I Drove Through Portsmouth, The Worst Place To Live In Virginia

[@NickJohnson]

Here's my entire Unboxing America Series: kzbin.info/aero/PLq-_cmf3H6yqgM1vGG305six5T7dqGURF

[@vanessaalston7368]

You never drove through Parkview, you didn't go across Effinham St, you were driving through a part of town that's called "Old Town Portsmouth," I've lived here all my life. Portsmouth doesn't look that bad,I've seen worse.

[@tiffaniemichelle8499]

Born & raised in Portsmouth, Virginia. And still proud of my city because what people are not showing or talking about is how the citizens are trying to come together to get more positive things, programs going and helping these kids out here that needs our help.

[@cladinolfi]

Born and raised there too and it has its bad but there's so much beauty in the old structures architect and they're trying to build it back up it hurts my heart that people talk so bad about our city when the bad is isolated to certain neighborhoods and there's some real hidden gems in Portsmouth

[@stevenstadterman9725]

@@cladinolfi truly amazing area..people care about their propertys,,run down wow,,you must live in Beverly hills

[@cladinolfi]

@@stevenstadterman9725 no one said anything about rundown in my comment or the previous what are you even trying to say

[@masoneverlast1232]

I spend my high school years just across the city boundary with Chesapeake. It’s got it’s problems like any low-income community, but now that I live in Houston, returning to Hampton Roads feels like luxury to me. Officially speaking, Houston at-large is safer, but compared to the low-income areas of Houston, Portsmouth is one of the safest places I’ve lived as a working class person.

[@Teykilla626]

Ptown is trash lol stop it noyone tryna build that ish up need to destroy it

[@lashlarue59]

Those neighborhoods looked fine to me; the grass cut, no cars on blocks, no garbage everywhere. Why pay $500,000 for a house when you can have a nice older one for $175,000? Doesn't make sense no matter how much you make. No need to go broke when you don't have to.

[@jball7336]

The houses themselves are often fine, it's the quality of neighbor that is a total gamble. Area is a varied mix of low income local families and military both within the same housing budget. Of our neighbors majority are fine respectable, and even nice. First house we had looked at, however, we were accosted and my wife cat called upon first tour. Can't imagine that arrangement would've lasted too long without boiling over into a police report.

[@whyoregon]

Its mostly outsiders who can afford the properties. If you live here you can't find a stable job within the city limits. You need to either work at the shipyard or have a job lined up in another nearby city. I don't have a clue how a guy like me (without a driver's license) can make enough money to buy a house. My last steady income was at Dollar General earning $70 - $100 a week. That was more than enough multi-tasking for me.

[@dizziestdancer]

He did not hit the "hot spots", funny he stayed in the safety zone, majority of the time.

[@Margesu]

Didn't really go to any of the bad areas.

[@brandie295]

Houses are affordable but they are old need a lot of upkeep and because of the new casinos taxes have been raised and you have to deal with Lucas and blm if your not black they try to run you out unfortunately

[@tj1338]

You should've came at night and got the full Portsmouth experience! I think the residents would truly enjoy your insight.

[@beagleandme]

😆

[@isabeaucouture2780]

I’m sorry, but I can NOT stop laughing at the comments that read, “it looks nice, I would live there.” Key word.. “looks!” I have grown up in Portsmouth and still reside there. Don’t get me wrong, I am proud of where I can from, it’s instilled a drive in me that I don’t think I would’ve ever gotten growing up in a more “nice” area. But let me tell you, the looks are deceiving! There are certain areas you can NOT go at night. In the downtown area you’re safe on a few streets but cross one block and well, you’re on your own. You fail to mention the percentage of homeless that are on the streets here or the fact that neighboring cities buss their homeless into ours. Also fail to mention the dropout rate in the schools, the amount of people that get incarcerated or overdose. The city has potential but every year it gets worse. So while yes, the city looks “nice,” I dare you to take a peek behind the curtain and then tell me if you still see it as “nice.”

[@ladymarmalade9941]

FACTS!!

[@larryshort4796]

The “bones” in Portsmouth are strong. It’s a beautiful historic city. It just lacks a city vision.

[@tiffanystewardbenn7922]

EXACTLY

[@ladymarmalade9941]

It lacks more than a vision.

[@haukepowers8491]

Many of the "bad" neighborhoods have homes listed in the $$$$$$$ bracket, due to their well-built designs and history...Look at Cradock...amazing community....

[@notsure4president400]

It lacks taxes because so much land is federally owned. Also our elected officials have sucked for years. It’s a P-town tradition 😂

[@josepheller8395]

City leaders are to busy lining their pockets.

[@terrydee4235]

You weren't in Parkview when you turned south on Washington St. from Crawford. You were in Olde Towne. Parkview is farther west, on the other side of the medical center.

[@terrydee4235]

(Around 14:00)

[@liveyourlife1777]

I was born and raised here. Born in the now dismantled Portsmouth General Hospital in 77. I came back left, came back, left. The summers are my most exciting memories. But I had to get up out of there. It's way too slow for me.

[@jayzvzjayzvz5281]

I was born in pgh too. I moved to Virginia Beach as a teenager

[@tajshemesh5844]

Me too fam. 75. Portsmouth General hospital.

[@lisamarieva3514]

I was also born at PGH in 1968. I left the area too about 12 years ago. Moved to the mountains of VA.

[@whyoregon]

The mountains are lovely. I remember hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and seeing really big centipedes.

[@lakishatatem1197]

Yes I was born in PGH in 76...raised in Norfolk

[@breannpayne1500]

The houses look nice however crime is bad. Shootings are daily and my car was stolen from military housing.

[@adsmith364]

I started working in Portsmouth back in November, and trust I lock my doors.

[@michaelpittman3889]

A bunch of 13-18 years old “gang members” running around with guns shooting at each other every night

[@michaelciccone2194]

Crime goes right over the state line to ELIZABETH CITY NC. and nearby towns..Rt 13 goes right through these areas....Chesapeake Va and Norfolk also high crime + gangs.

