Market Overview
Warrenton is pricier ($500K median vs $250K), a difference of about $250K. Both cities average 28 days on market. Portsmouth offers a lower entry point at $75K–$550K.
Portsmouth
VA
Warrenton
VA
Median Price
$250K
$500K
Avg Days on Market
28 days
28 days
Price Range
$75K–$550K
$225K–$2M
Top Neighborhoods
Olde Towne, Churchland, Western Branch, Port Norfolk
Old Town Warrenton, Blackwell, Vint Hill, Rittenour
Schools
Portsmouth has a 60% average SOL pass rate; Warrenton has 78% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Portsmouth include Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School; in Warrenton, Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. See Portsmouth schools | See Warrenton schools
Portsmouth
VA
Warrenton
VA
Avg Pass Rate
60%
78%
Public schools
Churchland High School, I.C. Norcom High School, Cradock Middle School
Fauquier High School, Taylor Middle School, Brumfield Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Portsmouth is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Portsmouth (I-264, I-664, Rt 17), Warrenton (Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211).
Portsmouth
VA
Warrenton
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~60 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-264, I-664, Rt 17, Rt 58
Rt 29, Rt 17, Rt 211, Rt 15/29
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portsmouth or Warrenton more affordable?
Portsmouth is more affordable with a median home price of $250K, compared to $500K in Warrenton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Portsmouth prices range from $75K–$550K. Warrenton prices range from $225K–$2M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Portsmouth and Warrenton?
Portsmouth public schools have a 60% average SOL pass rate; Warrenton has 78% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Portsmouth include Churchland High School and I.C. Norcom High School; in Warrenton, Fauquier High School and Taylor Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Portsmouth or Warrenton?
Portsmouth has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~60 minutes. Portsmouth has no direct Metro access. Warrenton has no direct Metro access.
How do Portsmouth and Warrenton compare?
Portsmouth is a waterfront city across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk, with a rich naval heritage and a revitalizing downtown. Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County, known for its equestrian culture, charming Old Town, and rolling countryside. 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 June 2026.