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About Norfolk

Nestled on the southeastern corner of Virginia, Norfolk is a vibrant coastal city that boasts a cool downtown vibe filled with exciting dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. The city is a veritable melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and incredible cityscapes embellished by miles of bayfront and riverfront shoreline. Simply put, Norfolk offers an immersive experience like no other, thanks to the genuine community-minded spirit it fosters.

Luxury homes for sale in Norfolk, VA

Are you interested in the Chesapeake Bay real estate market, but don’t know where to start? You’ll definitely want to take a closer look at Norfolk, VA. This beautiful and bustling city on the Bay has a firmly established reputation as one of the best places in Virginia for families, young professionals, and discerning investors looking for real estate opportunities. Even with a high standard of living and a booming luxury real estate market, Norfolk remains one of the fastest growing cities in America.


Want to know what this picturesque city on Chesapeake Bay has to offer? Realtors at The Agency have put together this community profile to help you discover the best of what Norfolk, VA has to offer – as an investor or as a buyer of luxury homes for sale in Norfolk, VA.


One of the biggest advantages of the luxury homes in Norfolk is their sheer diversity. From historic turn-of-the-century brick and wood homes, to modern apartments and condos, to quaint yet gorgeous waterfront properties, luxury homes for sale in Norfolk, VA are readily available and designed to suit a wide variety of tastes and desires.


Even the price points vary greatly. It's not hard to find luxury communities with highly desirable properties for less than seven figures. Meanwhile, the most extravagant mansions in Norfolk, VA don’t even fetch anything close to $400 per square feet!


Reasons to buy a luxury home in Norfolk, Virginia


The relative affordability of luxury homes for sale in Norfolk, combined with the high quality of life, ensures that the demand for such properties will remain high. In addition to these advantages, living in Norfolk provides value to residents because of the following:


1. Norfolk, VA provides countless ways to enjoy the outdoors


Norfolk is nestled between Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The area also has a plethora of state parks and wildlife preserves. Hiking, biking, camping, swimming, boating, water sports – these are just a few of the activities you’ll easily have access to as a resident of Norfolk.


2. Norfolk, VA is an economic magnet


Military bases are well-known economic magnets, and Norfolk and its surrounding area has a lot of them. Aside from Naval Station Norfolk there’s the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, the Naval Air Station Oceana, and Camp Peary, to name a few. Most of these bases are clustered around commercial centers, forging a synergy that fuels the city’s economic development.


3. Norfolk, VA lures tourism dollars


Norfolk boasts a thriving summer tourism industry, with people from all over coming in to enjoy its beautiful beaches and other travel-related attractions. Sites like the NS Norfolk, the Norfolk Botanical Garden, the Hunter House Victorian Museum are a few of Norfolk's many destinations that tourists love visiting again and again.


4. Norfolk, VA's interconnection makes it easy to get around


The eight cities that make up Hampton Roads are all interconnected to each other through an extensive network of highways, bridges, tunnels, and railways, with Norfolk right in the middle of it all. It serves as the urban, financial, historical, and cultural heart of this massive metropolitan area, providing residents with easy access to other Hampton Roads cities. Should you feel the need to check out attractions in Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Newport News Poquoson, Portsmouth, or Suffolk, you’re bound to get there in an hour or two.


5. Norfolk, VA is diverse and inclusive


Norfolk is a city committed to diversity and inclusion. For people who want to immerse in other cultures, Norfolk has so much to offer. Once in the city, it becomes easier to gain a deeper understanding of the heritage and culture of the different types of people who call Norfolk home.


MEDIAN HOME PRICES Norfolk, VA

$137,620Lowest
$330,000Median
$2,046,900Highest

Median Home Price per Square Feet

$184Lowest
$204Median
$395Highest

Average Home Statistics in terms of:

3No. of beds
3No. of baths
1,939Square feet

Highlights of Norfolk, VA

Get your bearings

Norfolk is located at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. It is the core of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area that also includes seven other cities including Virginia Beach and Newport News. However, it is an independent city.