[@michaelciccone2194]

People thinking of moving there...don't be fooled by all the high density housing being built along RT 13...northerners moving in from NJ + NY...fleeing from high taxes and decaying cities.

[@jball7336]

@@michaelpittman3889 you forgot to add, burglarizing vehicles, conducting home invasions, driving un-fit vehicles on roadways such as ATV and off road motorcycles in traffic without regards to others. (Had one of these clowns kick my car at a stop sign for the fun of it.) Oh, and making every transitional space (parking lots, walk ways, entries to businesses) their workplace for aggressive/forceful panhandling. "No," isn't a word readily understood here, much like "Step back away from my vehicle." If you want to move here be prepared for the local law enforcement to ignore two way gunfights, and automatic weapons fire, unless there's a victim on the phone with 911 for EMS, THEN and only THEN do they act. Good luck reporting any kind of crime in progress, call the state police if you are truly desperate or fear for your life or others. Generally they will respond to any sort of felony or violence if you make it clear local PD isn't willing to. Take your own safety and security into your own hands. If Portsmouth VA, is a place you'd consider moving to, perhaps look into active self protection channel. Learn to stay off your phone in public and observe what and who are around you. Local flavor of crime is to approach vehicles from their blind spot, or to approach a driver exiting the vehicle while door is still open. Assert yourself, speak loudly and clearly, and make eye contact and you should avoid most encounters with local wild life (people).

[@peterstean2138]

Honestly what you describe as run-down areas of Portsmouth look perfectly pleasant to me - yes some of the housing looks like it needs a little TLC but they're on decent sized plots. There's no comparison to places like Baltimore, Detroit, Gary and so on which are in various stages of abandonment - half of Baltimore's actual downtown core is derelict for example!

[@nealammerman6768]

You’re right! Compared to Baltimore, Portsmouth is much much better. I’m just saying it’s the least desirable of the Hampton Roads area cities.

[@james5460]

Better than Gary, Detroit, and Baltimore. Wow, let's not set that bar too high now.

[@Taedadon1]

I live here and day and night is totally different, but Trenton and Baltimore and Philadelphia are some of the worst cities I’ve been too and Chicago but downtown Chicago is beautiful

[@haukepowers8491]

Many of the lots are very generous...my yard in Simonsdale had 5 pine trees growing in the back yard and a full sized Holly tree !!!

[@whyoregon]

Portsmouth has potential to be a real showplace. That TLC we're still looking for. A huge issue is the apathy. There is also a prevailing attitude of "I'm too important to get my hands dirty." I like to wear gloves as much as possible. Sometimes I pick up litter with a reacher stick and heavy duty trash bags. I volunteer, and I haven't had a real job in many years. I cannot afford my own place. It bugs me that the people who can afford homes take that luxury for granted. I would do more, but I don't really want trespassing charges. There are lots you wouldn't know have an actual owner. Nobody prunes the trees, mows the grass, or picks up the trash. Maybe there is a way to wrestle some of the abandoned land away from the supposed owners if they don't want to sell it.

[@TheFullmetalj]

The whole Portsmouth Looks great to me!!! Go to East St Louis and everyones will definitely appreciate their cities a lot more.

[@NickJohnson]

Oh I did

[@TheFullmetalj]

@@NickJohnson I loooooove all of your Videos!!! Very informative and you are very funny, I enjoyed all of your cities and towns videos. Thank you very much for replying to me😀

[@oliveandfernvintage374]

Agreed!! It looks very pretty to me.

[@thaddeussykes757]

Yea I'm from Portsmouth and New Orleans big difference

[@blakberree1217]

Yes Johnny Grace..im from The Lou and trust me they dont know bad t il you go thru that ARCH

[@elvyfoster7455]

The "bad neighborhoods" in this Portsmouth look like Beverly Hills compared to Portsmouth, Ohio.

[@truebetold65]

Too funny

[@ericheart1198]

Nah. This wasn’t the bad neighborhoods at all. Born and raised in Portsmouth and trust me these were the good areas.

[@elvyfoster7455]

@@ericheart1198 I grew up around Chicago and unless you are driving around a rich subdivision then you would see pretty much rundown areas. The state has been on a downward spiral since around 1989. Towns I knew as a kid to be welcoming and well kempt now look like places where a flood has occurred and the people are awaiting their FEMA checks.

[@ericheart1198]

@@elvyfoster7455 I get what you are saying however this wasn't the bad part of portsmouth at all. I'm from portsmouth and this was actually the better part.

[@elvyfoster7455]

@@ericheart1198 That is why I used quotes around the bad neighborhoods in my post. Johnson referred to these areas as bad neighborhoods. To me they look like Hollywood compared to Portsmouth Ohio.

[@notsure4president400]

You just left out Churchland. Can’t believe you would do us like that lol

[@brickztheproducer6931]

Right lol

[@thevanillagorilla71]

I live in Portsmouth and the taxes are way to high and full of crime

[@ladymarmalade9941]

Facts!!

[@lisamarieva3514]

Yep!

[@whyoregon]

Our taxes are constantly wasted on lawsuit settlements. One after the other. Everyone is lining up to sue the city. Sometimes the representatives are to blame. I think its kind of a new scheme. Folk make more money getting fired than they ever make actually working.

[@TrillBill]

@@whyoregon Sad

[@johnconway8070]

I wouldn't agree that houses over 45 years old are necessarily "ageing" ! Many dwellings a lot older than this can still be in excellent shape with regular maintenance and upgrading !

[@subliminalfrequency]

Also they were better constructed!

