Portsmouth

Rising from farmlands that once hugged the Elizabeth River, Park View was one of Portsmouth’s first suburbs, built to house shipping and railroad workers who converged on the city as it transformed into a global transportation hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Eye-catching homes from the era – Queen Annes, American Four-Squares, Colonial Revivals – fill a neat grid of streets, once linked to downtown by electric streetcars. Today, families dock their boats steps from home, and healthcare workers enjoy proximity to the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. “There are lots of young singles moving in and young couples moving in,” says Keith Toler, Assistant Director of the Portsmouth Department of Museums & Tourism. “Over by the entrance to the naval hospital they built an apartment complex.” Park View was named for its proximity to the city’s first public park, which was on the vast grounds of the naval hospital. Unfortunately, after 9/11, the campus and its park were closed to the public. Views of the river are still impressive, however, on a 1.5-mile walk that begins just south of the hospital. “There’s a long linear park, Crawford Bay Park, running from the naval hospital down to the seawall, which goes to the marina and then goes to the amphitheater,” Toler says. With its wild splash nozzles, the nearby Portsmouth Splash Park is a popular summertime spot for kids to cool off. For sand and surf, Virginia Beach is just twenty miles east. Park View itself doesn’t have any noteworthy restaurants but a fun escape is High Street, an eight-block stretch of restaurants, bars and boutiques backdropped by murals in Olde Towne. One Olde Towne favorite is Still Worldly Eclectic Tapas, a modern speakeasy serving classic cocktails and small plates. The art-deco Commodore Theater in Olde Towne is a regional draw. “The Commodore Theater is one of a kind,” Toler says. “There are tables with lamps and telephones, where you place your order. It’s really unique and it has the only THX sound system in Hampton Roads.” High Street stretches to the Elizabeth River, where a ferry departs for a scenic 30-minute ride to Norfolk’s Waterside District, another convivial hub. The well-regarded Children's Museum of Virginia is also in Olde Towne. There is a Food Lion not far from the neighborhood. Olde Towne has a robust festival schedule, particularly in summer. “The Umoja Festival is the oldest African American festival in Virginia, and we have the Seawall Festival, which coincides with HarborFest in Norfolk,” Toler says. “We have a 600-seat amphitheater on the water here in Olde Towne that brings all kinds of acts, starting in May and running through October.” Historic homes, many with covered porches, evoke a simpler time, particularly along Webster Avenue and Hatton Street. “Lots of residents are buying here and renovating homes while keeping their historic charm,” says Lisa Sinibaldi, a Realtor with Swell Real Estate Co. But not all of the homes are turn-of-the-century Victorian charmers. Appealing bungalows, craftsman homes, ranchers and condominiums are also in the mix. Curbed sidewalks link many homes, which are typically set close to the street on compact lawns along a grid of tree-lined streets plotted in the 1880s and 1890s. Many also have small driveways, but streets are typically wide with ample parking. Homes range from $100,000 to about $500,000. Today, many people move here for the water access, Sinbaldi says, with some docking their boats on the river beside their homes while others keep their boats at the nearby marinas. This former “streetcar suburb” has lost its streetcar but the commute to downtown Portsmouth and its bustling Olde Towne is an easy one mile. For a scenic walk to the downtown action, pedestrians can stroll the paved seawall. It’s also a quick commute to the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in the northern reaches of the neighborhood. The hospital employs about 4,300 people. Beyond Portsmouth, commuting times get trickier. A handful of bridges and tunnels link Portsmouth with Norfolk and surrounding coastal communities, which means traffic can get heavy at rush hour as cars converge at limited crossing points. Hampton Roads Transit buses connect Portsmouth with the Downtown Norfolk Transit Center. Waterview Elementary, which changed its name from John Tyler Elementary in 2021, spotlights reading, and the school has two reading specialists on staff. Niche rates the school a C-. Families take note: no tank tops or jeans with holes above the knee are allowed at Churchland Middle. The school earns a B from Niche. Grad students from the biological sciences department at Old Dominion University regularly stop by Churchland High School to lead the Wildlife Club on learning excursions in nearby coastal wetlands. Students immerse in nature thanks to a grant that helps connect underrepresented groups with wildlife and the outdoors. Niche awards the high school a grade of B.

In the early 20th century, Churchland was acres of farmland where local farmers tended their land, harvesting potatoes and peanuts. Today, it's an established area of Portsmouth, bordered by the waters of the Elizabeth River, where residents enjoy the conveniences of modern-day suburban life. The homes of Churchland are highly sought after due to their location near the Elizabeth River. Many homes in the community have private backyard piers and boat docks, perfect for parking kayaks, fishing and watching golden sunsets. Architectural styles in Churchland range from sprawling ranch-style homes with brick and stone masonry to charming cape cods with long driveways and detached garages. The neighborhood also features expansive traditional constructions, colonials with ample yards, and a few townhome and condo communities. Home sizes range from around 800 to 4,000 square feet, and prices range from $150,00 for a two-bed condo to $560,000 for a waterfront gem. “It’s very affordable, and houses vary in size but typically have larger lots,” says Kaleo Kina, a Realtor and the Chief Operating Officer of CoVA Collective Realty. Churchland kids attend Portsmouth City Public Schools, including Churchland Elementary, which is ranked with an overall score of B-minus, according to Niche. Churchland Middle is adjacent to the elementary school, where the schools converge on 35.3 acres, featuring several sports fields where local little leagues practice and compete in tournaments. Churchland Middle and High School not only share a B Niche rating but also a mascot, the “Truckers,” which is an homage to Churchland’s past as a thriving farmstead community. The nearby Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve spans 142 acres and is a quiet escape from the sounds of the city. While the preserve’s trails do not permit running, biking or pets, residents enjoy scenic walks through the towering pines while observing native wildlife. Whether walking around Lake Ballard or kayaking through Hoffler Creek, this preserve is a go-to natural area for those seeking solace amidst its salt marshes. Churchland residents can find several shopping centers and grocery stores along Churchland Boulevard, including Harris Teeter, Food Lion, and Aldi, for quick grocery runs. Barbers, thrift shops, spas, convenience stores, and Planet Fitness are peppered among fast-food chains and local eateries throughout this retail district. JoJack’s Espresso Bar & Cafe is a casual coffee shop with European-inspired sandwiches and steamy lattes, and Gourmet Burger Bistro is known for its specialty burgers. Dog-friendly MoMac Brewing Company is an ideal place to unwind after work with a house-brewed IPA or ale, while live music, trivia nights and rotating food trucks accompany the beers and seltzers served at nearby Harbor Trail Brewing Company. “This is a quiet area close to major highways,” Kina says. If you’re in the military, the Craney Island US Naval Supply Center and US Coast Guard Base are major employers within the neighborhood, making morning commutes a breeze. The area boasts access to major highways such as the Western Freeway and Hampton Roads Beltway. Proximity to these avenues offers expedient travel to the other sections of Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, and Norfolk. With the Churchland area only 5 miles from Portsmouth's downtown and waterfront, residents can easily enjoy the city's many events, from festivals and concerts to art shows and parades. The annual Umoja Festival is a three-day celebration of unity and African-American culture with live music, food, crafts and an African-American heritage tour of Portsmouth. The Memorial Day Parade has celebrated the city's proud military past since 1884, and the Seawall Art Show features the work of over 85 local artists each year.

From strolls in the park to boating on the Elizabeth River, living in Park Manor, a suburban waterfront community of Portsmouth, provides residents with abundant recreation without breaking the bank. Though a larger neighborhood, homeowners value its know-your-neighbor vibe, which can be felt at events hosted by the city. “I like where I live because of the community,” says Cathy Hartry, a resident who works at Hartung Gallery & Art Supplies, a business located in the neighborhood. A staple of the community is Portsmouth City Park, where many locals spend an afternoon outside. Visitors enjoy fishing for striped bass in the Elizabeth River, thanks to its public boat ramp, and attending outdoor movie nights during the summer. “I used to take my grandkids there all the time,” says Hartry. “There are always people having picnics on the grass there.” Residents also enjoy attending weekend Olive Branch Little League baseball games on the fields along Clifford Street and racing go-karts nearby at LeMans Karting. The Elizabeth Manor Golf & Country Club also boasts a social setting, offering private access to an 18-hole par 70 championship course, a swimming pool and year-round tennis courts. With its desirable riverfront location, many residents in Park Manor have private piers and boat docks for convenient access to sailing and fishing. Its homes were built in the 1950s and 1960s in Cape Cod and Colonial styles. Each features one-car driveways and abundant trees adorning both front and back yards. Living in Park Manor is cost-effective, with prices ranging from $215,000 for modest homes and up to $450,000 for homes sitting on the water. “It’s one of the most equitable markets with affordable waterfront properties,” says Michael Amory, a Realtor with BHHS RW Towne Realty who has sold almost 20 homes in the community. Locals head to Festival Park downtown for Portsmouth citywide events like the Annual Umoja Festival, one of Virginia’s longest-running events, celebrating African American history and culture. Meanwhile, live jazz and blues music can be appreciated under the stars at the Sunset Thursdays series during the summer. Portsmouth Boulevard runs through Park Manor and is home to several fast-food chains, local eateries and Food Lion for quick grocery trips. Residents catch up with friends over breakfast at Yoolks On Us, a Southern comfort-style restaurant, and pick up slices from East Side Pizza. “It is a popular spot amongst locals and is usually pretty busy,” says Hartry. Retail therapy is found along walks through Victoria Crossing, home to Shoppers World, Lowes, DTLR and several other stores. Young students take classes at Hodges Manor Elementary School, which maintains a C on Niche and offers a Lego Robotics Team for students interested in STEM-based extracurriculars. Older students head to William E. Waters Middle School, which has a B-minus on Niche and Manor High School, which has been given a C-plus grade. Those making the daily commute into downtown Norfolk for work can reach the area in a 5.8-mile drive via I-264 East, which also carries travelers to Norfolk International Airport, just 9 miles farther out. The hospital at Bon Secours Medical Center is closer to home, a 2.2-mile trip along Airline Boulevard and classes at Tidewater Community College, which sits less than a mile away, off Victory Boulevard.

From trips to the community pool, nights at the casino and leisurely games of golf, living in Cavalier Manor, an established suburb of the port city of Portsmouth, offers residents several ways to relax and connect with neighbors. “Cavalier Manor was primarily an African American area up until about seven or eight years ago,” says Ray Smith, a long-time local and President of the Civic League. “Now people from different backgrounds are moving to the neighborhood. My neighbors just moved here from Honduras.” Residents might work at the fulfillment centers and warehouses south of the neighborhood while their kids attend Lakeview Elementary or William E. Waters Middle School, both of which sit within walking distance of some Cavalier Manor homes. The nearby Cavalier Manor Recreation Center, pool and tennis courts give locals a space to hang out or get active with their neighbors. Those who live in homes along Lake Cavalier have private access to the water when they want to fish for largemouth bass or spotted bass. Most Cavalier Manor residents own ranch homes along Lake Cavalier or condos near Interstate 264. “Most people rehab their homes. Some tore everything down to the studs and built bigger homes,” Smith says. “People choose to move here because it’s quiet, the lawns are manicured and the recreation facilities are nearby.” Homes often feature moderate yards, attached garages and four bedrooms and range from $130,000 to $400,000. Those who don't need so much space settle into condos with over 900 square feet for $95,000 to $135,000. Skinny paved sidewalks run in front of the homes, giving dog walkers and runners a path to use when getting outside. Locals might also walk down the sidewalk to a Hamptons Road Transit bus stop along Roosevelt Boulevard, Horne Avenue or Greenwood Drive. The neighborhood also sits north of fulfillment centers and warehouses, where residents might work to stay close to home. Parents can walk their young children to Lakeview Elementary School, which sits in the middle of the neighborhood and gets a C from Niche. The B-minus-rated William E. Waters Middle School offers students a chance to nurture their green thumbs through the Cavalier Cadet Gardeners club. Teenagers head to C-minus-rated I.C. Norcom High School to join the Greyhounds family. The recently opened Rivers Casino on Victory Boulevard serves as a hub of nightlife, where locals can try their luck at the slot machines and enjoy a cocktail. A few blocks down the road, golf enthusiasts spend the day shooting for a hole-in-one at Bide-A-Wee Golf Course. The Cavalier Manor Recreation Center, which lives in the heart of the neighborhood, provides many activities for the community. In the summertime, residents cool off in the community pool. Additionally, the center features an indoor gym, a playscape for children, and basketball and tennis courts, making it an ideal gathering spot. The United Civic League of Cavalier Manor supports residents' well-being by organizing community events. Monthly meetings and food drives are just some initiatives that bring neighbors together. Several shopping centers are nearby, including the Victory Crossing Shopping Center, which features a Farm Fresh grocery store, Rainbow clothing store and Dollar Tree. Locals might prefer the Food Lion on Airline Boulevard for their grocery needs. For a quick, no-frills lunch, residents pop over to Razorback to order a breakfast sandwich, a classic burger or a fresh sub. Visitors to the Rivers Casino keep the party going by having dinner at Admiral’s Steak & Seafood, just next door. Friends catch up with a bite to eat and drinks at Cully’s Grille on Airline Boulevard. Festival Park, which sits near Elizabeth River in central Portsmouth, gets busy with the Umoja Festival every May. Umoja is a Kiswahili word meaning “unity” and perfectly captures the spirit of the festival celebrations. The Umoja Festival has been a local tradition for over 30 years, and visitors come to browse hand-made items for sale, try new foods and dance around to live music. Smith says the community also gets together for bike ride events, and football teams from Washington D.C. and Raleigh, North Carolina travel to Cavalier Manor to compete with the local athletes in the competitive league. When Cavalier Manor residents want to get away and take a trip, they can be in Chesapeake after a 15-minute drive or Norfolk after a 20-minute drive. Virginia Beach is also a popular vacation destination, and locals can rest on the sandy shores there in less than an hour. Those who need to catch a flight at Norfolk International Airport might drive for 30 minutes down Interstate 264 to get there.

With deep nautical roots, Cradock was established in 1918 to accommodate workers who were employed at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard during World War I. Named for British Rear Admiral Sir Christopher Cradock, this historic neighborhood still houses employees of the shipyard today. Restored wetlands on the Elizabeth River allow locals to fish or kayak its waters at Paradise Creek Park. “Cradock offers homebuyers terrific value for their money and is centrally located and near the shipyard," says Jason Zepernick, a Realtor with 757 Pros Realty. Bungalows, Cape Cods and Colonial-inspired homes line quiet streets with fenced yards, and sidewalks allow for easy strolls to nearby Cradock Elementary School and Cradock Middle School. Homes near Historic Afton Square can be dated back to the 1940s, with varying styles from brick bungalows to little Cape Cods. Craftsman homes with covered porches and brick columns line these quiet streets near the town center. “You can find a nice three-bedroom, two-bath house that has been newly renovated in the $150,000 to $250,000 price range,” Zepernick says. Across George Washington Highway on West Afton Parkway is a subdivision of about 60 or more newly constructed two-story homes with attached garages and wide driveways. These three- or four-bedroom homes are priced over $300,000, while a two-story Colonial from the early 1900s with three bedrooms starts around $245,000. Cradock is 11 miles from Norfolk International Airport and only 6 miles from Downtown Norfolk via Highway 141 N and Interstate 264 E. However, traffic heading across the river gets particularly congested. The Naval Shipyard of Norfolk is just 1 or 2 miles away across Paradise Creek, making it easy for employees to commute there. Locals head to the Food Lion on Victory Boulevard for groceries. Nearby is Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and a Waffle House. For authentic Caribbean cuisine, locals try Guava and indulge in the aromatic flavors of their signature jerk chicken. Next to Planet Fitness is Victory Rivers Burger Bistro, where guests can smoke a cigar, eat a gourmet burger and drink world-class wine. Cradock is also less than 3 miles from charming Olde-Towne Portsmouth, where several quirky and locally owned restaurants and shops can be perused up and down High Street. For larger grocery runs, the nearest Walmart and Lowe’s are 3 miles west on Airline Boulevard. “Portsmouth has invested a lot in the city’s parks and recreation,” Zepernick says. The city’s efforts can be seen at Paradise Creek Park, with its restored wetlands and marshes. This natural escape from the sounds of the city was once a polluted industrial site. With the help of The Elizabeth River Project, the park has been completely transformed to preserve its native plant and animal life. The park spans 40 acres, so locals can spend a day outdoors kayaking or meandering through the Blue Heron and Osprey Trails. The “One Flock” art installation at the park is made up of over 100 metal sculptures of blue herons that raise awareness of climate change and pollution. At other green spaces, like George Washington Park, skaters practice their moves at the skate park, and children can hang out on the playscape. Cradock Elementary School is just a short walk away from many homes in the area. Originally built in 1942, Cradock Elementary earns a C-minus on Niche, and was previously called James Hurst Elementary until its name change in 2021. Cradock Middle School, which was built in 1919, earns a C. It was, like the town, also named for British Rear Admiral Sir Christopher Cradock. Renamed in 2020, Manor High School on Elmhurst Lane scores a C-plus on Niche and offers economics and personal finance courses. Their I. C. Norcom Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) Chapter helps students become leaders in marketing, finance and hospitality. Historic Afton Square sits at the heart of this neighborhood by Portsmouth Fire Station 11. Inspired by New England town squares, this is the perfect place for residents to gather around the gazebo for the Cradock Spring Festival or the annual 4th of July Celebration. Every first Saturday in May, the Cradock Civic League members and volunteers help coordinate the annual spring festival, which includes food, live music and vendors. Just across the street are the Cradock Community Garden and Portsmouth Public Library. For weekly and monthly events, the library is a convenient spot to get acquainted with neighbors at their Learn 2 Knit class or at the Portsmouth Book Group.