What It's REALLY Like Living In Portsmouth Virginia [BALANCED VIEW]

Want to know what it's like to live in Portsmouth, Virginia? There are so many opinions about the city, good and bad - so I want to give an accurate perspective from someone who have lived in the area all of his life. Portsmouth is widely-debated and often has a very negative reputation but that reputation is often undeserving! Sometimes balance can be hard to get, but in this video I aim to give you that balance!
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[@wolfwalker5924]

The major problems facing Portsmouth is it's lack of leadership, spotty code enforcement, and low police salaries . It's a city with tremendous potential but the city leaders lack vision, team spirit, and business acumen. When strong city leadership was necessary to fight the state placing heavy tolls on all 3 Elizabeth River Crossings, there was little city leadership opposition. Portsmouth, a minority city found themselves on the wrong side of the toll barrier with employment, healthcare, and higher education opportunities on the other side.

[@PrimalEdge]

I am Portsmouth born and bred I’ve been here all my life. I’ve traveled extensively in the Virginia area and I’ve spent A ton of time outside of the city. I wouldn’t live anywhere else the only downside I see the Portsmouth all the taxes. I would love to tell you what it’s like as a Portsmouth native of 50 years.

[@samsansalone]

This is awesome! I love it when I hear from people who are from the area and notably Portsmouth. Really appreciate your feedback.

[@WackyWitchTV]

LIving in Los Angeles makes you see this city in a different way. Nothing can be worse than living in LA! This city looks so beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@maryann6800]

I recently visited and bought a home in Portsmouth and I just wanna say that the people in Portsmouth were some of the nicest people I've ever met. I'm currently living in California (with roots in Virginia) and planning on moving to the area soon. Portsmouth is very underrated in my opinion but I do think taxes and utilities are a lot to deal with.

[@samsansalone]

Hey Mary!! Glad to hear from you - totally agree with all of this. And for the price I think very underrated.

[@vlahblah4785]

Hey free tip once it’s dark get back in doors especially when it’s summer. That’s when thugs are most out because the fireworks can be confused as gunshots but it’s not that bad it’s just like any other rules in this world “be care where you hang out at and who you hangout with.”

[@judecarter205]

I'll trade you. Lol

[@quietaqua4797]

I loved living in the Churchland/Suffolk area. Very clean, beautiful, and quiet.

[@samsansalone]

Yes! One of the most underrated spots in the area!

[@Southern_Virginia]

@@samsansalone Definitely sir indeed it is, as a Resident who was born and raised in the Churchland Neighborhood it's very Peaceful, Calming and Country like. You also have the Suffolk College Drive area close by leading up to Northern Suffolk and Smithfield which are also very Country areas.

[@michaelpittman3889]

You didn’t bring up Craddock and Cavalier Manor I see 😂

[@showgamez5257]

cuz its a pocket duh

[@Sandistarr83]

Yes I just found out about Cavalier manor, true hidden gem! Craddock does has some sketch, but it's coming up! I respect the history though.

[@timesup6302]

Cavalier manor was A LOT worse back in the day but it's relaxed quite a bit

[@P_townPrincess]

Sam, I was beginning to feel like I was the ONLY person who believes Portsmouth is so VERY special. I’m from SF., and we moved to Virginia in 08’. The first place we lived was East Beach. I was horrified when our 3 story (ridiculously gaudy ) house was built in under 4 months. Unfortunately, 3 short years later my husband passed away (and in that monstrosity). I didn’t even put the house up for sale, I just grabbed my clothes and walked away (I kid you not). I moved to Riverview Lofts, then Virginia Beach. One day I was scrolling through Zillow and I saw a house, I wasn’t even looking to buy but I almost bought my West Park View 108 year old home, sight unseen! Crazy, right? I fell in love, I had to have it. Friends politely tried to explain Portsmouth wasn’t the ideal location. YET NORFOLK EAST BEACH IS?? I swear the people are what make up a certain area, and when my husband died my neighbors, not a one, came to see how I was managing. Instead they gossiped. At that time, I figured I’d go back to The Bay Area. I went for a visit and realized how RUDE, filthy and cold that place is. I couldn’t get back to Virginia fast enough. I realize in your business it’s LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. You could have a perfect quiet town, in a perfect area… but if the people don’t even look up from their cell phones or bark at you for no reason. You’ll end up unhappy, and untrusting. Personally for me, Portsmouth has the most beautiful and friendly folks of anywhere. The people of Portsmouth are proud, welcoming, hardworking, kind and ALWAYS ask if you need any help (if they think you might be in distress). I walk my dog sometimes as late as 2 in the morning. I truly believe, Olde Towne and ALL the places you mentioned remains a secret because of that tunnel & rumors about gang violence. I bought a MANSION for $250,000. From where I was raised, THAT IS unheard of. Thank you so much for your fabulous video, perhaps I’ll see you at the STILL one night. ~S. Elizabeth

[@brittanyjackson9995]

I live in Churchland area of Portsmouth which is very nice and quiet. Lots of older retired people and also families. Much quieter on this side and family oriented . It’s also very close to Chesapeake square and Harborview Suffolk area which is where I do all my shopping. It’s also close to Downtown on midtown tunnel which takes about 12 minutes.

