Market Overview
Dumfries is pricier ($450K median vs $250K), a difference of about $200K. Dumfries moves faster, with homes averaging 20 days on market compared to 28 in Portsmouth. Portsmouth offers a lower entry point at $75K–$550K.
Dumfries
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Median Price
$450K
$250K
Avg Days on Market
20 days
28 days
Price Range
$200K–$750K
$75K–$550K
Top Neighborhoods
Montclair, Potomac Club, Triangle, Cherry Hill
Olde Towne, Churchland, Western Branch, Port Norfolk
Schools
Dumfries has a 71% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Dumfries include Forest Park High School and Graham Park Middle School; in Portsmouth, Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School. See Dumfries schools | See Portsmouth schools
Dumfries
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Avg Pass Rate
71%
60%
Public schools
Forest Park High School, Graham Park Middle School, Leesylvania Elementary
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: Dumfries (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 234), Portsmouth (I-264, I-664, Rt 17).
Dumfries
VA
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
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 234
I-264, I-664, Rt 17, Rt 58
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
None
VA
Find agents in Dumfries
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Dumfries.
View agentsVA
Find agents in Portsmouth
Browse verified agents with real sales data in Portsmouth.
View agentsRelated Comparisons
See how other nearby cities stack up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dumfries or Portsmouth more affordable?
Portsmouth is more affordable with a median home price of $250K, compared to $450K in Dumfries. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Dumfries prices range from $200K–$750K. Portsmouth prices range from $75K–$550K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Dumfries and Portsmouth?
Dumfries public schools have a 71% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Dumfries include Forest Park High School and Graham Park Middle 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, Dumfries or Portsmouth?
Portsmouth has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Dumfries has no direct Metro access. Portsmouth has no direct Metro access.
How do Dumfries and Portsmouth compare?
Dumfries is a historic town in Prince William County offering affordable homes near Quantico Marine Corps Base. 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.