The Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in Norfolk, VA: Great Price Meets Quality of Life

Norfolk, Virginia, experienced a surprising population decline to 238,005 residents in the 2020 census, considering its low cost of living and high quality of life index. Renting an apartment falls well below the national average. More than half of the people in Norfolk enjoy the parks, waterfront, entertainment, and robust restaurant scene while renting inexpensive apartments throughout the city’s peaceful neighborhoods and highly rated schools.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Norfolk

If you’re looking to capitalize on a positive job market or attend college, there are affordable places to rent in one of Norfolk’s quaint hamlets. The question is which neighborhood makes sense to rent an apartment, based on your needs and the offerings that are a short drive, bike ride, or within walking distance. These are things I cherish about Norfolk neighborhoods.

Ghent

It’s fair to say that Norfolk’s Ghent section ranks among the best suburban neighborhoods to live in Virginia, bar none. The majority of people are renters who take full advantage of the quaint coffee shops, dining opportunities, and watering holes. This Norfolk neighborhood extends southwest to Sentara Hospital, a major employer, and east to its cultural mecca, Colley Avenue.

Home to attractive, affordable apartment complexes and multi-family dwellings, Colley Avenue is where you’ll find the Naro Expanded Cinema, referred to simply as “Naro” by locals. The fully restored yesteryear movie theater has emerged as something of an arthouse. It hosts live performances, such as the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Halloween, and a classic silent film production, complete with live piano accompaniment, annually, as well as reruns of classic cult films.

Clustered around Naro, you’ll find a wide array of restaurants and pubs. The Green Onion is a casual fine dining favorite with an incredibly friendly staff. The Little Dog Diner, with its checkered floor and vintage decor, serves a deliciously eclectic breakfast and lunch, featuring dishes like biscuits and gravy and an Alaskan fish sandwich, as well as cocktails such as Irish coffee. You’ll also find hip coffee shops and niche eateries peppered throughout Ghent. They are all worth exploring.

Downtown Norfolk

The Downtown Norfolk neighborhood is a ray of sunshine for renters who want arts, culture, walking trails, and a picturesque waterfront. Like much of the city, the downtown area is easily navigated by bicycles, scooter rentals, walking, and automobiles. You’ll see quite a few 18-wheelers hauling goods and materials to and from the working waterfront area. Not to worry, downtown has plenty of crosswalk signals.

That being said, downtown’s NEON district has arts and cultural events for people of all walks of life and ages. Nearly 75 percent of people living in the downtown area work nearby and rent inexpensive, yet upscale apartments. I see lots of young career-minded and blue-collar residents embracing the NEON District. The Harrison Opera House, Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, and The Plot are the driving forces in the arts for the Downtown neighborhood. Each October, the NEON District hosts a large-scale festival that attracts thousands of residents and visitors.

Lastly, Downtown Norfolk enjoys a 9.7-mile walking trail that overlooks the Elizabeth River Trail. Along the route, you’ll find fun climbing and exercise setups as well as places to sit, relax, and sip a morning beverage with an unobstructed view of the Elizabeth River.

Berkley

The Berkley North Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000, and there’s good reason for the designation. The vibrant architecture features buildings dating back to the 1800s. It’s a fetching landscape that appeals to singles, couples, and families alike. Highways 464 and 264 run along the western side, separating the working waterfront. That portion of the Elizabeth River is littered with shipyards, providing ample career and job commuting opportunities. The main arteries also connect commuters and travelers north to Downtown Norfolk and west to Portsmouth, as well as the South Norfolk neighborhoods.

Outside the residential sections, you’ll find support businesses that handle containers, welding, fabrication, and ship repairs, among others. Due to its affordability, diverse job opportunities, and a quick drive to the Downtown and Ghent neighborhoods, it’s a strategically good place to relax.

Ocean View

The name speaks for itself. This Norfolk neighborhood is highlighted by the waterfront on the Chesapeake Bay and beaches with public access. The sands along the Ocean View shore do not typically experience the big waves you’ll find directly on the Atlantic Ocean along nearby Virginia Beach. Anglers can catch their daily limit off the Ocean View Pier. Two-wheel enthusiasts will discover the Northside Park Mountain Bike Trail to be a well-maintained, albeit relatively modest, off-road course.

Just north of the Norfolk International Airport, the Norfolk Botanical Gardens is renowned for its amazing azaleas. If you’re looking to chill on a day off, I recommend the Azalea Inn & Time Out Sports Bar. The low-key restaurant has a pair of pool tables, ample seating, a separate dining room, and an arcade room in the back. There are plenty of good eats in Ocean View that have a similar laid-back vibe.

Lafayette-Winona

Fronted by Tidewater Boulevard and backed by the Lafayette River, Lafayette Winona ranks among the most desirable neighborhoods in Norfolk for renters. Streets are lined with trees, and the Lafayette Residence Park section of this quiet suburban neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You won’t encounter busy streets or trucks in the Lafayette-Winona neighborhood. What you will find are humble churches, good schools, a dog park, and opportunities for leisurely walks on temperate days. Tidewater Boulevard gives residents convenient access to specialty markets, shopping, fitness centers, and soul food.

On the other side of the river, you’ll discover Lafayette Park, the Virginia Zoo, and a kayak launch. Children make terrific use of the playground, swings, and sprawling grass. Families hold gatherings at the three shelters, and the city installed a disc golf course. The Lafayette-Winona atmosphere is all about peace and serenity.

Lambert's Point

The Lambert's Point neighborhood largely revolves around the Old Dominion University campus. College students populate the apartment complexes, and the surrounding businesses cater to that audience. You’ll find restaurant-nightclub hybrids such as 37th and Zen, known for their LGBTQ-friendly programming and niche dance nights. Insomnia Cookies is a go-to for late-night sugar cravings, Del Vecchio’s delivers pizza, and quick bites and markets can be found along Hampton Boulevard.

Norview

The Norview neighborhood is primarily residential. With Route 64 to its east and Chesapeake Boulevard running right through its northern area, it’s perfect for commuters, graduate students, and growing families. The Lake Taylor High School and Norview Middle School have a low student-to-teacher ratio, and Norfolk Academy offers parents the opportunity to enroll their youngsters in a nearby private school. Located near Norfolk International Airport, with shopping outlets on one side, a significant industrial park on the other side provides job opportunities close to home.

Wards Corner

The number of people living in Wards Corner remains quite low. The rents are among Norfolk’s lowest, largely because homeowners have converted the floors of a once-single-family home into apartments. That underscores the family-friendly feeling. The main artery, Little Creek Road, provides residents with access to shopping and dining establishments. But the somewhat insular neighborhood lends itself to walking dogs, riding bicycles, and taking the kids to the North Shore Playground. If you are planning on starting a family and want to rent before taking out a mortgage, Wards Corner has daycare right in your backyard.