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Midtown Portsmouth

Midtown Portsmouth

$267,818 Average Value
$279 Average Price per Sq Ft
24 Homes For Sale

Laid-back living in the heart of Hampton Roads

Smell the salty air and find a safe harbor in Midtown Portsmouth, part of the historic riverside city known for its laid-back vibe and connection to America's maritime past. Just across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk, Virginia, Portsmouth is the site of America's first naval base, which dates back to 1767 and is now known as the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, according to Portsmouth's Office of Tourism. To this day, the Navy, Coast Guard and other branches of the military continue to be major employers in the area and residents are just a few miles from nearby bases. Outside of work, Midtown residents are still "in the middle of everything, whether playing golf or heading to the ferry stop in Olde Towne and going to Norfolk for the Tides game,” says Michael Amory, a Realtor with BHHS RW Towne Realty. With relatively affordable pricing for homes as well, Portsmouth is a prime example of how affordable housing doesn’t have to lack good location, charm or character. Homes in the neighborhood often sport beachy exteriors or feature generous outdoor spaces so residents can enjoy the weather of coastal Virginia. "Midtown is the place to be if you’re looking for older, well-built homes where you can get a lot for your money,” says Amory. Bounded by the Elizabeth River to the west, the water is just a way of life for many Midtown residents, and people can be seen at all times of day fishing, walking by the river and going out boating or paddling. Positioned in the center of the entire Hampton Roads area, residents of Midtown Portsmouth enjoy being able to cruise around the whole of Coastal Virginia and sampling the best of what it has to offer while still having a quiet, relaxing neighborhood to come home to at the end of the day.
Walking the dog is enjoyed by many people in the Midtown Portsmouth area.
Walking the dog is enjoyed by many people in the Midtown Portsmouth area.
The Corner Cafe cooks up delicious home made meals in Midtown.
The Corner Cafe cooks up delicious home made meals in Midtown.
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Getting around Midtown Portsmouth

Midtown is known for its convenient location, which makes traveling to work relatively easy. The neighborhood is just 6 miles from the US Coast Guard Base Portsmouth and 3miles from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Living in Midtown, residents will find “it’s a mixed crowd with about 50% being military,” says Amory. Those working in Norfolk or Chesapeake are in luck as well, because I-264 runs along the neighborhood’s southern end. Midtown is also home to the historic Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, which puts medical care within arm’s reach for most residents and is also another major employer in the area. When traveling out of the state or country, residents can also head to Norfolk International Airport, which is just 14 miles northeast along Interstate 264.
Boulevard’s run through the middle of Midtown Portsmouth make getting around simple.
Boulevard’s run through the middle of Midtown Portsmouth make getting around simple.
Buses are a popular mode of transportation in the Midtown Portsmouth neighborhood.
Buses are a popular mode of transportation in the Midtown Portsmouth neighborhood.
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Beachy, vintage homes with diverse pricing and river views

Driving along Midtown Portsmouth's residential streets, residents can see a mix of vintage Cape Cods, beachy-hued bungalows as well as modest cottages and ranch-styles selling from about $180,000 to $750,000 dollars, while apartment complexes and townhouses are also scattered throughout the neighborhood, providing affordable options for those not looking to buy. Along Riverside Drive, larger, classical revival homes with generous yard space line the Elizabeth River's shoreline and offer private piers so residents can get out on the river whenever they want. In general, the neighborhood is a grid; businesses and parks are woven throughout the community. Houses here are also built for people to enjoy outside; from gentle, pastel color palettes for people passing by to look at to covered front porches meant for relaxing in the shade on a hot summer day or keeping dry while reading a book when the rain comes rolling in. Many people flock to Portsmouth because of its affordable homes, “If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you can get a move-in ready house for under $350,000,” and if residents want to live on the water, “you can get it for less than a million, which in most places is unheard of,” says Amory. Some homes are located within flood-prone areas, and lenders may require flood insurance. Homebuyers should be aware that there are nine active Superfund sites within the Portsmouth area, and the Environmental Protection Agency is working with environmental groups to create a plan for remediation.
As a historic neighborhood, Midtown Portsmouth has plenty of Cape cods to choose from.
As a historic neighborhood, Midtown Portsmouth has plenty of Cape cods to choose from.
A contemporary painted cape cod in the Midtown Portsmouth neighborhood of Portsmouth, Virginia.
A contemporary painted cape cod in the Midtown Portsmouth neighborhood of Portsmouth, Virginia.
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Portsmouth City public schools close to home