Norfolk is bordered by Chesapeake Bay to the north and Elizabeth River to the west. To its south is Chesapeake City, and Virginia Beach lies immediately to its east. It is about halfway between Bangor, ME to the northeast and Miami, FL to the south. It is also less than a four-hour drive from our nation’s capital of Washington DC.

Norfolk’s central location gives it significant logistical advantages by land, sea, and air. Norfolk International Airport offers multiple nonstop flights throughout the US as well as Canada, Latin America, Europe, and more.

Things Norfolk, VA are famous for

Naval Station Norfolk is the world's largest naval base, covering over 6,200 acres of land and accommodating approximately 75 ships and 134 aircraft at any given time. It has 14 piers and 11 aircraft hangars. The base is home to more than 60,000 military personnel and 30,000 civilians, making it a significant employer in the region. As a key Atlantic Fleet hub, it is a primary deployment site for US naval operations, supporting missions around the globe.

Norfolk is also the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO, the international alliance of 32 member governments that includes the US, Canada, France, UK, and more. This merging of cultures is evident in its architecture, cuisine, music, arts, and everyday life.

As a coastal city, Norfolk has charming seaside communities with multiple housing options including single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and waterfront properties. In addition, Norfolk has three beautifully maintained beach parks: Community Beach Park, Ocean View Beach Park, and Sarah Constant Beach. If you love the water, as well as luxury homes for sale in Norfolk, VA, this could be the perfect real estate destination for you.

Norfolk, VA by the numbers

Norfolk is fairly large, spanning 96.4 square miles, of which 55% is land (53.27 square miles) and the rest is made up of water (43.13 square miles).

Chesapeake Bay makes up more than 144 miles of Norfolk's shoreline – together with the many lakes, rivers, and bodies of water in the area.

Norfolk has a population of 238,000 residents, making it the third most populous city in Virginia after Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. Those who live in Norfolk can be described as young, skilled, and diverse, with a median age of just 32.2 years.


Top luxury neighborhoods in Norfolk, VA

Neighborhoods

Whether you’re looking to live in a pre-planned development, a historic neighborhood, an upscale 55+ community, or a family-friendly locale with schools and playgrounds nearby, you’ll find it in Norfolk, VA. The city has over 80 residential neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and charm.


We identified the Top 7 Norfolk Neighborhoods for you to consider.

Ghent

When it comes to convenience, Ghent is tough to beat. Known for providing the ultimate Norfolk experience, this historic neighborhood is just blocks away from the downtown area with its large-scale shopping malls, topnotch restaurants, and shops of every kind, including antique stores and art galleries. The streets are vibrant and full of life, even in the evening, when the people start filling the welcoming bars on Colley Avenue.


As one of Norfolk's four Locally Designated Historic Districts, Ghent is filled with homes oozing with charm and character, but updated to meet modern standards. For those who prefer to rent, Ghent has an impressive number of apartment buildings to choose from.


Inquire about available homes in this neighborhood

Neighborhoods

Whether you’re looking to live in a pre-planned development, a historic neighborhood, an upscale 55+ community, or a family-friendly locale with schools and playgrounds nearby, you’ll find it in Norfolk, VA. The city has over 80 residential neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and charm.


We identified the Top 7 Norfolk Neighborhoods for you to consider.

Park Place

To the north of Ghent lies Park Place, a historic residential neighborhood with lots of walkable amenities. Park Place has a considerable number of 19th and 20th century homes mainly in the Queen Anne, Victorian, and Colonial style. Narrow streets lead to homes with wide lawns. With  Lafayette Park and Virginia Zoo just two blocks away, Park Place is a desirable neighborhood with upscale homes anyone would want to live in.


Inquire about available homes in this neighborhood

Neighborhoods

Whether you’re looking to live in a pre-planned development, a historic neighborhood, an upscale 55+ community, or a family-friendly locale with schools and playgrounds nearby, you’ll find it in Norfolk, VA. The city has over 80 residential neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and charm.


We identified the Top 7 Norfolk Neighborhoods for you to consider.

