Why this home stands out
What sets 123 Smith Ave apart is its unbeatable proximity to two major military installations without the premium price tag that usually comes with it. The 1946 construction gives the home a solid, established character — thick walls, mature lot, and a street that's been part of Portsmouth's fabric for decades. For buyers who want to be close to work and close to the city's everyday conveniences, this address checks both boxes efficiently.
SIMONSDALE GARDENS and the Portsmouth real estate market
123 Smith Ave sits in a residential pocket of Portsmouth, Virginia — a city with deep naval roots, a walkable historic downtown, and a genuine working-class backbone that keeps it grounded. Portsmouth is one of the seven cities of Hampton Roads, and it punches above its weight in terms of access: you're connected to Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Suffolk without the congestion of larger corridors. The streets around Smith Ave are lined with mid-century homes built for the families of shipyard workers and service members, giving the area a lived-in, community-oriented feel. Neighbors tend to stay, yards are kept, and the pace is unhurried. Portsmouth's Olde Towne Historic District is just a short drive away, offering waterfront dining, galleries, and a ferry connection across the Elizabeth River. For daily life, the city delivers solid infrastructure — parks, recreation centers, and grocery options — without the sprawl of newer suburban development.
What's nearby
Daily errands are easy from 123 Smith Ave. Food Lion is half a mile away for your weekly grocery run, and MP International Grocery — just 0.6 miles out — is a great stop for specialty and international ingredients. When you'd rather not cook, Heaven's Kitchen (0.4 mi), Bubba-N-Frank's Portsmouth (0.5 mi), and East Side Pizza (0.5 mi) all sit within a short drive. Portsmouth City Park and the Links at City Park are both 0.5 miles away, giving you green space and a golf course practically at your doorstep. TIGER Academy of Martial Arts (0.7 mi) and Portsmouth Volleyball Center (0.8 mi) round out the active-lifestyle options nearby.
For different buyers
For military families relocating
With Naval Medical Center Portsmouth just eight minutes away and Norfolk Naval Shipyard nine minutes out, 123 Smith Ave is a practical choice for active-duty households. The short commute means more time at home, and buyers using a VA loan will find that a three-bedroom home at this address is a straightforward fit for the benefit. Portsmouth's central position in Hampton Roads also makes it easy to reach other installations across the region.
For first-time buyers
If you're stepping into homeownership for the first time, 123 Smith Ave offers a manageable footprint — 903 square feet, three bedrooms, and a single-family structure with a yard — in a city where your dollar goes further than in many Hampton Roads zip codes. The surrounding neighborhood is stable and established, and the proximity to two military bases means the area carries consistent long-term demand. It's a real home, not a starter compromise.
More buyer questions
How far is 123 Smith Ave from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth?
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is approximately eight minutes away by car, making this address one of the closer residential options to the base in the city.
How far is 123 Smith Ave from Norfolk Naval Shipyard?
Norfolk Naval Shipyard is about nine minutes by car from 123 Smith Ave — a short, straightforward commute for shipyard personnel and contractors.
What is the flood risk at 123 Smith Ave?
Flood zone information for this address is displayed in the FloodRisk tile on this page — we recommend reviewing it alongside any insurance estimates before making a decision.
Is there a park near 123 Smith Ave?
Yes — Portsmouth City Park and the Links at City Park are both within half a mile, and Portsmouth Volleyball Center is under a mile away, giving you several outdoor and recreational options close to home.
What type of home is 123 Smith Ave and when was it built?
It's a single-family residential home built in 1946, offering 903 square feet across three bedrooms and one bath on a mid-century lot in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Want to see 123 Smith Ave in person or get a closer look at the numbers? Tom and Dariya Milan at LPT Realty are ready to walk you through it — reach out and let's set something up.
