Market Overview
Herndon is pricier ($710K median vs $250K), a difference of about $460K. Herndon moves faster, with homes averaging 23 days on market compared to 28 in Portsmouth. Portsmouth offers a lower entry point at $75K–$550K.
Herndon
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Median Price
$710K
$250K
Avg Days on Market
23 days
28 days
Price Range
$175K–$2.2M
$75K–$550K
Top Neighborhoods
Herndon Town Center, McNair Farms, Reflection Lake, West Ox Cluster
Olde Towne, Churchland, Western Branch, Port Norfolk
Schools
Herndon has a 80% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson Middle School; in Portsmouth, Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School. See Herndon schools | See Portsmouth schools
Herndon
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Avg Pass Rate
80%
60%
Public schools
Herndon High School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Dranesville Elementary
Churchland High School, I.C. Norcom High School, Cradock Middle School
Pass Rate
Commute
Portsmouth is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Herndon has 2 Metro stations, including Herndon on the Silver line. Major highway access: Herndon (Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28), Portsmouth (I-264, I-664, Rt 17).
Herndon
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Herndon)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Silver
N/A
Major Highways
Dulles Toll Road, Rt 7, Rt 28
I-264, I-664, Rt 17, Rt 58
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herndon or Portsmouth more affordable?
Portsmouth is more affordable with a median home price of $250K, compared to $710K in Herndon. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Herndon prices range from $175K–$2.2M. Portsmouth prices range from $75K–$550K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Herndon and Portsmouth?
Herndon public schools have a 80% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Herndon include Herndon High School and Rachel Carson 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, Herndon or Portsmouth?
Portsmouth has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~35 minutes. Herndon has Metro access (Herndon). Portsmouth has no direct Metro access.
How do Herndon and Portsmouth compare?
Herndon is a walkable town near the Dulles technology corridor. 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 July 2026.