Norfolk, Virginia is a commercial and cultural center that, because of the unique system of deep channel waterways that surround it, has made it the ideal naval and military base. Norfolk is also a major trade artery for the importing and exporting of goods from across the Mid-Atlantic and the Mid-West and far off lands. The population of 245,803 in Norfolk qualifies it to be the second biggest city in Virginia. It is part of the much large metro area known as the Virginia Beach-Newport News; the entire area is sometimes just known as Hampton Roads.
The center of Norfolk, that is also the LGBT center, is located at the junction of Elizabeth River and Chesapeake Bay. It is a neighbor to Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach, the most populated part of Virginia, is actually more like a suburb of Norfolk. People who are shopping for property here can look at single-family homes and developments along the river or along the beaches. Two of the most popular and beautiful areas to live in are Willoughby Spit and Ocean View. Willoughby Spit is an old community settled initially in 1625 nearer Norfolk and known for its expensive older homes. Ocean View stretches along the coastline for several miles just south of the Naval Amphibious Base and features older cottages, amusement parks, fishing piers and many other roadside attractions.
The gayborhood of Norfolk is located in the downtown. Granby Street is the main LGBT strip and has been a popular nightlife spot for gays since the seventies. The neighborhood, which has many unusual shops, big theaters and excellent restaurants, runs along the Elizabeth River to Chesapeake Bay. Bars for men include The Wave, Klub Ambush and the Rainbow Cactus Company and lesbians gather at the Hershee Bar.
There area also many other interesting attractions in downtown Norfolk including the Norfolk Botanical Garden, the Chrysler Museum of Art and the Virginia Zoo. It is known in particular for its many military and naval themed attractions including the Norfolk Naval Base, the Nauticus National Maritime Center. The USS Wisconsin and the MacArthur Memorial. It is also home to the Hunter House Victorian Museum that has many artifacts dating back to the turn of the last century.
Norfolk is also quite affordable with the average listing price for a home for sale being $249,308 for the week ending September 18, 2013. Housing is more in demand here with the average price per square foot being 9.2% more than it was last summer. There are also bargains to be had if you want to buy a home that is in the process of foreclosure then there are many options; there are 338 homes in some stage of the foreclosure process.
A Norfolk gay realtor will be more than happy to help you find the situation that is right for you. For more information about Norfolk, nearby Virginia beach and other features of the Hampton Roads area go to www.2chambers.com/norfollk.htm.
Author Jeff Hammerberg is a gay realtor and Founding CEO of GayRealEstate.com ~ Offering Free Instant Access to the Nation’s Top Gay, Lesbian and Gay Friendly Realtors Coast to Coast. Free Buyers Representation ~ Free Relocation Kit to any City, USA ~ Free Sellers Market Analysis for home sellers.