The Best Neighborhoods to Live in Norfolk, Virginia

If you’re planning a move to Norfolk, Virginia, consider the 7 best neighborhoods in Norfolk VA to guide your choice.

Choosing the right neighborhood can make a big difference in how much you enjoy living in the city.

Norfolk offers historic, walkable neighborhoods near downtown.

Quiet residential streets and communities lie along the Chesapeake Bay.

Some of the best neighborhoods to live in Norfolk, Virginia, include Ghent, Larchmont, Colonial Place, East Beach, Ocean View, Freemason, and Downtown Norfolk. The right choice depends on what matters most to you, whether that’s walkability, access to the water, proximity to work, historic architecture, nightlife, or a quieter residential setting.

At Southside Moving and Storage, we help people move throughout Norfolk and the Hampton Roads region. If Norfolk is your next destination, here’s a closer look at some neighborhoods worth considering.

What Are the Best Neighborhoods in Norfolk, VA?

Norfolk has more than 100 neighborhoods, and they vary considerably in character. Some areas are built around historic homes and traditional city blocks, while others offer a more suburban or coastal feel.

Here are the 7 best neighborhoods in Norfolk VA to consider when deciding where to live.

1. Ghent

Best for: Walkability, restaurants, historic character, and an active neighborhood atmosphere

Ghent is one of Norfolk’s best-known neighborhoods. Located just outside Downtown Norfolk, the area combines historic architecture with restaurants, coffee shops, local businesses, galleries, and entertainment.

The City of Norfolk identifies Ghent as a historic district, with much of the neighborhood reflecting the planned residential development of the turn of the 20th century. The area is also convenient to Downtown and several major medical and employment centers.

Ghent may be a good fit if you want to live somewhere where you can walk to dinner, grab coffee nearby, or spend an afternoon exploring local shops without necessarily getting in the car.

Housing includes historic single-family homes, apartments, condos, and townhomes, giving newcomers several options depending on their needs.

Why consider Ghent?

• Walkable streets and local businesses
• Historic homes and architecture
• Close to Downtown Norfolk
• Restaurants, cafes, shops, and entertainment nearby
• Variety of housing types

For people relocating to Norfolk who want an urban neighborhood without living directly downtown, Ghent is an excellent place to start your search.

2. Larchmont and Lochhaven

Best for: Residential surroundings, proximity to Old Dominion University, and waterfront scenery

Larchmont and Lochhaven offer a different experience from Downtown and Ghent. These established residential neighborhoods sit near Old Dominion University and include attractive streets, mature trees, local restaurants, outdoor recreation, and water views.

Larchmont is especially appealing to people who want convenient access to central Norfolk while living in an area that feels more residential.

The neighborhood includes many detached homes and larger residential lots compared with some of Norfolk’s older urban neighborhoods. Norfolk’s planning materials classify Larchmont among the city’s more suburban-style areas.

Why consider Larchmont or Lochhaven?

• Close to Old Dominion University
• Predominantly residential character
• Access to waterfront scenery
• Convenient to central Norfolk
• Established homes and tree-lined streets

If you’re moving into a larger home, remember that Norfolk’s older neighborhoods can sometimes present moving-day challenges such as narrow streets, limited curb space, or specific parking considerations. Planning those details with your moving company ahead of time can make moving day much easier.

3. Colonial Place

Best for: Historic homes, residential character, and access to the Lafayette River

Colonial Place is another established Norfolk neighborhood worth considering. Located along the Lafayette River, it offers an attractive combination of older homes, mature trees, and proximity to the water.

Norfolk’s own neighborhood planning resources identify Colonial Place as an early-20th-century neighborhood. Homes in neighborhoods from this period tend to sit farther back from the street than those in Norfolk’s oldest districts and are often surrounded by larger trees.

Colonial Place can appeal to residents who like historic character but prefer a setting that feels more residential than the busiest parts of Ghent or Downtown.

Why consider Colonial Place?

• Established residential streets
• Historic architectural character
• Lafayette River location
• Convenient access to other central Norfolk neighborhoods
• Mix of city convenience and residential atmosphere

For anyone comparing homes in Colonial Place, it’s also smart to investigate the flood history and flood designation of the specific property rather than making assumptions based on the neighborhood as a whole.

4. East Beach

Best for: Coastal living and easy access to the Chesapeake Bay

If your idea of living in Norfolk includes being close to the beach, East Beach deserves a look.

East Beach sits along the Chesapeake Bay and offers a distinctly coastal atmosphere. The greater Ocean View and East Beach area provides access to beaches, water activities, restaurants, and other amenities near the shoreline.

This part of Norfolk can be especially attractive to people who want the Chesapeake Bay to be part of their everyday lifestyle rather than something they drive to occasionally.

