Norfolk, VA
Waterfront city with arts, culture, and naval history.
Welcome to Norfolk
Norfolk sits at the heart of Hampton Roads, home to the world's largest naval base and a vibrant downtown along the Elizabeth River. Historic neighborhoods like Ghent and Freemason blend character architecture with restaurants, galleries, and easy access to ODU and EVMS. Ferry, light rail, and the Elizabeth River Trail knit the city together.
Who lives here
Feel of the Town
Urban and walkable in parts, historic and leafy in others. Strong food scene, active arts community, and constant water views — the light rail and ferry are part of daily life for many.
Age Breakdown
- Under 1820%
- 18–3432%
- 35–5422%
- 55–6411%
- 65+15%
Schools
Norfolk Public Schools include specialty magnet options — Maury High's international studies, Granby High's IB program, and Booker T. Washington's arts and STEM tracks. Choice-based enrollment gives families flexibility across the city.
Norfolk Academy, Norfolk Collegiate, and Ghent Montessori are top private options.
Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and Tidewater Community College all anchor higher education.
Things to Do
- Norfolk Botanical Garden
175 acres of themed gardens along Lake Whitehurst.
- Chrysler Museum of Art
Free world-class art museum in the Ghent district.
- Nauticus & Battleship Wisconsin
Maritime museum with tours of the historic battleship.
- Waterside District & Neon District
Riverfront restaurants and a vibrant arts corridor.
- Norfolk Naval Station Tour
Bus tours of the world's largest naval base.
- Elizabeth River Trail
10+ miles of paved trail connecting parks, breweries, and the waterfront.
Annual Events
- Harborfest (June)
One of the country's largest free maritime festivals — tall ships, music, fireworks.
- NEON Festival
Annual arts festival in the NEON District each October.
- Grand Illumination Parade
Downtown holiday parade and tree lighting to kick off the season.
- Norfolk Jazz Festival
Long-running summer jazz festival at Town Point Park.
Places to Eat
- Field Guide
Modern American in Chelsea, seasonal menus.
- Luce
Wood-fired Italian with a lively bar scene.
- Doumar's Cones & Barbecue
Historic drive-in — home of the original waffle cone.
- Alkaline
Refined Asian tasting menus by chef Kevin Ordoñez.
- Handsome Biscuit
Sweet potato biscuit sandwiches — a Norfolk institution.
Healthcare
- Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Regional Level I trauma center and academic hospital.
600 Gresham Dr - Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD)
The region's premier children's hospital.
601 Children's Ln - Sentara Leigh Hospital
Full-service community hospital with surgical specialty.
830 Kempsville Rd
Getting Around
Norfolk is one of the more transit-friendly cities in Virginia. The Tide light rail runs from EVMS through downtown to Newtown Road; The Elizabeth River Ferry links downtown to Portsmouth. I-64, I-264, and I-564 handle car commutes.
- The Tide light rail
7.4-mile light rail line across downtown and beyond.
- Elizabeth River Ferry
Paddle-wheel ferry to Portsmouth and back — a daily commute for many.
- ORF Airport
Norfolk International — full-service airport ~15 min from downtown.
- Amtrak Norfolk Station
Direct trains to D.C., New York, and Boston.
Housing
Norfolk's housing spans historic Ghent townhomes, waterfront condos downtown and in East Beach, family-friendly Larchmont near ODU, and more affordable neighborhoods farther out. It's one of the strongest markets for buyers who value walkability and character.
Historic walkable district — Craftsman homes, brick townhomes, cafes and boutiques on Colley Ave.
Family neighborhood near ODU with mature trees, waterfront lots, and top-rated Larchmont Elementary.
New-urbanist coastal community with beach access and a village center.
Downtown historic district with cobblestone streets, condos, and rowhouses.
Historic waterfront neighborhoods along the Lafayette River — bungalows and Victorians.
Bayfront neighborhoods with beaches, more affordable homes, and revitalized boardwalk.
High-rise condos and lofts with water views and walkable access to Waterside and MacArthur Center.
Envision VA Home
Envision VA Home is a client-first real estate team founded by Mike and Magali Pattison in 2019, brokered by eXp Realty. Our mission: help you buy, sell, and relocate with confidence.
Let's talk about your next home
I'm the bilingual (English/Spanish) member of the Envision VA Home team. Whether you're moving into the area or exploring your options, I'd love to help.
Maria Kaya · Realtor® · Envision VA Home · eXp Realty
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This area guide is provided for informational purposes only. Data points such as demographics, schools, and market information change over time and should be independently verified. All real estate services are provided by Envision VA Home, brokered by eXp Realty. Equal Housing Opportunity.