[@joeb9585]

I lived in Portsmouth for about a year. It was absolutely terrifying. People would climb on the roof to hide from cops or cut through neighborhoods, robbery of anything in a yard or garage that didn’t have bolt cutter resistant locks was a weekly - sometimes daily event. Drugs are everywhere. There was a house in our neighborhood that cut a hole in the side of their wall and made a sort of drivethru where cars would routinely come up to get bags of drugs - no one seemed to even try to be discreet. Children would routinely have symptoms of being addicted to methamphetamines simply from being around the manufacturing of it. Gun shots happened every night almost like a dinner bell, and there were at least 4 car shootings that resulted in bulletholes in our vehicles and the front of the house. Twice, we had to get on the floor and surround ourselves with furniture and mattresses to protect ourselves from the shootings, just in case. Robbery was no joke. We eventually discovered that the wall next to our front door was cut with a saw and the place robbed by bypassing the door. Another time, the house was robbed while I was asleep by robbers who went under the house and cut a hole in the floor to access the house. The second time hurts my heart a bit as only food from the fridge and freezer and all the canned goods we had were stolen; nothing of real value was taken. We also lived in one of the “best” neighborhoods, with 2 members of the city council living less than a block away. The houses in the neighborhood were kept up and looked decent from the outside, making the experience all the more jarring. Police presence was nonexistent. Calling 911 about anything serious resulted in maybe, MAYBE someone showing up within an hour or two, if at all. It took a good 2 hours to get someone to come out to file the report for the robbery the second time, and I didn’t know if the robbers were still under the house or not, which I articulated to the 911 operator. They sent a single unit with one officer who filed the report and was gone 5 minutes later. So an understaffed Police department is a definite. I can’t compare to other places like Compton, Baltimore, etc. as I have never lived there, but I can honestly say Portsmouth was a traumatic experience.

[@getrichofflife]

That's insane

[@allapples]

Where did you live?! You get what you pay for.

[@lorascelsi8102]

Portsmouth has some cool old homes. If your into fixing up old buildings there are plenty.

[@damenbuckhannon1650]

I live in Portsmouth right off of greenwood and victory boulevard they are throwing up houses left and right in this area and getting ready to build a new casino. It doesn't matter where you go there's going to be crime drug problems teenage kids running the streets unless you move to the woods you going to have to deal with these kinds of things

[@vermontrios1483]

I leave in cavalier manor by Greenwood area and victory blvd I move 4 month ago and I’m very please very quite are very good neighbors Portsmouth got lots of potential

[@joshuabrown3525]

Portsmouth has had a really hard time with corruption, bad economy, and crime. The city seems to not care about its citizens. It's kinda sad.

[@bradwoo]

Even the ‘bad’ areas look so comfortable, relaxing to me.

[@emacias1473]

Compared to where some of us city folk live yupp lol this would be half a million actually those two story ones more in east los angeles bad areas

[@mojomojo5779]

@@emacias1473 When the OP speaks of bad, he means crime

[@emacias1473]

@@mojomojo5779 I know kinda just threw that in there to add that it not only seems relaxing compared to my bad area but the houses are nicer as well and well priced 👍

[@Carfan678]

@@emacias1473 in northern New Jersey even the hood is expensive, some of the houses in the hood up here cost more than the average house than in any other states besides maybe California and Hawaii

[@PistolCitySkizo]

These houses are cheap new builds... prostitutes n addicts all threw these neighborhoods... everyday it's a shooting or 2 #ShitReal

[@dearjoanna3578]

I live in Norfolk! And I can tell ya, Portsmouth is not a place you want to buy a house with school aged kids.

[@NickJohnson]

i'm in norfolk on sunday joanna.

[@hm12460]

Neither is Norfolk.

[@SAMICA-DSB4L]

I have fun in Portsmouth, but coming from Virginia Beach that tunnel payment needs to go.

[@jaylinirving4324]

Lmaoo I’m from Portsmouth

[@tonytune4342]

Republicans really gave away the store to the private company that administers all the tunnels between Norfolk and Portsmouth. Take heart , the set up will only last for another eighty years.

[@SueBoo2]

At least there aren’t any tent cities, like California!

[@johngarbarini5843]

You're right, but one thing happening is the steep rise in food banks in VA. In the days of Geo Washington and Tho Jefferson, Virginia fed the colonies, and even exported food, making fortunes for local farmers. The most famous crops were cotton and tobacco, but they still grew lots of food here., like Virginia hams. Now, this food-producing state has many citizens relying on food banks. The one in Chesterfield, near the center of the state, is monstrous. Miles of cars in line. Sad. VA does have many really nice areas, though.

[@SueBoo2]

@@johngarbarini5843 Yes, that is sad! In the olden days, we would just go without rather than accept “charity”-there was a shameful stigma in accepting a handout. Long gone are those days!

[@shenanigans96]

You’d be surprised how many homeless people I see begging in my neighborhood of Richmond, VA. At least 10 different people within a 1.0-mile radius

[@johngarbarini5843]

@@shenanigans96 - yes, this virus has really hurt employment in the U.S. I used to live in NYC, and you see lots of people on the streets there, too. A family friend who owns an outdoors-sports store near NYC says his Xmas sales were topped by tents, boots, and sleeping bags. 3 biggest items.

[@mikewallin6049]

Looks beautiful! Well kept lawns 🌅⛵

[@VetOnVettes]

I have lived in Portsmouth for 10 years. Bought a home on the water in West Park View.. such a unique city. Yes it has crime, but very nice areas as well. If you stay north of the 264 split, old town area and Churchland you will be ok. You stray down toward the ship yard or the section 8 areas you are going to have problems. The crime really stays in a handful of neighborhoods within the city. Its very strange. I will say in the last year or so crime has skyrocketed.. but the same is true across the country. There is a bit of gentrification happening outside of old town and it seems to be sprawling out which is nice. Home values are on the rise and is pushing a lot of rift raft out.

[@djcasperdotcom]

R.I.P. Tower Mall, had the best knock-off shoe stores ever LOL

[@jayzvzjayzvz5281]

I loved tower mall. It bring back so many memories like when Santa clause used to be up there and mom would take us. They had a bad ass arcade and movie theater there too.

[@goodnews6140]

What about Mid City

[@thaddeussykes757]

Yea he didn't go through the hole P

[@tajshemesh5844]

LMAO Yeah,right? The only mall that had a liquor store in it. 😂

[@tajshemesh5844]

@@shea88barbie Me too fam. Greenwood Drive.

