Ghent

Norfolk, VA

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$342,500 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
83 (Very Walkable)
Walkability Score
Public schools rated average to above average; Ghent School and Maury High are well regarded locally.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Brambleton Ave to the south, Hampton Blvd to the west, Colley Ave to the east, and 21st St to the north. Includes Ghent Square and West Ghent sub-neighborhoods.

Zip Codes

2350723517

Market Data Summary

Price Range$260,000 (2BR condos) to $699,000+ (4-5BR historic homes)
Price per Sq Ft$229 (Ghent Square, April 2025)
Inventory Levels16 homes for sale in Ghent Square (June 2025), down 5.9% MoM; overall low inventory in Ghent.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Historic single-family homesTownhousesCondosApartments

Architectural Styles

VictorianColonial RevivalCraftsmanFederalContemporary infill

Property Details

Typical Lot SizesSmall to medium urban lots (0.05–0.2 acres); some larger lots in West Ghent.
Home Age RangeLate 1800s to 1930s (historic core); 1970s–1980s (Ghent Square); new infill and condo conversions.
Construction QualityGenerally high, with many homes renovated; historic preservation standards apply in core Ghent.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse mix: young professionals, military families, retirees, artists, and established families.

Community Vibe

Vibrant, walkable, artsy, and historic with a strong sense of neighborhood pride.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Military families
  • Retirees
  • Artists/creatives

Family Friendly

Moderate; parks and playgrounds available, but urban density and nightlife may not suit all families.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Stockley Gardens
  • Blair Middle School Park
  • Elizabeth River Trail

Dining Options

  • Freemason Abbey
  • No Frill Bar & Grill
  • The Public House
  • Cure Coffeehouse

Shopping Centers

  • Colley Avenue retail corridor
  • 21st Street shops

Local Businesses

  • Indie bookstores
  • Boutique shops
  • Coffeehouses
  • Fitness studios

Education & Schools

Public schools rated average to above average; Ghent School and Maury High are well regarded locally.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Ghent School (K-8)

Middle Schools

  • Blair Middle School

High Schools

  • Maury High School

Private Schools

  • The Williams School
  • Christ the King Catholic School

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • HRT bus lines
  • Light rail (The Tide) nearby

Major Roads

  • Brambleton Ave
  • Hampton Blvd
  • Colley Ave

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times10–20 minutes to Downtown Norfolk, 20–30 minutes to Naval Station Norfolk.
WalkabilityExcellent; most errands can be accomplished on foot.
ParkingStreet parking is common; some homes have driveways or garages, but parking can be tight during events.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Young professionals
  • Medical and military relocators
  • Investors
  • Empty nesters

Key Selling Points

  • Historic architecture
  • Walkable lifestyle
  • Vibrant dining and arts scene
  • Strong rental market

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively for updated homes; premium for move-in ready and well-renovated properties.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Parking is limited, especially during events.

Response Strategy:

Highlight available permit parking, proximity to public transit, and walkability.

Objection: Older homes may require more maintenance.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize recent renovations, home warranties, and the value of historic character.

Objection: Higher property taxes due to historic status.

Response Strategy:

Point out long-term appreciation and potential tax credits for historic preservation.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Solid; 4% YoY growth, historic charm and walkability drive long-term value.

Rental Demand

High, especially for apartments and condos; strong demand from medical, military, and student tenants.

Buyer Competition

Intense for updated historic homes and condos; multiple offers common.

Best For

  • Young professionals
  • Investors seeking stable appreciation
  • Buyers seeking walkable urban lifestyle

Potential Concerns

  • Parking limitations
  • Older home maintenance
  • Higher property taxes due to historic status

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage historic and lifestyle branding in marketing.

2

Educate buyers on historic tax credits and renovation incentives.

3

Stage homes to highlight both period details and modern updates.

4

Prepare buyers for competitive offers and limited inventory.

5

Network with local businesses to enhance community integration for clients.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Freemason
  • Larchmont
  • Downtown Norfolk

Market Positioning

Premium historic urban neighborhood with strong lifestyle appeal.

Competitive Advantages

  • Superior walkability
  • Historic charm
  • Vibrant local business scene

Price Comparison

Priced above city average, but below waterfront neighborhoods like Freemason.

Investment Metrics

4.5–5.5% typical for updated multifamily properties
Cap Rates
5–6% gross yields for condos/apartments
Rental Yields
18–20
Price-to-Rent
Positive for well-managed multifamily; break-even or modest cash flow for single-family homes.
Cash Flow
3–5% annual appreciation expected through 2026.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

May face affordability challenges; condos and smaller homes are entry points.

Move-Up Buyers

Attracted to larger historic homes with modern updates.

Downsizers

Appeal of walkable lifestyle and low-maintenance condos/townhomes.

Investors

Strong rental demand and appreciation; focus on updated multifamily or condos.

Relocators

Proximity to hospitals, bases, and Downtown is a major draw.

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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