Welcome to Norfolk, Virginia, where an expansive and proud military community is waiting for you!
After finding out about a PCS to Naval Station Norfolk, some military families are happy to live by the ocean, others are thrilled to have an abundance of military amenities nearby, and still others can’t wait to join the military community they’ve been missing at other duty assignments.
But what they all have in common is the desire to have the “need to know” information about Norfolk well before the packing process starts: What should you know before a PCS to Norfolk Naval Base? Where should military families live near Norfolk Naval Base? And should you live on or off base?
From starting your home search to navigating Hampton Roads traffic and finding things to do on the weekends, here’s what to know before your move to this major Navy base.
What Should You Know Before a PCS to Norfolk Naval Base?
Naval Station Norfolk’s Location
If you follow the East Coast about 200 miles south from Washington, DC, you’ll land in the metropolitan area of Hampton Roads, Virginia, where Norfolk is located.
Hampton Roads is part of Virginia’s Tidewater, or Coastal Virginia, region. Naval Station Norfolk sits on the peninsula known as Sewell’s Point. Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach are considered the Southside of Hampton Roads, while Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, and Williamsburg are located on the Peninsula.
Military Bases in the Hampton Roads Area
Norfolk's Military Presence
Norfolk is home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval station. The military presence throughout Hampton Roads is extensive. The region supports 18 military installations, including two joint bases, and all six branches of military service.
Here are some of the major installations in and around Norfolk that you’ll probably get to know while stationed in Hampton Roads:
- NAS Oceana
- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
- Coast Guard Portsmouth
- JEB Little Creek - Fort Story
- Dam Neck Annex
- JBLE- Fort Eustis
- JBLE- Langley AFB
Living in Norfolk
Living in Norfolk means being part of a busy coastal community with a strong military presence. You’re never far from the water, and the area offers a mix of established neighborhoods, city amenities, beaches, parks, and easy access to the rest of Hampton Roads.
The region’s military footprint also means many families are familiar with PCS moves, deployments, and the rhythms of military life. At the same time, Norfolk has its own character beyond the installations, with historic neighborhoods, local restaurants, waterfront areas, and plenty to explore nearby.
If you enjoy four distinct seasons, you’re in luck with an assignment to Norfolk. Summers are typically hot and humid, while winters are cooler and may bring occasional snow. Spring and fall are generally milder, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the area’s parks, beaches, and outdoor activities throughout the year.
Should You Live On or Off Base at Norfolk Naval Base?
Whether to live on or off base depends on your family’s priorities, budget, commute, and the current housing availability.
For families considering Norfolk Naval Base housing, military family housing is offered through Liberty Military Housing. The Navy Housing Service Center can help incoming families understand current housing options and availability.
Living off base opens up many more choices throughout Norfolk and Hampton Roads, whether you plan to rent or buy. However, before deciding where to live, get familiar with the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) and the region’s other bridges and tunnels because they can be a huge factor in commute times.
Families with school-age children will also want to research schools as part of the home search. Public school systems and attendance zones vary by city.
Photo by benedek from Getty Images Signature via Canva.com
Where Should Military Families Live Near Naval Station Norfolk?
Norfolk offers a mix of historic neighborhoods, traditional single-family homes, newer apartments and condos, and more urban living downtown. Granby Street is a hub for dining and entertainment, while nearby Old Dominion University adds to the activity in this part of the city.
The Larchmont neighborhood of Norfolk and its rows of classic bungalow homes draw military families to the area. Living in Larchmont gives you plenty of options for shopping, dining, and community activities. If you're looking forward to an assignment to Naval Station Norfolk or Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, this popular Norfolk neighborhood is one option to consider.
Other popular Norfolk neighborhood options include Ocean View and East Beach, Downtown Norfolk, and Historic Ghent.
If you’re planning to live off base, compare neighborhoods by commute time, housing costs, amenities, and proximity to your duty location. Military families will find a range of houses for rent in Norfolk, VA, along with homes for sale in Norfolk and throughout the surrounding Hampton Roads area.
Interested in more places to live? Check out our post, Military Move to Hampton Roads, Virginia? Explore These 6 Communities, for more information about the best places to live near Norfolk.
Things to Do in Norfolk
The miles and miles of the Atlantic Ocean’s coastline and the presence of the Chesapeake Bay provide residents and visitors with so much to do each season. Every water activity from boating, swimming, SUP, kayaking, beachcombing, and pier visits is right in Norfolk’s backyard.
Away from the water, military members and their families won’t lack outings. You’ll find kid-friendly activities, like the Norfolk Zoo, shopping, and plenty of historic sites in the area, including Colonial Williamsburg. Try Busch Gardens and Water Country USA for a more adventurous outing. Outdoor lovers enjoy the area's many parks, nature trails, and beaches.
It’s easy to take day trips to nearby Hampton Roads cities. They each have something different to offer. Check out Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake before it’s time to PCS again.
Make a list of what your family would like best: Kid-Friendly Things to Do Hampton Roads, Virginia.
So, there you go—your first introduction to a PCS to Norfolk, Virginia. Whether you’re comparing Norfolk Naval Base housing, searching for houses for rent in Norfolk VA, or looking at homes for sale near Norfolk Naval Base, getting familiar with the area before you arrive can make your home search and transition much easier.
See our free guide to living in the Hampton Roads area below:
