If you’re looking at living in Ghent Norfolk VA, you’re looking at one of the few neighborhoods in Hampton Roads where you can walk to dinner, walk to an art museum, and still be at Naval Station Norfolk in 15 minutes. I’ve helped military families and young professionals buy here, and I get why this area keeps pulling people in. It’s a real neighborhood — not a subdivision, not a condo complex — with tree-lined streets, locally owned restaurants, and actual history.
In This Article
What Makes Ghent Different From the Rest of Norfolk
Part of what makes living in Ghent Norfolk VA different is the history. The neighborhood goes back to the 1890s, when Dutch investors developed the area and named the streets after places in South Holland. That history is still everywhere — in the architecture, the street layout, and landmarks like The Hague, a tidal inlet that cuts through the neighborhood. You’ll find early 1900s bungalows, colonials, row houses, and some newer builds mixed in.
But the real draw is the walkability. Colley Avenue is the main strip, and you can walk end to end hitting coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, and bars without touching your car. The Chrysler Museum of Art is right on the edge of the neighborhood — free admission, and genuinely one of the best mid-size art museums on the East Coast. The Naro Theater has been showing indie films since 1936.
For military families thinking about living in Ghent Norfolk VA, that walkability matters more than you’d expect. After a deployment or a long underway, having a neighborhood where you can walk to dinner and feel like part of something is a big deal. It’s not something you find in most duty station towns.
Ghent Home Prices in 2026
Norfolk’s market has found a steady rhythm heading into 2026. The citywide median sale price sits around $309K to $315K, down about 1.9% year over year. But closed sales are up 6.6%, which tells me buyers are active — just pickier about what they’ll pay for.
If you’re seriously considering living in Ghent Norfolk VA, expect to pay more than the Norfolk average — the location and housing stock justify it. The median sale price over the past 12 months is around $340K, though the range is wide. A smaller bungalow might go for $275K. A renovated colonial in West Ghent can push past $500K.
Here’s how Ghent stacks up against other popular Norfolk neighborhoods:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Style | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghent | ~$340K | Historic bungalows, colonials | Walkable, artsy, great food |
| Colonial Place | ~$350K | Waterfront colonials | Quiet, family-focused |
| East Beach | ~$380K | Newer townhomes, condos | Beach access, modern |
| Larchmont-Edgewater | ~$400K+ | Larger historic homes | Established, big lots |
Norfolk homes overall sell in about 28 days at 97.2% of list price. Inventory is down 7% from last year, with about 2.6 months of supply. Sellers still have the edge, but buyers have more room to be selective than they did in 2022 or 2023.
Commuting to Naval Station Norfolk From Ghent
The commute is one of the biggest reasons military buyers end up living in Ghent Norfolk VA. The neighborhood sits just north of downtown Norfolk, and Naval Station Norfolk is a straight shot down Terminal Boulevard or Hampton Boulevard. On a normal morning, you’re looking at 15 to 20 minutes.
During rush hour or when the base is running exercises, plan for 30 to 45 minutes. Gate traffic is real. I always tell my clients to add 10 to 15 minutes to whatever Google Maps says, because gate lines and the parking situation near the waterfront will eat up time you didn’t plan for.
If you’re assigned to other bases in the area:
| Base | Distance | Typical Commute |
|---|---|---|
| Naval Station Norfolk | ~6 miles | 15–30 min |
| Norfolk Naval Shipyard | ~8 miles | 20–35 min |
| Little Creek-Fort Story | ~15 miles | 25–40 min |
| NAS Oceana | ~20 miles | 30–45 min |
The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel matters if you need to get to the Peninsula, but for most Norfolk-based sailors and officers, Ghent keeps your drive short.
BAH Rates and What You Can Afford Living in Ghent Norfolk VA
BAH rates for the Norfolk/Portsmouth area got a 3.5% bump for 2026. Here’s where the key pay grades land with dependents:
| Pay Grade | 2026 BAH (w/ dependents) |
|---|---|
| E-5 | $2,430/mo |
| O-3 | $2,694/mo |
At an E-5 BAH of $2,430 per month, living in Ghent Norfolk VA can work — especially with a VA loan at zero down. A $340K home with a VA loan at current rates puts your monthly payment somewhere in the $2,200 to $2,500 range depending on your rate and property taxes. That’s tight for an E-5, but comfortable for an O-3 or above.
Run your exact numbers on the DoD BAH Calculator to see where you fall.
What It’s Actually Like to Live in Ghent
I won’t sugarcoat it — living in Ghent Norfolk VA isn’t for everyone. If you want a big yard, a three-car garage, and new construction, you’ll be happier out in Chesapeake or Suffolk. But if you want to walk to the Chrysler Museum on a Saturday, grab brunch on Colley Avenue, and know the people on your street, this is the spot.
A few things that keep people here: the Chrysler Museum is free and worth repeat visits. The Naro Theater runs Rocky Horror screenings and indie films you won’t find at the multiplex. Stockley Gardens hosts an arts festival twice a year that draws the whole neighborhood out. Colley Avenue has everything from Greek food at Orapax to craft beer at The Ghent with their self-pour tap system. And Mowbray Arch has some of the most impressive 19th-century architecture in Virginia — if old houses are your thing, you’ll spend an afternoon just walking the block.
The neighborhood is dog-friendly, bike-friendly, and has solid access to downtown Norfolk and the Elizabeth River waterfront.
Is Ghent Right for Your Next PCS?
If you’re PCSing to Naval Station Norfolk and you want more than just a place to sleep between duty days, living in Ghent Norfolk VA should be on your list. The commute is short, the BAH math works for mid-grade and above, and you get a neighborhood with actual personality.
I’ve been through PCS moves myself, and I know the difference between a place you live and a place that feels like home. Living in Ghent Norfolk VA gives you the second kind.
Ready to see what’s available? Search Hampton Roads homes or get in touch and I’ll set up a tour.