If you’re making the move to Norfolk VA or PCS’ing to this area – then you’re definitely going to want to live in one of these neighborhoods. We are an experienced real estate team with agents who served in the military and were stationed in this area. We are the areas top real estate team for buyers relocating to Coastal Virginia. Here is our top pick for The Best Neighborhoods in Norfolk Virginia.
#1 Ghent
Ghent is the perfect place to live if you want the ultimate Norfolk Experience. It’s a historic neighborhood, with lots of beautiful grand homes. Some of the detail and craftsmanship you will find in these houses is amazing, and they are by far some of the most unique and historical homes in the area.
Older homes can sometimes need more work, so if you are looking in this neighborhood, make sure you get a home inspection before you seal the deal. One of the best parts about Ghent is it’s unique shopping experience and 5 star restaurants. You can walk from your home and go to some of the area’s most popular places to eat, and on your way home visit antique stores, arts and crafts, and boutique shops.
The Chrysler Museum is a fun place to visit that is located within Ghent and has beautiful artwork and events throughout the year. If you like downtown Norfolk but don’t want to live in a high rise and park in a garage, Ghent is a great place to live because you are only a few minutes away from downtown. Because this area offers so much opportunity for fun and because the homes are so beautiful – this is one of the higher price point neighborhoods on our list.
So, who is this neighborhood is for? It’s for the city lover that wants to still live in a single family house.
#2 Larchmont/Edgewater
Number 2 on our list is Larchmont neighborhood. This family oriented community is located on the Elizabeth River and Neighbors Old Dominion University. You will also find a lot of historic homes in this community, some dating back to the late 1800s. The homes in this neighborhood range from cute bungalows to large 6 bedroom waterfront homes.
The price point in this community is all over the place. There are million dollar homes, but also eclectic 300,000 single story houses. My point is, there is a home for everyone in this community. It’s quiet, has a lot of trees and waterfront, and definitely has homey vibes. One thing to consider with this area, and all of Norfolk are the flood zones.
It’s important to work with an agent who is informed on the flood areas in Norfolk – If you want to check out the flood maps yourself you can view them in the description below. The Larchmont Edgewater neighborhoods are definitely one of my personal favorites. It’s not far from downtown, but it’s tucked away slowed down pace is nice if you spend most of your day in the busy city. So, who is this area for? It’s for the family that wants to be a little farther from downtown and live in a moderately priced unique and eclectic home.
#3 Lochhaven
Lochaven is right across the water from Larchmont and Edgewater. Literally. Its located on the Lafayette river which shortly after feeds into the Elizabeth river. Lochhaven is similar in many ways to Larchmont and Edgewater. One of the main differences between these 2 neighborhoods is Lochhaven is located right next to the hermitage museum and gardens.
Technically the museum is located in Lochhaven. The hermitage museum is one of the most popular places to go to in Norfolk locals because the gardens are beautiful for going on a walk,the Museum has lots of fun events throughout the year, and it’s just a great place to take a break from the city. The price point in this neighborhood varies depending on waterfront access, but most homes sell for over $500,000. Most of the houses you will see are over 2,000 square feet, with many over 3,000.
Unlike Larchmont and Edgewater where you can find many homes around 1,500 square feet. So, who do I think this neighborhood is for? It’s for the person who loves having access to gardens and walking paths from their home, and need a larger home with more square footage.
#4 Downtown Norfolk
Downtoooooown! This is the fun place right? It’s why you make the move to Norfolk? This area is a lot of fun. You can live in a high rise and walk to bars, restaurants, you name it. It can also be convenient if you actually work in the city, you can ride your skateboard or even an electric scooter to get around. There are some amazing condo units that are truly one of a kind. Some of the cool old buildings original to Norfolk have been turned into condos and apartments so it’s a unique opportunity to get to live in historic downtown Norfolk.
A lot of these condos have that modern mixed industrial feel, and have awesome views from the windows. Across from the downtown area you have the Freemason area which is a cobblestone street condo and townhome community. This is where you move if you want to be downtown but not in a high rise or 4 story building. The downtown area of Norfolk is by far the best place for access to everything Norfolk has to offer.
