Are you interested in homes for sale in Portsmouth, Virginia? If so, finding the perfect house online that meets your wants and needs takes more than just a home search.
Ready to Buy a Home in Portsmouth?
If you’re ready to embark on the journey of buying a home in Portsmouth, Virginia, our team is here to make the experience enjoyable and hassle-free! With our real estate expertise, we’ll help you navigate your home search and ensure that you never miss out on the perfect property that meets your needs. Our goal is to make the process as smooth as possible, saving you both time and money. Have any questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us—we’re here to help!
Selling Your Portsmouth Home?
Are you thinking about selling your home in Portsmouth, Virginia? We’ve got you covered! With our top-of-the-line real estate marketing tools, we’ll showcase your property to a diverse pool of potential buyers. By leveraging both social media and traditional marketing strategies, we’ll help your house stand out, ensuring a quick sale at an excellent price! Plus, our team will handle all negotiations for you, so you can concentrate on what truly matters—your move! Reach out to us today, and let’s get started!
Discovering Portsmouth
A Small-Town Charm in Coastal Virginia
Portsmouth offers a delightful small-town vibe that perfectly complements its position in the Hampton Roads area. With a scenic downtown waterfront, charming tree-lined streets in Olde Towne, and the bustling shipyards, it’s an amazing place to work, live, and play!
Easy Access to Fun
Catch the Ferry for Adventure
Hop on the ferry from the Norfolk Waterfront and glide over to the High Street Ferry Landing. You’ll find yourself within walking distance of cozy hotels, as well as vibrant art and entertainment spots. One highlight is the nTelos Wireless Pavilion at Harbor Center, where you can catch live performances! Did you know Portsmouth boasts five museums? Don’t miss the Children’s Museum of Virginia and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame—make sure to add these to your must-see list!
A Rich Maritime History
Home to Historic Shipyards
Portsmouth takes pride in being home to some of the oldest continuously operating shipyards in the U.S. The Norfolk Naval Shipyard, established in 1767, is just a stone’s throw away from the Chesapeake Bay. This iconic shipyard is famous for building, remodeling, and repairing Navy ships—a true pillar of maritime history!
Experience Portsmouth’s Vibrant Culture
A Hub of Activities and Attractions
Portsmouth offers an array of experiences to enjoy. Centrally located, you’re just a quick ferry ride from downtown Norfolk, only minutes away from Virginia Beach, and a short trip to Colonial Williamsburg. From interactive museums and lively festivals to historic sites and stunning architecture, there’s always something new to discover and appreciate in Portsmouth!
A City With Character
Independent and Unique
Portsmouth is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia, with a population of about 95,535 as of the 2010 census. It is part of the bustling Hampton Roads metropolitan area. Interestingly, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard—often referred to as the Norfolk Navy Yard—is actually located in Portsmouth! Originally called “Gosport,” the name was changed to reflect its location in what used to be Norfolk County. This historic site is crucial for upgrading and repairing U.S. Navy ships, with capabilities like dry docking aircraft carriers!
Waterfront Fun Awaiting You
Explore the Beautiful Elizabeth River
The city of Portsmouth stretches along miles of waterfront on the Elizabeth River, which is part of the Hampton Roads harbor. Enjoy the scenic views and consider taking the ferry that shuttles riders between Downtown Norfolk and Olde Towne Portsmouth. There’s so much to see and do—come on over and explore!
A Glimpse into Portsmouth’s History
The Beginning of Shipbuilding
Portsmouth is situated on the western side of the Elizabeth River, right across from Norfolk. The area was first recognized as a prime shipbuilding location in 1620 by John Wood, a shipbuilder who sought a land grant from King James I of England. This initial recognition led to the development of a plantation community in the surrounding areas.
Colonial Foundations
The city was officially founded by Colonel William Crawford, a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, and was established as a town in 1752 through an act of the Virginia General Assembly, named after Portsmouth, England.
The Birth of Gosport Shipyard
In 1767, shipbuilder Andrew Sprowle established the Gosport Shipyard next to Portsmouth. After the American Revolutionary War, the shipyard came under the ownership of the Commonwealth of Virginia and was subsequently sold to the federal government of the United States.
Challenges and Changes
The Yellow Fever Epidemic
In 1855, Portsmouth and the surrounding area faced a devastating yellow fever epidemic that claimed the lives of one in every three residents. By 1858, Portsmouth became an independent city separate from Norfolk County.
Civil War Turmoil
During the American Civil War, Virginia joined the Confederate States of America. To prevent the Confederacy from taking control of the Gosport Shipyard, the commander ordered its destruction. The Confederates managed to capture the shipyard without conflict, thanks to a clever ruse devised by civilian railroad builder William Mahone, who later became a notable Confederate officer. The Union forces retreated to Fort Monroe, the only area nearby still under Union control.
