Portsmouth Photo

Portsmouth,VA Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Map

Discover the Charm of Portsmouth, VA Neighborhoods

Portsmouth, VA is a city rich in history and culture, featuring a variety of neighborhoods each with its own unique vibe and appeal. Whether you're drawn to the historic waterfront, tree-lined residential streets, or bustling commercial areas, Portsmouth offers a diverse range of living options. For anyone exploring the best neighborhoods in Portsmouth, the city's blend of Southern charm and urban convenience is sure to impress. A Portsmouth neighborhoods map reveals distinct areas like Olde Towne, Churchland, and Victory Village, each with plenty to offer residents and visitors alike.

Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions

When it comes to housing, Portsmouth boasts a range of options from charming historic homes in Olde Towne to newer developments in neighborhoods like Churchland. The real estate market remains relatively affordable compared to nearby cities like Norfolk and Virginia Beach, making Portsmouth an attractive choice for first-time homebuyers and families. Neighborhoods such as Cradock provide a mix of single-family homes and townhouses, often at competitive prices. The market conditions have shown steady growth, but affordability remains a key draw for many looking to settle here.

Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability

Safety is an important consideration for anyone moving to Portsmouth, and while some areas have higher crime rates, many neighborhoods are known for their stability and community spirit. For example, Olde Towne is generally regarded as a safe, family-friendly area with active neighborhood associations. Churchland also enjoys a reputation for being a stable community with lower crime rates. Utilizing a Portsmouth neighborhoods map can help prospective residents identify which parts of the city are known for safety and well-maintained public spaces.

Food & Social Scene: Are Some Areas More Popular Than Others, Hotspots

Portsmouth's food and social scene is thriving, especially in neighborhoods like Olde Towne where you'll find popular spots such as Vive La Taco, The Bier Garden at Escobar’s, and Chesapeake Bay Distillery. This area is a hotspot for live music, art galleries, and weekend farmers markets, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors. Other neighborhoods, like Downtown Portsmouth, offer a growing selection of cafes, craft breweries, and eateries that contribute to a vibrant nightlife and social scene.

Things to Do: What Are Some Popular Attractions and Things to Do

There’s no shortage of activities in Portsmouth neighborhoods. Olde Towne is home to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and the historic Lightship Portsmouth, perfect for history buffs. The city’s waterfront parks such as Waterfront Park provide scenic spots for walking, jogging, and family picnics. For those who love the arts, the Art & Cultural Center of Portsmouth offers exhibitions and workshops. Additionally, neighborhoods like Victory Village feature community events and festivals that celebrate the city’s rich heritage.

Colleges & Universities: What Neighborhoods Are the Colleges/Universities Located In?

Portsmouth is home to Tidewater Community College’s Portsmouth campus, which is conveniently located near the downtown area, providing easy access for students and residents alike. Additionally, several neighborhoods border Eastern Virginia Medical School, which, while technically in Norfolk, influences the Portsmouth area with its students and professionals. These educational institutions contribute to the vibrancy of Portsmouth neighborhoods, bringing a youthful energy and supporting local businesses.

Portsmouth Demographics

Population 97,384
Density (People/sqml.) 2,924
Median Age 35.6
Married Couples
40%
40% of the population of Portsmouth aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
24%
24% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

Best Neighborhoods

Hood  Med. Age  Have Kids  Home Price  Med. Income  Affordability 
Prentis Park 40.6 18.9% $137,529 $47,868 2.5
Park Manor 44.9 20.3% $202,667 $82,690 2.5
Simonsdale 39.4 24.1% $195,040 $76,590 2.6
Truxton 35 27.8% $136,067 $50,092 2.7
Sterling Point 43 24.7% $284,475 $108,303 2.7
Hatton Point 42.8 23.7% $279,080 $103,718 2.7
Shea Terrace 37.4 19.9% $233,900 $86,441 2.7
Belvedere 44.1 24.8% $279,320 $100,020 2.8
Wise Beach 43.1 20.9% $273,633 $94,454 2.9
Mayflower Park 46.6 16.5% $246,100 $85,001 2.9

Portsmouth neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Portsmouth—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Portsmouth, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.

Crime in Portsmouth

Violent Crime 110% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Property Crime 119% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Total Crime 118% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Crime
 
Reported
 
Portsmouth
/100k
VA
/100k
National
/100k
Murder 36 37.1 4.8 5.0
Rape 35 36.0 27.8 37.5
Robbery 163 167.8 33.1 60.6
Assault 497 511.5 152.2 256.1
Total Violent Crime 731 752 218 359
Burglary 412 424.1 108.7 229.2
Theft 2,837 2,920.1 1,315.9 1,272.1
Vehicle Theft 502 516.7 145.1 258.8
Total Property Crime 3,751 3,861 1,570 1,760
TOTAL CRIME 4,482 4,613 1,788 2,119

Historical Crime Data

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.