Is living in Norfolk Chesapeake in your future? Norfolk is one of the oldest cities in the US, founded in 1682 and incorporated in 1705. The city is renowned for its stunning waterfront views, rich naval history, and vibrant arts and culture, which includes numerous museums.
You’ll find the Virginia Opera, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, the Virginia Stage Company, and the NEON District, Norfolk’s arts district, a hub for contemporary art, murals, galleries, and studios. Norfolk is a diverse city with a booming economy.
The city is home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base, with 62,000 active-duty personnel, 75 ships, and 132 aircraft.
Norfolk’s rich culinary scene is showcased by the Norfolk Greek Festival and the Town Point Virginia Wine Festival. Several public universities reside in Norfolk, including Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, and Eastern Virginia Medical School, a prestigious health-sciences school.
The city is home to two professional sports franchises, the Norfolk Tides baseball team in the International League and the Norfolk Admirals ice hockey team in the ECHL. You’ll love the diversity, culture, and entertainment when living in Norfolk Chesapeake.
Where Is Norfolk, VA?
Norfolk is located on the southeastern coast of Virginia, bordered to the west by the Elizabeth River and to the north by the Chesapeake Bay. It’s the fourth most populous city in Virginia and is part of the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metro area. Most people living in Norfolk Chesapeake will travel and commute by car, but Hampton Roads Region Transit does offer a bus system and light rail.
Map of Norfolk, VA
Find out more about the town with this map while living in Norfolk Chesapeake:
Norfolk VA Population and Demographics
Norfolk is a diverse city, as showcased by the numerous annual festivals that celebrate the heritage and culture of various ethnic groups. The Norfolk Greek Spring Festival, the Bayou Bon Vivant: Cajun Music & Food Festival, Juneteenth in the Park, the Latino Music Festival, and CaribFest are among the festivals that offer residents and visitors alike opportunities to experience the food, music, and culture of diverse ethnicities. The Norfolk population is 238,005.
Norfolk racial and ethnic demographics:
- White: 44.0%
- Black or African American: 39.8%
- Native American and Alaskan Native: 0.5%
- Asian: 3.7%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.1%
- Two or more races: 8.0%
- Hispanic or Latino: 9.9%
- White alone, not Hispanic or Latino 41.5%
Overview of Norfolk demographics:
- Population density: 4,468 per square mile
- Median age: 32.4
- Sex ratio: 50.7% males, 49.3% females
- Median household income: $64,017
- Educational attainment: 89.6% high school degree or higher, 32.7% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 7.7%
- Veteran population: 23,269
Is Living in Norfolk Chesapeake Safe?
The Norfolk Police Department is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service to the community, working with residents to ensure a secure environment. Norfolk averages 4,352 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 91% higher than the national average.
The violent crime rate in Norfolk is 48% higher than the national average. There are 537 violent crimes per 100,000 people in Norfolk compared to 236 violent crimes per 100,000 people in Virginia. Norfolk’s high crime rate is due to specific high crime areas that can be easily avoided. Most Norfolk areas are safe places to live.
Norfolk VA Cost of Living
The cost of living in Norfolk Chesapeake is 4% higher than the US average but 4% lower than the state average. Housing makes up the biggest piece of the Norfolk cost of living. Housing costs in Norfolk are 14% lower than the state average. The median sale price of a home in Norfolk is $310,000. Of the Norfolk VA homes currently for sale, the average square foot cost is $211.
There is a wide variety of both old and new homes going up in the city. Check out some of the many homes for sale Norfolk VA. Rental prices in Norfolk average $1,448 for an 873-square-foot apartment, according to RentCafe. As a comparison, residents of Richmond pay about $1,546 a month for rent. So, you can save a bit of money staying in Norfolk! You can find apartments in Norfolk VA for rent and homes for rent in Norfolk VA on RentCafe.
For those who prefer more flexible or short-term stays while exploring the area, Rent By Owner also offers a wide range of vacation rentals in Norfolk, from waterfront homes to fully furnished apartments, making it easier to settle in before committing to a long-term lease.