[@mehree15]

Portsmouth is home! My home ❤️ I love Portsmouth may not be the best or friendliest but it’s Home

[@brickztheproducer6931]

Facts

[@757jlhood]

💯

[@yanceydavenport8657]

I was born and raised in p town ... literally been here my entire life ....I'm 46 ...never had no problem..in fact ...we all are still tight ....

[@AnthonyBrianLogan]

Grew up here as a kid. It's much better now than it was in the 1990s.

[@beagleandme]

OMG!!!! Anthony Brian Logan, I have been subscribed to your channel for years but had no idea we grew up in the same place. I was born and raised in Portsmouth. I moved away in 1995 but spent my whole life there until then. Small world! BTW, you ain't lying; it was rough, back when we were there!

[@757millionaire]

I'm from Portsmouth too

[@sulmamcginnis687]

I live in Portsmouth and lived there for a year. I really tried to love it! Gave it a lot of time! But there are murders almost every day and gang violence, break ins, car thefts and motorcycles thefts. We gave it a chance. We moved into a neighborhood with a middle school in front and community center to the side thought this would be a good neighborhood and it’s not. Not at all. So I agree with him. Thing about Virginia you drive 3 min one way and you could be in the worst neighborhood than drive another 3 min and it be beautiful!

[@whyumadblue5178]

I live in Portsmouth just don’t be outside at night

[@mamamia5665]

Portsmouth resident here and I agree some areas are nice but there’s crime everywhere. We hear gunshots every night. There’s constant drive by’s. Not too long ago a one year old baby got injured during a drive by. Not a safe place to raise kids in.

[@nicollehardy5022]

This is the truth. I live in Portsmouth as well. Just terrible city council.

[@NickJohnson]

that's terrible.

[@MoodyBootsPSN]

Gunshots every night is not normal, at all. I hope that you and your friends stay safe ❤

[@herbivore101able]

This was so nostalgic for me. I wasn't expecting it, but you drove right by one of the houses I grew up in.

[@vdied]

I grew up in portsmouth for 12 years and when I got out I saw just how bad things actually are. Its crazy to look back on :/

[@mr.everything9120]

How about taking a drive through the neighborhoods in Philadelphia or Baltimore. At least P town is clean.

[@NickJohnson]

Oh I will

[@whyoregon]

If you are ever on foot, it's a whole lot easier to see the litter. George Washington Highway has some messy spots. Cavalier Blvd sees a lot of dumping.

[@koretmulder6316]

I know it's all regionally relative. But oof, when you talk about bad areas in Portsmouth, I'm following along the video, agog, noting that there are no bars on any windows or doors. The houses are painted, and have actual, maintained lawns. The plots are large, and well-spaced. It all depends on where you're coming from. You couldn't buy a bullet-riddled, broken-windowed, county-condemned, tiny, abandoned crack-house in the most dangerous neighborhood for 150k in the SF East Bay. These Portsmouth streets look plush. And yeah, crime rate, etc. We got crime. So imagine that same crime rate, or much worse, coming with destroyed houses, in destroyed neighborhoods, for 300k "fixer-uppers". (And yes, I'm trying to get out of this area.)

[@rastasistren1]

I live in Portsmouth and I know exactly where you were at. My husband was hit on his motorcycle in 2015 at the corner of Portsmouth Blvd and Des Moines Ave in 2015. I used to live less than 10 min away. I will always remember that day and what I saw when I arrived with our young children. I love to watch your videos because I would love to give my children the best life they can ask for. Thank you for showing Portsmouth for what it really is (small and over priced for the people that call it home.)

[@rastasistren1]

also i got married to my second husband at the light house (beautiful). Also Park place is one of the worst parts of town to live in. Just because the price is high doesn't mean it's the best. I would NEVER move my family to Park Place or certain other parts of the city.

[@NickJohnson]

Hi Tina! I hope you find a place that's perfect for your kids :)

[@mr.haynes965]

I was born at the Naval Hospital in Portsmouth but grew up and still live in Virginia Beach...Portsmouth to me is just one of those cities...if you don't have a reason to go there...there is no reason to go

[@13612]

Same here....July of 1965

[@jayzvzjayzvz5281]

I’m from here. They’ve actually improved the city a lot. When I was a kid, there were more projects (public housing) out there like ada Barbour, Douglass park and a few others I can t remember. I grew up in the cavalier manor part of Portsmouth by George Washington hwy. Thanks so much for doing my hometown. I’ve been following you since you started and it means a lot to see you in my hometown even if you talk crap about it. Lol

[@NickJohnson]

i didn't say too many bad things :)

[@vermontrios1483]

How is cavalier manor?

[@jayzvzjayzvz5281]

@@vermontrios1483 cavalier manor is not that bad of neighborhood. I lived on Allard road there and it was a tight knit community.

[@yanceydavenport8657]

I'm born and raised in p town....went to craddock high...the last year it was open ...

[@rosapowe8842]

Born and raised there. When I visit I can walk to see relatives around the corner and my friend had a house custom built next door. We sit on the porch when the weather is warm and people stop by to see who is home when they see cars with out of state license plates in the driveways. This video judges a book by the cover during covid lockdown when most people stayed inside.

[@blnmadisonbm]

BOOGY DOWN, P-TOWN! I was born, and raised in NORFOLK, and now live in VIRGINIA BEACH, but for a short period of time lived in P-TOWN while in between places to live. Last weekend around where you were at 12 minutes into this video, my GF and I were in P-TOWN at a nearby DOLLAR TREE. 🌳 I sat in the car, as my GF went to shop. A guy ran behind my car from the store. I figured he was running for the HRT TRANSIT BUS, but it turned out, he had just ROBBED THE DOLLAR TREE, and was running from a store clerk who gave chase. Ahh.......good ol P-TOWN! Just another reason why I stay my A$$ in VIRGINIA BEACH!! LESS BS, and I can shop at DOLLAR TREE without much worry about me, and mime getting JACKED!! Wish I'd have known you were here. LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! I could have showed you the WORST PLACES in the 757, as well as the BEST. UNFORTUNATELY P-TOWN, like NEWPORT NEWS is amongst the most DANGEROUS PLACES in my LOCAL OPINION to live in HAMPTON ROADS. P-TOWN is trying, but unfortunately it has a LONG WAY to go before I'd ever advise anyone to live there.

