Top Neighborhoods
Norfolk's neighborhoods are a patchwork of historic charm, modern subdivisions, and practical pockets for commuters. Choosing the right one determines your daily commute, school quality, and whether you'll walk to your favorite coffee shop or drive 15 minutes for groceries.
Quick Compare: Top Neighborhoods in Norfolk
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Rent Range | Best For | Walk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Norfolk | Historic, walkable | $850-$1,200 | First-time buyers, downtown workers | ~70 |
| Northeast | Family-focused | $950-$1,350 | Young families, teachers | ~45 |
| South Norfolk | Quiet, suburban | $900-$1,300 | Remote workers, retirees | ~35 |
| West Norfolk | College town energy | $750-$1,100 | Students, hospital staff | ~60 |
| Northwest | Newer, spacious | $1,100-$1,500 | Growing families, professionals | ~30 |
East Norfolk
Overview: This is Norfolk's historic heart, centered around the 1300-block Norfolk Avenue. You'll find original brick buildings from the 1880s and the city's best walkable corridor. This neighborhood hugs the Elkhorn River's east bank.
The Numbers:
- 🏠Rent: $850 - $1,200/mo (1BR) | $1,100 - $1,500/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $185k - $240k
- đźš— Commute: 5 min to downtown | 8 min to Norfolk Regional Center
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~70 (Most errands doable on foot)
Local Intel: Street parking is brutal during Summer Nights Concert Series on the Riverfront. The 1300-block of Norfolk Avenue gets packed Saturday mornings for the farmers market—park on 14th Street instead. Avoid renting north of Madison Avenue if you want quiet; that's the main drag for bar traffic.
Who Thrives Here: History buffs who want to walk to coffee and live where the action is. Perfect for young professionals working at the courthouse or downtown medical offices.
Pros & Cons:
- âś… Walk Score of 70+ means you can hit Coffee Works, the Norfolk Public Library, and the Riverfront without moving your car
- ✅ Housing stock has actual character—1920s foursquares with original woodwork, not vinyl boxes
- ❌ Older homes mean drafty windows and surprise plumbing bills; budget $200/month for utilities
- ❌ Street parking only, and driveways are narrow—if you have a truck, forget it
Schools: Norfolk Public Schools (District Grade: B). Elementary kids attend Lincoln Elementary (rated 7/10 on GreatSchools), which is walkable for most residents.
The Verdict: Move here if you want historic character and walkability. Avoid if you need a two-car garage or crave suburban quiet.
Northeast Norfolk
Overview: Centered around the intersection of 13th Street and Norfolk Avenue, this area has transformed from working-class to up-and-coming. The neighborhood wraps around the Norfolk Family YMCA and stretches toward the hospital district.
The Numbers:
- 🏠Rent: $950 - $1,350/mo (1BR) | $1,250 - $1,600/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $210k - $275k
- đźš— Commute: 7 min to downtown | 5 min to Faith Regional Health Services
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~45 (Car-dependent, but bikeable)
Local Intel: The area near the YMCA is the sweet spot—newer infill housing and decent lot sizes. The 13th Street corridor has seen $150k+ renovations in the last 5 years. Watch for flooding near the creek beds after heavy spring rains; check flood maps before buying.
Who Thrives Here: Teachers, healthcare workers, and families who want newer construction without the HOA fees of the suburbs.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ 5-minute drive to Faith Regional and 7 minutes to downtown—best central location for commuters
- âś… Norfolk Family YMCA membership gives you a walkable gym, pool, and childcare
- ❌ Walk Score of 45 means you're driving for everything except the YMCA and maybe a corner store
- ❌ Some blocks still have older, neglected rentals that drag down property values
Schools: Norfolk Public Schools (District Grade: B). Students attend Norfolk Junior High (rated 6/10) and Lutheran High Northeast (private, 8/10).
The Verdict: Ideal for healthcare workers and young families wanting newer homes near amenities. Skip if you want walkability or historic charm.
South Norfolk
Overview: This is the suburban pocket south of downtown, anchored by the Southpointe shopping area and the Norfolk Soccer Complex. Think 1990s-2000s ranch homes on larger lots.
