Why this home stands out
What sets 305 Shirley Ave apart is the combination of generous square footage — over 2,100 square feet with three full baths plus a half bath — and an address that puts you within a short walk of multiple grocery options, fitness studios, green spaces, and dining. Homes with this much interior room and this level of walkability in the same package are uncommon in this part of Norfolk.
GHENT SQUARE and the Norfolk real estate market
305 Shirley Ave sits in a well-established residential pocket of Norfolk, Virginia, where early-1980s construction meets a surprisingly urban level of convenience. The streets here have a settled, lived-in feel — mature trees, a mix of housing styles, and neighbors who tend to stick around. Norfolk itself is one of the most dynamic cities on the East Coast, shaped by its waterfront identity, a thriving arts scene centered in the Ghent corridor, and a military presence that keeps the local economy steady year-round. If you've been searching for a norfolk va house that gives you real square footage without sacrificing walkability, this address checks both boxes. The surrounding blocks connect quickly to Colley Avenue's independent restaurants and shops, the Elizabeth River Trail, and the broader urban fabric that makes Norfolk feel like a genuine city rather than just a suburb with a skyline.
What's nearby
Groceries are almost embarrassingly close — Harris Teeter is 0.2 miles away, and Organic Food Depot and TASTE are each within 0.3 miles for specialty and everyday staples. For a quick meal, Charlie's Mediterranean Food, Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, and Chick-fil-A are all within two blocks. Morning coffee is covered at Cafe Stella or TASTE, both 0.3 miles out. Fitness options are equally strong: Pilates, Health & Dance by Everlea is 0.2 miles away, with Orangetheory Fitness and Onelife Fitness - Norfolk Gym both within 0.3 miles. Van Wyck Mews, Botetourt Gardens, and Ghent Dog Park — all within a short walk — give you green space and fresh air without getting in the car.
For different buyers
For military families relocating
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is a three-minute drive from 305 Shirley Ave, and USCG Base Portsmouth is four minutes out. For active-duty families, that kind of proximity is hard to overstate — short commutes mean more time at home. A VA loan can make financing this property straightforward, and the extra bathrooms mean everyone has room to spread out.
For families upgrading
At 2,163 square feet with three bedrooms and three full baths plus a half bath, 305 Shirley Ave has the room that growing households actually need. You're not squeezing into a starter footprint — there's real space here for a home office, a playroom, or guests. Add the walkable parks and fitness options nearby, and the lifestyle upgrade is built right into the address.
More buyer questions
How far is 305 Shirley Ave from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth?
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is approximately three minutes by car from 305 Shirley Ave. That's one of the shortest base commutes you'll find in this part of Norfolk.
What grocery stores are near 305 Shirley Ave?
Harris Teeter is just 0.2 miles away, and both Organic Food Depot and TASTE are within 0.3 miles — so you have conventional, specialty, and natural grocery options all within easy walking distance.
Is 305 Shirley Ave in a flood zone?
Flood zone information for this address is available in the FloodRisk tile on this page, which pulls current FEMA map data. We recommend reviewing that section and discussing it with your agent before making any decisions.
What is the square footage and layout of 305 Shirley Ave?
The home offers 2,163 square feet of living space across three bedrooms and three full bathrooms plus a half bath, built in 1981.
Are there parks or green spaces walkable from 305 Shirley Ave?
Yes — Van Wyck Mews is 0.2 miles away, and both Botetourt Gardens and Ghent Dog Park are within 0.3 miles, making it easy to get outside without driving.
Want to walk through 305 Shirley Ave in person or get your questions answered? Tom and Dariya Milan at LPT Realty are ready to help — reach out and let's set something up.