[@NickJohnson]

Crazy stuff!!

[@blnmadisonbm]

@@NickJohnson yep, thats P-TOWN for ya. ✌

[@keasiagatling19]

Virginia Beach crime infested now a murder every other day

[@mikeraynard9116]

As someone born and raised in P-town, I think this was a good start but you only covered 8 to 10% of it. Gotta come back for more man.

[@NuclearWintr]

Totally agree. There's more to the city than just Old Towne Portsmouth.

[@yanceydavenport8657]

I went to craddock high...born and raised right behind academy park ....it was fine to me ...bought a house near city park in park manor ...loved there 16 years ...and getting ready to move back ...Its home to me

[@mikeraynard9116]

@@yanceydavenport8657 I'm in Park Manor now. I grew up mostly on Greeneland nears Dodds and went to Simonsdale til we moved and then Highland Biltmore. Born at Maryview. I just feel like he could've covered more.

[@yanceydavenport8657]

@mike Raynard ...I grew up on Fairview circle...off deep creek Blvd...my back yard was backed up to academy park...I would jump my back fence and be at highland Biltmore...then went to Brighton ....then mapp ...then craddock...my house was 316 Pennington Blvd in park manor for 16 years !! ...I'm actually looking at a house for sale now on Pennington Blvd...I moved down here to nags head 5 years ago ...but heading back ....small world 🌎 lol

[@mikeraynard9116]

@@yanceydavenport8657 when I was going to Highland Biltmore I lived in fairview heights on Marlboro. I'm one street over from Pennington. Small world indeed.

[@davidsavige]

So much more can be said about the city, including Port Norfolk, revitalized Midtown, Churchland and Western Branch, in addition to shops downtown.

[@Yessuhjayy108]

WB is Chesapeake bro

[@crgt4628]

I was born at Portsmouth Naval hospital at 8 p.m. January 15th 1965 it was a blizzard outside at that time I cost my mom and dad $0.52 that is what the cost of diapers word that I used that was the only thing that had to be paid my mom and dad were so broke at that time that they had to borrow the money from my grandfather to be able to take me home . I have lived here my entire life I am now 56 years old just had a birthday

[@andreatownes988]

Cr get, Happy Belated Birthday!!! I hope you had a Great Day! Have A Great Day Every Day 🎉🎉🎉

[@Nijhilluminati]

there is a difference between bad neighborhoods and old neighborhoods. this isnt bad at all

[@dearjoanna3578]

It’s the most dangerous city in all of VA!

[@ericheart1198]

Born and raised in Portsmouth. He didn’t venture out to the bad parts of the city.

[@Kaoknowsalot]

Born and raised there the neighborhoods he’s in aren’t bad at all like at all Chesapeake is bad and Roanoke ave is bad too Roanoke ave is where I lived loads of shootings

[@christinesorensen8050]

I live in Portsmouth. Nice little drive but I'm surprised at how small of an area was shown. Given the video time, much more could have been shown, giving a better perspective of the whole city. Areas shown are the very oldest and have quite a different feel than a lot of the city, particularly on the other side of the Elizabeth River.

[@NickJohnson]

Ok

[@christinesorensen8050]

@@NickJohnson Not to say you did a bad job. That was some good footage of the downtown and surrounding areas. If you're here again go across the Churchland or West Norfolk Bridges and get a look at Churchland and West Norfolk.

[@quidej]

Yes, I have a house there and he kept driving in the same area. Portsmouth is a small city but he could have driven to other places.

[@TrippEvans]

I was born in Portsmouth at the naval hospital but moved 2 months later, cool to see the town since I've never been back.

[@charthompson7588]

Also was born there in 54, had my 2nd child there in 84. The Naval Hospital is now a Museum!

[@crgt4628]

@@charthompson7588 they have a museum there but it is still a hospital I think the turn the Children's Hospital in 2 a museum

[@johnnieeubanks7946]

@@charthompson7588 Portsmouth Naval Hospital is still in Full Operation. Many of the Buildings are being / have been fully renovated. My Wife currently has been working there for 15+ years.

[@charthompson7588]

Really! I had been told different. But am glad they are not letting it crumble!

[@kennethl7429]

Me too man

[@TheFullmetalj]

The music tries to make it look bad, this is one great city😀. I wished everyone make a visit to Bangladesh and they all will appreciate their hometowns a lot more.

[@bryonsom]

I grew up here. It has really gone down hill since 1960.

[@TheFullmetalj]

@@bryonsom Thank you 😊

[@tavarispeele8068]

Born and raised in Portsmouth. Love my city.

[@Neylanimani]

Same

[@brickztheproducer6931]

Same

[@ReeceVA11]

Portsmouth has a bad rep but it lives up to it daily. On the new almost every day for an assault or homicide. Uber/lyft don't even like driving out there because of the crime & tunnel toll. Growing up in va beach it was always said that if your not from portsmouth, don't live in Portsmouth then there's no reason to ever go there

[@josepharnold8422]

I lived in Norfolk for 31 years before leaving. I never had much reason to go to Portsmouth and when they implemented the tolls at the Downtown and Midtown tunnels I would have a reason not to go there. And Portsmouth has corrupt city government.

[@whyoregon]

I grew up in Suffolk and moved to Portsmouth. I've never been the most popular person. I'm introverted and I'm biracial. I never fit in with white folk or black folk. Even though I'm sexy none of the women were ever interested in me... I don't have any income because the men are afraid that if I make real money I'll steal all their side action. My mom is an immigrant. She doesn't know what I went through not fitting in with the rest of The Peanuts cast. I kind of just exist. I'm not really wanted anywhere I go.

[@Fw_ttovn]

This is literally where I live and This got me really excited because I never thought nobody would make a video on Portsmouth

[@samiyaariee]

as soon as the video started i seen my neighborhood , idk how but you made portsmouth look so peaceful 😭

[@NickJohnson]

I try

[@beagleandme]

I am just now seeing this video. It was recommended to me, 2 YEARS later lol. I was born and raised in Portsmouth and I was just thinking, how did he make me miss this place? How did he make it look so inviting? I just need to go watch WAVY10 and I will be happy again that I am not there 😆

[@theabyssofthoughts]

Not the worst by any means. It's just moderately bad.

