Market Overview
Ashburn is pricier ($620K median vs $250K), a difference of about $370K. Ashburn moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 28 in Portsmouth. Portsmouth offers a lower entry point at $75K–$550K.
Ashburn
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Median Price
$620K
$250K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
28 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.2M
$75K–$550K
Top Neighborhoods
Broadlands, Brambleton, Lansdowne, One Loudoun
Olde Towne, Churchland, Western Branch, Port Norfolk
Schools
Ashburn has a 89% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge High School; in Portsmouth, Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School. See Ashburn schools | See Portsmouth schools
Ashburn
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Avg Pass Rate
89%
60%
Public schools
Briar Woods High School, Stone Bridge High School, Eagle Ridge 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. Ashburn has 2 Metro stations, including Ashburn on the Silver line. Major highway access: Ashburn (Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway), Portsmouth (I-264, I-664, Rt 17).
Ashburn
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Drive to Downtown
~45 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Ashburn)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Silver
N/A
Major Highways
Rt 7, Rt 28, Dulles Greenway
I-264, I-664, Rt 17, Rt 58
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashburn or Portsmouth more affordable?
Portsmouth is more affordable with a median home price of $250K, compared to $620K in Ashburn. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Ashburn prices range from $350K–$1.2M. Portsmouth prices range from $75K–$550K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Ashburn and Portsmouth?
Ashburn public schools have a 89% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Ashburn include Briar Woods High School and Stone Bridge 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, Ashburn or Portsmouth?
Portsmouth has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Ashburn has Metro access (Ashburn). Portsmouth has no direct Metro access.
How do Ashburn and Portsmouth compare?
Ashburn is one of Loudoun County's fastest-growing communities. 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.