Water defines Portsmouth's geography, situated on the western shore of the Elizabeth River opposite Norfolk in the Hampton Roads region. This city of 97,000 occupies a strategic position where the Elizabeth River meets the Chesapeake Bay. Coastal weather patterns moderate temperatures year-round: winters average around 45°F, summers reach the upper 80s, and humidity remains consistently high. The flat terrain sits just above sea level, making tidal influences significant. Portsmouth's historic downtown district preserves colonial-era architecture, while suburban development extends westward away from the waterfront.
