Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $250K), a difference of about $500K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 28 in Portsmouth. Portsmouth offers a lower entry point at $75K–$550K.
Arlington
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Median Price
$750K
$250K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
28 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$75K–$550K
Notable Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Olde Towne, Churchland, Western Branch, Port Norfolk
Schools
Arlington has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School; in Portsmouth, Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School. See Arlington schools | See Portsmouth schools
Arlington
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Avg Pass Rate
89%
60%
Public schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
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 ~15 minutes. Arlington has 6 Metro stations, including Rosslyn on the Orange/Silver/Blue/Yellow lines. Major highway access: Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50), Portsmouth (I-264, I-664, Rt 17).
Arlington
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, I-395, Rt 50
I-264, I-664, Rt 17, Rt 58
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Portsmouth more affordable?
Portsmouth is more affordable with a median home price of $250K, compared to $750K in Arlington. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M. Portsmouth prices range from $75K–$550K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Arlington and Portsmouth?
Arlington public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty 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, Arlington or Portsmouth?
Portsmouth has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~15 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Portsmouth has no direct Metro access.
How do Arlington and Portsmouth compare?
Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. 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.