Why this home stands out
Homes from the 1940s carry a solidity that newer construction rarely matches — thicker walls, mature lot trees, and a street scale that feels human rather than hurried. At 117 Beaton Drive, you get that era's craftsmanship in a city that has quietly invested in its older neighborhoods. Three bedrooms in under a thousand square feet means every room earns its keep, and the proximity to two major military installations is hard to beat.
SIMONSDALE and the Portsmouth real estate market
Portsmouth is one of Hampton Roads' original port cities, and the area around Beaton Drive reflects that deep-rooted character. Streets here are lined with mid-century homes on established lots, giving the neighborhood a settled, lived-in feel that newer subdivisions simply can't replicate. Neighbors tend to stay, and the blocks have a genuine community rhythm to them.
The city itself sits along the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, directly across from Norfolk, and it punches well above its size in terms of history and personality. Downtown Portsmouth's Olde Towne district — one of the largest collections of pre-Civil War architecture on the East Coast — is just a short drive away, with waterfront dining, the Children's Museum of Virginia, and the Portside festival grounds all within easy reach. The 117 Beaton Drive Portsmouth VA location puts you inside a city that rewards curiosity: there's always another corner to explore, another local spot to discover.
What's nearby
Daily life is well-supported from this address. Grocery options, pharmacies, and everyday retail are all within a short drive along Frederick Boulevard and the surrounding corridors. For green space, City Park is one of Portsmouth's largest and most beloved, offering walking paths, picnic areas, and open lawn just a few miles away. The Elizabeth River Trail connects pedestrians and cyclists across the region. If you're craving coffee or a casual meal, a handful of local spots along High Street and in Olde Towne are reachable in under fifteen minutes. Getting around the broader Hampton Roads region is straightforward via I-264 and the Downtown Tunnel.
For different buyers
For military families relocating
Eight minutes to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and eight minutes to Norfolk Naval Shipyard — that's a genuinely rare double. Whether one or both adults in your household are stationed at either installation, the commute from 117 Beaton Drive stays short and predictable. A VA loan can make ownership here straightforward, and the established neighborhood means you're not starting from scratch when you arrive.
For first-time buyers
If you're stepping into homeownership for the first time, a three-bedroom 1940s home at this scale is a smart place to start. The footprint is manageable — lower utility costs, less to maintain — while still giving you real bedrooms and a yard to call your own. Portsmouth's older neighborhoods offer genuine character, and this address puts you close to two major employment hubs without stretching your commute.
More buyer questions
How far is 117 Beaton Drive from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth?
The drive is approximately eight minutes under normal traffic conditions, making it one of the closer residential options to the medical center in this part of Portsmouth.
How far is 117 Beaton Drive from Norfolk Naval Shipyard?
Norfolk Naval Shipyard is also about eight minutes away, so this address sits in a genuinely convenient position between two of the region's largest military installations.
What is the flood risk at 117 Beaton Drive?
Flood zone information for this property is displayed in the FloodRisk tile on this page — check there for the current FEMA designation and any relevant details.
What year was 117 Beaton Drive built?
The home was built in 1940, placing it among Portsmouth's mid-century residential stock — a construction era known for solid bones and established lot character.
Is there an HOA at 117 Beaton Drive?
Based on available information, this property does not appear to be part of a homeowners association, though you should confirm that detail during the due-diligence period of any transaction.
Want to know more about 117 Beaton Drive or the surrounding Portsmouth area? Tom and Dariya Milan are happy to walk you through everything — reach out and let's talk.
