Are you considering a move to Norfolk, Virginia? Norfolk and the surrounding cities that make up the Hampton Roads region are ready to welcome you with open arms!
Norfolk boasts a lively and engaged LGBTQ community, along with a ton of entertainment options, such as incredible dining, cultural experiences like theater and opera, and museums, events, festivals, and exhibitions, always ensuring there's something to do! In June, our community’s pride really shines with a month-long calendar of activities including Hampton Roads PrideFest, a vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ community that attracts 40,0000 people and has become an integral part of the city's culture.
Norfolk is also home to various LGBTQ organizations that are dedicated to empowering the LGBTQ communities by providing support, services, and ways to connect both socially and through advocacy. We'll dive deeper into these groups in just a little bit.
Whether you are grabbing a bite to eat in the Ghent district of Norfolk, enjoying cocktails and a show downtown, or just unwinding with some close friends on deck overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk is ready to embrace, cherish, and accept you for who you are!
When you are thinking of moving to a new city, having an expert to help guide you to the perfect neighborhood is crucial. Having a native LGBT RealtorⓇ of Hampton Roads who is knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the city and area can help you find the perfect new place to call home!
Norfolk, Virginia is the 3rd largest city in Virginia with a population of around 235,000 people. Norfolk is known as a part of the "Hampton Roads region", along with the neighboring cities of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, and Newport News. Living in Norfolk, you are never far from the water! Whether you want a water view of the Elizabeth River or take a dip in the Chesapeake Bay, you are typically only minutes from the waters that surround the area. If the ocean is more your speed, the Virginia Beach Oceanfront is a short drive from nearly everywhere in Norfolk.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, it is important to know that Norfolk is a great, welcoming, and progressive city that values inclusiveness in both work and play. The LGBTQ+ scene in Norfolk is comparable to other mid-sized cities in the US. The Hampton Roads region is truly very diverse, and while the LGBTQ culture can seem a little hidden and blended, moving to Norfolk shouldn’t make you feel uneasy. You'll find that the majority of Norfolk's residents are welcoming and supportive of the LGBTQ community. Most businesses, shops, and services take pride in catering to your needs. Let’s discuss what to anticipate when relocating to LGBT-friendly Norfolk, along with strategies to facilitate a smooth transition for yourself or your family. Our aim is to ensure you're well-equipped to savor every moment of your new life here.
It's important to approach this journey with an open mind, as moving to LGBT Norfolk may pleasantly surprise you and challenge any preconceived notions you might have.
WHAT TO EXPECT MOVING TO NORFOLK
(FROM THE LGBTQ PERSPECTIVE!)
Norfolk stands as a vibrant melting pot, where diverse cultures, ideas, and individuals converge. As home to the world's largest U.S. Navy base, Norfolk City serves as a meeting ground for people hailing from all corners of the world, while the local community holds a deep appreciation for the arts and a strong connection to its historical roots.
Residing in Norfolk exposes you to the realization that this city harbors an array of hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered. Upon your arrival, you'll find ways to quickly connect with locals who will eagerly guide you in exploring all the great things the city has to offer. Norfolk boasts a distinctive and engaged LGBT community, which gathers at a handful of captivating queer hubs nestled within the most popular neighborhoods. Many LGBTQ-owned and allied restaurants and bars are located throughout the city. Whether you want to grab a cocktail on the patio of MJ’s Tavern, a local LGBTQ-owned restaurant/bar, or join a Stonewall Sports league for a game of Dodgeball or Volleyball, there are always awesome ways to connect and become part of the community.
Before we dive into the specifics, let's take a closer look at a few key facets that contribute to the allure of this extraordinary city.
Water, Water Everywhere!
For those who love to be near water, Norfolk is ideal! The city is enveloped by water on three of its sides, creating an irresistible allure for water enthusiasts. To the east lies the renowned Virginia Beach Atlantic Oceanfront, to the north is the Chesapeake Bay, and the western and southern boundaries overlook the Elizabeth River. Awesome neighborhoods line the bay and riverfronts in Norfolk, so if water is your thing, you can find a great neighborhood to call home and be close to it all!
Curtains Up, Norfolk has the Culture!
