Why this home stands out
Homes built in 1937 carry a craftsmanship you simply don't find in newer construction — solid bones, thick walls, and architectural details that have outlasted decades of trends. At 1,498 square feet across three bedrooms, 1708 A Street offers genuine living space without the sprawl. The half bath adds everyday practicality, and the lot gives you room to breathe in a city neighborhood that still feels like a real community.
WEST PARK VIEW and the Portsmouth real estate market
Portsmouth is one of the original cities of Hampton Roads, and the streets around 1708 A Street reflect that deep history. This part of Portsmouth sits in the older residential fabric of the city — tree-lined blocks, established lots, and neighbors who tend to stay. You're close to the waterfront, close to the shipyard district, and close to the kind of local character that newer suburbs spend decades trying to manufacture. Portsmouth itself sits on the southern bank of the Elizabeth River, directly across from downtown Norfolk, connected by the Downtown Tunnel and the Midtown Tunnel. Olde Towne Portsmouth, one of the largest collections of pre-Civil War architecture on the East Coast, is just minutes away — a walkable stretch of galleries, restaurants, and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. For a city of its size, Portsmouth punches well above its weight in terms of history, waterfront access, and neighborhood identity.
What's nearby
Daily life is easy from 1708 A Street. Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is a two-minute drive, and USCG Base Portsmouth is three minutes out — making this one of the closest residential addresses to either installation in the region. Grocery runs, pharmacies, and everyday errands are handled quickly along the commercial corridors of Portsmouth's central districts. Olde Towne's dining and coffee scene is close, and the Elizabeth River Trail gives you a scenic route for walking or cycling along the waterfront. Interstate 264 and the Downtown Tunnel put Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and the broader Hampton Roads network within easy reach.
For different buyers
For military families relocating
Two minutes to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and three minutes to USCG Base Portsmouth — it's hard to overstate how rare that combination is. For active-duty families who want to minimize the commute and maximize time at home, 1708 A Street delivers. A VA loan can make the path to ownership here straightforward, and the established neighborhood means you're buying into stability, not a work in progress.
For buyers drawn to character
If you've been scrolling past vinyl-sided subdivisions looking for something with actual bones, 1708 A Street is worth a serious look. Built in 1937, this home carries the hallmarks of Depression-era craftsmanship — proportions that feel right, materials that have held up, and a street presence that newer homes simply can't replicate. Portsmouth's older residential blocks are one of Hampton Roads' best-kept architectural secrets.
More buyer questions
How far is 1708 A Street from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth?
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is approximately a two-minute drive from 1708 A Street — one of the shortest commutes to the base you'll find in any residential neighborhood. The proximity makes this address particularly practical for medical staff and active-duty personnel assigned there.
How far is 1708 A Street from USCG Base Portsmouth?
USCG Base Portsmouth is about three minutes away by car, making 1708 A Street an exceptionally convenient home base for Coast Guard personnel and their families.
What is the architectural style of 1708 A Street?
The home was built in 1937, placing it squarely in the pre-war residential tradition common to older Portsmouth neighborhoods — typically characterized by solid construction, defined floor plans, and exterior details that reflect the craftsmanship standards of that era.
Is 1708 A Street in a flood zone?
Flood zone information for 1708 A Street is displayed in the FloodRisk tile on this page, which pulls current FEMA map data for the property's specific parcel.
What is the neighborhood like around 1708 A Street in Portsmouth?
The surrounding area is part of Portsmouth's established residential core — older homes, mature trees, and a neighborhood character shaped by generations of owners rather than a developer's master plan. Olde Towne Portsmouth and the Elizabeth River waterfront are both close by, adding cultural and recreational depth to everyday life here.
Want to know more about 1708 A Street or explore what ownership in Portsmouth looks like for your situation? Tom and Dariya Milan are ready to walk you through it.