Colonial Place

One of the more sizable communities in Norfolk, Colonial Place is a historic residential neighborhood surrounded on three sides by the Lafayette River. The neighborhood has a small-town feel, made more appealing by the mature trees lining the streets. Proximity to the river adds a sense of serenity to the already scenic setting.


The community is mainly made up of single-family homes, with a few apartment buildings scattered throughout. Colonial Place is ideal for those who want to escape the  daily hustle and bustle but remain within walking distance of grocery stores, restaurants, and parks.


Inquire about available homes in this neighborhood


Neighborhoods

Whether you’re looking to live in a pre-planned development, a historic neighborhood, an upscale 55+ community, or a family-friendly locale with schools and playgrounds nearby, you’ll find it in Norfolk, VA. The city has over 80 residential neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and charm.


We identified the Top 7 Norfolk Neighborhoods for you to consider.

Larchmont-Edgewater

As the name suggests, Larchmont-Edgewater is a community located right along the water’s edge. Like Colonial Place, it is almost entirely surrounded by water, with Lafayette River covering the north and east and Elizabeth River bordering the west. It even has its own bay, Edgewater Haven. 


Larchmont-Edgewater is largely a residential district, with a diverse array of properties ranging from modest bungalows to lavish waterfront estates. Quiet, tree-lined streets create an air of tranquility and add to the desirability of homes in the neighborhood. 


Parents with school-age children will love the fact that there are two schools within the community: St Patrick Catholic School, a private school serving pre-K to 8th grade students, and Larchmont Elementary, a public institution serving pre-K to 5th.


Inquire about available homes in this neighborhood


Neighborhoods

Whether you’re looking to live in a pre-planned development, a historic neighborhood, an upscale 55+ community, or a family-friendly locale with schools and playgrounds nearby, you’ll find it in Norfolk, VA. The city has over 80 residential neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and charm.


We identified the Top 7 Norfolk Neighborhoods for you to consider.

Lochhaven

Lochhaven is right across the pond from Larchmont-Edgewater. It's a peaceful neighborhood known for well-maintained streets, views of the Norfolk Country Club marina, and proximity to both the Hermitage Museums and Gardens and Old Dominion University. It also has the distinction of having some of the priciest homes for sale in Norfolk, VA, boasting more than 3,000 square feet of living space.

If you've always dreamed of a lush garden, an outdoor area to entertain and let the kids run around in, a backyard pool, or yes, even your own tennis court, Lochhaven may be your best bet at achieving that.

Inquire about available houses in this neighborhood

Neighborhoods

Whether you’re looking to live in a pre-planned development, a historic neighborhood, an upscale 55+ community, or a family-friendly locale with schools and playgrounds nearby, you’ll find it in Norfolk, VA. The city has over 80 residential neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and charm.


We identified the Top 7 Norfolk Neighborhoods for you to consider.

Oceanview

Oceanview is one of the more recent residential developments in Norfolk. This up-and-coming area on one of Norfolk’s most scenic coastal settings on Chesapeake Bay has something for everyone, from affordable single-family houses to luxury homes on the waterfront, to premium apartments for the 55+ community. The variety of housing options, plus a guaranteed view of the Bay right in your backyard, makes it easy to understand why this new community is attracting luxury homebuyers in droves.


Inquire about available houses in this neighborhood


Neighborhoods

Whether you’re looking to live in a pre-planned development, a historic neighborhood, an upscale 55+ community, or a family-friendly locale with schools and playgrounds nearby, you’ll find it in Norfolk, VA. The city has over 80 residential neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and charm.


We identified the Top 7 Norfolk Neighborhoods for you to consider.

Norfolk Downtown

If you like being constantly in the thick of the action, there’s no better place to be than downtown. Norfolk Downtown. This location is ideal for busy professionals who want the convenience of enjoying their downtime right where they live. The city has over 20 condominiums and just as many apartment buildings, all walkable to the city’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations. If you like your privacy, check out some of the single-family houses and townhomes that can be found along the smaller streets.