There is always something to find to do in Hampton Roads. Norfolk is home to the Virginia Stage Company, Hampton Roads' leading professional theatre company, Broadway in Norfolk at Chrysler Hall, the premier performing arts venue in downtown showing national Broadway tours and regional events, and for opera lovers, the nationally renowned Virginia Opera. Norfolk and surrounding cities also have many amateur theater companies to watch and even audition for if you have the art of theater running through your blood!
If you are a lover of other types of art, the Chrysler Museum of Art, one of the premiere museums in the Southeast, and the Hermitage Museum, a historic home & picturesque gardens offering a fine art collection, professional program & classes are located here. The Norfolk Botanical Gardens, recognized as the 3rd best gardens in the US, offers an expansively beautiful botanical garden and arboretum to stroll and enjoy. For the kids or animal lovers, the Norfolk Zoo, located in the Riverview section of the city, is a 53-acre zoo and education complex located adjacent to Lafayette Park.
Someone say Sports?
Norfolk has awesome sporting options for watchers and players alike. Catch a game with the boys of summer as the The Norfolk Tides (the Baltimore Orioles farm team) play at Harbor Park near Downtown. You can also catch the excitement of college basketball football games at Old Dominion University. If hockey is your thing, you can take the ice with the Norfolk Admirals, Norfolk’s premiere hockey team, playing at Norfolk Scope in Downtown!
If you’d rather play than watch, Norfolk’s Stonewall Sports is your ticket to a great time. Stonewall Sports of Norfolk is LGBTQIA+ community based, non-profit sports organization that strives to raise funds for local non-profit organizations through organized sports such as kickball, dodgeball, volleyball and more! If strikes are more up your alley, join Friday Night Out, Hampton Roads’ LGBT bowling league with Fall and Summer sessions.
How Expensive is it to live in Norfolk?
Expenses are always relative and depend a lot on the things you want to do and they way you want to splurge. For the average Norfolk resident, the total cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities for a single adult in Norfolk is $37,395 a year — less than the annual cost of living in other parts of Virginia $44,012) and less than the national average of $38,433. Norfolk is ranked 112 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. The cost of living in Norfolk is 96% of the national average.
Housing
Norfolk has lots of options in terms of where to live. Single family homes, townhomes, condos can be found throughout the city. The average Norfolk home value is $283,005. Rents can vary widely depending on location and size, but the average one bedroom apartment runs around $1300, while the rent on a single-family home can be considerably more. Finding the perfect place to lives takes expert help - that’s why partnering with a local RealtorⓇ who is not only very familiar with the area, but also a member of our LGBTQ community is so important!
Transportation
Norfolk, VA boasts a well-developed public transportation system that caters to both residents and visitors. The city benefits from the services of Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), which offers a comprehensive range of transportation modes including buses, light rail, and ferries that traverse the city and extend to neighboring localities. These services are designed to be inclusive and accommodating, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges or special requirements. Moreover, the convenience of ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft are also available throughout the city. Even with the public transportation options, many residents prefer to have their own cars for convenience. In Norfolk, the average one-way commute spans 21.2 minutes, which is notably shorter than the national average of 26.4 minutes. Getting around Norfolk is not only accessible but also efficient.
Getting from the “Southside” (Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Suffolk) to the “Peninsula” (Hampton, Newport News and Williamsburg) through the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel or Monitor Merrimac Tunnel can be time consuming with traffic and construction, so oftentimes those who work on one side of the water choose to live on that side. Talking with your real estate professional is super helpful in helping you determine where makes sense for you to call home based on the things and locations you want to be near.
Popular Neighborhoods in Norfolk
Communities are evolving, and Norfolk is no exception. Most neighborhoods in Norfolk are welcoming and friendly to members of the LGBTQ community. The concept of the “gayborhood” across the country is slowly morphing into a more diverse community of all people, and they are beginning to look quite different.
LGBTQ residents in Norfolk don’t all live in small sections of the city. There really isn't an established "Gayborhood" here. We are spread out throughout the awesome neighborhoods Norfolk has to offer! It’s important to remember that when choosing which area in Hampton Roads you want to live in to think about convenience and access to LGBTQ events, services, and activities. Your Realtor® can help you narrow down areas based on which services, activities and amenities are important to you.
One of the coolest things about the neighborhoods of Norfolk is that they are all distinctly unique. They each have their own personality, vibe, and characteristics that make them special. When looking at neighborhoods throughout the city, make the time to get to know and explore the city. Norfolk has plenty to offer everyone, LGBTQ or not.
