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Portsmouth
About Portsmouth
Teeming with rich maritime heritage and unique attractions, Virginia’s historic seaport city on the banks of the Elizabeth River charms residents and holidaymakers with its laid-back, small-town atmosphere and fascinating art scene. Portsmouth, an independent city in southeastern Virginia, boasts a picturesque waterfront, natural attractions, and a wide array of centuries-old antique homes. It also snagged the first spot in the ranking of “The Best Markets for First-Time Homebuyers in 2023” by Realtor.com, a California-based real estate listings website.
Thus, homes for sale in Portsmouth, VA are desirable by any measure, with perks including:
- Plenty of locally owned shops and restaurants
- Walkable districts
- Vibrant cultural scene
- A stunning shoreline and bustling harbor
- Viable career prospects
- Unique family-friendly activities
Want to know more about Portsmouth, VA? Read on!
Featured Properties
Luxury homes for sale in Portsmouth, VA
The single most common property type in Portsmouth is the detached single-family home, accounting for nearly 62% of the city's housing stock. Potential buyers of luxury homes in Portsmouth can also look at the other notable property types in the city such as big apartment complexes or high-rise apartments, which account for 18.30%. Research also shows that there are duplexes and homes that have been converted into apartments or small apartment buildings (10.07%). Meanwhile, row houses and other attached homes make up 9.74%, based on real estate Portsmouth, VA data.
Properties typically feature 3 and 4 bedrooms, with an average size of 2,346 square feet. According to Neighborhood Scout, around 54% of residents own their own real estate in Portsmouth, VA.
If luxury homes in Portsmouth, VA are what you’re after, this historic city offers you a wide array of styles. Here you'll find a Victorian mansion with a Federal doorway and lovely porches, an 1839 Greek Revival structure, a Colonial house with a gambrel roof, a Gothic-style home, and a lavish Federal-era mansion. There’s also a Romanesque Revival property and a house with French-inspired, New Orleans architecture.
Source: Realtor [June 2024]
Average Home Prices
Median Home Price per Square Feet
Average Home Statistics in terms of:
Welcome to Portsmouth, VA!
Get your bearings
Strategically located in the heart of metropolitan Hampton Roads, the charming city of Portsmouth is perched on the southern shore of the Elizabeth River. Its development is often associated with being an East Coast deepwater port.
The coastal city is easily accessible from Norfolk International Airport, just 10 miles away, as well as the major highways connected to eastern Virginia. Located west of Virginia Beach. Portsmouth is bordered by the cities of Norfolk (east), Suffolk (west), and Chesapeake (south).
Colonial Williamsburg is less than an hour’s drive away.
Founding Portsmouth, VA
The town’s vibrant history has long been associated with transportation and shipbuilding. Founded by William Crawford in 1752, the town of Portsmouth was named after a famous English naval port.
The four corners of High and Court Streets were devoted by Colonel Crawford to a market, church, courthouse, and jail. From 1801 to 1963, it was the seat of Norfolk County. However, the county was replaced by independent cities. Separated from the county government, Portsmouth became an independent city in 1858.
6 things Portsmouth, VA is famous for
- Portsmouth, VA is famous for having one of the most remarkable natural harbors in the world, located on the James and Elizabeth Rivers and flowing into the Chesapeake Bay. Some of the top industries in the city are maritime, logistics, offshore wind, and manufacturing.
- Portsmouth, VA is famous for gorgeous views of the Elizabeth River. Beyond its scenic beauty, this vital waterway is also known for its historic and strategic importance, supporting shipping, recreation, and the diverse wildlife along its banks.
- Portsmouth, VA is famous for US Navy installations such as the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (the oldest, continuously operating hospital of the US Navy) and Norfolk Naval Shipyard (the oldest naval shipyard in the country) are found in this maritime city.
- Portsmouth, VA is famous for being an official US Coast Guard City, one of only 34 designated by US Congress. Being a Coast Guard City brings economic, social, and cultural benefits to a community while enhancing the relationship and mutual support between the local population and the Coast Guard.
- Portsmouth, VA is famous for being steeped in American history. Portsmouth serves as home to patriots of the Revolutionary War, pioneering visionaries, and community leaders. It is also famous for its diverse attractions, chef-owned restaurants and quirky shops.
