Why this home stands out
What sets 1609 Richmond Avenue apart is the rare combination of genuine 1940s architectural character and an almost unbeatable proximity to Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Four bedrooms in a home this close to the gate gives you flexibility — a dedicated home office, a guest room, space for a growing family — without sacrificing that tight commute. Prentis Park is an established, walkable city neighborhood where daily errands and a solid fitness routine are both within easy reach on foot.
PRENTIS PARK and the Portsmouth real estate market
Prentis Park is one of Portsmouth's older residential neighborhoods, and it carries the kind of lived-in, tree-lined character that newer subdivisions simply can't replicate. The streets here are lined with homes from the early-to-mid twentieth century, giving the area a cohesive, historic feel that draws buyers who want something with real roots. Portsmouth itself sits at the heart of Hampton Roads, bordered by the Elizabeth River and connected to Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Suffolk by a network of bridges and tunnels. It's a city with genuine history — home to the oldest naval shipyard in the country — and Prentis Park sits right at the center of that story. Daily life in the neighborhood is refreshingly low-effort: groceries, parks, fitness centers, and local restaurants are all within a short walk or a quick drive. If you've been searching for Portsmouth VA homes for sale with a short military commute and real neighborhood character, Richmond Avenue deserves a close look.
What's nearby
Day-to-day convenience is built right into this location. Martha's Mini Mart is just 0.2 miles away for quick stops, and Dollar General is within 0.6 miles for household basics. When it's time to eat, Jaliyah's is practically around the corner at 0.2 miles, with Jem's 'Take A Plate' and Lil Mammas Soul Kitchen both about a half-mile out for solid soul food options. Cure, a local coffee shop, is 0.8 miles away when you need a proper cup. For staying active, the Effingham Street Family YMCA and Brikhouse Boxing and Fitness are both 0.6 miles out. Scotts Creek Park, Lansing Park, and Turnpike Park are all within 0.7 miles for outdoor time.
For different buyers
For military families relocating
Norfolk Naval Shipyard is a two-minute drive from 1609 Richmond Avenue — and USCG Base Portsmouth is three minutes out. For active-duty families, that kind of gate-to-door time is genuinely rare. A VA loan can make ownership here straightforward, and four bedrooms means the whole family has room to settle in without anyone feeling squeezed.
For first-time buyers
If you're buying your first home, 1609 Richmond Avenue offers a lot of practical advantages: four bedrooms, two full baths, and a walkable neighborhood with groceries, parks, and restaurants close by. The 1940s construction means solid bones and real character — not the cookie-cutter feel of newer builds. Prentis Park is an established community where you'll know your neighbors.
More buyer questions
How far is 1609 Richmond Avenue from Norfolk Naval Shipyard?
Norfolk Naval Shipyard is approximately a two-minute drive from 1609 Richmond Avenue, making this one of the closest residential addresses to the base in the area. The short commute is one of the property's most practical advantages for active-duty personnel.
How far is 1609 Richmond Avenue from USCG Base Portsmouth?
USCG Base Portsmouth is about a three-minute drive from the property. Both major installations are reachable in under five minutes, which is an unusual combination for a single address.
What is the Prentis Park neighborhood like in Portsmouth?
Prentis Park is an established, early-twentieth-century neighborhood in Portsmouth with tree-lined streets and a walkable layout. It sits close to both major military installations and has a genuine community feel that newer developments in the region typically lack.
Is 1609 Richmond Avenue in a flood zone?
Flood zone information for 1609 Richmond Avenue is displayed in the FloodRisk tile on this page, which pulls current FEMA map data for the specific parcel. We recommend reviewing that section and discussing it with your agent before making any decisions.
Does 1609 Richmond Avenue have an HOA?
Prentis Park is not a planned HOA community, so there is no homeowners association governing 1609 Richmond Avenue. That means no monthly dues and no HOA approval process to navigate.
Tom and Dariya Milan at LPT Realty know Portsmouth inside and out. Reach out to get a straight answer on this address, the neighborhood, or the buying process — no pressure, just good information.