Typical Norfolk Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $18.50
- Domestic beer: $8.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.71
- Dozen eggs: $4.31
- 1 pound of chicken: $6.83
- Average Norfolk monthly utility bill: $126.92
Source: Numbeo, Norfolk
The Best Neighborhoods in Norfolk
Norfolk has a variety of neighborhoods, including waterfront communities, historic neighborhoods and homes, and modern developments. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Norfolk:
Talbot Park
Living in Norfolk Chesapeake’s Talbot Park neighborhood comes with an established community featuring a mix of Cape Cods, ranch-style homes, mid-century, Colonial, and Dutch Revival-style homes along tree-lined streets. Schools, parks, shopping, dining, Downtown Norfolk, and sandy beaches are all minutes away.
Larchmont/Edgewater
Looking for a family-friendly waterfront community with tree-lined streets and picturesque views while living in Norfolk Chesapeake? This is it! Homes are mainly in the Colonial Revival style, but Victorian and Craftsman architecture are sprinkled throughout. Amenities include beaches, parks, and nearby schools.
Lakewood
This is a quiet neighborhood on the peninsula, situated between the Lafayette River and Wayne Creek, offering scenic views of the water and surrounding woodlands. The community is a mix of Cape Cod, Colonial Revival, and Tudor Revival homes. Lakewood is conveniently located near Norfolk Naval Base, Old Dominion University, parks, and a variety of restaurants.
Norfolk VA Weather & Climate
Is coastal living in Norfolk Chesapeake calling your name? The weather Norfolk VA has is beautiful. Norfolk has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Summer temperatures typically range between 78-90°F. Winters are usually mild, with average lows around 33°F and highs in the upper-40s to mid-50s.
Spring and fall are marked by mild to warm days and cool nights. Norfolk gets an average of 47 inches of rain per year, most of it in July and August, when frequent thunderstorms and tropical storms occur. Snowfall is sporadic, with an average accumulation of 6.2 inches per year.
On average, Norfolk experiences 215 sunny days per year in Norfolk. The US average is 205 sunny days. The best time of year to visit Norfolk is from mid-May to mid-June and from late August to mid-October.
Things to Do in Norfolk VA
Norfolk offers beaches, activities for all ages, and great entertainment. You’ll also find convenient local shopping at Norfolk Premium Outlets, the MacArthur Center, and Selden Market. Here are some of the top things to do near Norfolk:
Virginia Zoo
Truly one of the best things to do Norfolk offers. The world-class Virginia Zoo was founded in 1901 and spans 53 acres. The zoo is home to over 700 animals representing more than 150 different species, and more than 500,000 visitors come through its doors every year. Those living in Norfolk Chesapeake with kids will love coming here.
3500 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23504, (757) 441-2374
Chrysler Museum of Art
The Chrysler Museum comprises 50 galleries and an ever-expanding collection of over 35,000 objects. The Museum is home to the Wonder Studio, an interactive space designed for children and families that utilizes digital technology to create an immersive art experience. The Chrysler’s Perry Glass Studio is a state-of-the-art facility and the only one of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic region.
1 Memorial Pl, Norfolk, VA 23510, (757) 664-6200
USS Wisconsin BB-64
One of the most unique things to do while living in Norfolk Chesapeake is The Battleship Wisconsin. Now a museum and historical landmark, it is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. Visitors can explore its deck on their own or take a guided tour back in time and experience how the ship earned five battle stars during WWII.
1 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510, (757) 664-1000
Additional Attractions in Norfolk, VA:
- Norfolk Botanical Garden
- Hampton Roads Naval Museum
- Virginia Stage Company
- Town Point Park
- Elizabeth River Trail
- Ocean Breeze Waterpark
Wondering what to do in Norfolk VA? Thankfully, living in Norfolk Chesapeake offers lots of recreational activities in a variety of city parks, as well as 3 beaches along its north shore. Lafayette Park features lighted baseball fields, basketball, disc golf, a kayak launch, tennis courts, picnic shelters, and a playground.
