Portsmouth, VA

Dock in Portsmouth

Find out why this Hampton Roads city is a great place to live and work.

iStock/Dee Liu
Home > Virginia > Portsmouth, VA

Portsmouth, VA

Looking to move to Portsmouth, VA? You’ve come to the right place. Livability helps people find their perfect places to live, and we’ve got everything you need to know to decide if moving to Portsmouth, VA is right for you.

A seaport city with a thriving arts and history scene, Portsmouth leans into entertainment and growth (especially in the foodie sector) while honoring its rich historic heritage. From the stunning architecture in the Olde Towne Historic District to concerts and evening strolls along the Elizabeth River, amenities are abundant for Portsmouth’s 97,000 residents. Kids will love the interactive fun of the Children’s Museum of Virginia.

Portsmouth is home to a sprawling Naval shipyard, and it offers an excellent climate for starting and growing businesses.

Weather in Portsmouth, VA

Average Temperatures

69 high / 52 low

Average Annual Rainfall

48 in

Average Annual Snowfall

5 in

Quick Facts about Portsmouth, Virginia

Median Home Value
$224,557
Median Property Tax
$2,201
Total Population
97,298
Average Commute
20 min
Median Household Income
$57,336
Median Monthly Rent
$1,057

Map of Portsmouth, VA

Experiences & Adventures in Portsmouth, VA

Oceanfront Boardwalk

8 Things to Do When Visiting Hampton Roads, VA

Discover the top eight things to do when visiting the Hampton Roads, VA, region for the first time.

Guests at the NEON Festival

7 Must-Attend Festivals in Hampton Roads, VA

These seven festivals are drawing locals and tourists alike to the Hampton Roads, VA, region.

Food Scenes in Portsmouth, VA

A seafood dish from Freemason Abbey

Discover 9 of the Best Restaurants in Hampton Roads

From historic churches to pier-side perches, check out nine of the best restaurants in the Hampton Roads, VA, region.

Healthy Places in Portsmouth, VA

Hisplanic Female Bioengineer Looking at DNA Samples Under a Microscope in a Modern Applied Science Laboratory. Portrait of a Young Lab Engineer in White Coat Inventing New Medical Drugs

A New Academic Health Sciences Enterprise Is Shaping Hampton Roads

Discover the health care partnerships that are driving the workforce and strengthening the economy in the Hampton Roads, VA, region.

Education, Careers and Opportunity in Portsmouth, VA

Houses and Riverfront of the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth, Virginia during dawn with magenta, purple, and pink clouds. Portsmouth, VA is part of the Virginia Beach / Hampton Roads metropolitan area.

A Guide to Local Workforce Centers in Hampton Roads, VA

Level up with these training and placement programs around the region.

Chesapeake Public Schools and Virginia Beach City Public Schools offer specialized programs.

Discover the Specialized Academies Shaping Future Leaders in Hampton Roads

Learn more about the innovative and inspiring programs offered at Virginia Beach City Public Schools and Chesapeake Public Schools.

Assembly is a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship founded by Drew Ungvarsky.

How Assembly Is Keeping Local Talent in Hampton Roads, VA

Assembly is a multiuse creative campus in downtown Norfolk, VA, that allows a wide range of companies to share resources, amenities and ideas.

Portsmouth, VA: Love Where You Live

Houses and Riverfront of the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth, Virginia during dawn with magenta, purple, and pink clouds. Portsmouth, VA is part of the Virginia Beach / Hampton Roads metropolitan area.

Discover the Thriving Communities of Hampton Roads, VA

Welcome to Hampton Roads, the flourishing Coastal Virginia region that has something for everyone.


Data used on Livability.com is provided from the most recent release (November 2025) by Applied Geographic Solutions (AGS). Our LivScore is calculated in partnership with AGS. Sales tax sources: Sales Tax Clearinghouse, Tax Foundation, and State Revenue Departments. Local rates are population-weighted to account for municipal variations.

Newsletter Sign Up