Portsmouth, Virginia sits directly across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk on the Atlantic Ocean. Portsmouth has a very temperate climate, with summer temps in the 80s and winter temps in the 60s. Portsmouth is proud of its heritage and its atmosphere of a quaint seaside city. Those moving to Portsmouth, you will find a city that is fun, vibrant and proud.
Economy:
Portsmouth median household income is a little lower than the state average. The cost of living there is about at the national average. Portsmouth has had its economic ups and downs over the years, but has worked hard to expand its appeal to businesses other than just shipbuilding. The closing of an air force base in 1991, plus the dot.com bust of the late 90s all took its toll on the city. Still a major port today, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is a major employer. Lonza Biologics and Erie Scientific are also top employers in the city. All of these exciting employment opportunities certaintly keep Portsmouth movers busy.
History:
English settlers came to the Portsmouth area in the early 1600s. The first settler was Capt. William Carver. He stabbed a man in 1876 and was taken to England and hanged. His land was forfeited. The town was first named Strawberry Banke, but the name was changed to Portsmouth in 1853 by the 60 settlers living there. They built a grist mill but soon began shipbuilding in the deep harbor. The city became very important during the Revolutionary War and three ships were built there during this time. By 1800 a naval shipyard had been added and the city was a very important point for commercial shipping. Although the shipping business declined, the area remained important for the government. During World War II about 70 submarines were built in the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Tourism:
Historic Old Towne has a quaint waterfront filled with shops and dining and the largest collection of historic homes in the state. You can tour the Lightship Portsmouth Museum which is a restored ship used for navigation and was built in 1915. The Hill House is an English home built in 1825 and is completely restored with period furnishings. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum has exhibits and memorabilia concerning the shipyard history. The Shipjack Nautical Wares and Marine Museum has art, furnishings and antiques which are all nautical in nature. The Umoja festival is held in September and is dedicated to African-American culture. In June there is the Harbor Arts Jazz Festival. Being right on the Elizabeth river and the Atlantic Ocean, water sports are in abundance, including sailing, fishing as well as hiking and many other outdoor activities.