Freemason District (Freemason Street Area)

Norfolk, VA

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$441,000 (Feb 2025, +27.8% YoY)
Median Home Price
High (Walk Score 85-90): daily errands, dining, and entertainment are easily accessible on foot.
Walkability Score
Public schools are rated average to above average; private options are highly regarded.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Generally bounded by Bute Street to the north, York Street to the south, Duke Street to the west, and the Elizabeth River to the east. Includes the historic Freemason Street corridor and adjacent blocks.

Zip Codes

23510

Market Data Summary

Price Range$2,400 (rentals) to $650,000 (sales)
Price per Sq Ft$288 (up 24.4% YoY)
Inventory Levels11 homes for sale as of July 2025; inventory remains tight but has increased slightly from previous months.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Historic rowhousesLuxury condosTownhomesConverted loftsSingle-family homes

Architectural Styles

VictorianFederalGeorgianContemporary infill

Property Details

Typical Lot SizesSmall urban lots; many properties are attached or semi-attached with limited private yard space.
Home Age RangeLate 1800s to early 1900s (historic core); 2000s-present (newer condos/lofts)
Construction QualityHigh for historic homes (many restored); newer developments offer modern amenities and finishes.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a mix of young professionals, retirees, and established families. Higher-than-average education and income levels compared to Norfolk overall.

Community Vibe

Historic, walkable, and urban with a strong sense of neighborhood pride. Active neighborhood association and frequent community events.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Retirees
  • Empty nesters
  • Urban-oriented families

Family Friendly

Moderately family-friendly; more popular with singles, couples, and empty nesters due to urban setting and limited private outdoor space.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Town Point Park
  • Pagoda & Oriental Garden
  • Elizabeth River Trail

Dining Options

  • Upscale restaurants
  • Trendy cafes
  • Waterfront dining
  • Local pubs

Shopping Centers

  • MacArthur Center (nearby)
  • Local boutiques within district

Local Businesses

  • Boutique shops
  • Art galleries
  • Specialty coffee shops
  • Fitness studios

Education & Schools

Public schools are rated average to above average; private options are highly regarded.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Walter Herron Taylor Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Blair Middle School

High Schools

  • Maury High School

Private Schools

  • Norfolk Collegiate (nearby)
  • The Williams School

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • HRT light rail (Monticello station nearby)
  • Bus routes along Bute and York Streets

Major Roads

  • Bute Street
  • Duke Street
  • Brambleton Avenue

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times5-10 minutes to downtown Norfolk; 20-30 minutes to Naval Station Norfolk; 15 minutes to Norfolk International Airport.
WalkabilityExcellent; most errands can be accomplished on foot.
ParkingLimited street parking; most condos/townhomes include dedicated spaces or garages.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Young professionals
  • Retirees/empty nesters
  • Military/corporate relocators
  • Investors

Key Selling Points

  • Historic architecture
  • Walkable lifestyle
  • Proximity to downtown and waterfront
  • Boutique dining and shopping

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively given longer days on market; highlight recent renovations or unique features to justify premium.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Limited parking options

Response Strategy:

Highlight properties with dedicated parking or garages; discuss availability of nearby paid parking and walkability benefits.

Objection: Flood risk

Response Strategy:

Provide flood zone maps, discuss mitigation measures, and highlight properties with elevated construction or recent improvements.

Objection: Noise from urban environment

Response Strategy:

Showcase quieter interior units, upgraded windows, and proximity to parks for respite.

Objection: Small lot sizes/lack of yard

Response Strategy:

Emphasize nearby parks, walkability, and low-maintenance lifestyle.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong long-term due to historic character and limited supply, but short-term volatility possible as market cools from recent highs.

Rental Demand

High, especially for luxury condos and historic apartments. Popular with military, medical, and corporate renters.

Buyer Competition

Moderate; more balanced than previous years due to longer days on market.

Best For

  • Urban professionals
  • Empty nesters
  • Investors seeking stable rental income
  • Buyers seeking historic charm

Potential Concerns

  • Longer days on market
  • Flood risk in some areas
  • Limited outdoor space for families

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate buyers on historic home benefits and responsibilities.

2

Leverage professional photography and virtual tours to highlight unique features.

3

Network with local businesses and associations for off-market opportunities.

4

Stay current on flood mitigation and insurance requirements.

5

Price realistically given longer days on market and recent volatility.

6

Highlight walkability, amenities, and lifestyle in all marketing materials.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Ghent
  • Downtown Norfolk
  • West Ghent

Market Positioning

Premium historic urban neighborhood with strong lifestyle appeal.

Competitive Advantages

  • Historic charm
  • Superior walkability
  • Waterfront proximity

Price Comparison

Freemason median home value ($417,839) is higher than Downtown ($283,971) and Norfolk overall ($306,295), but lower than Ghent Square ($515,609) and West Ghent ($472,984).

Investment Metrics

4-5% typical for well-located condos/townhomes
Cap Rates
5-6% gross yields for updated units
Rental Yields
18-20 (indicative of balanced buy/hold potential)
Price-to-Rent
Positive cash flow possible with 20% down on select properties; best for long-term hold and appreciation.
Cash Flow
Moderate appreciation (3-5% annually) expected after recent surge.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Attracted by urban lifestyle and lower maintenance; may need education on historic homeownership and HOA/condo fees.

Move-Up Buyers

Seek larger or more luxurious units; value walkability and proximity to cultural amenities.

Downsizers

Drawn to condos/townhomes with elevator access and minimal maintenance; appreciate historic ambiance.

Investors

Target updated condos/townhomes for stable rental income; focus on units with strong rental history.

Relocators

Military and corporate transferees value proximity to downtown, transit, and walkability.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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