Originally farmland outside Norfolk city limits, Ghent transformed into a suburban neighborhood between 1890 and 1930. It hasn’t changed much since: many of the original Colonial Revival, Shingle and Queen Anne-style homes built back then are still standing. Some of the oldest and grandest homes in the city line one of Ghent’s first residential streets, Mowbray Arch, which overlooks The Hague waterfront. But there are apartments and condos available, too. “It’s a really cool place because the different styles and price points bring together a lot of different people and make for a really diverse community,” says Signature Homes Realtor Helen Makriyianis, who grew up in Norfolk. “People ride their bikes around here all the time, it’s great for anyone who’s looking for a walkable lifestyle.” Realtor Claudia Mackintosh of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices RW Towne Realty agrees that Ghent’s eclectic vibe and walkability are the two features that appeal most to homebuyers. “On Colonial Avenue, for instance, you might have a hair salon or an art gallery and then a six-unit condo building, then five rows of townhouses, and finally a single-family home that was built in 1912,” says the Norfolk native, who lived in Ghent for more than 30 years. “You can walk to parks and churches and pickleball and movies at the Naro and shops and grocery stores. It’s just really, really walkable, and that promotes a feeling of community, of neighborhood-ness.”
Tacos y Tequila has refreshing margaritas and great vibes in Ghent.
Take the dogs for a walk and meet new friends along the Botetourt Gardens in Ghent.
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Own (or rent) a piece of history
Prices here start at around $170,000 for one-bedroom condos in buildings from the late 1920s and can climb as high as $2.7 million for seven-bedroom brick Colonial Revival-style mansions built in the 1890s. “For a historic neighborhood, Ghent has a surprising amount of housing options,” says Makriyianis. “Owning or renting a little piece of Norfolk history is attainable. There’s everything from apartments and condos to the million-dollar, historic mansions.” Mackintosh agrees, adding that its “eclectic mix of different types of residential properties” is central to Ghent’s appeal. “There are single-family homes, multifamily buildings that were constructed as multifamily back in the ‘40s and ‘50s, condo and co-op conversions, as well as even commercial properties dotted here and there,” she says. Since much of the area is designated as a historic district, restrictions limit changes homeowners can make to the exterior of their homes. In some cases, those restrictions extend even to interior updates.
Gothic homes along the river are a sight to behold in Ghent.
Queen Anne style homes along the river offer great view of the sunset.
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Boutiques and eats around the corner
Residents have their pick of three grocery stores within a mile of home, between Fresh Market, Food Lion and Harris Teeter. Colley Avenue, near the heart of Ghent and known simply as “Colley” by Norfolk natives, is a hotspot for retail and restaurants with a local flair. “It has a lot of super cool little shops,” says Makriyianis, adding that Kitsch is one of her favorite places to pick up gifts. Texture and Ghent Antiques, nearby, are both popular for vintage and handmade treasures. Mackintosh says Colley, and by extension Ghent, is at the heart of Norfolk’s food scene, adding that it’s impossible for her to pick a top favorite eatery. That said, she’s partial to Taste, on 21st Street, for lunches, salads and wine; No Frill Bar & Grill, on Colley, for “gigantic portions at reasonable prices;” and Orapax, in West Ghent, for Greek food. “Those are three that come to mind, but I could easily name 15 more. There are so many great locally owned and operated restaurants within walking distance.”
Fair Grounds Coffee in Ghent is not just a great pun, but great coffee too.
Bring your four legged friend to the family owned Little Dog Diner in Ghent.
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Parks, gardens, art and opera
At Plum Point Park, which overlooks the waterfront on Ghent’s south end, locals can access the Elizabeth River Trail or work up a sweat on the exercise course. There’s also a meditation maze near the river. The Stockley Gardens are manicured median spaces that stretch between West Olney Road and Redgate Avenue across from three of the neighborhood’s religious institutions, Christ & St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Ghent United Methodist and Ohef Sholom Temple. The Stockley Gardens Arts Festival has taken over the normally quiet area twice a year since 1985. Once in the spring and again in the fall, the gardens teem with food vendors, live music and works from more than 135 artists. The Chrysler Museum of Art, less than a mile away, gives residents a chance to enjoy fine art year-round. And the nearby Harrison Opera House, in addition to hosting Virginia Opera and Virginia Symphony Orchestra performances, acts as a venue for kids’ ballet recitals and high school orchestra, band and choral concerts. On Colley Avenue, Naro Expanded Cinema shows cult classics like The Rocky Horror Picture Show as well as the latest blockbusters. The iconic theater has been a landmark on Colley for nearly 50 years.