Here are a few of the more popular neighborhoods in Norfolk:
Ghent/West Ghent
Ghent, a forward-thinking locality, boasts several LGBT-owned establishments that contribute to its vibrant atmosphere. The district's magnetic appeal lies in its captivating historical charm and an array of culinary options that reflect its diversity. Ghent stands as a haven of rich historical significance, cultural depth, and mouthwatering gastronomy.
Along 21st Street and Colley Avenue, which serve as the district's main streets, one can find an assortment of funky cafes, intriguing boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. Many of the stores in Ghent are small and family owned businesses, so it’s a great way to “eat and shop local”.
The district also boasts a variety of dining establishments, including a classic drive-in diner, enhancing the diversity of experiences available.
Ghent has just about something for everyone – from apartments, condos, to huge beautiful historic homes. The average Ghent home value is $375,684. Ghent residents enjoy the walkability of the neighborhoods, lush green spaces and outdoor areas for our furry family members. Generally speaking, homes in Ghent are older homes, but many have been very well maintained and highlight the charm of old Norfolk.
West Ghent, on the western side of Hampton Boulevard, is another beautiful area and most streets are an easy walk to the central hub of Ghent.
Lafayette/Winona
When they say, “a river runs through it”, they must have been talking about Lafayette! Close to Downtown, The Lafayette neighborhood was originally a suburban development north of the city as the Downtown area started in the early 21st century. Today this neighborhood of Norfolk has beautiful homes of varying architectural styles and many have larger land lots. The neighborhood has about 280 historic homes and neighbors really thrive on their sense of community. Home median prices in the Lafayette/Winona area are around $325,000 and up.
Downtown
If you want to be in the center of it all, Downtown may be a great fit! Downtown Norfolk is bustling, but also very walkable and convenient. Mostly comprised of condos and higher end apartments and lofts, Downtown Norfolk has tons of
shopping, restaurants, and bars within walking distance. Norfolk’s Chrysler Hall and Scope Entertainment Complex, hosting regional and national entertainers and theater are an easy walk.
Among the historic sites are interesting museums, such as the Nauticus Maritime Museum and Battleship Wisconsin, and the panoramic views of the Elizabeth River from Waterside and Town Point Park when a majority of large festivals are held throughout the year. Of course, home prices vary depending on what you are looking for, but condos in Downtown have a median price of around $315,000.
The Freemason District, just west of Downtown, is the city’s oldest neighborhood. This gorgeous district features beautiful, tree-lined cobblestone streets, manicured gardens, historic homes and water views. Historic row houses and newer condos are very prevalent in Freemason and really provide old world charm compared to the Downtown area – even though it is just a few blocks away. The median home price in the Freemason District is the low $500’s, but can exceed a $1 million for beautiful updated homes with water views.
Colonial Place
Colonial Place is a wonderful and highly desirable neighborhood in Norfolk. Colonial Place is a peninsula bordered by 38th Street to the south and surrounded on three sides by the Lafayette River. This neighborhood features mostly single-family homes and a few apartment buildings.
Colonial Place is very walkable, and you’ll always see residents walking their dogs, going for a run, or enjoying the views of the Lafayette River. The neighborhood has several historic homes, some being revitalized, and some being torn down for newer constructions. The neighborhood is very residential, so you’ll really need to drive to Downtown or Ghent neighborhood for shopping and dining, but it’s only a 5-minute drive. Residents of Colonial Place love their neighborhood and are typically very close knit.
The median home price in Colonial Place is around $429,000.
Ready To Find The Best Neighborhood For You?
There are dozens of other neighborhoods that are part of what make Norfolk, Virginia great! To begin you search of Norfolk and surrounding neighborhoods right now, head to HAMPTON ROADS LGBTQ HOME SEARCH.
If you are a member of our brave military, visit the PCS XPRESS MILITARY RELOCATION page has been created just for you! PCS XPRESS highlights local military bases and quick and easy home searches around your duty station.
LGBTQ+ Local Organizations in and around Norfolk
LGBTQ+ organizations are the lifeline to so many in our community. They bring us together, support us in times of need, and are there on the ground doing the amazing work for members of our community who need a little help.
Norfolk has fostered a welcoming and diverse LGBTQ community that has played a pivotal role in enhancing the city's overall LGBTQ-friendliness in recent times. Regardless of if you are looking for help yourself, or want to volunteer your time or resources to help support the work of these organizations, there are several options in and around the Norfolk, Virginia area. Many are also a great place to meet like-minded LGBTQ+ individuals and foster great friendships!
