Can add my one tell me what kind of a place is Portsmouth?

*an amazing

I live in Portsmouth and have done for 18 years since relocating from Edinburgh. I have brought my children up here. Its really good now, become more cultural over the years, better restaurants, food, festivals etc. It's got a amazing seafront (just as good as Brighton) and a similar but perhaps more laid back vibe. Southsea is the place to be in my opinion, more pricey but worth it.

I was in Alverstoke as well, well technically not, I lived near the immigration centre-if you know then you know. Now in Peterborough

I’d move there if I worked there. Lots going on, mix of real life, heritage etc. decent hospitals. Rough around (lots of) the edges but definitely worse places to live.

I think it's a nice relaxed city. It's got a reputation for being rough and it certainly does have that element but it's more gobby kids and poor people getting drunk and nicking stuff rather than armed gangs or moped thefts.
There are nice bits and not so nice bits but the beach and old town are great.
The traffic and parking are indeed crap. Also the surrounding area isn't great. It's a while before you get to nice villages unlike nearby Chichester or Fareham.

I grew up in the bit in between and it was lovely - Alverstoke is still one of my favourite places

what do you want - city/coast/village/town?

lol I’m from Southampton side so probably best not :)

Some bits are actually quite nice, and the bits between Southampton and Pompey are really lovely in places.

I know Portsmouth pretty well. I live close by and visit often for days out and going out for dinners etc. I also have work colleagues who live in various parts of the city.
It's a great place to live I think. The city is busy, it's a university city so lots of students. Obviously by the coast so some great walks and beaches at Southsea are fab. Old Portsmouth is very cool and has some great places to wander.
I think there is something for everyone. Cool bars and places for nights out, great walks, absolutely loads of history especially maritime. Gunwharf Quays is an amazing shopping complex. Port Solent in also super nice to visit. Some lovely smaller suburbs around Portsmouth too with some great schools.
There is so much in and around Portsmouth you'll certainly never be bored!
You'll always find some people who will have negative things to say about every city so I wouldn't dwell too much on negativity.
Spend a few days down there and see what you think yourself.

I love Portsmouth. Went to Uni in the 90s there and don't live too away now. I'd love an apartment on the sea front when we retire (if we can't get one abroad 😄).
There's some great pubs and restaurants. There always something going on on the common in the summer, including Victorious festival. Gun Warf Quays is fab for shops and bars etc. Albert road has some great shops. The actual Commercial Rd shopping area is far from amazing, but Southampton can make up for that if you needed better options.
So thumbs up from me, but you don't say your age, situation etc so hard to be specific about what may or may not be good for you.

Loved Pompey. Lived, studied and worked there for 15 years. The further south you are the better for living in IMO. Southsea, Eastney, Old Portsmouth. But more expensive.

You don't need a car if you live in those areas, but if you're commuting on and off the island each day, be prepared for the sheer volume of traffic.

Southsea is lovely. Buckland and Landport not so nice. I live nearby and love to visit Old Portsmouth ,but it's not a great place to commute in or out of due to being an island with only two roads in or out

I have lived very close, personally wouldn’t recommend due to my preferences. Very busy, especially in summer, difficult to park at certain times.

It’s not my cup of tea, but I’m not really the type of person that enjoys living in or close to a city so I appreciate my opinion might not be what you’re after.

I like Portsmouth but like all places, it depends where exactly in the city you are thinking of living.....