Let the numbers do the talking.
Newport News, VA vs Portsmouth, VA
Newport News, VA vs Portsmouth, VA: What the data shows
Newport News, VA is in Newport News, VA while Portsmouth, VA is in Portsmouth, VA — both in the same state. On home prices, Portsmouth, VA is the more affordable option at $171,900 median — $51,900 less than Newport News, VA's $223,800. WYLT rates Newport News, VA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Portsmouth, VA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Newport News, VA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Newport News, VA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Portsmouth, VA has High violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Newport News, VA has Low flood risk and Portsmouth, VA has Low flood risk.
Portsmouth, VA is the more walkable neighborhood. Newport News, VA scores 13/100 (car-dependent) versus Portsmouth, VA's 22/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Newport News, VA has the higher school rating — Newport News, VA rates 8.4/10 and Portsmouth, VA rates 8.2/10.
| Category | Newport News, VA | Portsmouth, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $224K | $172K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K ✓ Lower rent | $1K |
| Median Income | $65K ✓ Higher income | $44K |
| Price Volatility | Low ✓ More stable | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 13/100 | 22/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 1/100 | 2/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 36/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 60 min | 35 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Property Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 8.4/10 ✓ Better schools | 8.2/10 |
| Best for | Families with kidsPeople with moderate incomesThose looking for lower housing costs than NYC | affordable familiesbudget‑conscious rentersurban commuters |
Bottom line
Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.
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