Why this home stands out
Homes built in 1900 carry a personality that newer construction simply cannot replicate — original-era proportions, thick walls, and architectural details that tell a story. At 1,900 square feet across three bedrooms and one and a half baths, 257 Maryland Avenue gives you genuine living space inside a historic frame. Add a three-minute drive to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and you have a combination that is genuinely hard to find anywhere in Hampton Roads.
PORT NORFOLK and the Portsmouth real estate market
Maryland Avenue sits in one of Portsmouth's older residential corridors, where early-twentieth-century homes line streets shaded by mature trees. Portsmouth is one of the original seven cities of Hampton Roads, and this part of town reflects that deep history — sidewalks, front porches, and neighbors who actually wave. The city itself straddles the Elizabeth River directly across from Norfolk, giving residents fast access to the broader metro while maintaining a distinct, unhurried character of its own. Downtown Portsmouth is a short drive away, where the Olde Towne Historic District anchors a walkable stretch of independent restaurants, coffee shops, and the waterfront Portside area. For anyone searching for a historic home in Portsmouth with genuine square footage and proximity to both military and civilian amenities, this address checks boxes that are increasingly difficult to find in the current housing landscape.
What's nearby
Daily life is genuinely convenient from 257 Maryland Avenue. Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is roughly three minutes by car, and USCG Base Portsmouth is about five. The Olde Towne Historic District puts waterfront dining and local shops within easy reach. Grocery options, pharmacies, and everyday errands are all accessible within a short drive along the main corridors connecting this neighborhood to the broader city. The Elizabeth River Trail, a multi-use path stretching through Portsmouth and into Norfolk, is nearby for walks, runs, and bike rides with water views. Getting around Hampton Roads via I-264 or the Downtown Tunnel is straightforward from here.
For different buyers
For military families relocating
Three minutes to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and five to USCG Base Portsmouth — the commute math here is hard to argue with. For active-duty families weighing a VA loan purchase, 257 Maryland Avenue puts you close enough to base that schedule changes and last-minute duty calls stay manageable. The 1,900-square-foot layout gives the whole family room to spread out, and Portsmouth's central location keeps the rest of Hampton Roads within easy reach.
For buyers drawn to character
If you've been scrolling past identical floorplans and wishing for something with actual bones, 257 Maryland Avenue is worth a serious look. Built in 1900, this home carries the proportions and presence of an era when craftsmanship was the standard, not the upgrade. Three bedrooms and 1,900 square feet give you the space to live comfortably while the address itself — on a historic Portsmouth street — delivers the kind of neighborhood texture that newer subdivisions spend decades trying to manufacture.
More buyer questions
How far is 257 Maryland Avenue from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth?
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is approximately a three-minute drive from 257 Maryland Avenue, making it one of the closest residential options to the base in the city. The short commute is one of the most practical advantages of this address.
How far is 257 Maryland Avenue from USCG Base Portsmouth?
USCG Base Portsmouth is about five minutes by car from 257 Maryland Avenue. Both major installations in the area are reachable in under ten minutes, which is uncommon even within Portsmouth.
What is the neighborhood like around Maryland Avenue in Portsmouth?
The Maryland Avenue corridor is part of one of Portsmouth's established historic residential areas, characterized by early-twentieth-century homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to the Olde Towne Historic District. It has a settled, walkable feel with genuine neighborhood character.
Is 257 Maryland Avenue in a flood zone?
Flood zone status for 257 Maryland Avenue is detailed in the FloodRisk tile on this page. Portsmouth does have areas of varying flood risk given its waterfront geography, so reviewing that information before making decisions is always a good step.
Can a VA loan be used to purchase 257 Maryland Avenue?
Yes — as a single-family residential property, 257 Maryland Avenue is generally eligible for VA loan financing, subject to standard VA appraisal and condition requirements. Eligible veterans and active-duty service members should confirm details with a VA-approved lender.
Want to see 257 Maryland Avenue in person or talk through the numbers? Tom and Dariya Milan at LPT Realty know Portsmouth well — reach out and let's set something up.