Portsmouth sits at the center of Hampton Roads. Portsmouth's small-town atmosphere is in pleasant contrast to its metropolitan Hampton Roads location. Tree lined streets lead toward the picturesque downtown waterfront – the center of the city's many activities, and its heart. But don’t let its quaintness mislead you. Portsmouth is an economic maritime powerhouse. portsmouthvaed.com/overview_location

By capitalizing on our unique assets, Portsmouth has brought about a thriving economic environment, brimming with opportunities, reminiscent of the potential foreseen by leaders in our colonial birth. Investment initiatives have positioned Portsmouth as a great discovery for industries of all types and we offer a wealth of opportunities for businesses focused on their futures including: pro-business development leadership;  available retail, office and industrial/warehouse space and residential development;  Deepwater Harbor where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean;  an economic incentive programs including Empowerment, Enterprise, Foreign Trade, Historic Tax Credit, HUBZones and Interstate Access.
portsmouthvaed.com/overview_economy

Portsmouth is a global transportation hub centrally located within a 30-minute drive of the entire region.  With its road and rail infrastructure, Portsmouth is readily accessible from all four directions. Major north-south corridors of I-95 and I-85 are just west of the city, linking with Hampton Roads' well-planned system of roads. The city is minutes from Norfolk International Airport, recently expanded and served by 12 passenger and five freight carriers.

The Portsmouth Marine Terminal, part of the Port of Hampton Roads and owned by the Virginia Port Authority, is a 220-acre facility handling containerized and break-bulk cargo. At this Foreign Trade Zone-designated terminal, CSX and Norfolk Southern, via the Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad, offer direct rail service from the Portsmouth Marine Terminal for transportation throughout the east. Motor carriers and common carrier terminals – 175 carriers and 150 terminals – help transport goods from the port of entry to a well-connected system of interstate highways.

Commuters are served by Hampton Roads Transit (HRT). Pedestrian ferry crosses the Elizabeth River daily between Portsmouth and Norfolk.   Companies have cited the transportation infrastructure as the major deciding factor in locating or expanding in the region.
portsmouthvaed.com/overview_transportation