Why consider East Beach?

• Chesapeake Bay location
• Beach access
• Coastal neighborhood atmosphere
• Nearby dining and recreation
• Convenient access to the broader Ocean View area

Moving near the water does come with additional considerations. Before buying or renting any coastal property in Norfolk, check the property’s individual flood zone, insurance requirements, and storm-related risks.

5. Ocean View

Best for: Beach access, a relaxed coastal setting, and a variety of housing options

Ocean View stretches along Norfolk’s Chesapeake Bay shoreline and gives residents something relatively unusual for a city: easy access to sandy beaches without leaving Norfolk.

The neighborhood includes a mixture of single-family and multifamily housing. Restaurants, local businesses, beach parks, and recreational opportunities contribute to Ocean View’s distinctive character.

Norfolk maintains multiple beach parks in the area, and residents can enjoy activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding in addition to spending time on the beach.

Why consider Ocean View?

• Easy Chesapeake Bay beach access
• Coastal lifestyle
• Single-family and multifamily housing
• Restaurants and recreation nearby
• Distinctive community atmosphere

Ocean View can be especially appealing if living close to the water ranks high on your list. As with East Beach, however, property-specific flood research should be an important part of your home search.

6. Historic Freemason

Best for: Historic architecture, Downtown access, and waterfront charm

Historic Freemason is one of Norfolk’s most distinctive neighborhoods.

Located next to Downtown, Freemason is Norfolk’s oldest standing neighborhood and is known for historic homes, tree-lined streets, cobblestone streets, gardens, and water views.

The East and West Freemason areas contain significant historic architecture, with buildings dating back to the late 1700s and 1800s.

Living here puts you close to Downtown Norfolk’s restaurants, entertainment, businesses, cultural attractions, and waterfront while maintaining a neighborhood atmosphere unlike most modern developments.

Why consider Freemason?

• Exceptional historic character
• Close to Downtown Norfolk
• Waterfront views
• Walkable surroundings
• Unique homes and architecture

If you’re moving into an older property, talk to your movers about access before moving day. Historic neighborhoods can have stairs, narrow entrances, limited parking, and other logistical challenges that are much easier to manage when planned for in advance.

7. Downtown Norfolk

Best for: Urban living, entertainment, restaurants, and a walkable lifestyle

For residents who want to be in the middle of the action, Downtown Norfolk is an obvious option.

Downtown is Norfolk’s urban waterfront center, with restaurants, shopping, entertainment, offices, cultural destinations, and residential buildings all close together. Granby Street serves as one of the area’s primary commercial corridors.

Housing is different from what you’ll find in Larchmont or Colonial Place. Apartments and condos are more common, making Downtown particularly appealing to people who prefer urban living over maintaining a traditional detached home.

Why consider Downtown Norfolk?

• Highly walkable urban environment
• Restaurants and entertainment nearby
• Waterfront location
• Convenient for some Downtown workers
• Apartment and condo options

Moving into a Downtown apartment or condo may require additional coordination. Ask about loading areas, elevator reservations, building access, parking restrictions, and designated moving hours before your scheduled move.

Which Norfolk Neighborhood Is Right for You?

There isn’t one Norfolk neighborhood that’s best for everyone.

If walkability, dining, and historic character are priorities, start with Ghent or Freemason.

If you want a more residential environment, consider Larchmont, Lochhaven, or Colonial Place.

If living near the Chesapeake Bay is at the top of your wish list, explore East Beach and Ocean View.

And if you prefer an urban lifestyle close to restaurants, entertainment, and the waterfront, Downtown Norfolk may make the most sense.

The best approach is to visit several neighborhoods at different times of day. A community that feels right on a Saturday afternoon may feel different during a weekday commute.

What Should You Know Before Moving to Norfolk, Virginia?

One of the most important considerations when choosing a home in Norfolk is flood risk.

Norfolk has more than 200 miles of riverfront and bayfront property. Because of its low elevation and proximity to waterways, parts of the city can experience flooding from heavy rain, tropical systems, nor’easters, tides, and storm surge.

Flood risk can vary from one property or street to another. Don’t assume that an entire neighborhood has the same risk.

Before signing a lease or purchasing a home, check the property’s flood zone and ask questions about previous flooding, insurance, elevation, and access during severe weather. The City of Norfolk provides property-specific flood information and mapping tools for residents.

Other factors to consider include your commute, parking availability, proximity to military installations or major employers, school needs, access to shopping, and the type of housing you prefer.

Moving to Norfolk, VA? Southside Moving and Storage Can Help

Finding your new neighborhood is the exciting part. Getting everything there safely is where Southside Moving and Storage comes in.