[@Southern_Virginia]

I agreed I've been in Churchland all my life very Country like Peaceful and Calming.

[@joycarney5689]

I live in portsmouth Virginia all my life it's crazy out here lol

[@kevinshoemaker66]

Born and raised there left 9 years ago but family still lives there pretty sad how untamed it has gotten

[@TillysVIDS]

My boyfriend lives in Norfolk and I was visiting from England. He didn’t seem to think it was important to tell me about the crime in Portsmouth or near the Neon District, so I put myself in a few unsafe situations as a young lone female exploring. I definitely have some stories about it 😅 Ye Olde Town is absolutely awesome though!! The architecture and atmosphere makes it a really special place. Love the videos Sam, thank you!

[@Cskyethecat]

Portsmouth has a lot of issues but has so much crazy potential. That's what makes me sad. Our downtown has CRAZY potential and its wasted. It's really difficult to buy commercial properties here and fix them up. I don't have kids though so I wonder if my perspective would change if I did.

[@wolfwalker5924]

The schools in Portsmouth leave a lot to be desired. Portsmouth can be a great place to live if you don't have children, if you home school, or send your children to private school. The real estate property taxes are very high. Portsmouth has 35 miles of waterfront and the cost of waterfront homes is very reasonable compared to other areas. Also, the view of homes from the water is remarkably better than that from the major highways.

[@christinesorensen8050]

It's cheaper in com- parison to other cities in the megatropolis known as Hampton Roads (ALSO CALLED TIDEWATER). VA Beach would probably have the most expensive of all the cities.

[@ibstarr51]

Go sit in the ER tonight all night and then tell me what you think. The gun shot wounds that do not get reported and go on the statistics. The drug overdoses are not reported.Try going up and down the side streets around 4:00 in the morning and talk to all the homeless people and learn what's real.

[@rebeccaobermark2283]

I was born and raised in Boise Idaho (it was much less popular/populated when I was growing up) and Portsmouth reminds me so much of how it used to be! I deliver for Uber Eats so I’ve been down just about every street here and I’ve never felt unsafe, even at night. I’m sure there are areas that are more dangerous than others, but I’ve yet to encounter any dangerous/uncomfortable situation! The city does need to allocate funds differently, to build the run down areas back up. I honestly have heard more about violence in Virginia Beach this last year than Portsmouth. It’s sad because I think that reputation makes crime happen more here. Like “oh I’m in ‘dangerous’ Portsmouth, so I can act out because that’s how it is here”. This could be the most beautiful/perfect city, everyone here is so kind, but the few bad apples compared to the rest of the Portsmouth population just make it hard

[@njaneardude]

Looked like some nice older all brick homes there. You’ve discussed the commute issues before, I think that would be my drawback.

[@samsansalone]

Completely agree! The tunnels really aggravate me and I much prefer staying on the east side of the tunnel.

[@TangibleReads]

Why do people mention utlitues and taxes being so bad?

[@MOODMENDR]

2:00 felt that. looking forward to visiting. wanting to leave New Orleans and be by the water. beach nearby sounds great! is the water swimmable in the summer??? or is it freezing cold?

[@Sandiego2019]

It’s very hot and humid in the summer. No issues with freezing cold water at all. Although, I will warn you that this is an industrial area, so don’t expect crystal blue water. It’s swimmable but just temper expectations

[@bigsur175]

My son lived in olde town second street

[@deadlyoneable]

You can sum it all up real quickly. Are there a lot of joggers there?

[@littlelizardpsycho5178]

😆.

[@timesup6302]

Yes there is

[@BorninVirginia]

Is Portsmouth a cheaper area? I know you mentioned the taxes are higher. Just wondering. Sorry if you said in the video

[@samsansalone]

Portsmouth has lower sales prices, but higher taxes. To me, I think you still get a little bit more for your money, all things considered, in Portsmouth as opposed to other cities, but you do give up some things that many people find valuable, such as high-ranked school districts.

[@Maimkillburn69]

Rent is cheaper compared to Virginia Beach or Norfolk mostly

[@yanaray5334]

So, you don't LIVE in Portsmouth, I see. The parameters of Portsmouth are fine BUT the center part is CRAP.

[@mikegrayjr6527]

Park view , Shea Terrence I grew up there .....

[@twetch373]

Home sweet home.

[@gangstagummybear3432]

Portsmouth is highly overexaggerated

[@Maimkillburn69]

That negative perception keeping the rent low is kinda good tho lol

[@bigsur175]

Ptown

[@Hot_Stank653]

and remember if you live in Portsmouth always carry a firearm, it's a very dangerous place and life is fragile.

[@spacememe1000]

Then you go down to Truxton area and there’s crack heads and people yelling. Big dudes on bicycles

[@Loading.....................1]

I hate it here

[@spacememe1000]

Me too

[@joystratton68]

Try nyc!!

[@RobRVA]

What about where the casino I is, is it safe?

[@ThatCoolDude-bv4dr]

🤣😂

[@Aydenmzgaming]

I was told people die alot their 🔫

[@spacememe1000]

Nor fuck. Hahah how people pronounce it