Runners enjoying the nice day along the Stockley Gardens in Ghent.
Outdoor sculptures can be seen at the Bill and Leslie Hennessy Sculpture Walk in Ghent
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Norfolk Public Schools; Medical magnet program
Kids between preschool and fifth grade go to Taylor Elementary, which receives a B-minus grade from Niche. Older students go to Blair Middle and Maury High School. Blair gets a C from Niche while Maury gets a B-plus. Maury draws teens from around the city for its Medical and Health Specialties Program, a magnet program offered in partnership with the Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS). Most of the program’s classes are offered on Maury’s campus, but students typically have the opportunity to shadow doctors and observe surgeries at EVMS Medical Center just a mile and a half away.
Blair Middle School serves children from many surrounding neighborhoods.
The Maury High School serves all teenagers in grades 9-12 in the Ghent Square neighborhood.
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Downtown and midtown convenience
With shady sidewalks and the Elizabeth River Trail webbed throughout the neighborhood, Ghent is highly walkable. Mackintosh says that’s one of the biggest perks of living here. “You could park your car here on a Friday and not get back in it till you have to leave for work Monday morning, and easily walk to everything you might want to do,” she says. Getting around by bus is easy here, too, with several Hampton Roads Transit stops within half a mile of most homes. Downtown is less than 2 miles southeast, a drive that can take less than 10 minutes via Brambleton Avenue, depending on traffic. Locals commuting to Naval Station Norfolk can hop on Hampton Boulevard. The main thoroughfare runs through the length of Norfolk’s east side, from the Midtown Tunnel under the Elizabeth River on Ghent’s south side to the Navy base just west of Willoughby Spit. Portsmouth, on the south side of the Midtown Tunnel, is about 3 miles away.
Historic Ghent sits on the Mowbray Arch along the Hague.
Catch the Tide in Ghent, a 7.4 mile light rail, all along Norfolk to get around the city.
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Stockley Gardens in Ghent - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, nice natural light, corner unit with covered parkingClose to EVMS, CHKD, Art District, and Downtown - Barkley Gardens Dog Park just across the street. This is a great opportunity to own in Ghent and enjoy all this community has to offer.
This enchanting home is one of a kind, boasting historic charm combined with modern, tasteful updates throughout. The downstairs features a spacious living area with French doors leading you into the dining room, and opens to an eat-in kitchen with beautiful cabinets, ceramic tile, and wainscoting detail. There is a spacious utility room with laundry and plenty of extra storage space, and an
This tastefully updated one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment offers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and convenience in the heart of Norfolk. Ideally located just moments from EVMS, downtown, and the vibrant Ghent neighborhood, this residence puts the best of city living right at your doorstep. Upon entry, you are welcomed into a thoughtfully designed space with a functional layout and
Live the way you've always wanted—without compromising on style or quality. At Pembroke, our thoughtfully designed studio-, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes offer the perfect blend of modern convenience and timeless comfort. Nestled in the heart of lively Norfolk, Virgina, Pembroke provides easy access to the city's best dining, shopping, and entertainment. Whether you're relaxing in
Condo in the heart of Ghent. Across Colley Ave from EVMS and Norfolk Sentara hospital. Two balconies on the second floor and a front porch on the first floor. Shared backyard for all four units. Updated kitchen and baths. Hardwood and ceramic floors throughout. Updated appliances to include an European refrigerator and gas stove. Large kitchen with island bar and plenty of work space.
Riverview Lofts isn't just a place to live; it's a lifestyle. Our community is designed to provide you with the utmost convenience and luxury. Enjoy a wealth of amenities, from a heated pool and rooftop river view lounge to a 24-hour fitness center and direct access to the Elizabeth River Trail. With pet-friendly spaces, outdoor grills, and more, we offer a comprehensive experience that enriches
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
5,299
Median Age
36
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$68,955
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$100,834
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.8%
College Graduates
70%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
35.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
73.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
7''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
62/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
78/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
60/ 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.
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.
