Market Overview
Manassas is pricier ($568K median vs $250K), a difference of about $318K. Manassas moves faster, with homes averaging 22 days on market compared to 28 in Portsmouth. Portsmouth offers a lower entry point at $75K–$550K.
Manassas
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Median Price
$568K
$250K
Avg Days on Market
22 days
28 days
Price Range
$60K–$1.9M
$75K–$550K
Notable Neighborhoods
Old Town Manassas, Georgetown South, Signal Hill, Sudley
Olde Towne, Churchland, Western Branch, Port Norfolk
Schools
Manassas has a 72% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Manassas include Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School; in Portsmouth, Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School. See Manassas schools | See Portsmouth schools
Manassas
VA
Portsmouth
VA
Avg Pass Rate
72%
60%
Public schools
Osbourn High School, Metz Middle School, Round Elementary
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 ~45 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Manassas (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 234), Portsmouth (I-264, I-664, Rt 17).
Manassas
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-66, Rt 28, Rt 234
I-264, I-664, Rt 17, Rt 58
Commuter Rail
VRE (Manassas line)
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manassas or Portsmouth more affordable?
Portsmouth is more affordable with a median home price of $250K, compared to $568K in Manassas. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Manassas prices range from $60K–$1.9M. Portsmouth prices range from $75K–$550K.
What are the public-school pass rates in Manassas and Portsmouth?
Manassas public schools have a 72% average SOL pass rate; Portsmouth has 60% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Manassas include Osbourn High School and Metz 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, Manassas or Portsmouth?
Portsmouth has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~45 minutes. Manassas has no direct Metro access. Portsmouth has no direct Metro access.
How do Manassas and Portsmouth compare?
Manassas is a charming independent city with a revitalized downtown, diverse dining, and proximity to the Civil War battlefield. 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.