360 movers in Portsmouth
What to know when moving to Portsmouth, VA
Portsmouth at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 33.7% of residents are renters and 22.5% hold a bachelor's degree.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $63,389, providing a solid economic base.
- The Reality Check:
- Poverty rate sits at 12.1%, indicating some economic challenges.
- Commute:
- 0% of residents use public transit, so plan on a car.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,313/mo rent to find a suitable place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Portsmouth is home to about 24,430 people, making it a fairly compact community. With a median gross rent of $1,313, it is essential to budget accordingly if you are planning to rent. The city has a relatively low education rate, with only 22.5% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. Additionally, the renter population is significant, with 33.7% of residents renting their homes. The lack of public transit options means that car ownership is almost mandatory for commuting and daily activities.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a strong public transit system or a higher percentage of college-educated residents.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,313, which may be manageable for many, but can be tight for those on a stricter budget.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $218,900, indicating a reasonable entry point for homebuyers.
- The community has a poverty rate of 12.1%, which reflects economic diversity.
- With 33.7% of the population renting, there are options for those not looking to buy.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Virginia, the annual violent crime rate is 203.3 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 325.3. Property crime is also lower in Virginia, with a rate of 1,346.3 per 100,000 compared to the national rate of 1,546.9. Notably, the state has seen a 22% decrease in property crime since 2022, and a 15.2% drop in violent crime during the same period.
- Violent crime: 203.3 per 100k vs. national 325.3, showing a 15.2% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,346.3 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, with a 22% decrease since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicides have dropped by 43.2% since 2022, now at 4.2 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Virginia).
Schools & Higher Ed
Portsmouth has access to 22 postsecondary institutions nearby, with 21 of them offering College Scorecard data. Some notable institutions in the surrounding areas include Norfolk State University and the Aviation Institute of Maintenance in Norfolk. This access provides residents with a range of educational opportunities.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 22
- With College Scorecard data: 21
- Nearby notable institutions: Norfolk State University, Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Norfolk
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Portsmouth experiences an average annual precipitation of 45.5 inches, with about 115 rainy days each year. Notably, winter sees only 0.5 inches of snow, with just 5 snow days, making it relatively mild. For outdoor activities, nearby options include Chesapeake City Park, rated 4.7 stars with over 3,300 reviews, and Town Point Park, rated 4.6 stars with over 3,200 reviews.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Chesapeake City Park (4.7 stars, 3,309 reviews)
- Town Point Park (4.6 stars, 3,249 reviews)
- Chrysler Museum of Art (4.8 stars, 3,053 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
