




0 days on market
$285,000
13 California Ave
Portsmouth, Virginia 23701
MLS# 10640998 · OREGON ACRES · Portsmouth VA
Updated 3 days ago · Source: REIN MLS
Est. payment
$1,796/mo
Edit below
Price / sq ft
$304
936 sq ft
Days on market
0
New listing
HOA
None
Year built
1942
84 yrs old
Beds
2
Full Baths
1
Half Baths
0
Sq Ft
936
Garage
Yes
About this home
Fall in love with this charming vintage bungalow nestled along the marsh, where privacy, character, and natural beauty create a peaceful retreat that feels far removed from the everyday. While a few finishing touches remain, many of the home's most important updates have already been completed. Recent improvements include a fully renovated kitchen and laundry room (2020), a new 30-year architectural roof installed in…
Listed by Heather Heishman · Keller Williams Capital Props.
VaHome Team property overview
A compact 1942 two-bedroom home in Portsmouth, Virginia, sitting just seven minutes from both Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and Norfolk Naval Shipyard. At 936 square feet, it's a straightforward, manageable home with genuine character rooted in a mid-century neighborhood.
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Why this home stands out
What sets 13 California Ave apart is its rare dual-base proximity — seven minutes to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and seven minutes to Norfolk Naval Shipyard, making it one of the more strategically located addresses in the city for military households. The 1942 construction gives the home solid bones and a character that newer builds simply can't replicate, all on a footprint that keeps upkeep honest and life uncomplicated.
OREGON ACRES and the Portsmouth real estate market
Portsmouth is one of Hampton Roads' most historically layered cities, and the area surrounding California Ave reflects that depth. This part of Portsmouth sits in the southern corridor of the city, where mid-century homes line quiet streets and neighbors tend to know each other by name. The blocks here have a lived-in, genuine feel — not a master-planned development, but a real community that has grown organically over decades. Portsmouth itself spans from the working waterfront along the Elizabeth River to residential pockets that stretch toward the Chesapeake. The city offers a slower pace than Virginia Beach without sacrificing access — you're connected to Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Suffolk within a short drive. For anyone searching for Portsmouth VA real estate with practical military access, this address checks that box clearly. The surrounding streets carry a mix of long-term residents and newer owners, giving the neighborhood a stable, grounded energy.
What's nearby
Daily life is easy to manage from California Ave. Groceries, pharmacies, and everyday errands are within a short drive along the main commercial corridors in southern Portsmouth. Several local diners and casual restaurants are close by, and quick-service options are easy to reach without getting on the highway. Prentis Park and other green spaces in the area give you room to get outside without a long commute to recreation. The broader Portsmouth street grid connects you efficiently to Interstate 264 and the Downtown Tunnel, putting Norfolk's waterfront, Chesapeake's shopping districts, and the broader Hampton Roads metro within comfortable reach on any given day.
For different buyers
For military families relocating
Seven minutes to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and seven minutes to Norfolk Naval Shipyard — that kind of dual-base access is genuinely hard to find in one address. For a service member or medical staff professional looking to cut the commute and simplify the PCS process, 13 California Ave lands in a practical sweet spot. A VA loan can make the path to ownership here straightforward.
For first-time buyers
At 936 square feet, 13 California Ave is a manageable, low-overhead entry point into Portsmouth homeownership. The 1942 construction means real walls, real character, and a home that has already proven its durability over eight decades. Two bedrooms and one bath keep the footprint simple — ideal for someone stepping into ownership for the first time without overextending.
Frequently asked questions
How far is 13 California Ave from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth?
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is approximately seven minutes away by car, making this one of the closer residential addresses to the base in the city. The route is straightforward with no highway required.
How far is 13 California Ave from Norfolk Naval Shipyard?
Norfolk Naval Shipyard is also about seven minutes from the property, which is notably convenient for shipyard workers and military personnel stationed there. Both bases are accessible in roughly the same drive time.
What is the square footage and layout of 13 California Ave?
The home offers 936 square feet of living space with two bedrooms and one bathroom. It's a compact, efficient layout built in 1942 that suits a small household or someone who prefers a low-maintenance footprint.
Is 13 California Ave in a flood zone?
Flood zone designation for this property is displayed in the FloodRisk tile on this page, which reflects the most current FEMA mapping data for this address.
Can a VA loan be used to purchase 13 California Ave?
Yes, eligible veterans and active-duty service members can use a VA loan to purchase this property, provided it meets standard VA appraisal requirements. Given the proximity to two major installations, VA financing is a common and practical option for buyers in this area.
Want to know more about 13 California Ave or explore comparable homes in Portsmouth? Tom and Dariya Milan at LPT Realty are ready to walk you through every detail.
Summary generated by AI from public records and publicly available information.
Location & Neighborhood
Places within ~1 mile, ordered by distance from this property. Powered by Google Places.
Flood Risk
Property Details
Bedrooms
2
Full Baths
1
Half Baths
0
Approx Sq Ft
936
Stories
1
Fireplaces
0
Flooring
Carpet, Ceramic, Wood
Heating
Cooling
Laundry
Interior Features
N/A
Appliances
Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Dryer Hookup, Elec Range, Refrigerator, Washer, Washer Hookup
Sale & Tax History
List Price
$285,000
Price / Sq Ft
$304
Annual Taxes
$2,812
Monthly Tax
$234
HOA
None
Tax Rate (effective)
0.99%
Sale Timeline (this listing)
| Event | Date | Price | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listed | Jun 25, 2026 | $285,000 | — |
| Currently listed | — | $285,000 | — |
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:
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.
About buying in Portsmouth
Homes for sale in Portsmouth, VA combine historic charm with the most affordable entry prices in Hampton Roads. Olde Towne Portsmouth (23704) features cobblestone streets and Federalist-era row houses overlooking the Elizabeth River, with active listings typically ranging $250K-$500K. Western Portsmouth's Churchland neighborhood (23703) offers larger suburban homes, top schools, and direct commutes to Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Park View (23707) and Cradock (23702) provide some of the most affordable single-family inventory in the region, often under $200K. Portsmouth's biggest employers are Norfolk Naval Shipyard (one of the largest ship-repair facilities in the country) and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth — Hampton Roads' largest military hospital. Active-duty military and shipyard families make up a significant share of buyers, and VA loan financing is common. Portsmouth Public Schools includes Churchland High, Manor High, and I.C. Norcom High; Churchland is consistently among the city's top-performing high schools. Buyers looking for waterfront views without Virginia Beach prices often find Portsmouth's Olde Towne and Hodges Ferry areas particularly attractive. Browse every active Portsmouth listing below, refreshed every 5 minutes from the REIN MLS.
Military Commute
Drive times to nearest basesDrive 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.
Estimate your monthly payment
$1,796/moPrincipal & interest
$1,479
Property tax
$234
Home insurance
$83
PMI
None
HOA
None
Estimate only. 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.
Listed by Keller Williams Capital Props. · MLS# 10640998
Data provided by REIN MLS. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
$285,000
13 California AVE, PORTSMOUTH VA 23701
Portsmouth, Virginia 23701
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