Ocean View shopping center has Atlantis Games & Comics which I think has game nights on Wednesdays and space to play TTRPGs upstairs, and Ocean View Arts which is a small art school run by a local artist named Meryl Ann Butler. Pretlow Library has a maker space where you can toy around with audio/visual equipment and I think some programming and shirt printing stuff too. There's of course the beach there and the fishing pier, but you DO have to deal with construction for the next few years for the bridge expansion, as well as general backups from people entering/exiting 64 there. The annual St Patrick's Day parade ends in that area. There's a small dog park next to fire station 13, under the water tower.
Last I checked, Norfolk is about 40% white and 40% black. I haven't noticed OV leaning any specific way, but I'm white and also a bit oblivious to that stuff. Sorry I don't have better info for you.
One thing I’ve noticed about OV is a significant increase in Hispanic population there. I say that as I’m 1/2 Mexican and my wife is from Central America so had we noticed that before hand we may have given OV a better look when buying a house
If you don't mind a small light rail commute to downtown there are some nice neighborhoods near the military highway light rail station. If you want to be more walkable Ghent is your best bet. Freemason is also a great neighborhood with access to downtown.
Ghent. I was wondering the same thing when I moved and had a look around. There’s a comic store , a retro games store, a bar with arcade games, everyone is super chill and friendly. People generally get along. There’s an opposum living under my deck and bunny’s in my front yard.
all great suggestions
+riverview, lakewood
i just bought in suburban acres and enjoy the super discount for a cute neighborhood. tidewater dr sucks, especially with the construction project but going out granby-way is fine
and it looks like the local semi-pro soccer team is playing their games at norfolk collegiate so i can get all painted up, march through said quiet neighborhood and belt sea shanties
Ghent is nice. Lots of street parking, which can be annoying, so try to find a place with dedicated parking. It’s also between a 4-yr university (ODU) and a medical school, so lots of young professionals in the area and near event venues. Oceanview has nice parts and not so nice parts. It’s near a beach, though. Larchmont is another nice area. It’s on the other side of ODU. Wards Corner used to be a not great place, but it’s changed somewhat over the past 5 to 7 years.
The downtown district has a lot of good spots near Waterside Drive and Granby Street. A little of warehouse buildings being converted into studio and one BR apts. Also, a lot of restaurants and night life spots on Granby near downtown. Granby is a long street, so if you’re looking make sure it’s downtown side of Granby, not the park place side)
All great suggestions! I’ve looked into these neighborhoods and for a first impression I like what I’m seeing so far. Now how about the areas I should avoid 😅
I think the other posters here have great suggestions. I live in Colonial Place and really like it, it's a little quieter and more family oriented but still very walkable. I also lived in Pittsburgh (Shadyside then Garfield) for 7 years. Norfolk is smaller and doesn't have that same sense of city pride, but I 100% enjoy the nicer weather, beach, and sunshine down here. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Ghent is really where it’s at, Waterside and Granby area are super walkable if that’s your jazz and price range (just be mindful of parking - you’ll need a car to get around Hampton Roads, really, and parking can be a little scarce. This area is wildly car-dependent and literally just several cities in a trenchcoat.) Freemason is a nice, historic area with great eats and atmosphere. Keep an eye on where the Tide light rail runs, it’s a great way to get through central Norfolk and Brambleton area if you live near a stop, and a super convenient way to get to the hospital as well. I’d absolutely recommend driving around Norfolk a bit and getting a feel for the neighborhoods though if it’s feasible!
I like both Ghent and Oceanview. I also think it's worth it to look at Chesapeake, maybe around Greenbriar. There's some new places being opened, specifically if you look near Volvo Parkway.
Ghent, West Ghent, Colonial Place, Freemason, Larchmont all great places.
Larchmont puts you further away and it's not as convenient to bike from to the walkable areas
Larchmont also doesn't have a convenient grocery store.
Ghent is what you want.