The Numbers:
- 🏠Rent: $900 - $1,300/mo (1BR) | $1,200 - $1,550/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $225k - $290k
- đźš— Commute: 12 min to downtown | 15 min to Northeast Community College
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~35 (Very car-dependent)
Local Intel: The area around Southpointe Boulevard has the best grocery options (Hy-Vee, Walmart) and restaurants (Runza, Pizza Hut). Traffic backs up on 13th Street during rush hour—use the 12th Street cut-through to save 5 minutes. The Norfolk Soccer Complex hosts regional tournaments that flood the area with traffic on summer weekends.
Who Thrives Here: Remote workers who need space and families who prioritize yard size over walkability.
Pros & Cons:
- âś… Larger lots (0.25+ acres common) and newer construction with modern layouts
- âś… Closest neighborhood to the Norfolk Soccer Complex and walking trails
- ❌ Zero walkability—everything requires a car, including the gas station
- ❌ 12-15 minute commute to downtown or college can feel longer in winter weather
Schools: Norfolk Public Schools (District Grade: B). Students attend Norfolk Senior High (rated 7/10), which has strong sports programs.
The Verdict: Move here for space, newer homes, and easy access to shopping. Avoid if you want to walk to coffee shops or hate driving everywhere.
West Norfolk
Overview: This neighborhood pulses around Northeast Community College and the Providence Medical Center campus. You'll find a mix of student housing, medical staff rentals, and starter homes.
The Numbers:
- 🏠Rent: $750 - $1,100/mo (1BR) | $950 - $1,300/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $165k - $220k
- đźš— Commute: 8 min to downtown | 3 min to Northeast Community College
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~60 (Somewhat walkable)
Local Intel: The area between 13th Street and the college has the best concentration of updated rentals. Avoid the blocks immediately north of the college if you want quiet—student housing dominates there. The 13th Street corridor has decent pizza and late-night eats, but it gets noisy during the school year.
Who Thrives Here: Students, medical residents, and young professionals starting out who want cheap rent and proximity to the hospital.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ 3-minute drive to Northeast Community College and Providence Medical Center—huge for hospital shift workers
- âś… Lowest rent in Norfolk for decent-quality housing
- ❌ Student party noise is real within a 4-block radius of campus
- ❌ Older housing stock (pre-1970s) with minimal updates and high utility costs
Schools: Norfolk Public Schools (District Grade: B). Elementary students attend Jefferson Elementary (rated 5/10).
The Verdict: Perfect for students and medical staff on a budget. Avoid if you want family quiet or modern amenities.
Northwest Norfolk
Overview: The newest subdivision corridor, running north of downtown along US-81. This is where Norfolk's growth is happening—new builds, cul-de-sacs, and young families.
The Numbers:
- 🏠Rent: $1,100 - $1,500/mo (1BR) | $1,400 - $1,800/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $265k - $340k
- đźš— Commute: 15 min to downtown | 10 min to Faith Regional Health Services
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~30 (Car-dependent)
Local Intel: The area around the Norfolk Country Club and the new developments off US-81 has the best modern homes. Traffic on US-81 during rush hour can add 5-7 minutes to any commute—use the bypass if you're heading to the hospital. The new elementary school (2022) is a major draw, but property taxes have jumped accordingly.
Who Thrives Here: Growing families who want new construction, safe streets, and modern schools without HOA drama.
Pros & Cons:
- âś… Newer homes (2000s+) with energy efficiency and 2-3 car garages
- âś… Norfolk Country Club membership gives you golf and social scene right in the neighborhood
- ❌ Walk Score of 30 means you're driving for milk, coffee, and everything else
- ❌ 15-minute drive to downtown feels isolated if you work there
Schools: Norfolk Public Schools (District Grade: B). Students attend the brand-new Norfolk Elementary (rated 8/10) and Norfolk Senior High.
The Verdict: Move here for modern homes and top-tier schools. Avoid if you work downtown and hate commuting or want walkability.
Final Advice
For young professionals who want to walk to bars and coffee, East Norfolk is your winner—just budget for older-home maintenance. Families prioritizing space and schools should target Northwest Norfolk, but accept the 15-minute commute to everything. Healthcare workers and students should rent in West Norfolk for the 3-minute commute and rock-bottom prices.
Traffic patterns are predictable: US-81 backs up during morning rush (7:30-8:30 AM) and 13th Street clogs at 5:00 PM. The "secret" is that Northeast Norfolk offers the best central location for accessing everything in under 10 minutes, even if the walkability is weak. If you're retiring, South Norfolk's quiet streets and larger lots are worth the drive to the hospital.