Thanks to Portsmouth Public Schools, students of Midtown Portsmouth can attend school close to home at Westhaven Elementary, which receives a C rating from Niche, before continuing on to attend B-minus-rated William E. Waters Middle. The western half of the community is zoned for Manor High School, which is not yet rated by Niche and the eastern portion is zoned for I.C. Norcom High, which receives a C. Norcom High is known for its extracurricular activities, with everything from marching band to its storied boys basketball team, which was the first boys or girls team in Virginia High School League history to win four straight state championships.
I. C. Norcom High School was named after Israel Charles Norcom, its first supervising principle.
I. C. Norcom High School was named after Israel Charles Norcom, its first supervising principle.
William E. Waters Middle School serves students from sixth through eighth grade.
William E. Waters Middle School serves students from sixth through eighth grade.
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Check out some books or just a quiet place to be the public library near Midtown Portsmouth.
Check out some books or just a quiet place to be the public library near Midtown Portsmouth.

Local after school options

After school, neighborhood kids can head to the Joseph E. Parker Recreation Center, a community gathering space where they can run around on the playground or shoot hoops. Or, they can sign up for the Wilson Little League, where they can practice trying to hit a home run at Maryview Park.

Spending time outdoors at Portsmouth City Park

From their homes in Midtown, residents can take a short drive or bike ride across the scenic Clifford Street Bridge to find Portsmouth City Park. Contouring the Elizabeth River’s western branch, this 93-acre park is less than 2 miles away from most homes in Midtown and boasts plenty of amenities and ways to get active, including a new playground, a fishing pier and a steam engine by the name of Pokey Smokey. Golfers are also in luck because the park features a nine-hole golf course and lighted driving range, as well as a FootGolf area (which is played with a soccer ball). Residents can also get out on the water here via the park's boat ramp, so it's a common sight to see fishers putting boats in the water, paddlers going out to enjoy the day or jet skiers coming back from having a blast out on the river. After some fun in the sun, residents can also enjoy a meal and with friends or family at one of several pavilions complete with charcoal grills and views of the water. Whether playing a round of tennis or fishing for striped bass, this natural oasis is an idyllic escape from the bustle of the city.
Teach your kids to fish at City Park in Midtown Portsmouth.
Teach your kids to fish at City Park in Midtown Portsmouth.
Come to practice or play 9 holes at the City Park Golf course near Midtown.
Come to practice or play 9 holes at the City Park Golf course near Midtown.
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Convenient, local shopping and dining along Frederick Boulevard

Residents of Midtown Portsmouth also have plenty of nearby options for shopping and dining lining Frederick Boulevard and other local thoroughfares. Getting groceries or other essentials is just a quick stop with a local Kroger and Walmart Supercenter in the neighborhood and there are also plenty of places to pick up some food when in the mood for dining out. Corner Cafe is one local option that residents can count on for quality, lowkey dishes off of a diverse menu, mostly including American cuisine, like their handmade burgers and freshly made banana pudding, as well as a comfy, welcoming atmosphere to enjoy a meal in. For quick takeout, The Box is a mainstay for cheesy bread sticks, and Greater Grinders Submarines will have residents coming back time and time again for their no-frills sandwiches.
Kroger has many fresh grocery options in the Midtown Portsmouth neighborhood.
Kroger has many fresh grocery options in the Midtown Portsmouth neighborhood.
Hibbetts in Midtown is a great place find the best shoes and outdoor gear.
Hibbetts in Midtown is a great place find the best shoes and outdoor gear.
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Bayley Malo
Written By
Bayley Malo
David Schwartz
Photography Contributed By
David Schwartz
Kevyn Harris
Video By
Kevyn Harris

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jerome Caddell, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Norfolk International

23 min drive

Bus

High & Loudoun

Bus

High & Grayson

Bus

Turnpike & Preston

Bus

Cutherell & Mckinley

Bus

High & Cumberland

Bus

High & Cutherell

Bus

High & Watson

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Midtown Portsmouth US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Midtown Portsmouth Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$389,990
Median Sale Price
$350,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$368,990
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$294,999
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$424,999
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
183
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
5%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$279

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,972
Number of Homes for Sale
24
Median Year Built
1948
Months of Supply
1.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,528
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,336
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
883
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jerome Caddell, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
10,383
Median Age
36
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$47,768
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$63,934

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
88.3%
College Graduates
17.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.8%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
7''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

49 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

67 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

35 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Midtown Portsmouth
Jerome Caddell
KFinCo Realty
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