Lakewood Park has lighted baseball and softball fields, basketball courts, a dance/music program, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters, a playground, and tennis courts. At Northside Park, visitors enjoy an indoor aquatics center with programs and classes, basketball courts, nature viewing, picnic shelters, a skate park, and lighted softball fields.
Norfolk VA Restaurants
Norfolk is the place for fresh local seafood, but you can also find American fare, Italian bistros, steak houses, and much more. Here are some of the popular restaurants to check out while living in Norfolk Chesapeake:
No Frill Bar And Grill
No Frill serves up fresh American fare and homemade desserts in a spacious, welcoming atmosphere. The menu features pita, burgers, sandwiches, and entrees, including the Famous Meatloaf, Portabella Pasta, and Crispy Chicken Burrito. They have daily lunch and dinner specials and Sunday brunch as well.
806 Spotswood Ave, Norfolk, VA 23517, (757) 627-4262
Varia
Varia is a trattoria-inspired Italian restaurant that includes a lounge, piano bar, and tasting room. Varia offers modern Italian fare and an extensive wine list of over 200 bottles. From handmade pasta to Lobster Risotto to Rigatoni Bolognese, every dish is handcrafted and seasoned to perfection. It’s the perfect date night restaurant to go to while living in Norfolk Chesapeake!
100 E Main St, Norfolk, VA 23510, (757) 763-6281
Captain Groovy’s Grill & Raw Bar
Captain Groovy’s is a laid-back, wharf-themed seafood restaurant that features fresh local seafood with a touch of creative flair. It’s one of the best restaurants Norfolk VA offers. They also serve wings, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and pasta. The Seafood Platter and the Fish & Chips are highlights on the menu. This is a favorite for those living in Norfolk Chesapeake.
8101 Shore Dr, Norfolk, VA 23518, (757) 965-4667
Jobs in Norfolk VA
Living in Norfolk Chesapeake offers job opportunities in a number of different industries, including maritime activities, manufacturing, shipping, logistics, shipbuilding, information technology, and healthcare.
A major employer in Norfolk is Sentara Healthcare, an integrated, non-profit healthcare delivery system with 30,000 employees, 12 hospitals in Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina, and more than 1 million members in its Sentara Health Plans division.
Sentara is one of the largest healthcare systems in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and Southeast and in the top 20 biggest not-for-profit integrated health systems in the country. Other major employers include Norfolk City Public Schools, Dominion Enterprises, Old Dominion University, and Bank of America. If you’re looking for a job in Norfolk, look at Indeed and the City of Norfolk employment page.
Schools in Norfolk Virginia
Those moving to Norfolk will love the Norfolk public schools! Norfolk City Public Schools (NPS) consists of 5 high schools, 8 middle schools, 34 elementary schools, and 9 special-purpose/preschools.
Some of the top-performing schools in the public education system here include Academy for Discovery at Lakewood (a middle school), Larchmont Elementary, and Walter Herron Taylor Elementary. NPS partners with parents and the community to ensure that all students maximize their academic potential, develop skills for lifelong learning, and become successful in the global society.
If you’re looking for private schools while living in Norfolk Chesapeake, check out Norfolk Academy, Ocean View Christian Academy, and Ryan Academy of Norfolk.
If you are looking for higher education options, Norfolk is home to several colleges and universities, including Virginia Wesleyan University, Old Dominion, Norfolk State University, and Tidewater Community College.
The Norfolk Public Library comprises one main library, two anchor libraries, nine branch libraries, and a bookmobile and is a great place to read a book or check out movies, CDs, DVDs, and much more. Check the events calendar for programs and events for kids, teens, and adults.
Norfolk VA Statistics & Information
- County: Norfolk is an independent city
- Area: 96.40 square miles
- Norfolk VA zip code: 23501–23515, 23517–23521, 23523, 23529, 23541, 23551
- Area codes: 757, 948
- Elevation: 7 feet
- Time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- Closest Norfolk VA airport: Norfolk International Airport, 10.1 miles away
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