[@shanicesm6208]

I think Norfolk is worse!! Lol

[@NickJohnson]

Yeah next week is Norfolk it's worse

[@evolvedempress8953]

@@NickJohnson No Sir Norfolk it’s not worse than Portsmouth when you start shooting and killing kids then your city has a problem NO MORE TALK

[@whyoregon]

Norfolk has the zoo! Its sad that Norfolk lost its Nordstrom. Nordstrom had the best espresso coffee.

[@epicwizardlizards]

@@shanicesm6208 Norfolk has less crime , more jobs and things to do , and doesn’t have the a toll to get to other cities . It’s literally better in every single way

[@PrincessKLS]

I've visited the Hampton Roads area as a tourist and I didn't really see anything bad but when I was looking into moving to the area, my aunt who lives in the area basically told me most of the cities there are dangerous.

[@kazeryu17]

Its really all about perspective. If you are used to wealthy suburban living, or are from a quaint town in a state with very low crime, you may find some areas dangerous, but the worst parts of Virginia do not hold a candle to places like Detroit, New Orleans, or St Luis. The only thing you really have to worry about is someone going through your car, because you forgot to lock it, and very aggressive beggers. Most of the crazy stuff that happens around here are between people who know each other. Also, people like to trash talk each others cities here, so it overhypes the bad image.

[@epicwizardlizards]

The Hampton roads for the most part are very safe

[@josephbovain2536]

@@kazeryu17 You hit the NAIL on the head, I wish I could like this comment a 1000 times.

[@tiphanicole]

117 Mt. Vernon Ave was my great grandmother’s home. It’s been converted into apartments now. I found her War Stamp coupon book from WWII when my grandmother died. Used to go with my grandmother to visit her aunts in that house and would get lost.

[@NickJohnson]

Wow neat!!!!

[@haukepowers8491]

I live on Broad Street...one block over !!!!

[@neilpuckett359]

Haven't really shown any ghetto wastelands and I'm noticing a smattering of new homes.

[@PistolCitySkizo]

New cheap builds in bad neighborhoods but most of them houses are 80 yrs old

[@whyoregon]

If retailers like Trader Joe's and Weggman's would build stores here, that would increase the desirability of neighborhoods. People like to live close to good stores. Food Lion, Aldi's, Wal-Mart, Kroger, Harris Teeter, and Ollie's are some of what Portsmouth has to offer.

[@brickztheproducer6931]

@@whyoregon they put a Kroger marketplace in midtown

[@whyoregon]

Kroger's is a great place to shop. There's been a little more development since I made that comment, but I still hope that Portsmouth can attract more business. We need to fund schools and better wages for teachers, police, city workers, etc. A new Wawa opened in Olde Town. We lost a Save-A-Lot and a Pizza Hutt. Wouldn't it be great if we got a Cici's Pizza? I think employers like hiring their unenthusiastic friends who aren't thinking about the importance of competing and delivering the best service possible. Some Portsmouth workers really don't take pride in their work. They need to fight for Ptown's survival, have work ethic, make us proud.

[@brickztheproducer6931]

@@whyoregon right. I agree

[@nhyiaali9110]

i've lived in downtown portsmouth since i was born, im now about to be 21 & trust me yall don't do it😂! it's not worth it , it may "look nice" but it's not i promise🤣

[@thaddeussykes757]

The real P

[@donjudah360]

Facts

[@broj1942]

Facts.....

[@ladymarmalade9941]

Finally someone who speaks the truth!!

[@lisamarieva3514]

That's sad but true. I pray for your safety and for all who live there but who do not participate in the crime. It's just terrible what people do to one another.

[@Miami7]

Actually Portsmouth looks like paradise compared to places around Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. And curiously I've noticed that a lot of lottery winners come from the Hampton Roads area.

[@lorriemitchell7567]

I live in Portsmouth Va.,and Mr. Nick, EVERYTHING you said I 110% agree with. YOU AIN'T NEVER LIED.

[@markbryan3395]

I was born there,glad I live in Christiansburg! 280 miles away,and 2,100-2,200 ft. above sea level! Portsmouth is vulnerable to crime and floods! I've been in Christiansburg since 2015,nine months in Roanoke in 2014! Since I moved to Christiansburg,I have not seen ONE car get stolen or carjacked at ANY gas station or store, even at Kroger or Walmart, when someone leaves the car runnin' and totally unattended!😳 Try that in Portsmouth!!🙄

[@barbarajacobs3245]

You forgot to mention the naval base in portsmouth va. I was born there in 1957

[@nadinestapler3881]

We lived in Portsmouth, two of our kids were born there. My husband grew up there. It was nice before it got run down .

[@ThePianoKeys]

I love Virginia - I think it's one of our most gorgeous states. Thanks for doing this drive through vid Nick! Kind of sad to see that there's not much going on there. Give me a heads up if you ever decide to do something like this in the DFW.

[@NickJohnson]

Ok! One day!! ❤️

[@whyoregon]

What do you think Portsmouth is missing? If our leaders knew, then I am certain we could have a renaissance.

[@milo007pop]

Hey Nick ... How are man ?... Today's topic about bad neighborhood in Portsmouth VA... Damm everything looks good there.. even the run down places are fine .. Quiet decent place to live i guess.. thanks for sharing ... Keep doing ... Be safe and healthy ... Peace ✌️

[@NickJohnson]

It not bad it's just old :)

[@hopevaqueen710]

I have been here all my life...nice houses but some areas are bad...but Park view he did not show you park view they are building new homes and remolding old ones..park view and a few others section are decent to live in quiet niegborhood..but the bad neighborhoods shootings is once aweek...if portsmouth could clean up the crime it would be a decent city..

[@nagyore]

I was stationed in Norfolk many years ago and Portsmouth was a great town.