- Portsmouth, VA is famous for its vibrant culture. The city hosts the annual Umoja Festival, a lively celebration of African-American culture that involves live music, a traditional arts and crafts marketplace, and an international food selection. Other notable events include the Seawall Art Show, Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival, Black History Now, and Olde Towne Portsmouth Ghost Walk.
Portsmouth, VA by the numbers
- 47 square miles : total area (34 square miles; water: 13 square miles)
- 97,915 : total population as of 2020
- 43,164 : number of housing units in the city
- 10th largest city in the US state of Virginia in terms of population
8 luxury neighborhoods in Portsmouth, VA
Of the 32 associated neighborhoods in Portsmouth, VA, below are just 8 of the most notable:
Olde Towne
This historic neighborhood boasts cobblestone streets, original period homes, and lovely waterfront views, making it idyllic for those looking for mansions in Portsmouth, VA. Olde Town also teems with art, culture, dining, and shopping opportunities while maintaining a small-time charm. It was also included in Coastal Virginia Magazine’s list of coolest neighborhoods in 2021.
Of the 32 associated neighborhoods in Portsmouth, VA, below are just 8 of the most notable:
Glenshellah
An upscale residential neighborhood, Glenshellah is known for its spacious, well-maintained homes and tree-lined streets. It offers a peaceful, suburban feel with convenient access to local amenities. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, local parks, and proximity to the waterfront, making it ideal for families.
Of the 32 associated neighborhoods in Portsmouth, VA, below are just 8 of the most notable:
Waterview
Aptly named for its scenic views of the Elizabeth River, Waterview features a mix of historic and contemporary homes. It's a peaceful, upscale area with waterfront parks, easy access to boating activities, and proximity to Hoffler Creek Wildlife Reserve.
Of the 32 associated neighborhoods in Portsmouth, VA, below are just 8 of the most notable:
River Pointe
This family-friendly community located along the western branch of Elizabeth River was developed in the 1990s. It includes single-family homes, townhomes, as well as single-family and multi-family condominiums. River Pointe is nestled close to Interstate 264 for easy travel. The community-oriented neighborhood is also adorned with green spaces and picturesque river views.
Of the 32 associated neighborhoods in Portsmouth, VA, below are just 8 of the most notable:
Port Norfolk
Victorian, Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival architectural styles are prevalent in this suburban neighborhood overlooking the Elizabeth River. You’ll also find expansive porches, lush lawns, and pretty flowerbeds in this area. Homes date back to the 19th and 20th centuries when it was developed to ease the commute of railroad and shipping facility workers.
Of the 32 associated neighborhoods in Portsmouth, VA, below are just 8 of the most notable:
Sterling Point
A prestigious neighborhood known for its beautiful, spacious homes and manicured lawns. Sterling Point offers a serene, family-friendly environment with excellent schools, parks, and convenient access to shopping and dining. The community enjoys a peaceful ambiance and a strong sense of neighborliness.
Of the 32 associated neighborhoods in Portsmouth, VA, below are just 8 of the most notable:
Cavalier Manor
If you're searching for luxury homes in Portsmouth, VA, Cavalier Manor could be the place for you. It promises a relaxing lifestyle, provides convenient access to leisure facilities such as golf, tennis courts, a casino, and more. Residents can go fishing in Lake Cavalier and chill out in Cavalier Manor Recreation Center.
Of the 32 associated neighborhoods in Portsmouth, VA, below are just 8 of the most notable:
Park View
Consider this urban neighborhood when you search for homes for sale in Portsmouth, VA. It is one of the city’s first suburbs and features homes from the early 1900s. Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, and American Foursquare houses can be seen in this historic district. Park View is near Portsmouth Boating Center and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.
Living in Portsmouth, VA
Own a Luxury Home in Portsmouth, VA
Discover stunning restorations of 18th-century Colonial homes in Portsmouth, VA
If you envision yourself living in the charming, historic city of Portsmouth or simply want to explore the luxury real estate market of the area, work with the team at The Agency Coastal Virginia. The Agency specializes in this niche segment and offers a wealth of expertise and knowledge on properties in Portsmouth, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Williamsburg, and Virginia Beach.
Ready to check out the homes for sale in Portsmouth, VA? Contact our team of experts today. Call 757.355.5444 or send us an email to get started.