Portsmouth is a compact, walkable waterfront city with a charming Olde Towne of historic streets, riverside restaurants, galleries and parks — a friendly, stable place (strong naval/military presence) that’s comfortable for multi-week travel assignments and offers more personality than a generic suburban outpost.
You’re minutes from Norfolk’s museums and dining (Chrysler Museum, Nauticus) and a short drive to Virginia Beach’s oceanfront and nightlife, so you get beaches and big-city amenities without losing a quieter home base.