Apartments for Rent in Portsmouth, VA (441 Rentals)

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

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Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

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Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

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Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 9

Portsmouth, VA Local Guide

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Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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How a Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit

Learn How a Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit from the Renter University at AparmentHomeLiving.com.

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Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

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Portsmouth Overview

Wouldn’t you love living within a few hours of amazing seafood, bustling nightlife, tons of history, and beautiful hiking and outdoor activities? Well if you choose to call Portsmouth, VA home, then you can experience all of these and so much more! Portsmouth is a city that is loved by many, and thousands of tourists flock to this area each and every year. From mild temperatures and delicious food to museums and one-of-a-kind festivals, Portsmouth is a place that we all dream about.

What is the history of Portsmouth?

For the history of Portsmouth, we go all the way back to 1620. This is when the future site of Portsmouth was determined to be a suitable shipbuilding location by John Wood, a shipbuilder. However, it wasn’t until 1752 that Portsmouth was officially founded by Colonel William Crawford, a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1855, a severe pandemic greatly impacted the Portsmouth and nearby Norfolk areas. In fact, the epidemic of yellow fever killed one out of every three citizens. In 1870, the population of Portsmouth was just over 10,000. Forty years later, the population jumped all the way to 33,000. Over the years, the city grew significantly. The Portsmouth Historical Association was founded in 1955 and the Portsmouth Times newspaper began publication in 1981. In 2010, the population of Portsmouth was just over 95,000.

How is the weather in Portsmouth?

Portsmouth has a mild humid subtropical climate, which means outdoor activities can be enjoyed all year long. Sitting right next to the ocean, the city is very temperate and seasonal. In the summer, you can expect hot and humid weather with warm evenings. In the winters, you can expect much colder temperatures and an occasional snowstorm. The city of Portsmouth receives around three inches of snowfall per year on average. The area also sees quite a bit of rainfall, with an average of 47 inches per year. If you enjoy mild to cold temperatures and a bit of rainfall, then Portsmouth is a great place to call home.

How do I get around town?

Since Portsmouth was first established, transportation measures have been focused around the water. To that end, the grid-like pattern you see throughout the roads and neighborhoods in North America is far less common in this area. Today, the train is still heavily used in the area, with access to lines of CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern, and three short line railroads. Hampton Roads Transit is the regional bus service in Portsmouth and it conveniently provides transportation within the city and throughout other cities of Hampton Roads. The Norfolk International Airport is the airport used by those in Portsmouth and it is located near Chesapeake Bay, close to the cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

What is the Portsmouth commute like?

Luckily, there are multiple freeways and interstates that are found in and around Portsmouth. The city is primarily served by Interstate 264, which serves east-west travel in the Hampton Roads region. Interstate 664 is another common place for travel and both interstates are a part of the Hampton Roads Beltway. Traffic can get congested, especially around rush hour, but it is relatively mild compared to neighboring cities and states.

What are the local media outlets?

Portsmouth is home to tons of radio stations, newspapers, and TV news broadcasts. The Virginian-Pilot is the daily newspaper of Portsmouth, and The Currents is the Portsmouth edition of the Sunday paper. Other notable newspapers include the New Journal and Guide, and Inside Business. Portsmouth also has numerous TV stations that are loved by residents and visitors. Some notable networks include WTKR-TV 3 (CBS), WVEC-TV 13 (ABC), WAVY 10 (NBC), and WVBT 43 (FOX).

Why live in Portsmouth, VA?

Due to the many historical sites, tons of exciting festivals, and close proximity to just about everything, Portsmouth, VA is the perfect place to live your life to the fullest. And by being right along the edge of the eastern part of the U.S., escaping to the beach and soaking in the view is just minutes away! These are just a few reasons why many people choose to look for homes and apartments in Portsmouth.

What Portsmouth landmarks should I see?

Portsmouth is a city with tons of history. That being said, there are numerous historical landmarks found throughout Portsmouth, including the surrounding area. One of the more popular sites is The Olde Towne Historic District. This features one of the largest collections of historically important homes found within Alexandria, Virginia and Charleston, South Carolina. The Hill House is another popular historical site, which is a four-story 1825 English basement home. This home is unique because very minimal renovations have been completed over the years, leaving the home close to its original state.

What is there to do around Portsmouth?

Due to the mild temperatures and long history of Portsmouth, there are many things to do and see in the area. And one reason why these attractions are loved by so many is because they are found very close to each other. Some of the more notable areas of interest for residents and tourists include Nauticus, which is a maritime museum that features a battleship, Chrysler Museum of Art, which includes fine works from Rothko and Renaissance, and Hampton Roads Naval Museum, which is an old museum that includes regional history from the lens of the Navy.

Any annual festivals or Portsmouth events to know?

Portsmouth is home to many festivals that take place all year long. From beer festivals to fair rides and scrumptious food for the whole family, these festivals have it all! The Town Point Virginia Wine Festival is one of the more notable events in Portsmouth. This festival features tons of local wines and options from all over the world! For you foodies out there, the Norfolk Greek Festival and Bayou Boogaloo & Cajun Food Festival are some of the more popular events you can’t miss!

Where are the nearby vacation spots?

Given the close proximity to the ocean and many other towns, there is plenty to see and do in the area! For you nature lovers out there, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a unique and interesting area that is home to amazing wildlife and gorgeous scenery. Shenandoah National Park is another top attraction that is located just a short drive from Portsmouth. The park features rocky peaks, waterfalls, and wetlands.

Where is the best place to move in Portsmouth?

If you’re looking to live in the area, then it’s important to do your research to find the best homes and apartments in Portsmouth. However, before doing research, you’ll want to understand what characteristics mean the most to you. Try to consider the cost of living, schools, commute to work, etc. Some of the areas that receive high livability scores include North Central (neighborhood), Northwest (neighborhood), North King St (neighborhood), and Great Bridge East (neighborhood).

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Portsmouth, VA

Ranked #21

Among cities in Virginia for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

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Best Local Schools in
Portsmouth, VA

School data provided by Great Schools

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Portsmouth, VA Rentals by Map

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Frequently Asked Questions about Portsmouth

How much are Studio apartments in Portsmouth?

There are currently 110 Studio Apartments in Portsmouth with rent ranges from $700 to $1,843 with an average price of $1,512.

What is the current price range for One Bedroom Portsmouth Apartments for rent?

Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in Portsmouth ranges from $704 to $2,254 with an average monthly rent of $1,560.

What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in Portsmouth cost?

The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in Portsmouth range from $950 to $3,396. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $1,690.

How expensive are Portsmouth Three Bedroom Apartments?

There are currently 122 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in Portsmouth on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $995 to $4,880 - averaging $2,005 for the location.

Expert Rental Resources

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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How to Make Your Apartment Holiday-Ready: Renter-Friendly Tips

Written by: Justin Habersaat

Getting your apartment ready for the holidays can be exciting but sometimes challenging in a smaller space. Here are some modern tips to keep things festive, safe, and inviting this season.

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Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate!