Why this home stands out
Built in 1942, this Westhaven home carries the honest bones of mid-century construction — solid, straightforward, and full of the kind of character that newer builds rarely replicate. Three bedrooms and a full bath fit neatly into 1,085 square feet, making every square foot count. What really sets this address apart is the location: two major military installations within a short drive, a Walmart Supercenter under half a mile away, and a walkable cluster of restaurants and green space that most Portsmouth addresses can't match.
WESTHAVEN and the Portsmouth real estate market
Westhaven sits in the western reaches of Portsmouth, Virginia — a city with deep naval roots, a revitalized waterfront downtown, and neighborhoods that feel genuinely lived-in rather than manufactured. The area around Commonwealth Ave is a practical, unpretentious part of town where longtime residents and military families coexist comfortably. Streets are lined with homes from the 1940s and 1950s, giving the corridor a cohesive, historic feel without the premium price tag that older neighborhoods in neighboring Norfolk often carry. Portsmouth itself straddles the Elizabeth River from Norfolk, offering easy tunnel and bridge access to the broader Hampton Roads metro. You're close to the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center corridor — one of the most active stretches of military infrastructure in the region — while still having quick access to downtown Portsmouth's Olde Towne Historic District, waterfront dining, and the Portside entertainment area. For a 3-bedroom home in Portsmouth's Westhaven neighborhood, this address checks a lot of boxes.
What's nearby
Daily life runs smoothly from here. A Walmart Supercenter is just 0.5 miles away, with grocery pickup options even closer at 0.4 miles. Peter Seafood is a two-minute walk at 0.2 miles — a local favorite for quick, fresh bites. Chipotle Mexican Grill is 0.4 miles out for a fast weeknight dinner. Coffee is covered by Starbucks Coffee Company and Dunkin', both within 0.4 miles. For fitness, Zenya Yoga Studio and Sports Performance House are both under half a mile, and Crunch Fitness is a mile away. Seaboard Square and Maplewood Park offer nearby green space for morning walks or weekend downtime.
For different buyers
For military families relocating
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is a five-minute drive, and Norfolk Naval Shipyard is six minutes away — two of Hampton Roads' most important installations practically in your backyard. That kind of proximity means shorter commutes, more time at home, and real flexibility during PCS transitions. A VA loan can make this address even more accessible for eligible service members and veterans.
For first-time buyers
Three bedrooms, a full bath, and 1,085 square feet in a walkable Portsmouth location — this is a practical, approachable starting point for first-time buyers who want character without complexity. The 1942 construction means real plaster walls and solid framing, and the surrounding Westhaven neighborhood offers a grounded, community feel that newer subdivisions often lack.
More buyer questions
How far is 3503 Commonwealth Ave from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth?
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is approximately five minutes away by car — one of the closest residential addresses you'll find to that installation in the city.
How far is 3503 Commonwealth Ave from Norfolk Naval Shipyard?
Norfolk Naval Shipyard is about six minutes by car, making this address equally convenient for personnel assigned to the shipyard.
What is the Westhaven neighborhood like in Portsmouth?
Westhaven is a quiet, established residential area in western Portsmouth featuring primarily mid-century homes from the 1940s and 1950s. It's a practical, community-oriented neighborhood with easy access to military installations, retail, and green space.
Is 3503 Commonwealth Ave in a flood zone?
Flood zone information for this address is available in the FloodRisk tile on this page — we recommend reviewing it alongside any property insurance research.
What grocery stores are near 3503 Commonwealth Ave?
A Walmart Supercenter is just 0.5 miles away, with grocery pickup available even closer at 0.4 miles — making routine errands quick and convenient.
Want to know more about 3503 Commonwealth Ave or the Westhaven area? Tom and Dariya Milan are happy to walk you through everything — reach out anytime at vahome.com.
