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✓ Source: REIN MLS #10640145 · record updated Aug 18, 2026 · synced every 2 min · your inquiry is never resold
12 California AVE, PORTSMOUTH VA 23701 - Main photo
2beds
1baths
1,098sqft
31days on market

12 California Ave, Portsmouth, VA 23701

SoldResidential · built 1942 · ALL OTHERS AREA 21

About this home

Tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sack, this charming 2 bedroom Cape Cod offers the privacy you've been searching for. Inside, you'll find bright, light-filled living spaces, an updated kitchen with modern finishes, and a beautifully remodeled oversized bathroom. Minutes from shopping, dining, and major commuter routes, this hidden gem is ready to welcome you HOME!

Listing courtesy of Kristyn Michael · Real Broker LLC · REIN MLS #10640145

Facts & features

Type

Residential

Year built

1942

Price / sqft

$219

HOA

None

Taxes

$2,783/yr

County

Portsmouth VA

MLS #

10640145

Interior

Bedrooms
2
Full baths
1
Approx. sqft
1,098
Stories
1
Flooring
Laminate/LVP, Other, Wood
First-floor bed & full bath
Yes
Total rooms
6
Other rooms
Attic
Appliances
Dishwasher, Dryer Hookup, Microwave, Elec Range, Refrigerator, Washer Hookup
Equipment
Ceiling Fan

Construction & exterior

Style
Cape Cod
Subtype
Detached
Foundation
Crawl
Roof
Asphalt Shingle
Exterior
Vinyl
Pool
No Pool
Fencing
Back Fenced,Chain Link

Utilities & systems

Heating
Heat Pump
Cooling
Central Air
Water heater
Gas
Water
City/County
Sewer
City/County

Lot, parking & ownership

Subdivision
ALL OTHERS AREA 21
Zoning
UR
Ownership
Fee Simple
Garage
No
Parking
Carport, Multi Car, Driveway Spc
Possession
SETTLEMENT
Disclosures
Disclosure Statement

Sources: REIN MLS record · city assessor

Tom & Dariya's overview

Our read on this home

by Tom & Dariya Milan, REALTORS® · Brokered by LPT Realty

At a glance

A 1942-built, 2-bedroom, 1-bath home in Portsmouth, Virginia, offering 1,098 square feet of classic character just seven minutes from both Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and Norfolk Naval Shipyard — a compact, well-located property with genuine historic bones.

Keep searching in Portsmouth

See all Portsmouth homes for sale, including homes for sale in 23701, homes for sale zoned for Churchland High School, and homes for sale zoned for Westhaven Elementary School. Nearby, look at Brighton homes for sale, Portsmouth waterfront homes for sale, Portsmouth condos and townhomes for sale, and new construction homes in Portsmouth.

Read the full overview ↓

Why this home stands out

What sets 12 California Avenue apart is its rare dual-base proximity — seven minutes to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and seven minutes to Norfolk Naval Shipyard — paired with the kind of solid 1940s construction that simply isn't replicated in newer builds. At 1,098 square feet, the layout is efficient without feeling cramped, and the home's age means character details that newer cookie-cutter properties can't match.

ALL OTHERS AREA 21 and the Portsmouth real estate market

Portsmouth is one of Hampton Roads' most historically layered cities, and 12 California Avenue sits within that story comfortably. The surrounding area carries the quiet, lived-in feel of a mid-century neighborhood — tree-lined streets, modest lots, and neighbors who tend to stay put. Portsmouth itself straddles the Elizabeth River across from Norfolk, giving residents easy access to the broader Hampton Roads metro without the congestion of larger city centers. The city is home to Olde Towne Portsmouth, one of the largest collections of pre-Civil War architecture on the East Coast, and a working waterfront that gives the area genuine personality. Daily errands are manageable from this address, and the street grid is straightforward to navigate whether you're heading toward the shipyard, the medical center, or downtown. For anyone looking for a Portsmouth home with history baked into its walls, California Avenue delivers exactly that.

What's nearby

Everyday conveniences are within easy reach of 12 California Avenue. Grocery options, pharmacies, and casual dining are all accessible within a short drive along the surrounding corridors. The nearby Elizabeth River Trail system connects pedestrians and cyclists to waterfront greenspace, and Prentis Park offers a local outdoor anchor for morning walks or weekend downtime. Downtown Portsmouth's Olde Towne district — with its restaurants, coffee shops, and waterfront boardwalk — is a short drive away, giving you a genuine neighborhood destination rather than just a strip-mall errand run.