Whether you’re moving to a historic home in Ghent, an apartment Downtown, a house near Old Dominion University, or a coastal property in Ocean View, working with movers who understand Hampton Roads can simplify the process.

Local moves can have their own challenges, from apartment elevators and limited parking to narrow streets and large pieces of furniture. Planning ahead helps reduce surprises and keeps moving day on schedule.

Southside Moving and Storage provides professional moving and storage services for customers relocating in Norfolk and throughout Hampton Roads.

If you’re planning a move to Norfolk, contact Southside Moving and Storage to discuss your move and request an estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Norfolk, Virginia

What are the best neighborhoods to live in Norfolk, VA?

Popular Norfolk neighborhoods to consider include Ghent, Larchmont, Colonial Place, East Beach, Ocean View, Historic Freemason, and Downtown Norfolk. Each offers a different combination of housing, walkability, waterfront access, restaurants, and residential character.

What is a good walkable neighborhood in Norfolk?

Ghent, Freemason, and Downtown Norfolk are strong places to consider if walkability is important. Ghent combines residential streets with restaurants and local businesses, while Freemason and Downtown provide convenient access to many urban amenities.

Where should I live in Norfolk if I want to be near the beach?

Consider Ocean View and East Beach if you want to live near the Chesapeake Bay. Both provide convenient access to Norfolk’s shoreline and coastal recreation.

What Norfolk neighborhoods are near Old Dominion University?

Larchmont and Lochhaven are immediately associated with the Old Dominion University area and offer established residential surroundings close to campus.

Does Norfolk, Virginia, have historic neighborhoods?

Yes. Norfolk has several historic neighborhoods and districts. Ghent and Freemason are two of the most prominent examples. Colonial Place also reflects Norfolk’s early-20th-century residential development.

Does Norfolk have flooding?

Yes. Norfolk is a low-lying coastal city surrounded by waterways, so flooding is an important consideration when choosing a property. Risk varies by location. Check the City of Norfolk’s flood maps and property-specific flood information before buying or renting a home.

Is Norfolk, Virginia, a good place for coastal living?

Norfolk offers several communities where residents can live close to the water. Ocean View and East Beach provide Chesapeake Bay beach access, while neighborhoods such as Larchmont, Colonial Place, and Freemason also have strong connections to Norfolk’s waterways.

How do I choose the best Norfolk neighborhood for my move?

Start with your daily priorities: commute, housing type, walkability, beach or waterfront access, parking, nearby amenities, and budget. Visit your top neighborhoods in person and research the specific property, including its flood risk, before making a final decision.

Make Your Move to Norfolk Easier

Norfolk gives newcomers plenty of choices. You can settle into a historic neighborhood near Downtown, find a residential community along the Lafayette River, or wake up just blocks from the Chesapeake Bay.

Once you’ve found the right place, make sure your move is planned just as carefully.

Moving to Norfolk? Let Southside Moving and Storage Handle the Move

Once you’ve found the right Norfolk neighborhood, the next step is getting there. Southside Moving and Storage has been helping customers move for 20 years, with a Norfolk location at 1180 Lance Road, Norfolk, VA 23502.

Whether you’re moving into an apartment in Downtown Norfolk, a historic home in Ghent, Ocean View, Larchmont, a house near Old Dominion University, or a property near the East Beach, our experienced Norfolk Movers can help you plan and complete your move.

Southside Moving and Storage provides local and long-distance moving services throughout Norfolk, Hampton Roads, Virginia, and beyond. Our services include residential moving, apartment and condo moves, commercial relocations, packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, senior moving, military relocations, and specialty moving services.

Need extra time between homes? We can help with that too. Southside offers short-term and long-term storage at our Norfolk warehouse, including climate-controlled storage options, residential and commercial storage, and a military-approved warehouse with 24-hour monitoring.

We can also help with moves that require a little more planning. Our specialty moving services include piano moving, fine art moving, college dorm moves, in-home moving, same-day and emergency moves, decluttering, and other moving needs.

Most importantly, we understand the area. Moving in Norfolk can involve everything from navigating busy downtown streets and apartment elevators to handling historic homes, military relocations, and moves near the waterfront. Working with a Norfolk moving company that knows Hampton Roads can make the entire process easier.

Start Planning Your Norfolk Move

If one of these Norfolk neighborhoods is about to become your new home, Southside Moving and Storage is ready to help you get there.

Contact our Norfolk moving team to discuss your upcoming move, storage needs, packing services, or long-distance relocation. We offer free moving estimates and can create a moving plan based on your home, schedule, and destination.

Call Southside Moving and Storage at (757) 234-7080 or request a free moving quote online.

Your new Norfolk neighborhood is waiting. Let Southside Moving and Storage take care of getting you there.

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