Norfolk Real Estate
Norfolk at a Glance
Welcome home to Norfolk! Virginia’s third largest city located in Hampton Roads at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay is home to the largest naval base in the world. It’s a cultural hub full of eclectic festivals and events, many of them centered around the water that surrounds this military town. Its neighborhoods burst with character; many of the tree-lined streets are ideal for walking and biking.
- Small businesses and outdoor dining define Ghent.
- Larchmont-Edgewater is an easy walk to Old Dominion University.
- Lafayette-Winona is one of the city’s more historical areas beautified with crepe myrtle and maple trees.
- Colonial Place is quaint and friendly, while understated Talbot Park offers a quiet and well-maintained setting.
- More and more folks are choosing downtown for its proximity to nightlife.
- The holidays are magical in Norfolk, which illuminates the city in November for the holidays. The iconic mermaid is Norfolk’s symbol. You’ll find these sculpted beauties all over the city.
ARTS, MUSEUMS & ENTERTINAMENT
A nationally recognized art collection that spans 5,000 years, a visual arts studio and 12 acres of gardens are among the highlights of a visit to the Hermitage Museum and Gardens.
Chrysler Museum of Art unites art and people. The museum includes a glassmaking studio with classes. Barry Art Museum positioned at the gateway to Old Dominion University is part of an arts village on the east side of Hampton Boulevard. Hunter House Victorian Museum tells the story of the late 19th and early 20th centuries through the lens of everyday experiences and collections of the Hunter family. Nonprofit d’Art Center holds workshops and classes.
Hands-on Nauticus appeals to maritime lovers; its location on the Norfolk waterfront includes the Battleship Wisconsin, a sailing center and Schooner Virginia.
Harrison Opera House is home to the Virginia Opera Company. Chrysler Hall and Generic Theatre showcase performance art as does Attucks Theatre, originally known as the “Apollo of the South” when it opened in 1919. Wells Theatre houses Virginia Stage Company.
Virginia Arts Festival brings in artists from all over the world. The city hosts too many festivals to list, including the Norfolk NATO Festival, Virginia International Tattoo, Virginia Wine Festival, Patriotic Festival, Harborfest, Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival, Children’s Festival and NEON Festival.
Slover Library downtown offers a rooftop reading room.
The NorVa and Scope Arena bring in nationally known recording acts (yes, Springsteen played at Scope).
The Baltimore Orioles’ AAA affiliate, Norfolk Tides, bring baseball to the waterfront every summer at Harbor Park. Sports fans can also enjoy minor league hockey at Scope, home to the Norfolk Admirals.
The Old Dominion Monarchs of the Sun Belt Conference draw well at S.B. Ballard Stadium. The Green and Gold Spartans are the pride of Dick Price Stadium at Norfolk State University. The award-winning NSU “Legion” is one of the premier marching bands in the nation.
EAT & DRINK
With so many choices in Norfolk (not to mention the surrounding area), you’re in for a treat dining out. While there are too many restaurants to name, here is a sampling:
- Freemason Abbey Restaurant: fine dining in a renovated church.
- Orapax: The spinach pizza is a must. Try the baklava for dessert.
- Saltine: shellfish, seafood and spirits downtown.
- Grain: it’s Norfolk’s only rooftop beer garden.
- No Frill Bar & Grill: Generous portions with so many options.
- Doumar’s: Open since 1904, Doumar’s serves curbside barbecue and ice cream.
The craft beer scene is bustling in Norfolk. Locals’ favorites include COVA Brewing Company (wine, seltzers and expresso creations, too), Maker’s Craft Brewery (lots of variety and sodas made in-house), Smartmouth Brewing Company (all flavor, no flash) and O’Connor Brewing Company (their mainstay is El Guapo Agave IPA).
EDUCATION
Norfolk Public Schools include 34 elementary schools, nine middle schools, five high schools and 16 auxiliary programs/facilities.
The Governor’s School for the Arts offers training in dance, instrumental music, musical theater and film, visual arts and vocal music; students grades 8-11 eligible to apply.
Private schools include Norfolk Academy, Norfolk Collegiate, Norfolk Christian, The Williams School, Ryan Academy of Norfolk and St. Patrick Catholic School
Norfolk is home to Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University and Virginia Wesleyan University. Tidewater Community College, one of 23 colleges in the Virginia Community College System, has a campus in downtown Norfolk. Regent University near the Virginia Beach line is also close.
Eastern Virginia Medical School is located in Norfolk.
MEDICAL SERVICES
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital is the primary teaching hospital for Eastern Virginia Medical School; Sentara Leigh Hospital is among its affiliates. Sentara Heart Hospital is nationally recognized for comprehensive heart care. Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters is the leading children’s hospital in southeastern Virginia and the lone free-standing children’s hospital in the state.
Norfolk has convenient access to the major medical care in Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Chesapeake.
PARKS & RECREATION
Town Point Park and Ocean View Beach Park regularly host festivals by the water. The city includes seven community parks, including Lafayette Park with lighted baseball fields and kayak launch; Lakewood Park with athletic fields, tennis courts and a playground; and Northside Park, with an indoor pool and lighted softball fields.
The Elizabeth River Trail extends 10 miles along the Chesapeake Bay that takes walkers and joggers past Norfolk State University, Harbor Park and Fort Norfolk. Pagoda Gardens is a picturesque spot to slip away for a respite.
With 13 dog parks, your pup will feel at home here. More than 700 animals live at Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, a family favorite with ample ways to involve the entire family.
Stop and smell the flowers at Norfolk Botanical Gardens, which includes an enclosed butterfly house.
SHOPPING
Major grocery chains include Harris Teeter, The Fresh Market and Food Lion. Norfolk is within a 15-minute drive from the only Wegmans in Hampton Roads.
Farmers markets are located throughout the city in Talbot Park, Ghent and East Beach.
Norfolk Premium Outlets are home to dozens of familiar retail stores. MacArthur Center is a downtown mall with a 16-screen movie theater. Nearby Selden Market contains local shops and food.
Create your own sea-themed craft at the Mermaid Factory.
Norfolk is conveniently located to all the major shopping outlets in Hampton Roads.
WORK
Norfolk Southern Company, Sentara Healthcare, BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, Dominion, and Norfolk Naval Shipyard (located in Portsmouth) are among the area’s major employers.
Norfolk is just off Interstate 64. Norfolk International Airport serves more than 3.3 million passengers annually.
Norfolk has a Light Rail transit system that connects seven miles of the city.