For different buyers

Base commute and VA loan notes

Seven minutes to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and seven minutes to Norfolk Naval Shipyard — it's rare to find an address that sits this close to two major installations simultaneously. For military households managing unpredictable schedules or split-command assignments, that kind of commute cushion matters. A VA loan can make a property like this even more accessible, and the location speaks for itself.

For first-time buyers

If you're stepping into homeownership for the first time, 12 California Avenue offers a manageable footprint — 1,098 square feet, two bedrooms, one bath — without the overwhelming scale of a larger property. The 1942 construction means the home has already proven its durability over decades, and Portsmouth's price point tends to be friendlier than neighboring Norfolk or Virginia Beach for buyers just getting started.

More buyer questions

How far is 12 California Avenue from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth?

The drive is approximately seven minutes under normal traffic conditions, making it one of the closer residential options to the medical center in the area.

How far is 12 California Avenue from Norfolk Naval Shipyard?

Norfolk Naval Shipyard is also about seven minutes away, which is an unusual convenience for households with personnel assigned to either installation.

What is the square footage and layout of 12 California Avenue?

The home offers 1,098 square feet with two bedrooms and one full bath — a compact but functional layout well-suited to individuals, couples, or small families.

Is 12 California Avenue in a flood zone?

Flood zone status for this address is detailed in the FloodRisk tile on this page, which pulls current FEMA map data for the specific parcel.

Can a VA loan be used to purchase 12 California Avenue?

Yes — as a residential single-family property in Virginia, 12 California Avenue is generally eligible for VA loan financing, subject to standard appraisal and eligibility requirements.

Curious whether 12 California Avenue fits your situation? Tom and Dariya Milan at LPT Realty know this Portsmouth market well — reach out and let's talk through it.

Summary generated by AI from public records and publicly available information.

How Far Is?

Driving distance by road and typical drive time via Google Maps, to the nearest location of each. Straight-line distances in “What’s nearby” are shorter.

Homes like this one sell fast — see the next one first

Portsmouth$200K – $280K2+ beds

By subscribing you agree to receive listing emails from Tom & Dariya Milan, Realtors, at most one a day. Unsubscribe anytime · Privacy PolicyBrokered by LPT Realty

Schools

VaHome School Score

Our own 1–10 rating, scored from Virginia Department of Education data.

VaHome School Score — calculated by VaHome.com from Virginia Department of Education assessment, progress, and attendance data. Attendance zones come from the MLS listing record; confirm the current zone with the school division before making an offer.

Flood & environment

FEMA flood zone X · outside the high-risk area · FIRM 515529

Flood Risk (FEMA)

Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer · FIRM 515529

Low / Moderate Risk

FEMA flood zone

X (low to moderate risk)

Base flood elevation

Not applicable in low-risk zones

Zone X is outside the Special Flood Hazard Area; FEMA doesn\u2019t define a BFE here.

Property elevation

9.6 ft above sea level

USGS 3DEP digital elevation model

Outside the high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area. Federal flood insurance is NOT required, though optional preferred-rate NFIP coverage is still worth considering in coastal Hampton Roads.

Data sources: Flood zone and base flood elevation come from FEMA\u2019s National Flood Hazard Layer. Property elevation is sampled from a single point on the parcel using the USGS National Map elevation service \u2014 actual elevations across a single property can vary by several feet higher or lower than the figure shown. Use these numbers as a starting reference and do your own due diligence (a professional survey or elevation certificate) before relying on them for any financial, insurance, or construction decision.

Hurricane Evacuation Zone

Evacuation Zone A

Source: Virginia Dept. of Emergency Management — Know Your Zone

Explore this neighborhood

Brighton

Brighton is a neighborhood in Portsmouth, Virginia. It has tree-lined streets and a mix of home styles. They reflect the area's deep local roots.

$273K

Median sale · 12 mo

$171

Sold $/sq ft

23d

Days on market

20

For sale now

$46K

HH income

55.2%

Owner-occupied

REIN MLS closed sales, trailing 12 mo · U.S. Census ACS 2024 5-year

Explore Brighton →
Map of Brighton with neighborhood boundaryNeighborhood

Portsmouth homes for sale →

Location intelligence

What's nearby

Location & Neighborhood

Distances are straight-line (as the crow flies) from this property, not driving miles. Places within ~1 mile, nearest first. Powered by Google Places.

