Why this home stands out
Very few addresses in Portsmouth homes for sale can claim a two-minute drive to Norfolk Naval Shipyard and a three-minute drive to USCG Base Portsmouth simultaneously. Prentis Park's tree-lined streets carry the quiet confidence of an established mid-century neighborhood, and 1609 Richmond Ave fits right in — a four-bedroom, 1940-era home where the bones are solid and the location does a lot of the heavy lifting for you.
PRENTIS PARK and the Portsmouth real estate market
Prentis Park sits in the heart of Portsmouth, Virginia — a city that punches well above its size when it comes to history, waterfront character, and military heritage. The neighborhood dates to the early twentieth century, and Richmond Ave reflects that era: modest lots, mature trees, and homes built to last. Portsmouth itself borders Norfolk across the Elizabeth River, giving residents fast access to a much larger metro without the congestion that comes with living closer to its center. The city's Old Towne district, just a short drive away, adds brick-sidewalk charm, independent restaurants, and a genuine sense of place. For families comparing homes for sale in Portsmouth, Prentis Park tends to appeal to people who want walkable daily errands, quick commutes, and a neighborhood that feels lived-in rather than freshly stamped from a developer's mold. The 23704 zip code covers a compact, well-connected slice of the city where most of what you need is within a mile.
What's nearby
Daily errands are genuinely easy from 1609 Richmond Ave. Old Towne Market Place is 0.4 miles away, Food Lion is half a mile, and Martha's Mini Mart fills in the gaps for quick stops. Dinner options are right there too — China Ocean and America's Best Wings are both under half a mile, and Jaliyah's is just a touch farther. When you want coffee or a morning pick-me-up, Cure and a 7-Eleven are both about 0.8 miles out. For staying active, the Effingham Street Family YMCA is 0.8 miles away and Brikhouse Boxing and Fitness is under a mile. Turnpike Park is the closest green space at 0.3 miles, with Scotts Creek Park and Kinley Park both reachable in about 0.6 miles.
For different buyers
For military families relocating
Two minutes to Norfolk Naval Shipyard and three minutes to USCG Base Portsmouth — it's hard to find a tighter commute than that in this part of Hampton Roads. A VA loan fits this property type well, and four bedrooms give a growing military family real room to breathe. Prentis Park is the kind of neighborhood where neighbors know each other, which matters when one parent deploys.
For first-time buyers
If you're sorting through homes for sale in 23704 as a first-time buyer, 1609 Richmond Ave offers something increasingly rare: a four-bedroom, two-bath home from an era when construction was built to endure, in a neighborhood with genuine walkability and grocery stores less than half a mile away. The footprint is manageable, the location is strong, and the commute math to two major bases works in your favor.
More buyer questions
How far is 1609 Richmond Ave from Norfolk Naval Shipyard?
Norfolk Naval Shipyard is approximately two minutes by car from 1609 Richmond Ave — one of the shortest base commutes you'll find in the area. USCG Base Portsmouth is just three minutes away in the opposite direction.
What is the Prentis Park neighborhood like?
Prentis Park is an established mid-century neighborhood in Portsmouth with mature trees, modest lots, and a walkable layout. It has a settled, residential feel with grocery stores, parks, and restaurants all within half a mile of most addresses.
Is 1609 Richmond Ave in a flood zone?
Flood zone status for this address is detailed in the FloodRisk tile on this page — check there for the current FEMA designation and any flood insurance considerations.
What schools serve 1609 Richmond Ave?
Families comparing homes for sale zoned for Norcom High School and homes for sale zoned for Brighton Elementary School will find that this address falls within those attendance zones — confirm current boundaries with Portsmouth City Public Schools directly.
Does 1609 Richmond Ave have a garage?
Garage details for this specific property are best confirmed through the current listing data or a direct walkthrough — the home's 1940 construction era means configurations vary by address in Prentis Park.
Tom and Dariya Milan at LPT Realty know Prentis Park and the Portsmouth market well — reach out to get your questions answered and schedule a walkthrough of 1609 Richmond Ave.