Why this home stands out
Built in 1914, this property carries the kind of craftsmanship that newer construction rarely replicates — thick walls, established proportions, and a street presence that reads as genuinely rooted. Three full baths across 1,518 square feet means real flexibility for roommates, guests, or a home office setup. And with Norfolk Naval Shipyard literally two minutes away, the commute math is hard to argue with.
BRIGHTON and the Portsmouth real estate market
Highland Avenue sits in a walkable, close-knit section of Portsmouth where the blocks feel lived-in and the neighbors tend to know each other. Portsmouth itself occupies the southern bank of the Elizabeth River, directly across from Norfolk, and carries a history that stretches back to colonial shipbuilding. The city has a compact, navigable layout — downtown Portsmouth, the Olde Towne historic district, and the waterfront are all within a short drive. Families comparing homes for sale in Portsmouth often notice how much the city packs into a small footprint: independent restaurants, neighborhood parks, and a genuine sense of community identity that larger metro areas can lose. The 23704 zip code in particular sits at the heart of Portsmouth's older residential fabric, where early-twentieth-century architecture gives the streetscape real texture.
What's nearby
Day-to-day errands are genuinely easy from Highland Avenue. Church Food Mart is just 0.1 miles away for quick grocery runs, with Save & Save Supermarket and Amoco both within half a mile. Emma's Restaurant and Lil Mammas Soul Kitchen are each about 0.2 miles out — solid options for a weeknight dinner without getting in the car. Ziggy's Street Eats is another 0.1 miles further for something different. Mariner's Reef Cafe handles the coffee stop at 0.4 miles. For fitness, Callaghan Gym and Fitness Center, Brikhouse Boxing and Fitness, and the Effingham Street Family YMCA are all within a mile. Jefferson Park and Lansing Park are both 0.4 miles away, with Scotts Creek Park just 0.6 miles out.
For different buyers
For military families relocating
Norfolk Naval Shipyard is a two-minute drive — and USCG Base Portsmouth is three minutes in the other direction. For active-duty households juggling early muster times and unpredictable schedules, that kind of proximity is genuinely valuable. A VA loan can make ownership here straightforward, and three full baths means the home works whether you're living solo, with a partner, or with kids in tow.
For buyers drawn to character
If you're drawn to homes that have a story — real plaster walls, proportions that feel intentional, a street that predates the suburb — 1304 Highland Avenue delivers. Built in 1914, it belongs to an era when residential construction was built to last generations. Three bedrooms and three baths give you modern livability inside a frame that newer builds simply can't replicate.
More buyer questions
How far is 1304 Highland Avenue from Norfolk Naval Shipyard?
Norfolk Naval Shipyard is approximately a two-minute drive from 1304 Highland Avenue — one of the shortest base commutes you'll find among homes for sale in 23704. USCG Base Portsmouth is about three minutes in the opposite direction.
What year was 1304 Highland Avenue built?
The home was built in 1914, making it over a century old. That era of construction is known for solid framing, thick walls, and architectural details that give the property a distinct character compared to mid-century or modern builds.
Is 1304 Highland Avenue in a flood zone?
Flood zone status for this address is covered in the FloodRisk tile on this page, which pulls current FEMA map data. It's worth reviewing before making any decisions, as Portsmouth's proximity to the Elizabeth River means flood designations vary by block.
What are the schools associated with 1304 Highland Avenue?
Buyers comparing homes for sale zoned for Manor High School and homes for sale zoned for Douglass Park Elementary School will find this address falls within those attendance zones — confirm current boundaries with Portsmouth Public Schools directly, as zones can change.
Does 1304 Highland Avenue have an HOA?
Based on available property data, this address does not appear to be governed by a homeowners association. Confirm with a title search or your agent before closing, as HOA status can occasionally change with annexations or new community agreements.
Tom and Dariya Milan at LPT Realty know Portsmouth inside and out — reach out to get your questions answered and take a closer look at 1304 Highland Avenue.