Military Commute

Drive times to nearest bases

NMCP

Navy

15min·4.4mi

NNSY

Navy

13min·4.7mi

USCG Portsmouth

Coast Guard

15min·5.9mi

USCG Finance Ctr

Coast Guard

24min·16.4mi

NSA HR

Navy

32min·13.1mi

Drive times via Google Maps with current traffic patterns. Times are typical and may vary by time of day. Use the "Analyze" button up top to see live drive time to your saved base.

The numbers

Payment Calculator

Estimates only — taxes come from the public record; confirm rates with your lender. VA-eligible buyers: $0-down financing may apply.

Estimate your monthly payment

$1,547/mo

Principal & interest

$1,245

Property tax

$232

Home insurance

$70

PMI

None

HOA/Condo (paid separately)

None

Estimate only. Association (HOA/condo) fees are paid separately and are not included in the payment above. Insurance assumed at 0.35% of home value annually. Actual taxes, insurance, and rate will vary by lender, credit, and property. Contact a lender for a personalized quote.

Value & history

Comparables

Asking vs. assessment

107% of $224,460

City assessment record · taxes $2,783/yr

Land share of assessed value

37% — $82,500

Improvements $141,960 · assessor record ✓

Price context — similar nearby homes

$135,000 – $269,000

The 6 most similar homes nearby (same city, within ~20% of this size, ~2.5 mi; 6 sold). Context for judging the asking price — not an appraisal or an estimate of this home's value.

314 Avondale RD · 1.9 mi · 1,100 sqft$266,000 sold 2026-06
405 Truman CIR · 1.7 mi · 1,200 sqft$269,000 sold 2026-04
1157 Carrington CRES N · 2.1 mi · 1,125 sqft$166,250 sold 2026-05

Own a home nearby? See what it is worth today — What's your Portsmouth home worth?

Sale & Tax History

List Price

$240,000

Price / Sq Ft

$219

Annual Taxes

$2,783

Monthly Tax

$232

HOA

None

Tax Rate (effective)

1.16%

Sale Timeline (this listing)

EventDatePriceDetail
ListedJul 18, 2026$240,000—
Price reducedAug 18, 2026$240,000−$10,000
SoldAug 17, 2026$240,000—

Public-Records Assessment

Source: City Assessor via Hampton Roads Regional Parcels.

7% above assessment

Total Assessed

$224,460

Land

$82,500

Improvement

$141,960

Looking for multi-year tax assessments or prior sales? REIN MLS only ships data for the current listing. For full property history, check the city assessor record:

Portsmouth Real Estate Assessor

Tax data above from REIN public-records sync. Sale timeline tracked from this listing's first appearance in our feed forward; prior owner sales are not included.

Comparable Properties

Comps are selected by city, bed count, square footage and price proximity. Composite similarity score weights bed match, sqft variance, price variance, and straight-line distance.

Questions buyers ask

Is 12 California Ave in a good school zone?+
The assigned zones on the listing record are Westhaven Elementary (VaHome School Score 2.2/10), William E. Waters Middle, Churchland (VaHome School Score 6.6/10). School attendance zones can change — always confirm enrollment with the local school division.
Is 12 California Ave in a flood zone?+
FEMA maps this parcel in Zone X, outside the high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area. See the flood section on this page for details and sources.
Is there a gym near 12 California Ave?+
Yes — Crunch Fitness - Portsmouth is about 0.3 miles away, per the cached nearby-places record for this address.
Where is the nearest grocery store to 12 California Ave?+
Farm Fresh International is about 0.6 miles away. The closest dining on record is Griff's Restaurant & Sports Lounge (0.3 mi).
Does 12 California Ave have an HOA?+
No — there are no HOA, condo, or association dues on the listing record for this property.
When was 12 California Ave built?+
It was built in 1942, per the listing record.

Answers generated from the listing record, verified school zones, FEMA data, and cached nearby-places data — never invented.

The people

You'll talk to a person, not a lead queue

TD

Tom & Dariya Milan

Brokered by LPT Realty · Hampton Roads

Listing courtesy of Kristyn Michael · Real Broker LLC · REIN MLS #10640145

Call or text (757) 777-7577

Ask Dariya — instant answers

Schools, flood, drive times, what it really costs to own — answered from this page's data, by chat or voice.

This home has sold

Curious what it means for your own plans? Ask about similar homes nearby, or what your home might sell for in this market.

🏡 Similar homes for saleWhat's my home worth?
12 California Ave, Portsmouth — photo

This one's sold — the next one doesn't have to be.

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12 California Ave, Portsmouth, Virginia 23701 · MLS #10640145 · Source: REIN MLS + public record. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed — verify independently. School zones subject to change; confirm with the local school division. All locations are described by neutral geographic fact. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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