About Portsmouth

Nestled on the western banks of the Elizabeth River, Portsmouth has a rich history dating back to 1752 when it was named after its English counterpart. This vibrant city, which became independent in 1858, boasts an ideal location for shipbuilding – a fact first recognized by John Wood in 1620. Fast forward to 1767, and Andrew Sprowle established the renowned Gosport Shipyard, which later transformed into the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) after being rebuilt post-Revolutionary War. Today, the NNSY stands as the U.S. Navy's largest and oldest industrial facility, where world-class ships are built, renovated, and repaired.

Portsmouth is also home to numerous historical sites beyond the NNSY and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. Stroll through Olde Towne and marvel at its vast collection of historically significant buildings like the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Pass House. Explore other gems like the Hill House, a four-story English basement home from 1825 filled with original furnishings, the Commodore Theatre, the Cradock Historic District, and the Downtown Portsmouth Historic District.

But history isn't all Portsmouth has to offer. Unwind at Woodland Park, tee off at the Bide-A-Wee Golf Course, shop at the Triangle Center or Victory Crossing Shopping Center, or relax at Portsmouth City Park and Elizabeth Manor Country Club. For a cozy stay, check into the highly rated Glencoe Inn.

Basketball enthusiasts will love cheering on the Portsmouth Cavaliers, an American Basketball Association team founded in 2010, which enjoys popularity across the Hampton Roads area.

The city's educational landscape features three public high schools – Churchland High School, I.C. Norcom High School, and Woodrow Wilson High School – along with the Fred W. Beazley Portsmouth Campus of Tidewater Community College.

Portsmouth's diverse transportation options include the shipyard and docks, Norfolk International Airport, Chesapeake Regional Airport, CSX railroad, three short line railroads, I-264 and I-664, Hampton Roads Transit, and a regional bus service.

Reflecting its rich history and vibrant present, Portsmouth's real estate market offers a diverse array of properties, from waterfront estates and new construction to suburban homes, townhomes, and more.

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Browse homes for sale in Portsmouth with Howard Hanna. Our Portsmouth real estate office is knowledgeable about the area and ready to help.