Walk along High Street in downtown Portsmouth, referred to as Old Towne, and you will think it is Christmas all year long. Thousands of tiny lights hug the trees that line the street. The Elizabeth River connects Portsmouth to Norfolk. Portsmouth is the sister city of Norfolk, except that Portsmouth has kept that small town feel. This city was founded in 1752 and was modeled after the Portsmouth in Britain. This 29 square-mile city reflects its heritage with streets named London, Glasgow, and Queen. The first intersection in town at Court and High streets remains the towns center.
Recently, Olde Towne has been undergoing a face-lift. It has been undergoing a renovation of its center and the "edges." The edges of Portsmouth are actually 80 miles of waterfront along the many channels. Neighborhoods occupy much of the waterfront, although there are some prime shopping areas there, too.
Portsmouth's center has the largest collection of antique homes, third behind Alexandria, Virginia and Charleston, South Carolina. While not yet antiques, the center also has many early 20th century homes that have been restored or are in the process of being renovated.
The waterfront is the heart of the city, with the Naval Hospital, the Naval Shipyard and the 5th Coast Guard District sharing it space with the citizens of Portsmouth. It is close to the Norfolk Naval Base which brings in people from all over the world. Portsmouth is a real melting pot.
Portsmouth is one of the oldest working harbors in the country, so there are a wide range of ships passing the seawall. Hampton Roads is the midway point of the Atlantic coast. Portsmouth is in the center of Hampton Roads, providing the city with a rich maritime heritage.
Portsmouth has a little bit of everything and you don't have to be a history buff or an architectural enthusiast to enjoy living in the city. It has a slower pace than it's sister, Norfolk. Once people get used to slowing down, they truly appreciate the different a slower lifestyle can make in their lives.
In this harbor city, people can visit art museums, explore the universe via the planetarium, golf, go boating, or cycle along the waterfront. With mild weather, outdoor activities abound in Portsmouth. It is a city of academic excellence, with its schools and colleges maintaining a high standard for all who attend.
Nancy Chandler Associates, REALTORS, Licensed in Norfolk, Virginia can give you additional information about Portsmouth, Virginia.
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