Why this home stands out
What sets 3513 Commonwealth Avenue apart is its rare dual-base convenience — few addresses in the region put both Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and Norfolk Naval Shipyard within a single-digit drive. The 1942 construction gives the home a solid, established bones typical of mid-century Portsmouth builds, and the modest footprint means lower utility costs and easier upkeep without sacrificing a workable three-bedroom layout.
WESTHAVEN PARK and the Portsmouth real estate market
Commonwealth Avenue sits in a mature, tree-lined section of Portsmouth where mid-century homes line up along wide residential streets. The surrounding blocks have the lived-in character of a neighborhood that's been home to military families, shipyard workers, and longtime locals for generations — sidewalks, established yards, and neighbors who tend to stick around. Portsmouth itself is one of the original cities of Hampton Roads, carrying genuine history alongside a waterfront downtown that's seen steady reinvestment in recent years. The city sits on the southern bank of the Elizabeth River, directly across from Norfolk, which means you get easy access to two cities' worth of dining, shopping, and services without the Norfolk price tag. For anyone weighing a VA loan purchase in the region, Portsmouth consistently offers some of the most accessible entry points into homeownership in Hampton Roads, and the Commonwealth Avenue corridor is a strong example of that value.
What's nearby
Day-to-day errands are straightforward from 3513 Commonwealth Avenue. Grocery options, pharmacies, and quick-service dining are all within a short drive along the main commercial corridors nearby. The Portsmouth City Park system offers green space close to home, and the Downtown Portsmouth waterfront — with its restaurants, coffee shops, and seasonal events along the Elizabeth River — is reachable in under ten minutes. The Midtown Tunnel and Downtown Tunnel both provide quick connections into Norfolk when you need them, keeping the broader Hampton Roads metro well within reach on any given afternoon.
For different buyers
For military families relocating
Five minutes to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and six minutes to Norfolk Naval Shipyard — that's the kind of commute that makes a real difference in a military household's daily rhythm. Whether you're active duty, a DoD civilian, or a family member working at either installation, 3513 Commonwealth Avenue puts you close enough to base that a mid-day errand or an unexpected schedule change doesn't derail your whole afternoon.
For first-time buyers
If you're buying your first home and want something manageable — in size, in upkeep, and in the learning curve of homeownership — 3513 Commonwealth Avenue is worth a close look. Three bedrooms and two full baths in 1,161 square feet is a layout that works without overwhelming you, and Portsmouth's established neighborhoods offer a grounded, community-feel entry point into Hampton Roads real estate.
More buyer questions
How far is 3513 Commonwealth Avenue from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth?
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is approximately five minutes from 3513 Commonwealth Avenue by car. That proximity makes this address particularly practical for medical staff, active duty personnel, and DoD civilians assigned to the facility.
How far is 3513 Commonwealth Avenue from Norfolk Naval Shipyard?
Norfolk Naval Shipyard is roughly six minutes away, making 3513 Commonwealth Avenue one of the closer residential options to the shipyard in the Portsmouth area.
Is 3513 Commonwealth Avenue in a flood zone?
Flood zone information for this address is displayed in the FloodRisk tile on this page — check that section for the current FEMA designation and what it means for insurance requirements.
What is the square footage and layout of 3513 Commonwealth Avenue?
The home offers 1,161 square feet of living space with three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, built in 1942 on a residential lot in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Can a VA loan be used to purchase 3513 Commonwealth Avenue?
Yes — as a single-family residential property in Virginia, 3513 Commonwealth Avenue is generally eligible for VA loan financing, subject to the property meeting VA appraisal and condition guidelines. See the VA loan resource section of this site for more detail.
Tom and Dariya Milan at LPT Realty know Portsmouth's military corridors well. Reach out to get a straight-talk walkthrough of 3513 Commonwealth Avenue and what it could mean for your next move.
