Portsmouth, Virginia, is one of several cities included in the collection of towns known as Hampton Roads. If you or your service member is in the Navy, there’s a good chance you’ll PCS into the Tidewater region, as there are several busy Navy bases in the area.
There are 13 military installations in this region, including Naval Station Norfolk, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, NAS Oceana, and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA.
Here's what to know about making a military move to Portsmouth, VA.
Welcome to the Hampton Roads area
If this is your first assignment to Portsmouth, VA, the area can be confusing. With so many military bases neighboring one another, it’s difficult to keep it all straight when you’re staying in hotels in Portsmouth, VA, just trying to get your bearings. To help you understand the big picture, Portsmouth is one of nine cities that make up Hampton Roads, VA.
The other cities are Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach. These are considered the Southside of Hampton Roads. Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, and Williamsburg are located on the Peninsula.
Be aware that the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) is a lifeline for getting around the greater Hampton Roads area, but it’s best if you can avoid relying on it daily. Instead, look for a property closest to your assignment and leave navigating the HRBT to extracurricular outings. Military members will be stationed on the Southside or the Peninsula, and it’s typically easiest to reside in the coordinating location.
Portsmouth Neighborhoods
Families assigned to U.S. Coast Guard Portsmouth usually end up in the residential communities located in the Southside, but are eligible for military housing on other installations. Navy families assigned to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth benefit from the same living options as their Coastie neighbors.
Downtown Portsmouth
Located on the western side of the Elizabeth River, Portsmouth’s history is steeped in shipbuilding and railroad activity, due to its portside location. And because the city was founded by the English over 250 years ago, the city has many historic churches to tour.
Like so many downtowns, Portsmouth’s city center is a diverse location with multiple sections. Historic and charming features are found in Olde Towne Portsmouth, but so are modern destinations such as the Children’s Museum and Sports Museum. Other portions of the downtown area are considered industrial.
Long Point and Churchland
One of Portsmouth’s desired neighborhoods includes Long Point because this part of town is a quick commute to the Coast Guard base, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The drive is short, and you’ll still have access to the daily needs found throughout Hampton Roads. Families like Long Point because there’s an opportunity to rent or own a well-kept home with yard space.
Other families choose the Churchland area of Portsmouth because they like the schools in this part of the Portsmouth Public Schools System. Churchland Academy Elementary, Churchland Primary & Intermediate School, Churchland Middle School, and Churchland High School are options.
Things to Do in Portsmouth
It won’t take long staying in hotels in Portsmouth to realize that the Hampton Roads, VA region is spread out, and many of the popular activities are technically in other cities but only five to ten miles away. For example, the Norfolk Zoo is less than five miles away.
Fun destinations near Portsmouth:
- Portsmouth City Park
- Children's Museum of Virginia, Portsmouth
- Rail Road Museum of Virginia, Portsmouth
- Mount Trashmore Park in Virginia Beach, about 10 miles away
- Virginia Beach Oceanfront, about 18 miles
- Botanical Gardens, Norfolk, about 7 miles
- Virginia Air & Space Center, Hampton, about 12 miles
More things to do in the Hampton Roads area:
- 7 Best Doughnut Shops in Hampton Roads
- 8 Nature Trails Near Joint Base Langley-Eustis
- Things to Do with the Whole Family in Hampton Roads, Virginia
Resources for Further Portsmouth Research
Military Town Advisor (MTA) is a helpful resource for learning the ways of Portsmouth and the surrounding Hampton Roads military towns. It offers in-depth details about things to do in the area, where to live, and what to expect in and near Portsmouth. Service members and their families share written reviews of their experiences with Portsmouth weather, and important issues such as schools, commute times with the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, and medical locations.
Ready to find your next home in Hampton Roads? Whether you’re looking for something walkable near Olde Towne or a family-friendly neighborhood in Churchland, browse Portsmouth homes for sale and houses for rent on MilitaryByOwner.
