Why this home stands out
Built in 1935, 2316 Des Moines Avenue carries the kind of architectural bones that newer construction simply cannot replicate — solid framing, defined rooms, and a street presence that anchors the Prentis Park block. At 1,600 square feet across three bedrooms and two and a half baths, the layout balances everyday function with genuine livability. The lot sits in a walkable pocket of Portsmouth where parks, local restaurants, and a major military installation are all within a short radius.
PRENTIS PARK and the Portsmouth real estate market
Prentis Park is one of Portsmouth's most established residential neighborhoods — a grid of tree-lined streets where 1920s and 1930s homes sit on tidy lots and neighbors actually know each other's names. The area has a settled, unhurried quality that newer subdivisions work hard to imitate. Portsmouth itself is a city with real texture: a working waterfront, a genuine downtown, and a history that stretches back to the colonial era. It sits at the heart of Hampton Roads, connected by tunnel and bridge to Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Suffolk. Families comparing homes for sale in Portsmouth often land here because the city delivers urban convenience without the congestion of larger markets. The 23704 zip code in particular has seen steady reinvestment, and Prentis Park sits right in the middle of that momentum — the kind of neighborhood where a 1935 house on Des Moines Avenue feels like a find rather than a compromise.
What's nearby
Daily errands are easy from Des Moines Avenue. Jem's Take A Plate, Hott Platz, and Cuzzoz Kitchen are all within 0.2 miles — a walkable lineup of local restaurants that makes weeknight dinner a non-event. Lansing Park is also just 0.2 miles away for a quick walk or afternoon outside. Truxtun Historic District, a half-mile out, adds green space with a side of Portsmouth history. For fitness, Callaghan Gym and Fitness Center is 0.6 miles away, with Brikhouse Boxing and Fitness a bit further at 0.9 miles. Mariner's Reef Cafe handles your morning coffee run at 0.7 miles, and Highland Biltmore Park gives you another outdoor option at 0.7 miles. Convenience stores and fuel stops — BP, Dollar General, and Amoco — round out the essentials within half a mile.
For different buyers
For military families relocating
Norfolk Naval Shipyard is three minutes from the front door — and USCG Base Portsmouth matches that same drive time. For active-duty households, that kind of proximity changes daily life in a real way: shorter commutes, more time at home, and a VA loan that stretches further in a market like Portsmouth. Prentis Park has housed military families for generations, and 2316 Des Moines fits right into that tradition.
For buyers drawn to character
If you have been scrolling past builder-grade interiors and cookie-cutter floor plans, 2316 Des Moines Avenue is worth a closer look. A 1935 build in Prentis Park means real plaster walls, proportioned rooms, and a street that looks like a neighborhood rather than a development. For buyers comparing homes for sale in 23704 who want something with actual history, this address delivers it.
More buyer questions
How far is 2316 Des Moines Avenue from Norfolk Naval Shipyard?
Norfolk Naval Shipyard is approximately three minutes by car from 2316 Des Moines Avenue — one of the shortest base commutes you will find among Portsmouth homes for sale. USCG Base Portsmouth sits at the same distance in the opposite direction.
What schools serve 2316 Des Moines Avenue?
Families evaluating homes for sale zoned for Norcom High School and homes for sale zoned for Brighton Elementary School will want to confirm current Portsmouth Public Schools zoning directly with the district, as attendance boundaries can change.
Is 2316 Des Moines Avenue in a flood zone?
Flood zone status for this address is detailed in the FloodRisk tile on this page, which pulls current FEMA map data. Buyers should review that information and consult with their lender or insurance agent.
What is the walkability like around Des Moines Avenue in Prentis Park?
Walkability is a genuine strength here — three local restaurants, Lansing Park, and several convenience options are all within 0.5 miles. It is not a car-free lifestyle, but daily errands and a meal out are very doable on foot.
Does 2316 Des Moines Avenue have a garage?
Structural details including garage type and foundation information are available in the full property data on this page — the 1935 build era in Prentis Park typically includes detached or no garage, but buyers should verify the current configuration directly.
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 2316 Des Moines Avenue.