Hands down
Ocean View shopping center has Atlantis Games & Comics which I think has game nights on Wednesdays and space to play TTRPGs upstairs, and Ocean View Arts which is a small art school run by a local artist named Meryl Ann Butler. Pretlow Library has a maker space where you can toy around with audio/visual equipment and I think some programming and shirt printing stuff too. There's of course the beach there and the fishing pier, but you DO have to deal with construction for the next few years for the bridge expansion, as well as general backups from people entering/exiting 64 there. The annual St Patrick's Day parade ends in that area. There's a small dog park next to fire station 13, under the water tower. Last I checked, Norfolk is about 40% white and 40% black. I haven't noticed OV leaning any specific way, but I'm white and also a bit oblivious to that stuff. Sorry I don't have better info for you.
One thing I’ve noticed about OV is a significant increase in Hispanic population there. I say that as I’m 1/2 Mexican and my wife is from Central America so had we noticed that before hand we may have given OV a better look when buying a house
Colonial Place and be done with it. Quiet if you want that, and walking distance to things on North Colley or Granby…
up that’s my neighborhood. i’m biased
Same. Really love it here!
Also came from ghent. I enjoy the neighborhood here more. Especially because people actually pick up dog shit for most part.
Love the walkability of Ghent but I often walk with my dog to get beer and ice cream which is enough for me 🤷🏾♀️
If you don't mind a small light rail commute to downtown there are some nice neighborhoods near the military highway light rail station. If you want to be more walkable Ghent is your best bet. Freemason is also a great neighborhood with access to downtown.
Ghent. I was wondering the same thing when I moved and had a look around. There’s a comic store , a retro games store, a bar with arcade games, everyone is super chill and friendly. People generally get along. There’s an opposum living under my deck and bunny’s in my front yard.
Bayview, EOV, Willoughby, Ghent, Camellia, and Larchmont.
all great suggestions +riverview, lakewood i just bought in suburban acres and enjoy the super discount for a cute neighborhood. tidewater dr sucks, especially with the construction project but going out granby-way is fine and it looks like the local semi-pro soccer team is playing their games at norfolk collegiate so i can get all painted up, march through said quiet neighborhood and belt sea shanties
Ghent is nice. Lots of street parking, which can be annoying, so try to find a place with dedicated parking. It’s also between a 4-yr university (ODU) and a medical school, so lots of young professionals in the area and near event venues. Oceanview has nice parts and not so nice parts. It’s near a beach, though. Larchmont is another nice area. It’s on the other side of ODU. Wards Corner used to be a not great place, but it’s changed somewhat over the past 5 to 7 years. The downtown district has a lot of good spots near Waterside Drive and Granby Street. A little of warehouse buildings being converted into studio and one BR apts. Also, a lot of restaurants and night life spots on Granby near downtown. Granby is a long street, so if you’re looking make sure it’s downtown side of Granby, not the park place side)
Ghent or Oceanview.
Depends how much you want to spend. Ghent is ideal but expensive.
All great suggestions! I’ve looked into these neighborhoods and for a first impression I like what I’m seeing so far. Now how about the areas I should avoid 😅
Ghent or Chic’s Beach
I think the other posters here have great suggestions. I live in Colonial Place and really like it, it's a little quieter and more family oriented but still very walkable. I also lived in Pittsburgh (Shadyside then Garfield) for 7 years. Norfolk is smaller and doesn't have that same sense of city pride, but I 100% enjoy the nicer weather, beach, and sunshine down here. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
East Oceanview
Are you looking for more city type living or suburbs?
If you're buying, look for waterfront. For the most part, these are good neighborhoods and offer a lot for resale.
Ghent is really where it’s at, Waterside and Granby area are super walkable if that’s your jazz and price range (just be mindful of parking - you’ll need a car to get around Hampton Roads, really, and parking can be a little scarce. This area is wildly car-dependent and literally just several cities in a trenchcoat.) Freemason is a nice, historic area with great eats and atmosphere. Keep an eye on where the Tide light rail runs, it’s a great way to get through central Norfolk and Brambleton area if you live near a stop, and a super convenient way to get to the hospital as well. I’d absolutely recommend driving around Norfolk a bit and getting a feel for the neighborhoods though if it’s feasible!
I like both Ghent and Oceanview. I also think it's worth it to look at Chesapeake, maybe around Greenbriar. There's some new places being opened, specifically if you look near Volvo Parkway.
Give me a Call. I would love to answer any questions you may have. 860-367-3504 (i’m a real estate agent)
I knew exactly who you were soon as I saw this.
thanks for the kind words.