Section Image

Berkley

Berkley

$253,738 Average Value
$840 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

History, industry and lower home prices in Berkley

Situated along the eastern branch of the Elizabeth River is Berkley, which stands as one of Norfolk's oldest and most historic communities characterized by its resilient community organizers. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Berkley was a bustling town until it was annexed by the city of Norfolk in 1906. Today, Berkley boasts the Berkley Historic District, a testament to its historical significance.

While history has played a significant role in Berkley’s development, today, Berkley maintains its mixed residential and industrial identity, with several shipyards dotting the neighborhood, including Colonna’s Shipyard and BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair. These industrial facilities provide employment opportunities and contribute to the local economy.

“The neighborhood provides older and affordable homes while still being in a convenient location to Downtown Norfolk and the shipyard,” says Andy Hubba, a Realtor with Exit Realty Professionals. The Berkley Bridge, a bascule bridge that spans the Elizabeth River, links the neighborhood to Downtown Norfolk for access to festivals, local eateries and vibrant nightlife. Additionally, the Downtown Tunnel provides easy access to Portsmouth, where charming shops and museums in Olde Towne await exploration.

Historic single-family homes with unique style

Berkley is filled with turn of 20th-century architecture and, in 2001, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Some of the most notable structures are New Saint James AME Church and Antioch Baptist Church on Dinwiddle Street. When it comes to homes in Berkley, they are situated on long, narrow, tree-shaded rectangular lots with sidewalks. The northern section of Berkley boasts some of the most historic homes in the area, showcasing architectural styles like Queen Anne, American Four Square, Craftsman bungalows and brick-style ranch houses. Home prices range from as low as $175,000 for two-bedroom properties to around $300,000 for spacious four-bedroom houses.

Academic opportunities at nearby public schools

Opening its doors in 1922, Blair Middle School was named after the founder of William & Mary, James Blair. The school offers the Blair Middle Specialty Program, a STEM-based learning strategy for students interested in prospective careers in medicine and science. Students at St. Helena Elementary School have been exercising their green thumb and learning about nutrition by implementing “tower gardens,” an aeroponic gardening system using air instead of soil. At Booker T. Washington High School, students can apply for the specialty program at the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, which has partnerships with the Virginia Ballet Theatre and area universities.

Play sports and picnic at neighborhood parks

Two community centers serve the neighborhood, including the Southside Boys & Girls Club, established in 1971 by neighbors to foster a safer space for youth. Adjacent to the club, Berkley Park is a gated open green space where residents often gather for picnics and neighborly parties. Residents can practice their ollies at the skate park or play tennis at the Berkley Community Center, a hub for outdoor recreation, events and classes. The South Main Street and Craig Street Playgrounds serve as two pocket parks in the community with a small playground area.

Groceries and fast-casual eats in Berkley

When it comes to everyday conveniences, Berkley has you covered. The recently opened Berkley Supermarket, a locally owned grocery store, provides fresh produce and meats. Inside the market, residents can savor the offerings of Thee SoulFood Kitchen, a hidden gem serving up homemade plates of Southern delicacies like yams and mac and cheese. Sal’s Pizza is the go-to spot for takeout for those craving authentic New York-style pizza, and on a hot summer’s day, Pelican’s Snoballs of South Norfolk offers icy snow cones.

The Berkley Reunion and the Berkley Historical Society

Aside from its storied past, Berkley’s resilient community members are the star of the show. For 30 years, the Berkley Reunion has brought together community residents to celebrate the neighborhood's cultural heritage. The event features community-led prayer, carnival games, live music and fundraisers for youth scholarships. The Berkley Historical Society is dedicated to sharing oral and pictorial histories of Berkley through the establishment of the Berkley-Campostella Museum. This mobile exhibit can be seen at neighborhood events.
Pao Cordero
Written By
Pao Cordero
David Schwartz
Photography Contributed By
David Schwartz
Nathan Allen
Video By
Nathan Allen

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Chene Avant, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Norfolk International

16 min drive

Bus

Main & Berkley

Bus

Liberty & Lancaster

Bus

Liberty & Grayson

Bus

Liberty & Sherman

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Berkley US
Homicide 7 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Berkley Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$199,000
Median Sale Price
$170,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$170,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$433,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
13%
Last 12 months Home Sales
53
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-59%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$840

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
734
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1973
Months of Supply
0.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,541
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,247
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,227

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Chene Avant, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
2,822
Median Age
39
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$47,500
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$54,150

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
76.6%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
15.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.3%
% Population in Labor Force
60.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
7''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

47 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

48 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

38 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Berkley neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Berkley