Ironclads and Battles
In early 1862, the Confederates rebuilt the ironclad warship CSS Virginia using the burned hulk of the USS Merrimack. The Virginia famously battled the Union ironclad USS Monitor in the Battle of Hampton Roads amid the Union blockade. The Confederates burned the shipyard again in May 1862 as they evacuated.
Renaming the Shipyard
Following the Union’s recapture of Norfolk and Portsmouth, the shipyard’s name was changed to Norfolk Naval Shipyard to reflect its location in Norfolk County. Today, the shipyard sits entirely within the city limits of Portsmouth, retaining the name to avoid confusion with the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard located in Kittery, Maine.
City Evolution and Modern Day
Transition to Independence
Portsmouth served as the county seat of Norfolk County until 1963 when a political merger with the city of South Norfolk led to the creation of the new city of Chesapeake. In 1974, another merger with former Nansemond County established the new city of Suffolk.
Urban Renewal
As one of the older cities in Hampton Roads, Portsmouth has been undergoing moderate urban renewal in its downtown area during the early 21st century, enhancing its appeal and vibrancy.
Shipping Infrastructure
In 2007, the APM “MAERSK” marine terminal was opened in the West Norfolk section, further boosting Portsmouth’s role in shipping and cargo.
Geography and Climate
Geographical Features
According to the United States Census Bureau, Portsmouth spans 47 square miles (120 km²), with 34 square miles (88 km²) of land and 13 square miles (34 km²) of water. The West Branch of the Elizabeth River flows through the city, originating from nearby Suffolk.
Mild Climate
Portsmouth enjoys a mild humid subtropical climate, perfect for year-round outdoor activities. The weather is temperate with distinct seasons. Summers can be hot and humid, while the annual average temperature sits around 65°F (18°C). With average annual snowfall of only 3 inches and annual rainfall of 47 inches, Portsmouth experiences relatively constant precipitation throughout the year. The wettest seasons are spring and summer, with the highest recorded temperature reaching 105°F in 1980 and the lowest at -3°F on January 21, 1985.
Storm Safety
Portsmouth’s geographical position offers a favorable climate with respect to storm tracks, making it less susceptible to severe storms and hurricanes typically seen in higher latitudes. Snowfall is infrequent, averaging around 3 inches per season.
Demographics
As of the 2020 US Census, Portsmouth has seen some demographic shifts. The total population is 94,306 people, with 39,164 households and 21,778 families residing in the city. The population density is approximately 2,908.2 people per square mile (1,123.3/km²). There are 43,138 housing units, translating to an average density of 1,317.5 per square mile (509.2/km²).
Racial Makeup
The racial composition of Portsmouth is as follows:
- 48.6% African American
- 39.5% White
- 0.5% Native American
- 2.3% Asian
- 0.1% Pacific Islander
- 5.6% from other races
- 3.6% from two or more races
- Hispanic or Latino of any race make up 5.4% of the population.
Households
Out of the 39,164 households, 27.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them. 43.0% are married couples living together, 11.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 33.7% are non-families. 26.1% of all households consist of individuals, with 9.5% having someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.39, and the average family size is 3.14.
Age Distribution
The population is distributed as follows:
- 24.9% under the age of 18
- 10.3% from 18 to 24
- 28.0% from 25 to 44
- 20.9% from 45 to 64
- 15.9% who are 65 years of age or older
The median age in Portsmouth is 36.6 years. For every 100 females, there are 92.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 87.1 males.
Income and Poverty
The median income for a household in the city is $50,144, while the median income for a family is $59,034. Males have a median income of $42,206 compared to $37,876 for females. The per capita income for Portsmouth is $25,080. Approximately 12.8% of families and 15.1% of the overall population live below the poverty line, including 21.5% of those under age 18 and 9.9% of those who are 65 or older.
Education in Portsmouth
Portsmouth Public Schools manages the public education system in the city. There are three public high schools strategically located at the three corners of Portsmouth.
- Churchland High School is situated in the northwest section off Cedar Lane.
- I.C. Norcom High School can be found in the downtown area, nestled between London Blvd and High Street.
- Woodrow Wilson High School is located in the southwest section on Elmhurst Lane.
These schools offer a variety of programs and extracurricular activities to ensure that students receive a well-rounded education.
Higher Education
Portsmouth is home to several institutions of higher learning, making it easy for residents to pursue further education without having to travel far.
- The Tri-Cities Higher Education Center of Old Dominion University (ODU) provides access to a public research university founded in 1930, with its main campus located in nearby Norfolk.
- Additionally, Portsmouth hosts the Fred W. Beazley Portsmouth Campus of Tidewater Community College, a two-year institution established in 1968. This campus is part of a larger system that includes additional locations in Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach, providing a variety of programs and degrees catered to students’ needs.
With a solid educational foundation from primary through higher education, Portsmouth is dedicated to fostering learning and growth for all its residents.
Thinking of buying or selling a Portsmouth, Virginia Home?
Hampton Roads Cities
