Norfolk offers a mix of historic neighborhoods, waterfront communities, walkable districts, urban living, and quieter residential pockets. Architecture styles, lot sizes, flood zones, commute patterns, and overall pace can vary significantly depending on the area. From early 1900s homes with original character to newer condos near downtown, Norfolk includes a wide range of housing options and lifestyles.
Downtown Norfolk
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Typical Homes
High-rise condos · lofts · modern apartments · historic warehouse conversions · townhomesNearby Favorites
Waterside District · Granby Street · Town Point Park · The Pagoda · Chrysler Museum area · Harbor ParkThings to Know
Downtown offers one of the most walkable lifestyles in Hampton Roads, though parking, HOA fees, and outdoor space can vary significantly by building. Expect more activity, events, and nightlife compared to surrounding residential neighborhoods.Fun Fact
Downtown Norfolk is home to the world’s largest naval base nearby — so spotting massive ships along the waterfront is just part of everyday life here.
Ghent
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Typical Homes
Victorians · brick colonials · Craftsman-style homes · condos · duplexes · townhomesNearby Favorites
Colley Avenue restaurants · Stockley Gardens · Elizabeth River Trail · Chrysler Museum areaThings to Know
Housing styles, lot sizes, and pricing can vary significantly from block to block. As with many historic neighborhoods, some homes may require additional upkeep or renovations over time, and parking can be limited on certain streets.Fun Fact
Ghent was named after the Treaty of Ghent, which officially ended the War of 1812.
West Ghent
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Typical Homes
Brick colonials · Craftsman homes · bungalows · duplexes · condos · townhomesNearby Favorites
Colley Avenue restaurants and coffee shops · Elizabeth River Trail · local breweries · Chelsea District access · nearby parks and waterfront areasThings to Know
West Ghent tends to feel a bit more residential than neighboring Ghent while still offering quick access to restaurants, entertainment, and Downtown Norfolk. Home styles, lot sizes, and parking situations can vary by street, and some properties may fall within flood zones depending on location.Fun Fact
West Ghent was originally developed as an extension of Ghent during Norfolk’s early streetcar expansion era, which is why many streets still have such a connected, walkable layout today.
Colonial Place - Riverview
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Typical Homes
Brick colonials · Tudors · Craftsman-style homes · Cape Cods · waterfront properties · historic residencesNearby Favorites
Lafayette River · Riverview Village shops and restaurants · nearby Ghent dining · Elizabeth River Trail access · neighborhood parks and walking pathsThings to Know
The neighborhood features a strong mix of historic architecture and mature landscaping, with many homes sitting on larger lots than nearby urban neighborhoods. Flood zone considerations may apply closer to the water, and housing styles and pricing can vary significantly depending on river access and location within the neighborhood.Fun Fact
Colonial Place-Riverview was originally designed during Norfolk’s early “streetcar suburb” era, and many of the winding streets were intentionally planned to maximize views of the Lafayette River.
Larchmont/ Edgewater
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Typical Homes
Brick colonials · Cape Cods · ranch homes · waterfront properties · renovated historic homes · traditional single-family homesNearby Favorites
Lafayette River · neighborhood marinas · ODU area restaurants and coffee shops · North Colley area dining · nearby parks and walking pathsThings to Know
Larchmont/ Edgewater offers a mix of waterfront and interior residential streets, so lot sizes, flood zone considerations, and home styles can vary significantly throughout the neighborhood. Its proximity to Old Dominion University also means some areas may experience increased activity during the school year and university events.Fun Fact
Many homes in Larchmont/ Edgewater were intentionally positioned to take advantage of river breezes and water views long before air conditioning became common in coastal Virginia homes.
East Ocean View
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Typical Homes
Beach cottages · bayfront condos · ranch homes · newer coastal-style construction · bungalows · waterfront propertiesNearby Favorites
Chesapeake Bay beaches · East Beach area · Ocean View Fishing Pier · local seafood restaurants · bayfront parks · breweries and coffee shops nearbyThings to Know
East Ocean View stretches along a large portion of Norfolk’s coastline, so neighborhood feel, home styles, and pricing can vary significantly depending on proximity to the water. Some areas feel quiet and residential, while others are more active during warmer months. Flood zone considerations may apply for certain properties near the bay.Fun Fact
East Ocean View is known for some of the best Chesapeake Bay sunrise views in Norfolk — especially along the stretches where the beach and roadway run side-by-side.
Belvedere
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Typical Homes
Brick ranch homes · mid-century single-family homes · Cape Cods · renovated traditional homes · modest newer constructionNearby Favorites
Nearby shopping and dining along Little Creek Road · Ocean View beaches · local parks · Norfolk Botanical Garden access · easy commuting routes throughout NorfolkThings to Know
Belvedere is primarily residential and tends to offer a quieter pace compared to Norfolk’s more urban or waterfront-focused neighborhoods. Home sizes, updates, and lot dimensions can vary throughout the area, and some sections may offer quicker access to major roads and military installations.Fun Fact
Many homes in Belvedere were built during Norfolk’s mid-century growth boom, which is why the neighborhood features such a strong collection of classic brick ranch-style homes today.