PORTSMOUTH

City Offices
801 Crawford Street
Portsmouth 757-393-8000
www.portsmouthva.gov

Chamber of Commerce
500 East Main Street
Norfolk 757-622-2312
www.hamptonroadschamber.com

 

Services
Excellent transportation facilities com­plement the growth of business and residential development, effectively linking Portsmouth to key destinations throughout Hampton Roads. Boasting an enviable quality of life, Portsmouth’s dedication to education is reflected in the quality of its public and private schools. However, the city’s educational resources benefit more than the young. Tidewater Community College and area vocational and training centers provide diverse programs for adults and customized training programs for business and industry. Opportunities to pursue a higher education close to home range from specialized institutes to colleges and universities that offer undergraduate and graduate or professional degrees.

Enhanced by Hampton Roads’ medical school and research institutions, the city’s healthcare facilities meet the highest of standards. Residents can take advantage of leading-edge treatment centers in regional hospitals, skilled professionals in every imaginable specialty, state-of-the-art diagnostics, and a full range of community education and wellness programs.

 

Lifestyle
Newcomers to Portsmouth will find a wide selection of housing in equally diverse settings. Rambling older homes and historic districts nestled in the heart of the city contrast with suburban communities and waterfront properties. Among the myriad of possibilities are Cape Cods, three-story Victorians, charming colonials, contemporary ranches, and modern condominiums.

The downtown district of Olde Towne boasts one of the largest concentrations of antique homes in the entire nation, graced by mature trees, cobblestone streets and window boxes. Many of the proud residents have preserved the historic 18th-century exterior of their home while they added every modern convenience to the interior. Rescued from decline, Olde Towne today keeps a lively pace with stores, restaurants, cafes, and galleries.

Finding quality attractions, cultural event, entertainment venues, and recreational facilities for leisure hours is always easy in Portsmouth. The cornerstone of the downtown cultural mecca is the Children’s Museum of Portsmouth, drawing visitors from across Hampton Roads to its interactive displays. Aficionados of the arts will want to visit the nearby 1846 Courthouse Museum with its changing art exhibits, as well as the Visual Arts Center of the Tidewater Community College.

Adjacent Norfolk serves as the cultural center for Hampton Roads, while nearby Virginia Beach provides a nationally acclaimed beach and resort atmosphere. Nature lovers and sports enthusiasts can engage in every imaginable outdoor activity right outside their front door, including golf, tennis, league play, water sports, camping, hiking, biking and horseback riding.

With its attractive housing options, outstanding education and healthcare institutions, responsive city government and stimulating arts scene, Portsmouth is a dynamic place to live, work and play. As Vision 2005 continues to unfold the last segment of its many surprises, Portsmouth’s approach to carefully planned revitalization will serve as a blueprint for urban renewal across the nation.

 

Portsmouth
The historic city of Portsmouth is both anchored and framed by the Elizabeth River, a geographic fact that played a major role in its genesis. Today, the riverfront area is just one reflection of the revitalization sweeping through its neighborhoods and infrastructure. Fueled by the pride of its residents and carefully managed by its government, Portsmouth is experiencing an exhilarating renaissance.

For the past several years, the unified voice that has set the pace for renewal has been known as Vision 2005. This progressive effort has drawn together the city’s diverse elements to spur redevelopment, renovation, and growth. Vision 2005 called for the emergence of a retail center in mid-town and renovated mixed-income residential communities. The exciting revitalization and expansion of the bustling waterfront district overlooking the Elizabeth River includes the $46 million Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel and Waterfront Conference Center. The 15-story complex is located on a prime 3.5-acre riverfront site in Portsmouth’s historic district of Olde Towne. As the Downtown renaissance continues to reach new heights, the phrase “Downtown Portsmouth” has taken on a favorable perception and an image of prestige.

From Portsmouth’s founding, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard has been its largest employer. Spanning five miles along the southern branch of the Elizabeth River, the yard employs thousands of people who are working on all aspects of the Navy’s fleet. Portsmouth is also home to the U.S. Coast Guard headquarters and the Portsmouth Marine Terminal. Active public and private economic development planning has produced such successful projects as Port Center, a 70-acre business park for high-tech industries, professional firms, and government contractors.