Market Overview
Alexandria is pricier ($680K median vs $250K), a difference of about $430K. Alexandria moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 28 in Portsmouth. Portsmouth offers a lower entry point at $75K–$550K.
Alexandria
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Median Price
$680K
$250K
Avg Days on Market
12 days
28 days
Price Range
$300K–$2M
$75K–$550K
Notable Neighborhoods
Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Potomac Yard
Olde Towne, Churchland, Western Branch, Port Norfolk
Schools
Alexandria has a 78% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Portsmouth, Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School. See Alexandria schools | See Portsmouth schools
Alexandria
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Avg Pass Rate
78%
60%
Public schools
T.C. Williams High School, George Mason Elementary, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Churchland High School, I.C. Norcom High School, Cradock Middle School
These are district-wide assessment results. Verify current school assignments, boundaries, and programs with each local district for a specific address.
Commute
Portsmouth is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Alexandria has 4 Metro stations, including King St-Old Town on the Blue/Yellow lines. Major highway access: Alexandria (I-395, I-495, GW Parkway), Portsmouth (I-264, I-664, Rt 17).
Alexandria
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Drive to Downtown
~20 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
4 Metro stations (nearest: King St-Old Town)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Blue, Yellow
N/A
Major Highways
I-395, I-495, GW Parkway
I-264, I-664, Rt 17, Rt 58
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria or Portsmouth more affordable?
Portsmouth is more affordable with a median home price of $250K, compared to $680K in Alexandria. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Alexandria prices range from $300K–$2M. Portsmouth prices range from $75K–$550K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Alexandria and Portsmouth?
Alexandria public schools have a 78% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Alexandria include T.C. Williams High School and George Mason Elementary; in Portsmouth, Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Alexandria or Portsmouth?
Portsmouth has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~20 minutes. Alexandria has Metro access (King St-Old Town). Portsmouth has no direct Metro access.
How do Alexandria and Portsmouth compare?
Historic Old Town charm meets modern living in Alexandria. Portsmouth is a waterfront city across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk, with a rich naval heritage and a revitalizing downtown. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover lets you compare agent profiles and available transaction records in either city.
Market data verified by smover using real transaction records. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated September 2026.