Market Overview
Springfield is pricier ($703K median vs $250K), a difference of about $453K. Springfield moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 28 in Portsmouth. Portsmouth offers a lower entry point at $75K–$550K.
Portsmouth
VA
Springfield
VA
Median Price
$250K
$703K
Avg Days on Market
28 days
16 days
Price Range
$75K–$550K
$210K–$1.7M
Notable Neighborhoods
Olde Towne, Churchland, Western Branch, Port Norfolk
West Springfield, North Springfield, Saratoga, Kings Park
Schools
Portsmouth has a 60% average SOL pass rate; Springfield has 82% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Portsmouth include Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School; in Springfield, West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. See Portsmouth schools | See Springfield schools
Portsmouth
VA
Springfield
VA
Avg Pass Rate
60%
82%
Public schools
Churchland High School, I.C. Norcom High School, Cradock Middle School
West Springfield High School, Robert E. Lee High School, Irving 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 ~30 minutes. Springfield has 1 Metro station, including Franconia-Springfield on the Blue line. Major highway access: Portsmouth (I-264, I-664, Rt 17), Springfield (I-95, I-395, I-495).
Portsmouth
VA
Springfield
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~30 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Franconia-Springfield)
Metro Lines
N/A
Blue
Major Highways
I-264, I-664, Rt 17, Rt 58
I-95, I-395, I-495, Franconia-Springfield Pkwy
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portsmouth or Springfield more affordable?
Portsmouth is more affordable with a median home price of $250K, compared to $703K in Springfield. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Portsmouth prices range from $75K–$550K. Springfield prices range from $210K–$1.7M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Portsmouth and Springfield?
Portsmouth public schools have a 60% average SOL pass rate; Springfield has 82% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Portsmouth include Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School; in Springfield, West Springfield High School and Robert E. Lee High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Portsmouth or Springfield?
Portsmouth has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~30 minutes. Portsmouth has no direct Metro access. Springfield has Metro access (Franconia-Springfield).
How do Portsmouth and Springfield compare?
Portsmouth is a waterfront city across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk, with a rich naval heritage and a revitalizing downtown. Springfield sits at the crossroads of I-95 and the Fairfax County Parkway, offering unmatched commuter access. 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.