Hampton Roads & Coastal Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Independent city
Naval city with Ghent, downtown and a working harbor
Norfolk is an independent city at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, home to the world's largest naval base and a working waterfront. Historic Ghent, downtown and the NEON District give the city a dense urban core.
History & Local Character
Founded in 1682, Norfolk was burned in 1776 and rebuilt, then grew into a major port and shipbuilding center that remains the region's economic anchor.
Housing & Real Estate
Historic Ghent rowhouses, revived downtown apartments, Ocean View bungalows and suburban neighborhoods in the north give the city a wide, relatively affordable range.
Restaurants & Shopping
Ghent has the city's best neighborhood restaurant concentration, while downtown, the NEON District and Ocean View add breweries, oyster bars and waterfront spots.
Schools & Education
Norfolk Public Schools serves the city, with several magnet programs that draw applicants from across the region.
Parks & Recreation
Norfolk Botanical Garden, Town Point Park, Lafayette Park and Northside Park cover everything from formal gardens to riverfront lawns.
Transportation & Accessibility
I-64, I-264 and I-464 serve the city, with Norfolk International Airport, Amtrak and The Tide light rail providing connections.
Local Businesses
Independent restaurantsBreweriesArt galleriesCoffee roasters
Nearby Attractions
- Norfolk Naval Station
- Chrysler Museum of Art
- Norfolk Botanical Garden
- Waterside District
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Dense, walkable core
- Major arts and dining scene
- More affordable than Virginia Beach
Considerations
- Neighborhood variation in schools
- Flooding during nor'easters
- Industrial and port traffic
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norfolk part of any county?
No. Norfolk is an independent city and belongs to no county. Virginia's independent cities are county-equivalents.