After all, we all benefit and are stronger as a community when we all work together!
The LGBT Life Center
The LGBT Life Center has been empowering Hampton Roads’ LGBTQ & HIV communities since 1998. The Center is a trusted leader in Hampton Roads that empowers the LGBTQ communities and all people affected by HIV through improving health and wellness, strengthening families and communities, and providing transformative education and advocacy.
The LGBT Life Center offers HIV and STD testing at their locations and throughout the region with their mobile testing vans. In addition, they provide those living with HIV/AIDS, and their families, access to essential benefits and social services so they can manage their health and live their lives. They offer mental health services, transportation services, support groups, senior services and medical services to all members of our community. The LGBT Life Center has locations in Norfolk and Hampton, and can be found online at www.LGBTLIFECENTER.org.
Transgender Assistance Program Of Virginia (TAPVa)
The Transgender Assistance Program was created to end homelessness within the transgender community in Virginia. TAPVA provides educational opportunities around the important fact that trans rights are human rights by explaining the intersectionality between homelessness, discrimination, socioeconomic status and racism within the trans community in Virginia.
The goal of this entirely volunteer organization is to offer safe emergency housing to homeless transgender adults in Virginia, and to help them find the additional resources they need to remove the barriers to self-sufficiency. TAPVa is unique in that it is run BY the Transgender Community FOR the Transgender Community.
TAPVa can be found online at www.tapvirginia.org
Hampton Roads Pride
Hampton Roads Pride unites the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQIAP+) and allied communities in support of inclusion, dignity and equality of all people. Known for their large scale events in and around the Pride Month of June, like the 40,0000 plus attended PrideFest at Town Point Park in Norfolk, the organization holds other events throughout the year. For information about pride events throughout the year, visit www.HamptonRoadsPride.org
Stonewall Sports of Norfolk
Stonewall Sports Norfolk Chapter was founded in 2018 and is part of a the much larger Stonewall Sports national organization, Stonewall Sports is an LGBTQIA+ community based, non-profit sports organization that strives to raise funds for local non-profit organizations through organized sports. Through a variety of sports, such as Volleyball, Dodgeball, Bowling, Pickleball, Kickball and Billiards, Stonewall Sports Norfolk provides an environment motivated by sportsmanship, inclusion, and philanthropy through sports and social events.
Stonewall Sports Norfolk can be found online at www.stonewallsportsnorfolk.org
Making the Most of moving to LGBTQ Norfolk and Hampton Roads
Whether you're embarking on this journey alone or with your family, Norfolk offers a captivating living environment. The sense of community is warm and inviting, and the array of activities available ensures there's something to engage in throughout the year.
One important tip about making the most of your move to LGBTQ Norfolk – life is what you make of it! Reading information about cities online is great, but the best way to really begin to experience LGBTQ Norfolk is to get here, join LGBTQ social clubs, organizations, teams and frequent LGBTQ owned and gay-friendly businesses here. Meeting new friends and like-minded individuals that do the things you like to do will help you learn about the area and make the most of living here!
Finding A Gay RealtorⓇ to help you navigate Norfolk’s Homes and Neighborhoods
First, why should sexuality even come into play when looking for a new home? Shouldn’t you be expected to be treated fairly, equitably, and honestly by any real estate agent? The simple answer is yes, you SHOULD, but that is not always the case. It’s sad that nearly a third of Americans still think that members of our community don’t deserve the same protections when it comes to housing, adoption, employment and other aspects of daily life.
Truth is, EVERYONE deserves an open, honest, and accepting experience when buying or selling a home – and this includes member of our LGBTQ+ community!
When you are looking for a home in a new city, it simply makes sense to trust someone who understands the needs of our community, the LGBTQ+ resources available to members of our community, and understands the values you have and can relate to them. That’s why finding a like-minded individual to help and represent you is so important!
If you are ready to start exploring the neighborhoods of Norfolk and Hampton Roads, start your search at LiveInHR.com.
If you are a member of our brave military, visit the PCS XPRESS MILITARY RELOCATION page created just for you! PCS XPRESS highlights local military bases and quick and easy home searches around your duty station.
We are excited to have you as our new LGBTQ+ neighbor here in Norfolk and will do whatever we can to help make your transition here easier!