[@rachelc.5463]

@Natalie...my brothers base was Norfolk he gave the Navy 20 years. He's in his late 70s now dropped out of high school joined Navy this was way before requirement to join one needed high school diploma. Thank you for your service.

[@josepharnold8422]

The key word is "was".

[@brneyz43]

It still is a great town!

[@itsniaa1694]

@@josepharnold8422 and it still is.

[@marchetabryce8343]

I grew up in Simonsdale, which was annexed by Portsmouth in the mid-1960s. I still see the students I went to Churchland High School with and never realized how many of our families had left Portsmouth in the early 1960s to avoid annexation by Portsmouth until I learned that many of their families had left about the same time so we could finish up going to schools in Churchland - which was not annexed by Portsmouth until many years later. The schools in Portsmouth had horrible reputations even in the early 1960s. I will always have fond memories of the Portsmouth I remember from the 1950s when there were so many great places to shop downtown and many movie theaters. I think the Commodore movie theater is the only theater left now and I still try to go to it whenever I can.

[@stevekadar5130]

The neighborhoods that you stated were bad are actually decent, somehow you missed the really rough and tough places which were not that far off from where you started. Also you got Old Town and Park View mixed up, both are nice but different.

[@joshthomas7197]

If you get a flat at night, you’re better off driving on the rim until you get somewhere safe.

[@notsure4president400]

Not a lie

[@georgewhitfield6154]

Thank you for driving through and filming Portsmouth, Virginia. I had the pleasure of living there from 1980 to 1986 in the part of Portsmouth north of the Elizabeth River. I wish you had driven through that part of Portsmouth, too. Keep up the good work.

[@NickJohnson]

Ok George

[@judemelroses9920]

Love Historical town's.

[@texasgina]

If you haven’t been to Charleston SC go visit. Then visit Savannah Georgia

[@Micg51]

Texas Gina Charleston, Savannah, and Alexandria are must sees for beautiful architecture and history in the US.

[@NickJohnson]

Jude there's a lotta history coming up in the next months ;)

[@tammyvincent9417]

If it's the worst place to live in Virginia, I'll take it. To live close to the water, close to the beach, in that metropolitan area would be awesome.

[@tiffanystewardbenn7922]

Hello, I live here in Portsmouth and I was very sceptical about moving here but it's not as bad as I thought. Just like any city or town we all have places that can use a little TLC. I know we have crime but I believe it will get better. A casino is due to come in the next year, so maybe it will attract more businesses to come. We will see what's to come but don't count Portsmouth Va out. The people here are really hard working people.

[@josepharnold8422]

And the proposed casino in Portsmouth will be competing with the casino in Norfolk.

[@jamiesue131]

I agreed I lived there for 8 years and I hate when people talk about places they have never lived. It was one of my favorite places I’ve ever lived.

[@robininva]

Welcome to VA! 😊 (Not my city....just wanted to say welcome.)

[@steve-the-Artist2]

Thanks! I love VA,it’s historical and is one of the more scenic states

[@leonation89]

Petersburg here

[@robininva]

@@steve-the-Artist2 it is....and if you live centrally, you can be to DC, or Virginia Beach, or the mountains....in a mere two hours.

[@stepk8459]

You only stayed downtown and didn’t even look on the other side of Portsmouth, Churchland nd

[@brickztheproducer6931]

Right

[@enlightenedtechnologies]

They are slowly cleaning up P town. Olde town is still nice. Just keep away from High street. 😂

[@latoyawilson1671]

😂

[@ashleynicolecooke4386]

I have to agree you hear guns go off in that area

[@brickztheproducer6931]

That part 🤣

[@humanwolf1984]

Good morning what is going this week for you & Mappy & his adorable little family Nick& Mappy. 😇💖

[@lauriecope6941]

I used to live there but in Hodges Ferry which was very nice. Why didn't you show that or the park on the river? I took my granddaughter there almost every day. It was beautiful.

[@NickJohnson]

Sorry Laurie!

[@BlueDino07]

I mean the first neigbor hood looks kinda nice an quit a lot of the "older run down homes" look like they have been token care of and remodeled. i would live there

[@whyoregon]

There's a few more derelict structures that need to be demolished in Brighton-Prentis Park to allow newer construction. I only wonder why some blocks are missing sidewalk pavement. The sidewalks would add so much curb appeal. A thorough runthrough of every neighborhood to make it more pedestrian and night time friendly is what I would like.

[@CarlJones14]

I don't think Portsmouth looks that bad. The downtown area is the main problem. The lack of good building land is exactly the problem in the UK. We have the Green Belt, you can build, but only if you are a Freemason. The planning laws are really strict in the UK and this keeps house prices very high. A naval town is a bit like a university town where high fees bankrolls the local economy. What would US Portsmouth be like without the navy money? BTW, the 'original' Portsmouth UK is a naval port.... 👍😎

[@weareorigin]

I guess the middle class went to mcmansions or downtown of other cities. Some people really want a modern 3 to 5 bedroom home.

[@Giovanniburns05]

How do you explore MY CITY & exclude CHURCHLAND? Incomplete analysis sir and if you want to learn about ANY city try to TALK to actual residents! There’s more to life than the Visual. Hey there’s always room for improvement, even for me 😁

[@tooshmart6669]

Past 5 years Portsmouth has cleaned up a lot, all of the old projects are gone and im pretty impressed as a Chesapeake resident.

[@nascarsam6161]

Portsmouth, Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach may as well be one big city.

[@leonation89]

That's true. But unfortunately that'll never happen.

[@adsmith364]

They'll always be known as the 7 cities. Including Suffolk of course.

[@josepharnold8422]

And because it's seven independent cities the area will continue to stagnate.

[@IndianaCrane]

Seems pretty quiet for a port w/military presence. You sure are a good driver Nick!

[@NickJohnson]

You drove!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ericabolden2307]

Wow, I just moved here from Florida. I live in Old Portsmouth downtown area. I really wish I did more research before moving here. Everything in this city seems run down to me. We don't even have a mall here which is unbelievable. Every time I wanna do something I have to go through that tunnel or bridge. I belive to drive people here they need to do a lot of updating homes ,buildings, restaurants and adding businesses. Portsmouth is definitely not for me.

