Homes for Sale Near Norfolk Naval Shipyard
The oldest and one of the largest shipyards in the Navy, with thousands of military and civilian workers. Most people are surprised it’s in Portsmouth, not Norfolk, and that changes where the smart commutes are. These saved searches are set up for a 15–20 mile radius around the base, so you can see what’s realistically close before you look wider.
Search Homes Around Norfolk Naval Shipyard
Every search below is centered on Norfolk Naval Shipyard, located in Portsmouth, on the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, despite the name. Listings update automatically from the MLS.
Radius is a straight-line distance from the base, not drive time. Adjust price, beds and home type once the map loads, or ask me to set up a custom search with email alerts.
Neighborhoods Within About 20 Miles
- Portsmouth: Olde Towne, Park View, Churchland, Westhaven, Cradock
- Chesapeake: Western Branch, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, Greenbrier
- Suffolk: Harbour View, North Suffolk, downtown
- Norfolk, via the Downtown and Midtown tunnels
- Western Virginia Beach
Miles don’t tell the whole story here. In Hampton Roads, a 12-mile commute through a bridge-tunnel can take longer than a 22-mile drive that doesn’t cross the water.
Suffolk and Chesapeake often mean newer construction and more land, without a tunnel in your daily drive. That’s a big reason my own clients look just outside the circle.
Looking wider can also help your BAH go further, get you into a newer home or give you a better shot at resale when it’s your turn to PCS.
Living Near the Shipyard: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly
Good
- Portsmouth and Western Branch commutes can be 5–20 minutes
- Strong value: Portsmouth is one of the more affordable cities in the region
- Historic character in Olde Towne and Park View, and newer builds in Chesapeake and Suffolk
Bad
- The Downtown and Midtown tunnels carry tolls and back up at rush hour
- Shift-change traffic around the yard gates
- Neighborhoods vary a lot block to block, so tour before you commit
Ugly
- Low-lying streets near the river flood during heavy rain and high tides
- Older homes in historic areas can need big-ticket updates
- Tunnel closures can turn a 15-minute drive into an hour
Want the full breakdown for every base? Read Living Near the Bases: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly.
Everything You Need for This Move
Real Reviews from Families I’ve Helped Move
“If me and my family could give MORE than 5 stars we would. Finding a good realtor is important.”— Sasha J., bought in Virginia Beach
“Tiffany was a pleasure to deal with. She worked tirelessly to help us find our dream house.”— Zillow reviewer, bought in Chesapeake
“Tiffany went above and beyond to help us in the process of selling our home.”— Zillow reviewer, sold in Virginia Beach
★★★★★ 5.0 on Zillow (6 reviews). Excerpts shown from verified Zillow reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living Near Norfolk Naval Shipyard
How far do these searches reach from Norfolk Naval Shipyard?
The 15-mile search covers homes within 15 miles of Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and the 20-mile search goes a little wider. Both are straight-line distances from the base, not drive times, so use them as a starting point and check real commutes before you commit.
Should I only look within 15 to 20 miles of base?
Not necessarily. Tunnels, bridges and traffic patterns matter more than miles here. Looking a bit outside the radius can get you more house, a better price or a commute that is actually easier. I’ll help you compare.
Can I use my VA loan on these homes?
Most single-family homes qualify. Condos and some townhomes need to be on the VA-approved list, and every home has to meet VA minimum property requirements. My VA loan page covers the details.
Can you tour homes for me before I arrive?
Yes. I do live video tours, check the neighborhood and commute in person and send you notes, so you can shortlist homes before you ever get here.
Let’s Find Your Home Near the Shipyard
Tell me your report date, BAH and must-haves. I’ll build the search, scout the neighborhoods and tour homes for you, in person or on video.
Tiffany Mosby, Realtor | Team Leader · 757-755-5625 · tiffanymosbyrealtor@gmail.com
Epique Realty · Office 888-893-3537 · VA License 0225251677 · Equal Housing Opportunity. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Search results come from the MLS and update automatically. Radius is approximate. Tiffany Mosby is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense.

