Highlands, Portsmouth,VA

For those considering a move to Portsmouth, VA, the Highlands neighborhood in the southeast part of the city offers a perfect blend of charm and convenience. This welcoming community is known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a strong sense of neighborhood pride. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to settle down, Highlands has something to offer. Residents here enjoy easy access to local parks and green spaces, making it a great place for outdoor activities and family outings. The neighborhood’s friendly vibe and walkability make it ideal for anyone who appreciates a close-knit community feel.

One of the standout attractions in Highlands is the vibrant and eclectic mix of local shops, cafes, and eateries that give the area its unique character. You’ll find charming coffee shops where you can grab your morning brew, as well as cozy restaurants featuring diverse cuisines. For those who love arts and culture, the nearby Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center offers regular exhibitions and events that enrich the community experience. Families will appreciate the well-regarded schools and recreational facilities available nearby. Plus, the neighborhood’s community events and farmers markets help foster a lively and engaging atmosphere year-round.

Convenience is another major perk of living in Highlands, especially when it comes to commuting or exploring the city. The neighborhood is just a short drive from Downtown Portsmouth, making it easy to enjoy the city’s bustling waterfront, shopping districts, and entertainment venues without the hassle of long travel times. Whether you want to catch a show at a local theater, dine at a trendy restaurant, or take a scenic stroll along the Elizabeth River, everything is within easy reach. Highlands truly offers residents the best of both worlds: a peaceful, community-oriented environment with quick access to all the excitement that Portsmouth has to offer.

27% of the Highlands population aged 16 and up are married, which is in line with national averages. This balance suggests a neighborhood with a healthy mix of families, couples, and single residents, creating a well-rounded community dynamic. You are likely to find a blend of stability and social variety, appealing to both long-term homeowners and younger professionals alike.

With only 27% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Highlands demographic details provide a clearer picture of what life is like in the neighborhood, offering insight into its character, community, and overall lifestyle. With a population of 5,251, the number of residents who reside in Highlands is about average in size compared to other Portsmouth neighborhoods, striking a perfect balance between energy and tranquility. It’s large enough to offer plenty of amenities, activities, and a vibrant local scene, yet small enough to maintain a welcoming community feel and a more relaxed pace of life.

Highlands has a population density of 3,279, which strikes a balanced feel when compared to other Portsmouth neighborhoods. The area offers just the right mix of activity and breathing room, creating a community that’s lively yet comfortable, with easy access to amenities and everyday conveniences.

With an average age of 35, you're likely to find a well-balanced community where multiple generations live side by side. This mix of age groups contributes to a neighborhood atmosphere that’s both active and welcoming, offering a blend of fresh perspectives and long-standing community values.

The Highlands crime map uses detailed block group boundaries from address-based crime data to visualize crime patterns across the neighborhood, highlighting both low-crime zones and areas with higher levels of reported crime. This crime heat map helps paint a clearer picture of local safety trends, showing how crime can vary from one part of the community to another. Keep in mind that areas with higher activity on the map don’t always equate to dangerous conditions — locations near entertainment districts, major roads, or tourist destinations often see more reports simply due to the larger number of people passing through.

Housing trends offer valuable insight into the accessibility and character of a neighborhood. In Highlands, the median home price is $181,755, which is less than many surrounding areas. This affordability makes it an attractive option for first-time buyers, young families, or anyone looking to enter the housing market without a significant financial barrier. Looking at appreciation rates and past market trends in Highlands can offer valuable insight into the neighborhood’s investment potential. Understanding how home values have changed over time helps buyers gauge future growth, assess long-term stability, and make more informed real estate decisions.

The median rent is around $1,327, which is on par with many comparable neighborhoods. This balanced pricing offers a mix of affordability and value, making it a practical choice for a wide range of renters.

School ratings in Highlands combine factors like student performance, graduation rates, and standardized test scores to provide a clear picture of overall educational quality. The use of NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores adds valuable context by offering a consistent national benchmark to see how local schools compare on a broader scale. Additionally, understanding the overall education level achieved by residents in Highlands can give insight into the community’s priorities and opportunities, helping families make more informed decisions about where to live and how well local schools may support long-term student success.