Market Overview
Annapolis is pricier ($510K median vs $250K), a difference of about $260K. Annapolis moves faster, with homes averaging 25 days on market compared to 28 in Portsmouth. Portsmouth offers a lower entry point at $75K–$550K.
Annapolis
MD
Portsmouth
VA
Median Price
$510K
$250K
Avg Days on Market
25 days
28 days
Price Range
$200K–$3M+
$75K–$550K
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Annapolis, Eastport, West Annapolis, Parole
Olde Towne, Churchland, Western Branch, Port Norfolk
Schools
Annapolis has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; in Portsmouth, Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School. See Annapolis schools | See Portsmouth schools
Annapolis
MD
Portsmouth
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
60%
Public schools
Annapolis High School, Broadneck High School, Annapolis Middle School
Churchland High School, I.C. Norcom High School, Cradock Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Portsmouth is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Annapolis (Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97), Portsmouth (I-264, I-664, Rt 17).
Annapolis
MD
Portsmouth
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 50, Rt 2, I-97
I-264, I-664, Rt 17, Rt 58
Commuter Rail
None
None
MD
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Annapolis or Portsmouth more affordable?
Portsmouth is more affordable with a median home price of $250K, compared to $510K in Annapolis. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Annapolis prices range from $200K–$3M+. Portsmouth prices range from $75K–$550K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Annapolis and Portsmouth?
Annapolis public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Annapolis include Annapolis High School and Broadneck High School; 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, Annapolis or Portsmouth?
Portsmouth has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Annapolis has no direct Metro access. Portsmouth has no direct Metro access.
How do Annapolis and Portsmouth compare?
Annapolis is Maryland's capital and the home of the U. 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 can connect you with a verified agent 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 June 2026.