Where is Portsmouth?
Portsmouth sits on the western shore of the Elizabeth River, directly across from downtown Norfolk, with Chesapeake to the south and Suffolk to the west.
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The latest homes for sale in Portsmouth, from Olde Towne historic homes to Churchland family homes, updated daily from the MLS.
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Portsmouth: History on the Elizabeth River
Portsmouth was founded in 1752 on the western shore of the Elizabeth River, and its waterfront has shaped the city ever since. Norfolk Naval Shipyard, the oldest shipyard in the U.S. Navy, began here, and much of the city grew up around it.
That history shows in the housing. Olde Towne, Port Norfolk and Park View are full of homes from the 1700s through the early 1900s, while Cradock and Truxtun were built as planned communities for shipyard workers during World War I.
West of downtown, Churchland and the neighborhoods along the Western Branch offer a more suburban feel, with newer subdivisions, larger lots and waterfront streets along the river branches and creeks.
The Legacy Home Team helps buyers and sellers across Portsmouth, whether you want a restored historic home near the ferry, a family home in Churchland or a place on the water.
Portsmouth At a Glance
Ready to explore Portsmouth? Barry will help you find the right neighborhood for your plans.
Call (757) 816-4037Why Buyers Choose Portsmouth
History, waterfront and a quick trip to Norfolk. Here's what draws people to Portsmouth.
A Navy and Coast Guard Town
Norfolk Naval Shipyard, despite the name, sits in Portsmouth, along with Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and a major Coast Guard presence. That makes the city a natural fit for military families and civilian defense workers.
Real Historic Character
Founded in 1752, Portsmouth has some of Virginia's best-preserved historic neighborhoods, from Olde Towne's colonial and Federal homes to the planned shipyard villages of Cradock and Truxtun.
Easy Access to Norfolk
The Downtown and Midtown tunnels connect Portsmouth to Norfolk in minutes, and the Elizabeth River Ferry carries walkers and cyclists straight across to downtown Norfolk.
Waterfront at Every Turn
The Elizabeth River and its Western and Southern branches give Portsmouth miles of shoreline, from the downtown seawall to creekside homes in Churchland and Sterling Point.
A Downtown With Things to Do
The waterfront amphitheater, the Children's Museum of Virginia, the Naval Shipyard Museum and the restaurants of High Street keep Olde Towne busy year-round.
Variety in Housing
Buyers can choose between restored historic homes, mid-century ranches, newer suburban subdivisions in Churchland and waterfront properties along the river branches.
Find Your Portsmouth Neighborhood
From Olde Towne's historic streets to suburban Churchland, there's a Portsmouth neighborhood for most lifestyles.
The heart of the city along the Elizabeth River, with brick sidewalks, hundreds of 18th- and 19th-century homes, and High Street dining, galleries and the ferry landing a short walk away.
A historic district on the river north of downtown, known for Victorian and early 20th-century homes, front porches and water views across to Norfolk.
A late 19th- and early 20th-century neighborhood near Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, with tree-lined streets and a mix of restored homes and fixer-uppers.
Built in 1918 for Norfolk Naval Shipyard workers and laid out around a central green, Cradock is one of the earliest government-planned communities in the country.
Also built in 1918 for shipyard workers, Truxtun is a small historic district with modest bungalows and a strong neighborhood identity.
The large western side of Portsmouth, with established subdivisions, newer homes, shopping along the High Street corridor and its own high school.
A Churchland-area neighborhood along the Western Branch of the Elizabeth River, popular with buyers who want water access in a quieter suburban setting.
Established neighborhoods west of downtown with mid-century homes, good access to the Western Freeway and shorter drives to the shipyard.
Waterfront Living, Downtown Energy
Portsmouth's downtown seawall, ferry landings and riverfront parks make the Elizabeth River part of daily life, whether you walk Olde Towne in the evening or launch a kayak from the western branches.
Downtown keeps a steady calendar of concerts, festivals and museum events, while Churchland and the western neighborhoods offer parks, nature preserves and quieter streets.
Elizabeth River Ferry: a pedestrian ferry between Olde Towne and downtown Norfolk
Downtown waterfront amphitheater: summer concerts on the river
Children's Museum of Virginia and the Naval Shipyard Museum in Olde Towne
Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve: trails and kayaking near Churchland
High Street: restaurants, shops and galleries in the historic district
Portsmouth Public Schools
Portsmouth Public Schools serves the city, with Tidewater Community College and several universities close by.
Public High Schools
Higher Education
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Ready to Find Your Portsmouth Home?
Barry Jenkins and the Legacy Home Team work across Portsmouth, from Olde Towne to Churchland. Let's find the right fit for your goals.
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