[@ladymarmalade9941]

I agree. There is definitely nothing here. Have to drive to another city just to do to a mall. And the tolls are ridiculously expensive.

[@ericabolden2307]

@@ladymarmalade9941 Exactly its insane. Im reading other comments and they don't think its bad. If they don't think this bad then I definitely don't wanna see what they think is bad.

[@whyoregon]

Make sure to fill out a Trader Joe's Location Request Form and a Weggmans Location Request form for Portsmouth. Apathy won't bring us any new jobs or attractions.

[@cladinolfi]

With the coming casino they may build a mall again there used to be a mall there called tower mall but, with the decline in the population there was no way for it to stay in business but chesapeake square mall is close

[@charlotteayeni5964]

The opening photo is Prentis Park. My aunt used to live to the right of the bridge in a nice home. The houses used to be beautiful in many parts of PP, but it was not far from Ida Barbour, which was scary at night. My family lived in Park View, and I only remember beautiful old homes, magnolia trees, pecan trees and some huge stone mansions. Portsmouth has declined over the years due to a lagging economy and residents unable to grow with the times. It appears to be stuck in a time warp. My brother still resides in Park View and another in Cavalier Manor.

[@janiefalzon7670]

I live in Chesapeake not far from Portsmouth and I would rather have a old house than the new ones that they are building old houses are a lot stronger.

[@NickJohnson]

i agree janie. is it true you can't get home insurance because of flooding?

[@texasson7950]

I currently live in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, which is comprised of seven cities. I live in one of the other seven cities. I'm often in Portsmouth, but, frankly, it does not appeal to me.

[@david-lt9wj]

Well you've been spoiled rotten.

[@ermawilkins6000]

Right

[@ladymarmalade9941]

It’s nothing here that’s appealing.

[@nightmicu]

Drive around Norfolk. My wife is an ODU graduate, just about every day there was a safety warning. College in the hood.

[@NickJohnson]

I do next week and see some roooough areas

[@lisamarieva3514]

I went to ODU. It was pretty scary especially at night. Always gun fire from somewhere either in Norfolk or Portsmouth.

[@nightmicu]

@@lisamarieva3514 her dorms were near the music building, above Sakura Sushi, and The District apartment complex. While we often had safety alerts, fortunately neither of us were ever witness to any of it. We really enjoyed Ghent, a decent area - kind of like Carytown here in RVA. Definitely do not miss the flooding, though! 😂

[@6time686]

Portsmouth = High property taxes.

[@lisamarieva3514]

And nothing in return!

[@WhoreStories757]

I'm glad we're from poverty in Va but we don't allow it to show. Stop thinking because you're in poverty you have to be dirty smh we love our hoods and appreciate them we don't have to tear them down like others that just VA

[@lisamarieva3514]

That is true.

[@rogermoore27]

I love the spa music you chose for the drive

[@julieann2550]

I lived a block from downtown.. nah its all 'rough'.

[@oliveandfernvintage374]

That's sad. It really looks so pretty there.

[@solomonecclesia5253]

I took a friend of mine from the Bronx on a ghetto tour of Hampton Roads. After 2 hours of driving, he asked "when are we going to see the ghetto?" So far I see garden apartments, single family homes and fake gangsters. The term "bad" is relative to the geographic area you live in and what you know about other areas. Portsmouth VA does have crime like any other area, poverty like any other area, political infighting like any other area. There are a lot worse areas than Portsmouth VA. Other areas wish they had the problems of Portsmouth VA.

[@david-lt9wj]

What have you done with mappy...? It's rather ominous she's missing....im worried.whats going on?

[@NickJohnson]

Mappy is a MAN

[@david-lt9wj]

@@NickJohnsonmy fault he must be smalley endowed...

[@khunopie9159]

Nick driving around while periscoping his arm thru the sunroof with a camera must have been quite the sight Mappy! Portsmouthers must have gone wild! Wild I say!

[@NickJohnson]

Lol they didn't really seem to give a crap NOW in Tallahassee and Jacksonville it was a different story

[@khunopie9159]

@@NickJohnson I can imagine Floridaman throwing his gator at you, in meth-powered rage!

[@Uwill49]

Actually, the nicer part of Portsmouth is the Churchland area.

[@redcokamixed6716]

Not anymore. Not what it used to be

[@darthexitius8372]

Churchland definitely is the nicer part of portsmouth, i live in portsmouth so trust me churchland is the nicer side of portsmouth.

[@redcokamixed6716]

@@darthexitius8372 I’ve lived in Churchland as well and grew up in Western Branch and Greenbrier. So I know what it used to be compared to now. Not worth the money now. But hey that’s MY opinion.

[@sueture]

Well hell, Nick Johnson! You're bringing me down today! Now you need to do a follow-up video on somewhere bright and chipper! And a song at the end would be the cherry on top 😉 😘

[@NickJohnson]

Sorry :) more songs coming this week!

[@shanicesm6208]

I’m in Virginia, I do not like Portsmouth! 😂 😂

[@shenanigans96]

Yeah, p much everyone knows not to go there lolol

[@shanicesm6208]

@@shenanigans96 😂

[@sladkison2955]

I am with you!

[@popein2012]

@@shenanigans96 why? Is it not safe at night? Lack of variety for shopping or activities? Bad schools?

[@LyricalSpritualBreakdown]

Yeah it look ok..but it gets grimmy in portsmouth. Lol

[@PeaceLoveAndJoy]

As a Social Worker I have been in all white neighborhoods that looked far worse than these due to drug abuse. This neighborhood wasn't bad. I've seen worse honestly.

[@latishamiller4959]

U showed such a small part of Portsmouth and never left downtown. U were in Prentis Park and Old Town. Yes, we have issues but the representation was not fair.

[@filipinofantasy]

I live in the nice part of PTown. Churchland near westenbranch chesapeake.

[@jjtrades7186]

Downtown Portsmouth is beautiful. I bet back when the houses were built, this area was a great place to live. Wonder what changed it