Market Overview
Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $250K), a difference of about $710K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 28 in Portsmouth. Portsmouth offers a lower entry point at $75K–$550K.
Portsmouth
VA
Vienna
VA
Median Price
$250K
$960K
Avg Days on Market
28 days
12 days
Price Range
$75K–$550K
$500K–$2.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Olde Towne, Churchland, Western Branch, Port Norfolk
Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights
Schools
Vienna leads on school quality with a 92% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 60% in Portsmouth. Top schools in Portsmouth include Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School. In Vienna, families look to James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Portsmouth schools | See Vienna schools
Portsmouth
VA
Vienna
VA
Quality Tier
Average
Excellent
Avg Pass Rate
60%
92%
Top Schools
Churchland High School, I.C. Norcom High School, Cradock Middle School
James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Portsmouth is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Portsmouth (I-264, I-664, Rt 17), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).
Portsmouth
VA
Vienna
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~25 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
Metro Lines
N/A
Orange
Major Highways
I-264, I-664, Rt 17, Rt 58
I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portsmouth or Vienna more affordable?
Portsmouth is more affordable with a median home price of $250K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Portsmouth prices range from $75K–$550K. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.
Which has better schools, Portsmouth or Vienna?
Vienna has stronger schools overall, with a 92% average pass rate compared to 60% in Portsmouth. Top schools in Portsmouth include Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School. In Vienna, standout schools include James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Portsmouth or Vienna?
Portsmouth has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Portsmouth has no direct Metro access. Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).
Is Portsmouth or Vienna better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Portsmouth is a waterfront city across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk, with a rich naval heritage and a revitalizing downtown. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
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 March 2026.