Inquire about available houses in this neighborhood

Living In Norfolk, VA

Norfolk, VA boasts some of the most stunningly beautiful homes anywhere with an equally stunning riverside location. As the core of Hampton Roads, it serves as a hub of commerce, industry, culture, and entertainment. You’ll also benefit from the world-class dining and shopping that comes with buying luxury homes for sale in Norfolk, VA.


Read on for more:

Getting around

Norfolk's well-developed transportation infrastructure makes it easy to get around the city. The average commute time in the Greater Norfolk area is short, so it’s not unusual for locals to work in another city within the Hampton Roads.


City-to-city travel is made more convenient by daily Amtrak rail. The bus services, which have stations in Newport News and Virginia Beach, make it easy for residents to work in their onsite office. The city’s bikeshare program is supported by bicycle lanes, routes, and parking throughout the community, allowing users to get to their destination in an economical and eco-friendly manner.


On the water, Hampton Roads Transit operates three passenger ferries with a capacity of 150 on the Elizabeth River. The vessels travel every 30 minutes between Norfolk and Portsmouth. As for other options, Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services are also available citywide.


Climate

Norfolk, VA, along with the rest of the Hampton Roads cities, is located in the Tidewater Region, an area known for temperate climate all year round. Summers tend to be warm and cheery, and winters cold and windy, but never gloomy. The city sees an average of 215 bright sunny days per year, making Norfolk well-suited for people who love spending time outdoors and engaging in nature-based activities. Even at the peak of summer, temperatures rarely exceed 94 degrees. Winters on the other hand, typically have a high and low temperature of 49 and 32 degrees, respectively.

Schools

Practically every community in Norfolk has a school nearby. There are over 90 public schools throughout the city, with a general rating of good and higher from GreatSchools.org.


Some of the top rated schools in the area include:


The strong public school system attracts families, making Norfolk an ideal destination for parents with school-age children.


You can also find around 40 private schools and charter schools in the area, and a number of universities and colleges like:



The city’s significant student population helps give Norfolk a youthful vibe that contributes to a buzzing nightlife and weekend scene.

Shopping

Norfolk is home to retailers big and small, from international brands to local upmarket boutiques. Norfolk Premium Outlets at exit 282 on Interstate 64 features popular big-name retailers such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Nike, Levi’s, and Columbia. Military Highway is the best place to pick up home essentials, as it houses familiar grocery store chains such as Target, Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart, Office Max, and Party City. Norfolk also has a massive IKEA outlet located on 1500 Ikea Way.

Dining

All over the city, you’ll find an endless selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars. From five-star venues to exquisite local favorites, alongside casual hidden gems, the region’s restaurant and dining scene is bound to impress.


  • For the perfect start to your day, head over to Charlie's Cafe on Granby St., D’Egg Diner on Main St., or Handsome Biscuit on Colonial Avenue. These venues are known to serve the best breakfasts and brunches in town.

  • For the best international flavors in the neighborhood, you’ll want to pay a visit to Ghent’s Colley Avenue and 21st St, as these locations boast a mix of excellent restaurants and dive bars.

  • If you’re in the mood for authentic Italian cuisine, there’s Leone’s. For some tempestuous Mexican fare, you’ve got Tacos y Tequila. Craving for some sumptuous sushi? Kotobuki is the only place to go.

Recreational activities

Norfolk bubbles over with recreational activities. Enjoy live music and various festivals at different entertainment venues all around town. Want to paint the town red? Norfolk has tasting rooms, cocktail lounges, beer pubs, and nightclubs galore. Whatever you’re in the mood for, it’s only one search away in Norfolk.

Work With Top Norfolk, VA Real Estate Agents

When it comes to buying or selling luxury homes in Norfolk, VA, The Agency Coastal Virginia is the first name on people’s minds. Our team of top Norfolk, VA real estate agents boasts four decades of combined experience in the luxury real estate realm, with each member bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their roles. Call us today at 757.434.4171 or send us an email to get started.

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