tidewater Community College and Old Dominion 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
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio
15.8
Name
I.C. Norcom High School
Street
1801 London Blvd
Phone
757-393-5481
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
14.9

Private Schools

Name
Portsmouth Christian School
Street
3214 Elliott Ave
Phone
757-393-1124
Students
420

Colleges

Name
Tidewater Community College
City
Portsmouth
State
VA
Distance
2 miles
Students
23,000
Name
Old Dominion University
City
Norfolk
State
VA
Distance
9 miles
Students
24,000

Healthcare

Portsmouth residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center and Portsmouth Naval Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 91.8% 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
Portsmouth Naval Medical Center
Address
620 John Paul Jones Cir, Portsmouth, VA 23708
Phone
(757) 953-5008
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
91.8%
Health Care Index
71.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Portsmouth, VA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $255,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 54%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.0%. Portsmouth offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$255,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,300
Owner Occupied Rate
53.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Portsmouth handle vehicle services through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Richmond. 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
2300 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23269
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 97,000, median home value $255,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,300, commute time 25.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 59%.

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