Portsmouth 73 Excellent
Portsmouth Livability #327 ranked city in Ohio#5,379 ranked city in the USARanks better than 81% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Portsmouth

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

CONS
  • Commute Commute

    A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.

  • Crime Crime

    This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    In the employment category, a low score could be attributed to low income levels and high unemployment in the area, suggesting potential difficulties in finding lucrative employment.

What's it like Living in Portsmouth?

Portsmouth, Ohio is a medium-sized city with a population of 20,625 people. According to the most recent Census, 88% of Portsmouth residents are White, 7% Black and 1% Asian. In Portsmouth, only 45% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Portsmouth offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Portsmouth is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in Ohio, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Portsmouth, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, education, housing and more.

Using data and statistics Portsmouth has received a livability score of 76 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 89th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Portsmouth would be considered a very livable city! There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Portsmouth ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A) Regrettably for Portsmouth, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (D) and employment (F).

If you're considering living in Portsmouth, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Portsmouth provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.

Managing monthly expenses, from grocery bills to never-ending utility costs, can swiftly accumulate. Fortunately, we're delighted to share that the cost of living in Portsmouth is 20.56% lower than the national average. This translates to a tangible reduction in those persistent monthly expenditures, making Portsmouth a city where you can anticipate lower costs across the board when compared to many other urban areas. This financial advantage not only eases the burden of day-to-day living but also allows for a more budget-friendly lifestyle, ensuring that your hard-earned money goes further and providing an appealing incentive for those seeking to improve their financial well-being in a world where expenses continue to rise.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Portsmouth can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Portsmouth is actually affordable. The median home price for Portsmouth homes is $138,401, which is 41.1% lower than the Ohio average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Portsmouth, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 6.5% lower than the Ohio average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Portsmouth

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      Portsmouth transportation information

      Statistic Portsmouth Ohio National
      Average one way commute17min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work84.1%83.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.1%7.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.2%1.7%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.5%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.0%2.3%2.8%
      Working from home1.8%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The Portsmouth, OH data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.