Market Overview
Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $250K), a difference of about $390K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 28 in Portsmouth. Portsmouth offers a lower entry point at $75K–$550K.
Fairfax
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Median Price
$640K
$250K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
28 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$75K–$550K
Notable Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Olde Towne, Churchland, Western Branch, Port Norfolk
Schools
Fairfax has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Portsmouth, Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School. See Fairfax schools | See Portsmouth schools
Fairfax
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Avg Pass Rate
87%
60%
Public schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High 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 ~35 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50), Portsmouth (I-264, I-664, Rt 17).
Fairfax
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Orange
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
I-264, I-664, Rt 17, Rt 58
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Portsmouth more affordable?
Portsmouth is more affordable with a median home price of $250K, compared to $640K in Fairfax. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M. Portsmouth prices range from $75K–$550K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Fairfax and Portsmouth?
Fairfax public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley 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, Fairfax or Portsmouth?
Portsmouth has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Portsmouth has no direct Metro access.
How do Fairfax and Portsmouth compare?
Fairfax combines public-school access, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. 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.