Why Live in Downtown Portsmouth
Downtown Portsmouth offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern living, with a mix of stately brick Georgians, ornate Victorians, contemporary condominiums, and riverside high rises. Home sizes vary from 600 to 4,800 square feet, accommodating one to five bedrooms. The neighborhood is known for its attractions, including the Lightship Museum, Fort Nelson Park, and the Children’s Museum of Virginia. Residents can enjoy outdoor concerts at the Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion and riverside dining at Fish & Slips Marina Raw Bar & Grill. The Bier Garden on High Street is a popular spot for authentic Bavarian meals, while the nearby Food Lion on London Boulevard caters to everyday grocery needs. Annual events such as the Seawall Art Show, Paddle Battle, and Holiday Music Festival add to the community spirit. The area is safer than the national average, providing a low crime risk environment. Commuters have convenient access to Interstate 264, less than a mile away, and the Elizabeth River Ferry offers an alternative route to Norfolk. Local schools include Park View Elementary, Churchland Middle, and I.C. Norcom High, with varying ratings. The waterfront area is undergoing revitalization, attracting younger residents, while the Olde Towne section retains its nostalgic colonial vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downtown Portsmouth a good place to live?
Downtown Portsmouth is a good place to live. Downtown Portsmouth is considered fairly walkable and bikeable with some transit options. Downtown Portsmouth is a suburban neighborhood. Downtown Portsmouth has 5 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly dense in population with 11.7 people per acre and a median age of 36. The average household income is $64,207 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 26.3% of residents. A majority of residents in Downtown Portsmouth are renters, with 74.6% of residents renting and 25.4% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Downtown Portsmouth can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Downtown Portsmouth neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Downtown Portsmouth?
The median home price in Downtown Portsmouth is $280,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $56,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.26%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,380 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $59K a year to afford the median home price in Downtown Portsmouth. The average household income in Downtown Portsmouth is $64K.
What are the best public schools in Downtown Portsmouth?
The best public schools that serve Downtown Portsmouth are:
What are the best private schools in Downtown Portsmouth?
The best private schools that serve Downtown Portsmouth are:
- The Williams School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 6:1 and an average review score of 4.8.
- The Hague School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 6:1 and an average review score of 5.0.
- Portsmouth Christian School has a B- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 14:1 and an average review score of 3.5.
What are the most popular zip codes in Downtown Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Downtown Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA?
Home Trends in Downtown Portsmouth, VA
On average, homes in Downtown Portsmouth, Portsmouth sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Portsmouth, Portsmouth over the last 12 months is $265,500.
Median Sale Price
$265,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$311,500
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$179,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$102,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$150
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Last 12 months Home Sales
30
Median List Price
$280,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%