River Oaks

If you’re looking for a home in a centrally located area of Norfolk, River Oaks is practically in the middle of everything. “One of the best features of the neighborhood is that it’s so close to almost everything Norfolk has to offer,” says Justin Rini of Prodigy Realty. Major highways surround much of the neighborhood, allowing easy access and quick drives to almost any point in the city.
Homes in River Oaks are primarily bungalow and ranch-style single-family dwellings. “On average, the homes in River Oaks were built in 1954. Most of the homes have been updated since then,” notes Rini. “Today, most homes sell between $245,000 and $300,000.”
River Oaks’ central location provides commuters easy access to most of the area’s largest employers. Sentara Health Care is less than two miles from the area. Norfolk International Airport is less than three miles. Commuting times to Norfolk Naval Station and Joint Amphibious Base Little Creek are under 15 minutes.
Located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk is surrounded by water on three sides. Fishermen, outdoorsmen and beach lovers relish the proximity to the surf, sand and sun. River Oaks is minutes from some of the best beaches on the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, including First Landing Beach and Virginia Beach.
For those who enjoy local parks, River Oaks Park sits in the middle of the neighborhood. It features basketball courts, a playground and picnic tables. Princess Anne Park is less than a mile away and has several playgrounds, volleyball courts and horseshoe pits. It also has multipurpose fields for baseball, soccer and football.
Public schools in the area include Ingleside Elementary. In 2022, the school’s Health and Phys Ed teacher, Karol Matthews, was named an Excellent Educator by a local news station. Her outstanding course curriculum and devotion to her students were cited in the award. The local middle school, Norview, launched an exciting new program called “Anchors Away for Reading and Writing” to boost academic skills post-pandemic in 2022.
The students, staff and families at Lake Taylor High School are justifiably proud of their football team. In the past 10 seasons, the team has won three state championships. In 2022, the team won 11 of its 13 games played.
But football isn’t the only popular sport in Norfolk. The Norfolk Tides, a Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, play at Harbor Park Stadium. The beautiful stadium overlooks the Elizabeth River, and home games are well-attended by enthusiastic crowds. The ballpark is only a 15-minute drive from River Oaks.
When it’s too cold for the beach or baseball, the city’s ice hockey team, the Norfolk Admirals, takes center stage. The team plays at the Scope Arena, a 13-minute drive from the neighborhood.
Theater lovers, shoppers, and foodies will also delight in all the options available just minutes away. Chrysler Hall is considered the premier performing arts center in Norfolk. The theater is home to such noteworthy organizations as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, the Virginia Arts Festival and the Norfolk Forum.
The Norfolk Premium Outlets carries designer clothing brands. If you prefer more of a boutique experience, venture over to nearby trendy Ghent to check out the many unique stores and businesses.
Spend a day trying to find the 80 or so fiberglass mermaids gracing downtown Norfolk. The city adopted the mermaid as its symbol in 1999. A local sculptor produced 130 figures that area artists decorated, and business and community leaders “adopted” for $2,000 apiece. No one is certain how many are still perched throughout the city, but to this day, the mermaid still represents this harbor town.
If you're hungry, there are plenty of dining options around River Oaks. Nearby Maymar is a hidden gem. It receives rave reviews for its Filipino dishes and poke bowls. Saltine is a 5-star restaurant that specializes in American and local cuisines. If you’re in the mood for seafood, head to nearby Chick’s Beach and try the cuisine at Chick’s Oyster Bar.
If you love the idea of living minutes from work, the beach, and plenty of entertainment, River Oaks could be your dream home.

Written By

Robin Beres

Photography Contributed By

Tim Acock

Video By

Tyler Hall