There’s so much to do: Downtown Norfolk is known for its nightlife with lots of fun bars along Granby street, you have town point park where city festivals and events take place, right next to that is Nauticus which is a historical Navy ship you can tour, then after you can visit the Nauticus museum, the list goes on. So, who is downtown Norfolk for? It’s for the true city lover that either works in the city, wants to eat in the city, or…wants to party in the city.
#5 Ocean View
Ocean view is an up and coming area with lots of new construction and opportunities for waterfront properties located on the bay. It’s a great place to enjoy the beach, and not have to drive as far to the beach as the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach. Ocean View is also a great place to live if you are getting stationed at Little Creek Naval Base.
If you’re getting stationed at Little Creek Base be sure to check out our blog on the best places to live near Oceana Naval base. One cool thing about Ocean View is the local farmers market. Each Saturday there is a farmers market with tons of local vendors. It’s a great community if you enjoy kayaking, sailing, crabbing, fishing, or just going to the beach. The homes you will find in this community vary in price, with the more expensive homes being located on the Chesapeake bay.
This community is unique because it’s one of the only places in Norfolk you can own a beachfront home. So, who is this neighborhood for? It’s for the beach goer who works in Norfolk or the person who wants to live on the beach, without paying beach prices.
#6 Colonial Place
Colonial place is a peninsula in Norfolk that is surrounded by the Lafayette River. It has mostly single family homes, but also has some apartment buildings. This community is the ideal Norfolk suburb, not too high of a price point with many homes in the 300s. It’s not quite close enough to downtown or Ghent to be able to walk for shopping or restaurants, but it’s a great place to live if you want to be tucked in and have a suburban lifestyle.
The streets are beautiful and lined with blossoming trees, and the homes are all unique, many are historical. One of my favorite things about this neighborhood is the road and sidewalk that borders the peninsula. It’s great for taking the dog on a walk and for the kids to ride their bikes around the neighborhood. The community is attached to Granby street, which will lead you into all kinds of great restaurants as you head downtown.
So, who is this neighborhood for? It’s for those who want to live in Norfolk but also want a comfortable suburban lifestyle.
#7 Waters Edge and LarryMore Lawns
Located right next to each other, Waters edge and Larrymore lawns are older and established communities. The homes in this area are affordable, and the neighborhood is a great place to raise a family. Most of the homes are one story three or 4 bedroom ranches.
The neighborhoods are located right around the corner from the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. These are arguably the best gardens in Norfolk, and are by far the largest gardens in the area. There are also lots of events each year at the botanical gardens, like drive through Christmas lights for example. Another great thing about this community is its near the Norfolk airport, so if you fly a lot for family or work this might be a convenient place for you to live.
It’s also very close to the interstate, making it easy to commute to other cities in Hampton Roads. It’s not too far from ocean view, not too far from downtown Norfolk, it’s not too far from anything. There’s easy access to anything you would ever need. So, who is this community for? It’s for the growing family looking for a home location that is convenient for commuting to work, and for those who want a more central location.
#8 Azalea Gardens Area
Last but not least on our list of the best neighborhoods in Norfolk Virginia – The Azalea Gardens Area. We say “area,” referring to the neighborhoods that tie into Azalea Gardens Road. Along Azalea Gardens road you will find newer construction, but also similar brick ranch homes to that of Waters Edge and Larry More Lawns.
A lot of these homes are larger and have a bigger lot space than Waters Edge and Larry More Lawns. This is an awesome area to house hunt because you can find some really great houses that are moderately priced with great value and home features. There’s single family and 2 story homes, and even some beautiful luxury homes located on lake Whitehurst.
Azalea gardens is also right up the street from Ocean View, and is another great location if you are getting stationed at Little Creek Base. Just like Larry More Lawns and Waters Edge, it’s close to the interstate and Norfolk Botanical Gardens. Overall, this area has a wider range in price point for homes compared to Waters edge and Larry More Lawns, but there are still plenty of affordable homes in this community.
Picking the Right Neighborhood
All of the neighborhoods we talked about today are great options to live in, it really comes down to your individual needs and price point. If you’re looking in the area and have found a home you’re interested in, reach out to us and we can help you make your next move. We’re here to make sure you are comfortable, confident, and educated, and we want to make sure you have the best resources for you and your family. So if you have any questions about moving to Norfolk, be sure to contact us first.